He needn’t have worried though as less than an inch of perfect drive from Kirstin Green saw the giant pacer win the Carriers Arms Hotel Riverton Cup by a nose.
After Hacksaw Ridge, Still Rockin and Wag Star all spun in front, with just over a lap to go, Green, who Gray called the “Cups Queen,” brought up The Big Lebowski.
When they turned around for the run home, The Big Lebowski had a small lead. But Wag Star had the final straw on him and began a strong run home through the passing lane. Wag Star moved into the lead halfway down the straight, but under a hard drive from Green the Gray-trained runner rose to win by a nose.
“I thought the wet track would take some of his speed away, but no, he stayed,” Gray said.
THE GREAT LEBOWSKI REPEAT
The win was Green’s fifth at the Riverton feature. She won with Wingandaprayer in 2005, Paddyproudfoot 2019, U May Cullect 2020 and Bobbies Rock in 2025.
The Big Lebowski started his racing career with Knapdale trainer Robin Swain, who bred him. Swain won five races with him before being transferred to Ray Green’s stable at Pukekohe. He won two more races for Green, including the 2024 G3 TAB Junior Free For All, which was his last victory before today’s victory.
“He found it a bit difficult in Auckland. He came here to trot because he had trotting blood in him, but that didn’t quite work out. We got him going again and after a few niggles he really appreciates these grass tracks.”
Today was his first win for Gray and his loyal stablemates Merv and Meg Butterworth.
“He’s done well and can do it on his day. You just have to keep him happy. We give him a lot of variety. Johnny Bennet drives him around a little bit, but we just pass him around to keep him guessing.”
The Waikouaiti Pacers Cup on the grass at Oamaru is the next target for the nine-year-old.
Meanwhile, Phil Williamson was training Practical Magic (Majestic son) won the Todd & Co Realty Riverton Trotters Cup.
Driver Matty Williamson made the most of his lead and led all the way, to beat Domination’s Call by a length and a quarter.
PRACTICAL MAGIC REPETITION
“She really thrives on the soft ground. She seems to trot a bit better. She won the mare race at Methven on a wet grass track so that definitely helped. She’s trying her best and is a good stayer so she had a great time today,” Matty said.
For full race results, click here.
Through Bruce Stewartfor Harnesslink
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