The successful Canberra trainer finally won the Gundagai feature on Friday as $3.70 favourite Ready To Humble claimed the $100,000 Snake Gully Cup (1400m).

There are few Southern District races that have eluded Olive over the past two decades and none that mean more to him than the Snake Gully Cup.

It took a brilliant ride from experienced country jockey Jeff Penza to deliver the elusive Snake Gully Cup for Olive as Ready To Humble made the most of the cosy run provided to him.

Fellow Canberra galloper Upper House ($18) ran home well to finish one and a quarter lengths away in second, with Wagga apprentice Molly Bourke aboard Peyton Place ($8.00) fighting on for third a length back.

Olive's hunt of the Snake Gully Cup could have easily extended another year as heavy rainfalls hit the Gundagai track on Friday morning, but the iconic meeting went ahead and was completed, on a heavy 10 surface by the end of the day.

The win meant the world to Olive, who has had a runner in just about every one of the last 15 editions of the race only to have to settle for a number of beaten favourites and four second placings until Friday.

READ MORE

"It's a big relief and really exciting," Olive said.

"You know how passionate I am about this little town so it's bloody great to win this race.

"Running second four times and probably having five favourites and not winning makes you appreciate it when it does happen."

Ready To Humble was only having his fourth start for Olive since crossing over from the Matthew Dunn stable.

It was his first success for Olive after minor placings in the Coonamble and Cootamundra Cups leading into the race.

Olive saved special praise for Penza.

"Jeff rode him an absolute gem of a race. He got him in the right spot and gave him every opportunity," Olive said.

It was Penza's second win in the race after saluting on Pink Shimmer in 2008.

The win was the icing on a big day at Gundagai for Olive, who enjoyed a treble.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: