Larry Lands Bulli Gold After Nangar Square Off

DENNIS and Ann Barnes didn't own or train a runner in Friday night's Group 2 Ladbrokes Bulli Gold Cup (472m) but it didn't stop them from having a huge influence over the result.

The Cudal-based Barnes' bred, owned and at one stage trained both Nangar Larry and Nangar Jim which fought out a thrilling finish in the $40,000-to-the-winner south coast decider.

Ultimately it was Nangar Larry which prevailed, scoring by half-a-length at the finish in 26.35 to deliver trainer Andy Lord his first Bulli Gold Cup title, surprising given the significant success he's enjoyed at the venue over the years.

A son of Shima Shine and Nangar Diva, Nangar Larry's Bulli Gold Cup heroics continued a remarkable run of form which has seen him in the money at each of his outings since before Christmas when threatening the Goulburn track record (24.24).

The battle of the Nangars!

Nangar Larry for Team Lord has won a THRILLING @Ladbrokescomau Cyril Rowe Bulli Gold Cup Final from Nangar Jim in 26.35, with the Victorian Swindled in 3rd.#thedogs #greyhoundracing #greyhounds #BulliCup @watchdogracing pic.twitter.com/sMOMW0awM8

— The Dogs (@Thedogs_com_au) February 16, 2024

Third last month behind Dutch Riot in the Group 1 Paws Of Thunder, landing a feature race triumph seemed only a matter of time for Nangar Larry and he delivered in spades on Friday night.

The group 2 victory extended his record to 17 wins from 35 starts and in scoring gave his group of owners from the Punters HQ Syndicate a night to remember.

Included in the ownership is rugby league star Ryan Papenhuyzen and AFL gun Tom Papley.

READ: Beer Happy As ‘Larry' With Paws Of Thunder Prospect

After the victory, Hayley Moffitt, daughter of trainer Andy Lord, said to claim the feature south coast event was a big thrill.

"This win means a lot, the way things are set up now at home it is a real family thing so you enjoy that bit more," Hayley said.

"We thought the dog had a really good chance tonight after last week's heat run. He just needed to come out and get himself into the race and that's exactly what he did."

The $40,000-to-the-winner Temora Cup (457m), which kicks off on March 3, is expected to be Nangar Larry's next feature race aim.

While the effort of Maitland Cup winner Nangar Jim to finish second was gallant, so to was the effort of third-placed Victorian Swindled which didn't enjoy the best of luck in transit to go down by less than a length for Keith and Lisa Hellmuth.