Father Bob takes out thrilling finish to group one

Father Bob ($11) was three back the pegs in the $100,000 final but Rixon took advantage of a mix up in the field to find clear running.

He then defied a gallant Forever Yin ($185 fav) to win by a half neck.

Fletcher, who now trains in Canberra, was thrilled with the result.

"It was a life's dream to have a horse like that win at a great track like Wagga in a group one," Fletcher said.

"The horse has been so good to us, is such a lovely natured horse who just relaxes and keeps performing for us."

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This time last year Fletcher was ineligible to compete in the Riverina series, however the boundaries changed to allow Canberra participants.

Returning to the Riverina to produce his biggest result made the result even sweeter.

It was also a first group one win for Rixon.

Rixon admitted things panned out perfectly for the five-year-old.

"I had a bit of luck when a couple locked wheels down the back and it all just opened up for me," Rixon said.

"I couldn't have had any more luck really."

Both his parents Peter and Cindy have driven group one winners, and as part of the Turnbull clan many of his extended family have too, but to win one in his right was a special moment.

"Dad won the Miracle Mile, a lot of derbies and other good races, mum won a group one and then there is all the Turnbulls so it's unreal to get one under my belt," Rixon said.

The win was a big coup for Coolamon breeder Brian Bradley, who leases the son of Somebeachsomewhere to Fletcher.

Father Bob, Forever Yin and the third placed Nomorelying have progressed to the Regional Championships Super Final at Menangle on Saturday.

They will compete against the winners of group ones run at Bathurst, Newcastle and Menangle over the past week.

It sees Narrandera Ellen Bartley qualify her two runners for the $100,000 final.