‘‘It has been a lucky race for me but I did not give Spunlago much chance on his form,’’ the veteran jockey said.
Since winning at Wagga in December the eight year-old had finished last at Flemington, 11th at Canberra and last at Caulfield.
It was Albury trainer Roy Stubbs’ second Gold Cup win having won with Wilga Dash nearly 30 years ago.
Spunlago won the $200,000 race by a length from Maid Of Ore with Great Glen third.
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There was a major upset in the Albury Guineas with Demanding Mo ($101) holding on to defeat an unlucky Toffee Doll ($3.50 fav) by a long head.
Apprentice Ellen Hennessy rode the winner for Wagga trainer Trevor Sutherland.
Heavily backed Toffee Doll settled last from the outside barrier and flew home after sweeping wide on the turn.
Ellen Hennessy took the day’s riding honours with a double.
She won the Class 3 on Bezos prepared by Mitch Beer, who was the top trainer with two wins.
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Albury track specialist Mount Horeb won his second $75,000 City Handicap over 1175m.
The five year-old has the remarkable record of six wins from seven starts at Albury.
Mount Horeb ($4.70) settled second behind Real Key and reached the lead at the 200m.
He held on to defeat Yeldarb by a short half head with Sky Call a close-up third.
George Osborne trains Mount Horeb which was ridden by Blaike McDougall.
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Albury Racing Club missed out on up to $250,000 in gate takings due to the Coronavirus lock-out and faces a major financial challenge.
President Mark Cronin said ‘‘it will be a financial disaster.’’
Racing NSW and Racing Victoria should be reviewing some of the excessive prizemoney for Sydney and Melbourne races.
At this uncertain time in the industry this money could be better spent.
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Follow - Beehunter: This three year-old showed above average ability coming from last to win Sandown Benchmark 70 at his fourth start.
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Coming winners: Yulong Prince has won seven from 20 starts and nearing peak again after Rosehill second.
Prince Fawaz failed in the spring but recaptured promising two year-old form with Rosehill second to Follow selection Castelvecchio ($7).
Toffee Doll impressed with fast finishing second at Albury.
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