Local takes out St Arnaud Cup

By Len Baker

What a day on Sunday 20 November for Gordon’s McGuigan family after 8YO Shadow Play-Whata Western gelding Byalla Boy greeted the judge in an action packed $14,500 Weirs IGA St Arnaud Pacing Cup over 2150 metres.

Trained by Tim McGuigan for wife Fiona, Byalla Boy driven by son Darby was able to cross polemarker Modern Bliss from gate two shortly after the start when driven vigorously in a race which changed complexion through the middle stages as Modern Bliss trailing dropped back sharply and was pulled out of the race taking Sew What (three pegs) with him back to the tail of the field as positions changed. Allowed to dictate terms to a nicety, Byalla Boy kicked away in the straight to record a 3.2 metre margin in advance of Vanquish Stride (one/one at bell – three wide home turn) to be outside the leader on turning. Sew What was the unlucky runner when third 2.7 metres away after being very wide in the final circuit. The mile rate 2-01 (last half mile 58.8 – quarter 30.7).

A very good leader, Byalla Boy has recorded 15 wins from 196 race appearances and in winning, cracked the $100,000 take barrier.