Locally-trained Welcome Art is the new champion of the Cowra Cup, bolting ahead in the final straight to claim victory by three and a half lengths.
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The victory capped a memorable day for Cowra real estate agent and trainer Andrew Molloy, whose Zarhron couldn’t quite pull off a record fifth straight win in the Cowra Japan Cup, finishing fifth.
Ridden by apprentice jockey Billy Owen, Welcome Art’s victory was barely sighted in the first half of the race, nestled in the middle of a crowded field, with pre-race favourite Mackellar’s Love, Uncle Sugar, Class Clown and Base Camp among the movers and shakers early.
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Nevertheless, Welcome Art, drawn in barrier two, started to make its run with about 400 to go, drawing level with Mackellar’s Love as it headed into the final straight.
Initially making a burst to the front, the other horses attempted to level with Owen and Welcome Art, seemingly looking like it would be headed.
But then the horse hit another level, dashing ahead of its competitors to a convincing victory.
Zarhron’s failed Cowra Japan Cup run was the only outlier in a successful day for Molloy, with Valarian placing third in the 1200 metre Maiden Handicap (Race three).
Meanwhile, other local trainers also tasted success at the event, with Danny Parsons’ Sonic Girl taking out the 1200 metre Benchmark 58 Handicap while his Ridgi Ridge finished second in the 1375 metre Class Three Handicap.
Ken Parsons’ Heza Thief also ran third in the Cowra Japan Cup.
People came from far and wide to the event, which went with its famed ‘Troppo’ theme for another year.
While 200 or so locals attended the event, several famous names added star power, with retired NRL stars Trevor Gillmeister, Royce Simmons and Alfie Langer all making an appearance, while local member Steph Cooke also came to watch the festivities.
