Tiggerlong Tonk Claims Elusive Group 1 Title

TIGGERLONG Tonk's agonising quest for a Group 1 title is finally over after the son of Dyna Double One annexed Saturday night's Perth Cup (520m) at Cannington.

But victory in the $150,000 showpiece was no procession, scoring a last stride half head win over a gallant Canya Cruise in 29.76 with Rippin' Purton another length away in third.

Lining up for his 10th Group 1 finale, there was a sense that it was now or never for Tiggerlong Tonk if he was to ever secure an elusive major title.

It was the grand sprinter's 36th race win from a career spanning 75 starts, his stake earnings soaring to $557,000 with Saturday night's epic victory.

Following the race an overwhelmed trainer Correy Grenfell – who won the race two years ago with Orson Allen – was full of praise for his grand campaigner.

"It's a relief really … this dog has tried so hard during his whole career to win a big one," Grenfell said.

"It's just fantastic that he's got one next to his name now. He's as quick a dog as I've ever had and while I thought his first big one would have come a long time before this it's just a relief to now have it.

"And a big thanks to Steve and Kira Withers who the dog's been with while he's been here in WA. They've played a big part in tonight.

"It's just great – the dog deserves this."

The performance of runner-up Canya Cruise in Saturday night's Perth Cup decider was full of merit, going down by the narrowest of margins.

Last year trainers Steve and Krystal Shinners finished third in the Perth Cup with Buster the Brute and this year have to settle for second place with Canya Cruise which raced out of his skin for his new syndicate of owners.

Meanwhile, the second Group 1 on Saturday night – the Sky Racing Galaxy (715m) – went the way of raging hot favourite Zack Monelli for trainer Dave Hobby.

This night last year Zack Monelli finished a fast finishing second to Simon Told Helen in the Perth Cup.

Fast forward 12 months and a wretched run with injury and the son of Barcia Bale broke through for a deserved Group 1 triumph, scoring by 4 ¼ lengths over We The People and Sunset Bourbski in a new race record 41.54.