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When it comes to the Glen Innes Cup, trainer Paddy Cunningham has a touch even the former Greek king would be proud of.
Cunningham saddled up three chances in his hometown Cup on Saturday and in a superb feat provided the trifecta as Hula Girl ($9) held off a brave Carry Me Gee Gee ($6) with Our Minaan ($7) sticking on to run third.
The triumvirate ensured the astute horseman took home the lion-share of the $16000 prize purse on offer in the 1400m Cup.
“I own all three, so it worked out pretty well,” Cunningham said.
“That’s the first time ever in my career I’ve had the trifecta.
“I reckon it was the first time I’ve run three in the same race before.”
The result also delivered a third straight Cup triumph for Cunningham following the wins of Miss Caitlyn (2015) and Carry Me Gee Gee (2016).
Cunningham described his emotions watching the race, especially the thrilling conclusion as six horses looked genuine winning contenders with 200m to go.
“I was watching it on the TV and keeping an eye on the three of them,” he said.
“The grey one (Our Minaan) found a bit of trouble, then Hula Girl was going to win and I saw Carry Me Gee Gee flying down the outside.
“When they crossed the line I knew straight away that I had the trifecta, which was good.”
Hula Girl relished the drop back in trip from a mile to seven furlongs, powering to the line under jockey Matt Paget for the sixth win of her 45-start career.
“She was the best horse ability-wise, but the question I had was whether she could put it all together and she did that,” he said.
Hula Girl saluted by a long-neck ahead of the defending champion Carry Me Gee Gee (Allan Chau), who rattled home after having to go back from his wide alley.
Our Minaan (Terry Treichel) stuck on gamely to finish a further length away, with Go Dragon ($20) putting value in the first four.
Tamworth galloper St Luke was the subject of solid market support, backing from $8.50 to $6 before the jump and loomed large only to peak on his run late to finish in fifth place, beaten 2.1 lengths.
