By COLIN HODGES

Having both strong links with the local community and heavy support in the betting ring, it was fitting that Rylan’s Pick and Rogue Runner fought out an exciting finish to the 1400 metres Nyngan RSL - Nyngan Cup before a big crowd on Anzac Day.

The winner Rylan’s Pick is owned by local identities Ken and Kerry Wright, is trained at Dubbo by Brett Robb formerly from Nyngan, and was one of four winners on the day for jockey Clayton Gallagher who served most of his apprenticeship with Rodney Robb at Nyngan.

Rodney Robb, the trainer of runner-up Rogue Runner, is the father of Brett Robb and has been the backbone of racing at Nyngan for decades.

Although easing from $2.60 to $3.40 favourite when the money came for Rogue Runner ($8 to $3.80), Rylan’s Pick nevertheless proved costly for bookmakers.

Leading all the way Rylan’s Pick (Clayton Gallagher) survived a serious challenge in the straight to score by a half length from Rogue Runner (Jake Barrett) with the Wayne Marsden, Menindee-trained Allez Rev (Zara Lewis, $11) a similar margin away in third place.

First leg of a double for Brett Robb was Legal Zou (Clayton Gallagher, $2fav.) which set the pace and after a stirring battle over the final 200 metres prevailed by a head from the Rodney Robb-trained Looking Forward (Jake Barrett, $11) with Mr Bobcat (Tiffany Jeffries, $4.60) third in the 1100 metres Nyngan Bowling Club Class 1 Handicap.

Disqualified after “ winning” a race at Gilgandra, the Kylie Kennedy, Narromine trained Padrone remained eligible for Maiden Class and took out the 900 metres Maiden Plate at Nyngan.

Running second behind Rewardus to the turn, Padrone (Clayton Gallagher, $3.80) shot away for a five lengths win over Shotgun Sophie (Tiffany Jeffries, $3.20 fav.) and Stylish Star (Elissa Meredith, $4) which came from a long last.

Owned by a syndicate of agents from Victoria, Drunkasamonkey had four unplaced starts in that State before joining the Brett Robb stable at Dubbo.

First up for Robb in the 1400 metres Maiden Plate, Drunkasamonkey (Clayton Gallagher, $1.80 fav.) was the leader and won by a half length from Monetise (Elissa Meredith, $7.50) and Rupicasso (Andrew Banks, $3.40).

The $1.80 favourite No Debt (Jake Barrett) led by four lengths turning for home but was run down and beaten a half head by the Clint Lundholm trained Bandahara (Andrew Banks, $7) with Kallie (Clayton Gallagher, $5.50) third in the 1200 metres Inland Petroleum Benchmark 45 Handicap.

Last start Bourke winner, the Connie Greig trained Billy Bent Ear (Jacob Golden, $6), from near last, came with a rush to beat the leader Expect A Hero (Jake Barrett, $3.20 fav.) and Japingka (Clayton Gallagher, $4.20) in the 900 metres Benchmark 58 Handicap.