Outsider clearsNational hurdle

By Paul Pickering
CRANBOURNE trainer Eric Musgrove scored his fourth M.J. Bourke Hurdle victory in the most unlikely of circumstances at Pakenham on Sunday.
His seven-year-old gelding Famous Prince was the rank outsider of the seven-horse field, having yet to break its maiden status over the jumps.
But the $31 chance charged home to win by 3.5 lengths, leaving Musgrove to eye the prestigious Australian and Grand National hurdles in town this winter.
Famous Prince’s stunning win may not have lined the pockets of too many punters, but the local victory was the feel-good story of the Super Jumps card.
Significantly, the three jumps races – all over by 1pm – were run without incident, providing no ammunition for the small group of protestors that congregated at the far side of the track.
That was where Famous Prince made his challenge in the 53rd running of the M.J. Bourke, pushing up to the lead and easing away from Robbie Laing-trained favourite Bashboy as they approach the last fence.
His strong finish confirmed Musgrove’s suspicions about the Galileo-Celebrity Princess chestnut, which placed third behind Bashboy at Warrnambool this month.
“I was never confident, but I believe he’s a good horse,” Musgrove said.
“He was still a maiden over the fences, so he could have gone in the other race (the Maiden Hurdle, race one),but he’s given me an indication that he may make a National horse.
“I think he stays very well, and that’s why I decided to have a crack at it.”
Sunday’s win also gave Musgrove’s charge the rating boost it needed to qualify for some of the big metropolitan races later this season.
The popular local trainer was also quick to note the significance of the event, given the Bourke family’s treasured place in the club’s history.
“It’s always a great race to win,” he beamed.
Meanwhile, the richest event on Sunday’s card, the $75,000 Great Southern Steeplechase – transferred from Mornington – was something of an anti-climax, with champion jumper and former winner Toulouse Lautrec being checked out of the running 1100m from the finish.
The imposing Chris Hyland-trained grey raninto some mid-field interference and never recovered,finishing fifth, some nine lengths behind Darren Weir’s Virvacity.
The Ballarat-trainedeight-year-old won by four lengths from Cranbourne duo Royal Laddie and Destiny Calls.