As they passed the Lismore winning post the first time, there was very little between the two favourites Louis Rumble and CASH View, the former just shading the latter. A lap on, and again the margin was minimal, but this time the order was reversed, and this time that margin was worth $31,500.
In one of the best finishes to a Group 2 Lismore Cup Final, Robert Cooke’s CASH View arrived just in time to nab Steve Kavanagh’s Louis Rumble - the margin a head - on the post and claim the $40,000 Cup first prize instead of the $8,500 for the runner-up.
Cooke and Kavanagh did have to wait while the judge made sure, but in the end there was relief followed by jubilation for Cooke.
“It feels really good to win this one,” said Cooke who has won a Group 1 at Wentworth Park when CASH In Motion won the 2016 National Futurity. But he admitted success in his local Cup was special.
“I’ve had a few cracks and now I’ve finally got it.
“He jumped well but he just got a little check there (into the first turn). I thought he was closer (to the lead) and then into the back he was a bit further off them (due to the check).”
The two promising dogs were the standouts in the heats a week ago, and many expected they would fight out the finish. The key would be the start and whether Louis Rumble could step and lead clearly again, and where would the wide-running CASH View end up from his box 1 draw.
The pair both stepped well and matched motors into the first turn, where Louis Rumble crossed his rival and led, with CASH View checked back to third behind last year’s winner Fire Legend.
Up the back the scenario was taking shape. Would Louis Rumble be able to stave off the withering finish of CASH View?
Swinging for home it looked like Louis Rumble just might hold on, but as the line loomed, so did CASH View and with a lunge he grabbed the lead, quite literally in the shadows of the post in a slick 29.61s.
Fire Legend was gallant in his title defence, finishing thirds, 1½ lengths behind the other pair.
