GRIFFITH trainer Russell Hogan has claimed back-to-back Carrathool Cups after Cooee March defended his title in the 1400m feature on Saturday.
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The six-year-old ($3) held off Wagga trainer Trevor Sutherland's favourite Real Key ($1.80) by less than half a length to claim the $11,500 cheque.
The victory was the first time a horse had claimed back-to-back Carrathool Cups since 2004, with jockey Michael Heagney riding the horse to his third win in eight years.
Hogan said he was pleased to retain the cup for another year and put it down to Cooee March's favouring of dirt-tracks.
"He's just a class above them on the dirt," Mr Hogan said.
"He's just a lovely honest horse and he just tries his heart out every time he goes out.
"You don't get them like this everyday and you've just got to look after them when you get them."
Swan Hill trainer Nathan Hobson enjoyed a day out with four winners on the six race card - Highway to Success in the Benchmark 50 Handicap (1000m), Barkala in the Maiden Handicap (1200m), Skob Boom in the Benchmark 50 Handicap (1200m) and The Presenter in the Class 2 Handicap (1400m).
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"It's a really good day for Carrathool," Ms Harvey said.
"Crowd numbers were up significantly, i'd say well over 1500 people... that's up a lot on recent years and we've got a lot travelling [in].
"The track raced really well... it was an exciting result in the cup with Russell Hogan and Cooee March doing twice in a row.
"I think everyone's had a great day... [it] just goes to show what a great little committee and community can do."