Trainer-jockey duo Shaun McGruddy and Steve Wolfe combine to win of Wellington and Reeves Bluff Knoll riches

Jockey Shaun McGruddy said it was “absolutely unbelievable” to notch a second win in the Wellington and Reeves Bluff Knoll, in combination with champion Albany trainer Steve Wolfe in Sunday’s major slot race. McGruddy delivered a peach of a ride about Albany star Rope Them In who finished in a slick time of 1min.5.31secs to claim the second running of regional WA’s only slot race. Despite a nervy moment during the 1099m race, McGruddy said the four-year-old galloper was brilliant at the finish. “At about 600 he sort of got tightened up a little bit and became under pressure,” he said. “I thought we’re in a little bit of trouble here. “Maybe he was a spot too close, because he might have been a touch fresh, but to his credit, once he balanced up, he really kicked off, locking me on and had the race won up and down the straight.” Rope Them In will now target the riches of The Quokka (1200m) at Ascot next month. “He’s actually got a fair bit of improvement in him,” McGruddy said “Actually getting to the line, he sort of wanted to pull up underneath me, and I wasn’t sure if he wasn’t liking the whip or that much. “I’m hoping it was just fitness. “I would say he’s got a fair bit of improvement in fitness, but there’s not a lot of him, so he won’t take much to tidy him up.” McGruddy attributed the stunning win to the mentorship of Wolfe, who he considers a “father figure”. “(It was) extra special for sure,” he said. “Like you say, we’ve got a good relationship, and he’s put the food on my table for a long time. “He’s built the house that I’m in and, you know, I try and repay him the best I can. “I’ve often said I’m not the best out there but I’m trying my best for him, and he does the same for me.” The 42-year-old copped a $500 fine for a whip breach in the feature race, using his whip two more times than permitted before the 100m as stewards took into account McGruddy’s recent record, that it was a feature event and that he won the race.