Wet end to day two at the Bool

NOT even a late afternoon downpour could dampen the spirits of punters at the Bool earlier this week.

By Staff Writer

Connections of The Cunning Fox (trained by Patrick and Michelle Payne) celebrate their win in race six, the Margaret Lucas Galleywood Hurdle.

Wednesday’s day two of the May Carnival saw large crowds return to the track to watch an action-packed program.

While the day began in brilliant sunshine and cool conditions, the clouds formed late afternoon and the rain came down just after the running of the ‘Margaret Lucas Galleywood Hurdle’.

The 3200m race six feature was won in fine fashion by The Cunning Fox, trained by Patrick and Michelle Payne and ridden to perfection by Tom Ryan.

This win secured the talented hurdler’s fifth consecutive jumps win and first feature, and also gave trainers Patrick and Michelle Payne their first May Racing Carnival feature win together.

Warrnambool Racing Club chairman Mark McNamara paid tribute to Margaret Lucas, saying she was extremely well known far and wide and a great contributor to the club who will be long remembered.

“I’m sure many of us are carrying Margaret in our hearts today,” he said.

Margaret’s daughter, Phoebe Farrell, said she and her family were absolutely honoured to have the race named in honour of her mother.

“This is a wonderful tribute to mum and I’m sure she’s looking down with pride,” Ms Farrell said.