Pattera’s Wagga win continues stable’s strong season

Pattera continued the red-hot start to 2026 for the Melissa Harrison stable, landing an all-the-way win at Wagga on Saturday.

Apprentice jockey Dale Cole was in the saddle, and the two-kilogram claimer gave the Forbes galloper a smart front-running steer, taking the 5YO Zoustar gelding to the front from gate seven, and from there, the pair made every post a winner in the 1065m Benchmark 50 Handicap.

First-up from a spell, the win will give connections confidence that Pattera can go on with the job this preparation.

The result also means Harrison has landed nine winners this season, including five of her past 27.

The stable has been a picture of consistency in 2025/26, adding 20 second placings and 13 third placings to their wonderful record.

Pattera’s Wagga win followed quickly on the heels of the stable’s success with Strassman, who Clayton Gallagher rode to victory at Wellington and Narromine last month.

The 4YO All Too Hard gelding, who went close to three wins on the trot, finishing second in a 1600m Class Two Handicap at Parkes on May 17, is now having a short freshen-up.

Recently, stable favourite Erion was helped to victory by Pierre Boudvillain when taking out the 1100m Maiden Plate at Bathurst on May 12.

It was 23 starts in the making, but the 6YO Rebel Dane gelding was given a dream ride by Boudvillain, in arguably his toughest test to date, and was simply too good on the day.

The Harrison Racing stable was meant to have a big team racing at Wellington today, but the meeting was postponed, meaning connections will now turn their attention to the race meeting at Warren on Monday, where Kelilah, King Cornelious, Spunky Reward, Smokin’ Genie, and Pluck ‘N’ Spy are entered to race.

Words: Jeff Hanson

Image: Racing Photography