Following recent success in the Pooncarie Cup another local group of horse race owners have now landed the Murtoa Cup.

Rich Champagne, trained in the Grampians by Andrew Bobbin and ridden by Linda Meech, took out last Saturday’s Cup over 2050m, as a $2.45 favourite.

The 5YO gelding carried 55.5 kg and brought its wins to five with eight placings during its 21 starts and prizemoney to over $190,000.

The ‘Glass Hoof Full’ syndicate comprises local football identities Phil Nolan, Shane Gaston, Darcy Booth and Luke Peters along with Dennis and Chris Backas, Geoff Allen, Daniel Lloyd and is managed by Graeme Taylor.

Syndicate spokesman, Phil Nolan, said the next target for Rich Champagne will be the Horsham Cup and depending on the result, may target the Grand Handicap Final on Melbourne Cup Day.

Saturday’s win reaped $47,000 plus a $30,000 VOBIS Platinum voucher which can be used to purchase VOBIS Sire progeny in the future.