Harrison lands another Gulargambone Cup

Connections of Glowing Rapids following his win in Saturday’s Gulargambone Cup. Image: Racing Photography.

For the second time in three years, Melissa Harrison has won the Gulargambone Cup, with Glowing Rapids helping the stable add another trophy to the mantelpiece.

Stable apprentice Jess Del Frari was in the saddle, producing a heads-up ride to deliver connections a memorable victory in the 1200m feature.

Commencing from gate one, Glowing Rapids ($5.50) kicked up along the inside to settle second as the Kieren Hazelton-trained Mean Girls (Olivia Dalton, $21) set a frantic tempo out in front.

Turning for home, it appeared Dalton may have stolen the race aboard the Gilgandra galloper, but Glowing Rapids found plenty when it mattered.

The Harrison-trained gelding wore down the early leader to score by a length, with Mean Girls holding on gamely for second and the Holly Williams-trained Rivaldo (Juliet Partridge, $8) finishing strongly in third.

It was another rewarding result for owner John Laidlaw, with his six-year-old Valentia gelding now a five-time winner and having earned more than $110,000 in prizemoney.

For Harrison, the victory continues a strong affinity with Gulargambone's feature race.

In 2024, stable stalwart Bobby's Secret won the same event, with Ken Dunbar guiding the Forbes galloper to a thrilling victory.

Harrison and her team will now turn their attention to a busy few days of racing, with meetings at Mendooran on Saturday, Gundagai on Sunday and Dubbo on Monday.

Glowing Rapids may be asked to back up quickly in the Mendooran Cup, while recent Wagga winner Pattera is also entered for the once-a-year meeting.

At Gundagai, My Name Is Jeff and Azucar are entered to race, while Kelilah and Mind Battlefield are set to be in action at Dubbo.

Words: Jeff Hanson