Tough winter galloper Bulginbaah got a standing ovation from the Awapuni crowd on Saturday after he notched up the 19th win of his outstanding career in the Listed $50,000 James Bull Rangitikei Gold Cup (1600m).
"Everyone was clapping when he came back to scale after the race and it was just the most amazing feeling," said Wanganui co-trainer and part-owner Catherine Wilson.
"That is his first open handicap 1600m race win, the others at this trip have been in weight-for-age races. He's shown he can still carry the big weights," Wilson said.
"He has been an amazing horse and he loves all the attention he gets after he wins his races. He knows he's the man," said Wilson who trains in partnership with veteran Ken Cropp.
Bulginbaah, ridden by regular jockey Jason Symes, strode clear of his rivals in the final stages to win with plenty up his sleeve from Bruce Almighthy with Romeo third home.
Saturday's win took the Starjo eight-year-old gelding's career earnings up to $546,450.
The next start for Bulginbaah will be in the $50,000 Ag Challenge Stakes at Wanganui on May 30.
