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By Colin Hodges

JOCKEY SEBASTIAN GALEA HAS STAVED OFF THE EIGHT-HORSE ‘CONNIE GREIG ARMY’ BY TAKING OUT THE NSW PICNIC CHAMPION SERIES FINAL AT COONAMBLE

Ridden an inspired race by Sebastian Galea, the Daniel Stanley, Wellington-trained Bush Warrior won the $50,000 NSW Picnic Champion Series Final over 1400m at Coonamble in an exciting finish.

Sebastian Galea and Bush Warrior win the 2023/24 NSW Picnic Champion Series Final at Coonamble. Image by Janian McMillan (Racing Photography)

From further back than midfield, Bush Warrior ($14) was driven through a gap close to home by Galea to win by a half-length from the Connie Greig-trained trio of Blackhill Kitty, (Sally Faulks, $31), Have Mercy (Todd Bailey, $6.50) and Belle ‘O Ballee (Leandro Ribeiro, $3.20 favourite).

Bush Warrior is owned by Jan Grimshaw, a loyal client of the Daniel Stanley stable.

For Dubbo trainer Connie Greig it was another notable achievement to qualify eight runners for the Final.

Connie Greig had previously won the Final with Hemsted (2022) and Inzaghi (2023), both being ridden by Leandro Ribeiro.

Following the 2024 Championship presentations, Deidre Adam (Tottenham) and Craig Tyack (Tullibigeal), long serving president and secretary respectively, were awarded Life Memberships of the NSW Picnic Association.

Successful negotiations have resulted in Racing NSW granting approval for a $50,000 Sprint Final (1000m) to be held next year in conjunction with the $50,000 NSW Picnic Champion Series Final (1400m).