In what was the seven-year-old’s 86^th career start, Saloon Passage won by almost three metres ahead of Strathlachlan Lady in the 2360 metres race.

Hurst was ecstatic with the win.

“I’m just really happy. All the owners are really happy to get a win with him,” he said.

“He got crook not long ago and was crook for a couple of weeks, so he’s done well to get back to race. To win was a bonus.”

Saloon Passage started at gate four in the second row, in the ten horse field, and settled second last by halfway through the opening race.

The New Zealand horse was happy to remain towards the tail end of the pack by the end of the first lap, on the outside.

In the back straight in the second lap, driver Cameron Hart drove Saloon Passage forward and the seven-year-old was soon challenging for the front.

At the bell, Saloon Passage was third and was hotly contesting leader Jay Dee Zed and second-placed Strathlachlan Andy. 

Coming into the final straight, Jay Dee Zed could no longer keep up at the front and it quickly became a challenge between Saloon Passage and Strathlachlan Andy. 

The seven-year-old bay gelding raced up on the outside and pulled ahead to claim the Temora Cup. 

It was redemption for Saloon Passage after losing by a neck in the 2017 edition of the Temora Cup. 

Saloon Passage was driven by Hart because the horse needed a junior claim to race.

Hurst was always confident with the driver.

“I put him on and left it up to him,” he said.

“I thought he might’ve went a bit earlier [moving from the back to the front] but it actually worked out really work. He drove him well and got the job done.” 

Hurst always knew the race was going to be tough considering the rising stars and veteran pacers.

“There’s a few up and coming ones and a few older ones like him,” he said.

“Strathlachlan Andy, who ran second, he’s a record a really good horse. It was a good field.”

Trained by Amanda Turnbull and driven by Mitch Turnbull, New Zealand horse and race favourite ($2.50) Parramatta finished third.

Early leader Jay Dee Zed finished in sixth. 

The win was Saloon Passage’s second start at the track, after last year’s second place in the Temora Cup, and was his 25^th career win.

The gelding, from Elsu x Rosesrredviletsblue has now amassed $257,650 in career prize money. 

Hurst is hopeful he can get a few more seasons out of Saloon Passage.

“We’ll keep racing him and keep going along. He hasn’t had a lot of starts for his age but hopefully we can get a few more seasons out of him,” he said.

The race also attracted a bumper crowd.

“They always get a good crowd for their big meet,” Hurst said.

“They’ve got a really good grassed area and they put a lot on for the kids and that sort of thing. It’s probably one of the biggest crowds at the tracks I go to for their main meeting.” 

“He’s probably raced as good as he ever has. We’ll keep him going.”