Ede combined with Wagga trainer Tim Donnelly, her boss, to enjoy success on Powerscourt ($18) in the Gold Cup Trackside Precinct Benchmark 58 Handicap (1000m).

Powerscourt surprised many by leading the race but the move paid off as the seven-year-old dashed away to annhilate her rivals by two lengths.

It proved to be a double celebration for connections with it not only being a milestone win for Ede, but also helped celebrate the 90^th birthday of Donnelly's mother Val.

Donnelly could not have been happier with how things panned out.

"Absolutely, we couldn't have scripted it better," Donnelly said.

Donnelly was equally thrilled for Ede, who has not long been back riding after 14 months on the sidelines due to complications with a broken ankle.

Ede was delighted to score on 'Bruce'.

"He's a special horse to me," Ede said.

"I had my first race ride for Tim on him at Narrandera and he ran third.

"I've got a soft spot for Bruce. Everyone loves Bruce. And it was a good to get a win for Tim."

Powerscourt was one of two Wagga victories on Thursday with the Chris Heywood-trained Blitzar ($3.70) returning to form with a win in the Jim Bouffler Class One Handicap (1200m).

Meantime, veteran Nowra galloper Budderoo Knight ($41) claimed the $50,000 Gold BOBS bonus by taking out the Rodney Parsons OAM Handicap (1400m) at Wagga on Thursday.

Apprentice jockey Brock Ryan was determined to find the front on the eight-year-old grey and he never looked like bring run down as he cruised home by one length.

Esteem Spirit ($6.00) ran on for second, ahead of a luckless Banger ($12), who ran third.

Nowra trainer Robert Price, who trains in partnership with his son Luke, was glad he opted for Wagga over a race at Canterbury last week.

"I had the race picked out but I didn't think I was going to go this way," Price admitted.

"There was a race at Canterbury that looked perfect for him but we had a week of rain leading up to it so we decided to go this way.

"I thought he would run a good race but I wasn't overly confident from the gate, with a big weight."

Price paid credit to his apprentice for a top ride, as well as the owners, who were happy to head this way despite the 60 kilograms and wide gate.

They were rewarded for their decision, taking home over $60,000 from the win.

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