The first of the Wimmera's country racing Cups was ran on Saturday with no crowd in attendance.
As COVID-19 continues to alter regular proceedings, the Murtoa Cup ran on a barmy spring day with no punters there to cheer on their tips.
Nevertheless, it was an exciting day of racing from afar, as the day's headline race was decided by a nose at the line.
Ballarat-trained Peso barley edged out local-hope Vividredsky at the finish line to claim the Murtoa Cup.
The Paul Preusker-trained Vividredsky was ridden by Horsham-based jockey Christine Puls, and nearly pulled-off a remarkable upset, as it entered the race paying a juicy $41 for victory.
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But Peso was too strong in the finish, as the nine-year-old claimed its first victory in more than two years, dashing Wimmera hopes in the process.
A fellow Preusker horse Minola also finished fourth in the Cup, 3.7 lengths further back in the 2050 metre race.
In other races, Stawell-trainer Dane Smith had Robe Bay finish in fifth in race seven.
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Richard Crabtree
richard.crabtree@austcommunitymedia.com.au
richard.crabtree@austcommunitymedia.com.au
