Bruce Harpley wins tight finish to Southwest and Riverina premiership

Harpley, Ellen Bartley and David Kennedy were all within three wins of each other heading into the final month of the season.

With Kennedy heading on holidays his horses were transferred to Bartley, but despite being out numbered Harpley has been able to hold on.

The Junee trainer-driver was thrilled to take out the award.

Especially as the postman never thought he would be in a position to win it.

"It makes you feel like you've done something right for the season," Harpley said.

"It's something I had never thought about before.

"Dad won it back in the 70s and early 80s so it's really good."

Harpley has 34 wins heading into the region's final meeting at Young on Friday.

However with Bartley two wins behind, and only having Will And Andy engaged, he can't be caught after winning with Molly Kelly and The Irish Eagle on Tuesday.

It was the second time this month both horses have won on the same night at Leeton.

He was impressed with their performances.

"When Harps got beat in the first I thought don't tell me this is how it is going to go but the next two I was really happy with them," Harpley said.

"Molly has done a good job and was back last still at the 400 going 56.5.

"The two-year-old (The Irish Eagle) is a bit like an old horse - you can do what you to do and he's sensible about it.

"He seems to be able to go when you ask him without much effort.

"It was a good night."

Harpley has tasted success at the highest level, particularly with star mare Frith winning multiple group ones.

However his most recent success is pretty special as well.

"We never had the big star winners, but we've had a pretty consistent and successful year," Harpley said.

"It's about 20 per cent winners and around 45 per cent placegetters.

"To be around that you're not going too bad."

Harpley, who doesn't have any horses in at Young on Friday, will finish the season with 34 winners in the region.

However he can add to his overall total, which is currently at 39, at Menangle on Saturday.

Harps qualified for the Menangle Country Series final with his win at Riverina Paceway on Friday.

Sisters Molly Kelly and Jacquelyn Anne are also running with Jacquelyn Anne in the group two Australian Pacing Gold 2YO Fillies Championship.

It's also been Harpley's most successful season as a driver with 50 wins.

He finished second behind Blake Jones in the drivers' premiership.

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