Greco leads all the way to land big Pingrup Cup victory

Greco was a dominant winner of the $12,000 Kent Shire — Murray and Jean Reid Memorial Pingrup Cup, run in front of a big crowd on Saturday afternoon.

The annual Pingrup Bush Races attracted an estimated crowd of 350 people who were trackside to see all the day’s fun and festivities.

After COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the 2020 edition of the event, the races returned with a bang and there was plenty of entertainment for spectators, including live music and Fashions on the Field.

Muchea trainer Peter Bamford claimed the Pingrup Cup with Greco, who led from start to finish in the 1660m feature race.

With claiming apprentice Angela Johnston aboard, Greco carried 53kg in the cup and fired straight to the front from barrier two. Johnston kicked the nine-year-old gelding clear in the home straight and they went on to record a slashing 5.2-length victory on the line.

Messiah finished second for jockey Jessica Gray and trainer Darryn Pateman while Volpe crossed the line in third place.

Earlier Bamford and Johnston teamed up with Dance Cockey, who won the first race by a short half head.

Johnston finished with a winning treble on the six-race card after she booted home Aground to victory in race two.

The Jeff Pike-trained Iconic Skill won the Elders Insurance – Vale Dixie Solly Maiden (1160m) with Colin Haddon in the saddle.

The Nutrien Ag Solutions – Vale Paul and Eleanor Parsons Handicap (1160m) was won by Lady Talent from the Wagin stable of Angela Smith.

Pateman also tasted success with Shackleton taking out a close finish to race five.