Strassman delivers an epic performance at Wellington

Strassman with Melissa Harrison (third from right) and Clayton Gallagher (second from left) following his victory at Wellington. Image: Dusty Hooves Media.

Melissa Harrison and her team ended a run of placings with a well-deserved win at Wellington on Sunday.

Taking on the $50,000 Super Maiden Handicap with the well-named Strassman, on arguably the biggest race day in the Western Districts, Clayton Gallagher rode the 4YO All Too Hard gelding to a convincing victory.

Strassman – a $4,250 purchase via the Magic Millions Digital sale in January - jumped smartly from gate four before Gallagher elected to take a sit just behind the earlier leaders.

After travelling quietly on the inside, Gallagher presented the Forbes galloper after turning for home before Strassman stormed to victory, taking his career earnings to just shy of $50,000.

What has the stable excited is that Strassman looks set to progress further and will now step up to the mile following his maiden win over seven furlongs.

It was a timely triumph for Harrison as Sunday’s result ended a somewhat frustrating run of minor placings for the stable during what has been a very consistent season.

Boasting 100 starters in 2025/26, Harrison has seen more than 50% of her runners finish in the top five, with 26 minor placings complementing the stable’s six victories to date.

Of late, Strassman, Smokin’ Genie, Erion, and Bobby’s Secret have all been placing, and the latter three are knocking on the door of victories ahead of what will be a busy week or so for the stable.

The ever-consistent Kelilah (Mikayla Weir) heads to Dubbo on Saturday, taking on the 1400m Benchmark 58 Handicap.

Next week, Harrison is gearing up for a big Anzac Day meeting at Nyngan, with Bobby’s Secret set to tackle the Nyngan Cup (1400m).

Words/Image: Jeff Hanson (Dusty Hooves Media)