Con Kelly wrapped up the Betfair’s King of the Bush series on Melbourne Cup day when Fridays Child scored a comfortable victory at Mildura.  Kelly earned 30 points overall to finish well in front of 8 trainers who polled 10 points each.

“The King of the Bush is a boon for country racing,” Kelly said.  “It’s fantastic – trainers have never had the opportunity to win $25,000 like this before.  Thanks Betfair.”

Kelly took an early lead in the eight-race series when Fridays Child (Brief Truce) won the opening leg at Swan Hill on September 27.  The win was a consolation for Con’s brother-in-law Noel Watson who owns the gelding.  Fridays Child scored the day after the AFL grand final and Noel is a mad-keen St Kilda supporter.

There were three Betfair King of the Bush events at Mildura, Wangaratta and Echuca on Melbourne Cup day and Kelly’s stable runner Clever Daisy also picked up 3 points when fourth home at Echuca.

Aflashycat (Catbird) was successful in the King of the Bush event at Echuca.  He is trained by Allan Fitzgerald at Wangaratta and the chestnut was hard to miss in the straight with a big white blaze and four white stockings.

Chief Rank (General Nediym) was the third Betfair King of the Bush winner on Tuesday when he saluted at Wangaratta.  He won by a length for Kilmore conditioner Craig Stott who also part-owns the gelding with members of his family.

Further information about the Betfair King of the Bush – including news, schedules, results, standings and information for trainers – can be found at www.kingofthebush.com.au.  The overall winner will be crowned at a presentation at Betfair Dunkeld races on Sunday week, November 14.