The 2026 edition of the Casino Cup, run and won on Saturday, was one for the history books, with a thrilling finish decided by a nostril as the Brett Dodson-trained House Of Cards claimed a narrow victory.
It was a well-strung-out field, led up by the Ben Ahrens-trained Speed Map (Archie McColm, $21), and turning for home, the challengers appeared right across the Casino home straight.
Looking the winner was the Samantha McGuren-trained He’s A Copy Boy ($21), who stayed on the rails for Grace Palmer, and led until the post.
Flying down the outside to land a 0.04 of a length win from He’s A Copy Boy was House Of Cards, given an inch-perfect ride by Grady Spokes, while 0.77 of a length away in third was the Peter Sinclair-trained Awaygoesthebunny (Ben Looker, $9.50) and in fourth, just missing a place, was the early leader, Speed Map.
Spokes said he had to wait to find out he had won, with the decision taking longer than usual to come through.
“Initially I thought I won but two or three strides after the post, I looked over and saw He’s A Copy Boy and knew it was closer than I thought,” Spokes told Country Punter.
“I didn’t get the result until we got back to the mounting yard, but when it came through, it was a big thrill.
“I’ve been on the wrong side of a fair few photo finishes, so it was good to get one go my way.”
It was a patient ride by Spokes, with the former picnic jockey demonstrating maturity and clever riding well above his status as a two-kilogram apprentice.
“It was a really good result,” Spokes said.
“The speed was genuine and he travelled well throughout, but I honestly didn’t expect him to handle the track as well, being a big horse going around the tight corners.
“Plus, he was second-up and from a sticky draw, but the strung-out field helped and I was able to get him a bit of cover for as long as possible and didn’t present him until well into the straight.
“When I gave him a shake up, he really responded and from 300m from home, that’s when I was confident that we would go close.”
For Spokes, he was happy to deliver Dodson the win, with the in-form Coffs Harbour stable a big supporter of the 23-year-old.
In fact, the pair enjoyed a winning two days, combining on Friday as Miss Midas Touch ($7.50) triumphed in the Country Boosted Maiden Plate (1400m) at Coffs Harbour.
“A big thank you to Brett; he’s been a big supporter of mine from the word go,” Spokes said.
“He gave me a fair few opportunities when I had my first few professional rides, and I probably didn’t give them the best opportunities.
“He understands that I am learning and it’s not an easy game, and being an apprentice and especially riding against the calibre of riders in the country, it’s tough but I feel like I have come on in leaps and bounds, especially over the past six months.”
Spokes is back at it tomorrow with five rides at Ballina.
