Former Wagga trainer Maree Hopkins made a triumphant return to the region as Son Of Spartacus ($4.60) wore down Sizzleonthebridge ($6.00) in a thrilling finish to the $17,000 Garry Gillespie Contructions Tumut Cup (1400m).

Michael Heagney camped Son Of Spartacus just off the lead before gradually wearing down Sizzleonthebridge in the straight to score by a half neck. Last year's winner, Hard Core ($2.00), was a further length and a quarter back in third.

Son Of Spartacus was able to turn the tables on Hard Core, after running a close second to him in last week's Braidwood Cup.

Hopkins, who is now based at Queanbeyan, was thrilled to land the Tumut Cup.

"It was very good. We had a fantastic day, there was a great crowd, the track was beautiful," Hopkins said.

"I was quietly confident. The track conditions were perfect for him. We drew a good barrier and there was a bit of speed in the race so we could get some cover and get a strong finish."

Son Of Spartacus took his record at Tumut to two from two in winning the feature. It was his fifth career win from 31 starts. The eight-year-old means the world to Hopkins.

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"He was my first racehorse. I bought him when he was 16 months old," Hopkins said.

"I bought him before I actually got my trainer's licence. He's part of the family."

Hometown hope Crocodile Cod did not go around in the cup after being a late scratching at the barriers.

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