Champion Thoroughbreds | Champion Thoroughbreds News 64239 Hell To Pay Breaks 300 K Barrier At Eagle Farm

Four-year-old Hellbent gelding Hell To Pay pushed his career earnings beyond $300,000 on Wednesday at Eagle Farm Racecourse, recording his third career victory.

Now having his third start for trainer Tony Gollan after relocating from Sydney late last year, the gelding was primed for his third-up assignment, with his trainer confident he had reached peak fitness for the campaign.

Following a strong second to the consistent Moravia at his previous outing, Hell To Pay started a $2.80 favourite in Wednesday’s Benchmark 70 over 1400 metres. Gollan opted for weight relief, engaging apprentice Jace McMurray and his 2kg claim to reduce the impost to 59kg. Despite drawing wide with the rail out 12 metres, the stable’s instructions were straightforward — be positive from the gates.

McMurray rode with intent early, taking the lead where the gelding travelled strongly throughout. He dug deep in the straight to score by a narrow 0.03 lengths over the fast-finishing Influential.

The victory was a deserved result for the ownership group, with several members on course to celebrate. Congratulations to Yarraman Park Stud, Kingsport Investments, Sedgewyn, Mr D J Hines, Mr P Hines, Dunbar Family Racing, Mr J E Forker, Mr P C Barnett, Mr S J Brown, Mr J G Codner, Dream Team, Mrs D L Fisher, Mr T S Fisher, Mr C D Hands and Mr W S Simpson.