His thrilling win was a triumph for Wagga trainer Bernie Kelly, with Macca Kelly being first-up since July over the marathon 2570-metre journey in an outstanding training feat.

The victory didn’t come without some anxious moments, with Macca Kelly breaking shortly after the start and driver Bruce Harpley forced to settle at the tail of the eight-horse field.

“It was a terrific win, especially after he galloped at the start,” Kelly said.

“We had a new gig and it was the first time we used it on him — he was hitting the wheel which caused him to break.

“Once he galloped and settled last I thought we had lost all winning chance.

“But to Bruce’s credit he didn’t panic and saved ground along the fence before finishing powerfully in the straight.”

Macca Kelly ($5.30) defeated interstate raider Tere T ($5.90) by a short half-head, with Gangster Boy ($2.70fav) a further six metres back in third.

The son of Mach Three is a former smart juvenile and finished second in the group 1 Breeders Crown Final as a three-year-old.

Macca Kelly endured an indifferent four-year-old season under the care of Victorian trainer Emma Stewart and a brief stint with Jake Stockton before going for a spell in July.

Kelly was thrilled to have his five-year-old pacer back in winning form.

“He wasn’t going so good at the end of his last preparation, so we had the vet go over him but he couldn’t find anything wrong,” he said.

“But since he has been back in work he has shown no sign of anything being wrong and he seems to be back somewhere near his best.”

Kelly is now keen to target his hometown cup at Wagga on Saturday night before taking on the Young Cup the following week.

The veteran trainer claimed the training honours on the night with a double after Stenig won the $10,000 2YO Jack Adams Memorial (1770m).

Stenig is a half-brother to outstanding three-year-old filly Frith, who has won 22 of her 28 starts including the group 1 3YO Breeders Crown Fillies final at her most recent start in August.