VETERAN OUTBACK HOOP CLAIMS HIS FIRST XXXX GOLD BIRDSVILLE CUP!

After years of trying, veteran outback jockey Keith Ballard claimed his first XXXX Gold Birdsville Cup when he powered home on the inside rail on Longreach trained Equitant. It was Equitant's third race on the Birdsville circuit and after two seconds, finally claimed victory. Owner/trainer Richard Simpson (who won the cup in 2002 with Boyarin) couldn't hold back his excitement after the race with Equitant taking his career earnings beyond the $100,000 mark. Equitant beat home the fast finishing Lotto Blues from Strathalbyn in SA and the Fred Brophy owned Longstreet claimed third. Click here to view race footage from the weekend.

Gold Coast jockey Tony Patillo claimed four wins to take home the Landmark leading jockey award in his maiden Birdsville voyage with Barcaldine trainer Todd Austin taking home the trainers award. Click here to view the Landmark Trainer & Jockey premiership.