Paddy’s Flame Too Hot For Wangaratta Cup
Peter Giles proved conclusively that “Black Friday” isn't unlucky for him, when Paddy's Flame broke El Galo's quest for four consecutive country cups in Friday's Wangaratta Cup final.
Paddy's Flame, who raced handy to the lead from his box three start; bolted away in the straight to take out the $25,000 winning prizemoney and to extend his career stake earnings to more than $130,000.
The win upset El Galo's quest for four consecutive country cups which began oddly enough with a defeat. After finishing runner-up in this year's Group 1 Australian Cup, El Galo the went on a spree, taking out this year's Group 2 Bendigo Cup, Group 2 Warrnambool Cup and Group 3 Bulli Gold Cup.
Paddy's Flame made both the Warrnambool Cup and Bendigo Cup finals finishing third and eight respectively behind El Galo.
Paddy's Flame recorded a winngin time of 26.65 for the 474 metres and defeated Sisco King (2nd) and El Galo (3rd).
The win adds Wangaratta Cup number two to the “Moe Maestro's” collection, having previously won with Regal Bart in 2003.