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Taree apprentice Mollie Fitzgerald shared her first Rising Star Series winner with Newcastle’s Benjamin Osmond in a thrilling finish at Grafton today.

After a well-judged ride, 1st year apprentice Mollie riding Dorset Coast for Murwillumbah trainer Matt Dunn, headed Benjamin’s mount Velvet Haze for his boss, Trainer Kris Lees, only for him to fight back in the last few strides.

A long delay ensued before the judge posted that the mare had done enough under Benjamin’s urging to share the spoils – a dead heat for first. Imprinted, ridden by Courtney Bellamy was a very close 3^rd.

The two winning riders accrued 6 points each in the series for the dead heat, to sit equal 2^nd on the ladder to 1^st round winner Jake Barrett on 7 points. Hannah Williams is next on 5 points.

Jake rode the First heat winner at Wagga on Friday last, piloting the Kerry Weir trained Laurel Hill to victory in another thrilling finish over Hannah Williams on Bold Triumph.

The two had gone neck and neck to the winning post after hitting the front together at the 200 metre mark, with Jake prevailing by a long head on the line. Coriah Keatings finished 3^rd on Release The Brakes.

The next heat (3) of the 2023/24 Rising Star Series will be run at Gosford on 14th November, with Gundagai hosting the fourth round at its famous Snake Gully Cup race meeting on Friday 17th November.

Check out the Rising Star Series page for the latest point score, honour roll, conditions etc.