Star filly Gunna Reload (Sweet Lou) drew on all her stamina to nudge out harness racing favourite Sugar Pie Honey In the $150,000 Group 1 Nutrien Equine New South Wales Breeders for three year old fillies at Menangle on Saturday evening.

Gunna Reload had won a round and semi Final of the Breeders Challenge and had support but Sugar Pie Honey was the punters elect.

The race was marred when shortly after the start when a race incident saw Tenaciously, Violet Hanover and The Swift One all out of contention.

GUNNA RELOAD OCT 25 REPLAY

Gunna Reload flew out of the gate but Sugar Pie Honey showing her customary dazzling speed crossed the field. Will Rixon on Gunna Reload was content to take the trail behind the leader.

The very capable Smirkin Serene didn’t have enough early speed and was caught racing outside the leader.

Sugar Pie Honey still looked to be travelling well within herself on straightening but Gunna Reload peeled out and in a punishing finish proved a little too strong over Sugar Pie Honey with Rikibreal just over six metres away third. Gunna Reload’s mile rate of 1.50.4 was nearly a second quicker than her previous best of 1.51.3

Gunna Reload has always been a class filly and last season she won the Gold Bracelet at Bathurst as a two year old. A model of consistency she has won 11 of her 20 starts to date with six placings and stake earnings in excess of $277,000.

It was a special win for Will Rixon who drove the filly for his father Peter and the Rixon family who have been such strong supporters of harness racing in general.

“I don’t do these things (the winning salute) although we won the Bracelet at Bathurst. I don’t plan on these things. She’s been so special to our family Its hard not to feel a bit emotional. I’ve dreamed of winning big races all my life to win one for Mum and Dad it’s a dream come true.”

“Ricky Hunter did a great job breaking her in and we’ve had her from day one. She’s never been an easy horse but Mum and Dad have picked her races really matured her and she’s done a great job.”

“She’s been a favourite with the family for a long time. Just so proud of her and proud of the whole family.”

“It’s getting a bit emotional for me. Mum and Dad work so hard and to repay them with a win like this is really special. The whole family and owners are here so yes its really special.”

“She’ll go straight to the paddock, she’s had an awesome year well target the four year old races at Wagga and hope she can make a Ladyship Mile as well.”

Sugar Pie Honey was gallant in defeat and there isn’t much between her and Gunna Reload and in last night’s event she fell just a bit short.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink