The Craig Martin-trained six-year-old son of Filante, ridden by departing Jessica Drury, beat the Sue Grills-trained Olivia Grace by a nose.

Olivia Grace’s jockey, Andrew Gibbons, then protested, claiming interference on the line.

“They definitely bumped,” Grills said, “but I don’t think we’ll get it.”

She was correct, enabling owner Jill Nivison to collect the Walcha Cup from her son, and Walcha Jockey Club president, Jim Nivison.

“It’s a wonderful result,” Jill Nivison said.

“He’s a wonderful little horse. As he gets older he’s maturing.

“It’s like winning a Melbourne Cup for us (at Walcha).”

She also reminded her daughter, Kate Nivison, it’s “one-all in Walcha Cups” after Kate had won the 2006 Walcha Cup with Sirenese.

“She might have a bit more time to win a few more than me though,” Jill added.

The common denominator for the Nivison females is Tamworth trainer Craig

Martin.

He trained Sirenese to win the 2006 Walcha Cup and he was celebrating his second yesterday.

“It’s just a pity it wasn’t at Walcha,” he said of the transferred meeting.

“It lost a bit of its gloss having to run it here but the good thing is the cup goes to Walcha.”

He said Mt Rainier would now go to the 1600m Quirindi Cup on February 24 while Drury goes to Brisbane to link with Desleigh Forster at Eagle Farm.

Drury was a worried young apprentice when the protest was flagged.

“I waited the extra week to ride Mt Rainier here before going to Brisbane,” she said.

“I was going to go outside but couldn’t get a run so I decided to go back to the rail and he just started to motor.

“When he got to the front I thought he had it won but then I saw this nose just flash at us on the line and I thought ‘Gibbo, if you beat me I’ll kill you’.”

He didn’t beat her on the track or in the stewards’ room and Drury got her farewell present.

While Olivia Grace was beaten, she covered herself in glory for a little mare.

“A great run,” Grills said.

“I wanted her for Quirindi but she had to have this run today even though the track didn’t suit her.

“If she doesn’t go to Quirindi we’ll go to Brisbane and a big long straight at Eagle Farm.

“But I’m stoked with her, win, lose or draw.”

Walcha’s Allan Green is one of the co-owners of Olivia Grace and was delighted with her flashing last-to-second effort.

“It’s good for Walcha, one- two in the Cup,” Green said.