It took several minutes and close analysis of a photo to find a winner in the David Baker Earth Moving Paul Kelly Memorial at Gilgandra but Dragon Bells claimed the victory.
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The Wayne Collison-trained mare had swept down the outside, under the direction of Greg Ryan, to deny Tropicana Lass victory in the Class 1 race.
Dragon Bells got out of the barrier well but was soon overtaken by Tropicana Lass and Chevaria while Tattinger also kept herself in contention.
It was those four that were still vying for the lead in the closing stages but in the end it came down to Dragon Bells and Tropicana Lass.
Ryan did just enough to get his filly in front by less than a nose as a $4 chance, upsetting the $1.80 favourite Tropicana Lass.
Tattinger ($16) did enough to secure third ahead of Chevalier ($18).
Ryan would go on to get another win later in the day with Gayna Williams’ Woodbine Miss but Mathew Cahill won the day with three winners, Bryan’s Babe, Milk ‘N’ Brandy and Chatteriz.
Dubbo trainer Garry Lunn claimed victory in the Gilgandra Services Club Co-op Ltd Kate Smith Memorial Secretary’s Cup with Cuban Lass (Ken Dunbar, $5).
The mare was able to run down Kooroora Miss ($9.50) in the closing stages to claim the win with Wollartant ($4.80) third, ahead of the favourite Whispidah.
On Sunday Gilgandra will host its second meeting, which includes the prestigious Gilgandra Cup, which is worth $35,000 in prizemoney including $19,555 for the win.