Couple that with a second on O'So Hazy and it was definitely a day to remember for the 24-year-old.

Richards took out the feature race with Spunlago and also won for former master Peter Clancy and Goulburn trainer John Bateman.

He was pleased with how it all unfolded.

"It's the time I've ridden a treble at Wagga, I don't even think I've ridden a double here," Richards said. "It was great. I was real happy."

He was particularly impressed with Spunlago's performance to take out the Tom Patton Cup (1800m).

Settling along the rail after the inside draw, the seven-year-old found room in the straight to make it two feature wins on the track in his last three starts.

"He did a great job to win with the weight he had (61 kilograms)," Richards said.

"Not too many horses can do that over the 1800 but he was just tough and has been a great horse."

Trainer Ron Stubbs was equally pleased with his ride.

"Gee he rode him well to make it three for the day," Stubbs said.

"He has been riding super."

Earlier in the day Diamonds For Alice made it two wins in a row despite being unwanted by punters.

However starting at $19 didn't stop the consistent mare bringing up her fourth win in the Champagne Bar On Cup Day Class 3 Handicap (1000m).

"It was great to get another winner for Pete," Richards said.

"He does a good job with his horses and always brings up to the races well."

He then picked up the ride on Greenspan, stepping down in grade after a third at Newcastle last time out.

The four-year-old justified his favourite's tag as he finished too strong to win a tight finish in the Cocktail Lounge On Cup Day Class 1 & Maiden Plate (1600m).

"It was great to get a winner for John Bateman," Richards said.

"On paper he looked the best horse in the race, everything suited him well and he did a good job."

He was also happy with O'So Hazy who was second behind Triple Shot in the Wagga Whirlwind coming off a 10^th in the Country Championships Qualifier on Saturday.

"The winner was just too good," he said.

"It's going outstanding and they went along at a good temp but just kicked at about the 300 and put a good gap on them.

"She couldn't quite run them down."

It wasn't the first time Richards has ridden three winners, but with his first coming at Balranald this one certainly means a lot more.

He's off to Carrathool on Saturday and has five rides including Class Clown in the cup.

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