McGrath combined with jockey Matthew Allen to win with Inkslinger in the $35,000 Dot Dunstan Sprint (1100m).

Inkslinger ($5.50) had never previously won on a heavy (10).

But the six-year-old gelding had proved more than competitive in heavy going in the past with three minor placings from five attempts.

The Andrew Dale-trained Mojo Music was resuming from a spell and was the punters elect ($2.50-fav).

Mojo Music surged to the lead half-way down the straight out wide on the track to look the likely winner.

But Allen who had given Inkslinger an economical trip back in the field, weaved his way through near the fence to nab Mojo Music late.

McGrath said he wasn't concerned by the heavy track.

"My horse had never won on a heavy track before has run really well previously," McGrath said.

"Matt produced a great ride to cut the corner and find a passage through close to the fence.

"It's a great thrill to win a race on Wodonga Gold Cup day."

Meanwhile Wodonga trainer Stephen Aldridge scored an upset win with Destiny's Ghost.

Ridden by Hannah Williams, Destiny's Ghost ($26) relished the heavy (10) conditions to score in the $35,000 3YO&UP Maiden, (1100m).

Williams gave Destiny's Ghost the run of the race, sitting just off the leaders after drawing the inside gate.

The claiming apprentice surged to the lead aboard Destiny's Ghost halfway down the straight to score a convincing win.

It was the five-year-old mare's fifth career start after having previously one minor placing to her credit.

Aldridge was thrilled to land a winner on his home track on the club's biggest meeting of the year.

"She got away a little bit better today than she normally does," Aldridge said.

"As you know, you have to be on pace on these heavy tracks because it's hard to make ground from back in the field.

"But to her credit, she just kept whacking away and got the win."