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The Wantabadgery wonder, Tye Angland, captured his first Wagga Gold Cup courtesy of a 4¼ length romp on Life Less Ordinary in the $160,000 feature on Friday.
The heavily backed favourite handed champion Sydney trainer Chris Waller his second Wagga Gold Cup (2000m) as Angland celebrated his first in front of family and friends.
It eventually robbed Life Less Ordinary of any serious competition as Angland steered the $1.75 favourite out of any trouble at the top of the straight and performed a demolition job.
“It’s good to win the Cup,” Angland said.
“I’ve put a few years of coming back trying to get it and this was definitely the best ride I’ve had leading into it so to get the result is very good.
“It’s something different. You’ve got your Melbourne Cups and TJs and all of the big races but it’s always a little bit different, your local Cup, so it’s up there.
“If the Cup where you grew up is not one of the top races you want to win then you have forgot where you have come from.”
David Brideoake’s bid to return home and win the Cup fell marginally short as Self Sense ($7.00) finished strongly to grab second place.
Waller’s other runner, Montauk ($11.00), was close behind in third place.
Waller was unable to be on course but watched on with great delight.
“It is a very special win for many reasons,” Waller told The Daily Advertiser.
“A lot of the owners have a close connection with Wagga Wagga and I hear from them year after year, please set a horse to win the Wagga Wagga Cup.
“Melbourne Cups are great, so are Cox Plates but there is nothing like winning races like this as it is has been the heart of racing for many generations and it will continue for many more.”
It was a somewhat costly win for Angland, who copped an eight-day suspension for careless riding on Life Less Ordinary.
He was also fined $200 for his celebratory gesture.
It was a big day for the former Wagga schoolboy, riding three winners on the card.
“It’s a big thrill to do it in front of family and friends,” he said. – The Daily Advertiser