Harry's Bar delivers Paul Murray's Wagga Town Plate family milestone
Trainer Paul Murray from Kembla Grange has kept alive his family's impressive link to the Wagga Cup carnival, claiming the $200,000 Town Plate on Harry's Bar.
The late Bede Murray, a celebrated trainer from the South Coast, first brought horses to the key rural fixture in the 1970s, consistently departing with at least one win nearly every season, including the Wagga Gold Cup (2000m) on Vanquished and Town Plate (1200m) with Scorpio.
Thursday saw Paul Murray enhance the legacy as Harry's Bar at $9 collared pacesetter Love Shuck ($61) to win by three-quarters of a length, while Bandi's Boy ($11) rallied late for third, two lengths further adrift.
Operating a compact stable at Kembla Grange, Murray notched his second elite-level triumph in six months, the prior one coming when Where's The Circus won the Inglis Nursery (1000m) at Randwick in December.
Nevertheless, with the family's deep roots at the Wagga two-day carnival, the Harry's Bar win resonated even more profoundly.
"It's unbelievable. I was only a boy when we used to come down with Dad," Murray told Sky Racing.
"We had a runner after (Scorpio), Sure And Fast, and I think he ran second or third in it, but this is my first runner."
This marked the mare's third victory in 16 attempts, justly recognising her steadfast performances, such as runner-up in the Gosford leg of the Provincial-Midway Country Championships and a bold fifth to Lord Of Biscay in the Final.
"She is just a very good mare," Murray said.
"She gives you two hundred per cent. Every time you go to the races you know you're going to get a run for your money.
She loves a fight, and I've never seen a mare as tough as her."
Future plans for Harry's Bar remain undecided by Murray, though he mentioned eyeing the Dark Jewel Classic (1400m) at Scone a couple of weeks from Saturday.
Harry's Bar was ridden by her usual partner Jean Van Overmeire, who doubled up earlier on the day steering Luke Pepper's Brutal Belle to success.
Friday brings the continuation of the carnival with the Wagga Gold Cup, headed by $3.20 market leader Travolta from Chris Waller's yard. Explore Australian betting sites for Wagga Gold Cup options.
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