Wagga trainer Trevor Sutherland continued his phenomenal start to the new racing season at Murrumbidgee Turf Club on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Sutherland and Wodonga trainer John Rooney shared the honours at Wagga as both snared winning doubles on the six-race TAB card.
Sutherland combined with Narrandera breeder and owner Graeme Mathieson to claim a race to race double with Run Hoff Run ($4.20) and Riverbend Chief ($4.00).
Run Hoff Run, ridden by Allan Chau, proved too strong for his opposition in the feature race, the Romano’s Hotel Wagga Picnic Cup – Benchmark 66 Handicap (1800m).
Riverbend Chief then raced away for Mick Travers to take out the Pickles Auctions Class Two Handicap (1600m).
Sutherland was delighted to take the feature race with Run Hoff Run.
“To win any Cup is always nice,” Sutherland said.
“It was a really nice race for Run Hoff Run and it had been on his calendar for a long time.
“He’s a nice horse on the improve and that’s five he’s won since he joined me, three this prep. He’s going from strength to strength and I’m very happy with him.”
Sutherland has big things planned for Riverbend Chief, who recorded his third career win on Saturday.
“I really like him. He’s got a lot to learn but I think he’s a Country Championship horse,” he said.
“I’ve always had a nice opinion of him. He’s won three out of his last six and he’s going along quite nicely.
“He needed the hit out at Queanbeyan on Monday and it brought him along nicely.”
Sutherland was confident of one more winner but Mr Menzies was rolled as the $1.80 favourite in the opening event, finishing in fifth place.
“I thought that I’d probably get a treble when I left home but Mr Menzies couldn’t get the job done. He’s starting to look for a bit further now,” he said.
Sutherland was also pleased to continue a good run with Mathieson.
“It’s good, I’ve just got to train winners,” he said.
“If I can keep getting winners then hopefully owners will support me.”
Meantime, Rooney’s rare Wagga double came after he bookended the program with Macca’s Hero ($13.00) and Murrawee ($3.40).
Macca’s Hero led throughout for apprentice jockey Aaron Sweeney to take out the Riverina Oils Maiden Plate (1000m).
Murrawee also made all the running to score for apprentice Josh Richards in the GIO Wagga Class One Handicap (1000m).
The trip from Kilmore also proved worthwhile for trainer Anthony Chibnall as Theodelite ($8.00), with Nick Souquet in the saddle, took out the Pacific Suites Canberra Benchmark 50 Handicap (1200m).
READ MORE