Locally owned by Sutherland and the Boys ‘n’ Babes syndicate, connections nearly bought the grandstand down as Hangin’ With Willy ($11.00) took out the $25,000 Wagga Marketplace Benchmark 60 Handicap (1300m).

Hangin’ With Willy hit the front inside inside the final 200 and held off Superoo ($15.00) and Yet Tobe Convinced ($19.00) in an all-Wagga finish.

Sutherland had three horses in the race and, as such, carried the unfamiliar club colours, but the leading Wagga trainer liked Hangin’ With Willy as the best of his chances.

“As I said the other day, I was super happy with the horse,” Sutherland said.

“The biggest trouble was getting him in the race, he lost his rating when he tried to see whether he would handle the winter last year, and we know that now.

“We came in very excited and the horse performed exactly how we thought he could.”

Hangin’ With Willy came into the race on the back of a Corowa win and had not been further back than fourth at his past five starts.

Sutherland knew his horse would take beating.

“His run was terrific at Corowa and he’s come on since,” Sutherland said.

“He had a nice gate, he travelled up nicely and Bryan rides him an absolute treat.”

Murphy was delighted with the win.

“It’s good, it’s always good to win at Cup time,” Murphy said.

“He’s going very well.

“Trev gave me the pick of them and I chose wisely.”

Sutherland had Hangin’ With Willy win by a half length, while stablemates Benno’s Boy ($13.00) and Willy White Socks ($61.00) finished 11^th and 13^th respectively.

Sutherland was thrilled to win a race on Gold Cup day.

“They’re a great bunch of owners so it’s good to win with them,” Sutherland said.

“It’s nice to win one on Cup day.”