Last Saturday saw the running of the annual Pooncarie Cup in South-West New South Wales.

The Pooncarie Racing Club first established in 1891 holds a six-race program with the $20k Cup the feature event in the township, 115km North-East of Wentworth on the banks of the Darling River.

Warrnambool trainer Aaron Purcell, a regular at the September meeting, made the long trek with Lightning Express to take out the 1550m feature event.

Local owners Geoff Allen, Chris Doyle and Graeme Taylor recently purchased shares in the 6YO gelding by Impending who was having its second run for them.

Ridden by jockey J B Webb and carrying 58.5kg, Lightning Express took out the BM78 Cup by a length at $4.40.

Originally raced by the Hayes Bros, the 6YO has taken its prizemoney to $206k.

Ovens and Murray grand final football commitments kept the owners from making the long trip, but have marked it on the calendar for next year.