It was an exciting race, with Think More and Richie Tycoon setting a frantic pace over the 1600m journey, allowing Copperfield and race favourite Chosen Venture ($2.70) to bide their time, before taking over in the straight and fighting out the finish.
Despite lumping top weight of 64kg, Copperfield ($3.20) was too strong to the line and won narrowly.
For the seven year-old gelding, trained by Andrew Dale at Wangaratta, it was his third win in his last four starts.
He was ridden by Jake Duffy, who accepted the trophies from RSL Club president Bob Crampton and spoke glowingly of the racing club and its facilities.
The Anzac Day meeting was not without its challenges for Deniliquin Racing Club, which continues to battle adverse weather conditions.
While the early races were conducted on a pleasant autumn day, the clouds started to form and by race four there were concerns of a brewing storm.
As such, the last two races were held before their advertised starting time to beat the threatening elements.
A brief shower hit the track just before the start of the final race, but had little impact.
By this time Fashions on the Field and the Cup presentation had been concluded.
It was another successful day for the club, with a large crowd of locals and visitors.
The track was rated a Good 4, with club president Magnus Aitken stating “I don’t think I’ve seen the track in better condition”.
The five races were all won by horses from different stables, while jockey Milos Bunjevac took the riding honours with a winning double.
Wangaratta trainers won three of the five races.
In Race 1, a 1000metre Maiden, the best supported runners were the $3.50 favourite Rubick’s Gem and Highland Belle at $3.60.
The latter appeared to have the race in his keeping, but Rubick’s Gem flashed home to win in a photo finish.
The four year-old Rubick mare is trained by John and Chris Ledger at Wangaratta and was ridden by apprentice Brittany Button.
Race 2 was a 1400m Maiden, with another Wangaratta galloper in the winner’s stall.
In an open betting race the Ben Brisbourne trained Riverina Lightning started second favourite at $4.20 despite drawing an outside barrier.
With a brilliant ride from Bunjevic, the Shalaa filly, at her fourth start, burst through the field and took control in the straight to win by 1½ lengths, from Kanobba and Villoosh which both showed form turnarounds after finishing last at their previous starts.
Race 3, a Class 2 Handicap, gave Bunjevac his second winner on the program when he steered Bendigo mare Elle McFearsome home, scoring by a half-length to the $2.60 favourite Altruist, with Jerilderie trained mare Marantelli Miss filling the minor placing.
It was the third win in 23 starts for Elle McFearsome, which is trained by Aileen Vanderfeen.
The final race on the card was the Peter Simpson Memorial Benchmark 50, recognising the contribution to Deniliquin Racing Club of its former treasurer.
Topweight Minesite went into the race with strong form, with a first and second at its previous two starts, and the Santos gelding continued its consistency, winning by a half-length to the favourite O’Reg.
Minesite is trained by Michael Newton at Echuca and was ridden by apprentice Sam Kennedy.
Despite the early finish, it was another excellent day of racing in Deniliquin, with the meeting receiving strong support, especially from north and central Victorian trainers and jockeys.
It was also an excellent social day for many locals and visitors.
