In the highly credentialled Class 6 Plate over 1000 metres, all the money came for proven warriors Peaye Arjay and Crypt in the betting ring, but it was Finter’s five-year-old gelding who stole the show.

Ridden a treat by Tim Brummell, Rolling Rich ($7) produced a barnstorming run at the finsh to edge out $3.20 elect Peaye Arjay by a short half-head, with $2.50 favourite Crypt three quarters of a length third in a slick time of 0:57.38.

Formely trained in New South Wales, it appears Rolling Rich now has a big future on the North West racing circuit, with plenty of Open races at his disposal between now and the end of the year.

What’s more, a step up in distance to 1200 or 1400m is not out of the equation.

Rolling Rich’s previous win, in April this year, was at Merriwa over 1350m.

In other races at Richmond on Saturday, Townsville trainer Bob Purcell collected the big cash bonanza when five-year-old Redoute’s Choice gelding Eternal’s Choice took out the Class 4 Fossil Trail Handicap over 1400 metres, defeating Devil’sinthedetail and Komo Lad.

Racing kicked off when well liked McKinlay trainer Cliff Fitchell snared the Maiden Plate over 1100m with Choisir gelding Costplus ($6).

He defeated $3 equal favourites Columbo and Bay Route. In the Class 3 Plate over the same distance, Neil Byrne visited the winner’s stall after Hardheaded ($4.40) produced a terrific two-length win, defeating Pressure’s On ($4) and Ardekuhni ($8).

Julia Creek trainer Kerry Krogh tasted success in the Class B Handicap over 1200m when $17 outsider Merrie Vintage scored by a long neck from Goodtobetheking and $4.40 favourite Eight Reals.

The Open Handicap over 1200m was taken out by the home track trained Centgeorge, who picked up the winner’s cheque for George Russell.

He defeated the well backed North Alert and Absolute Truth.

Officals said it was a record crowd at Richmond with about 2000 spectators at the track, most of whom were in town for the annual Richmond field days which were also a success.