Hall celebrates ItsaHymn Darwin Cup victory

WA Jockey Peter Hall was emotional but over the moon when ItsaHymn claimed back to back Darwin Cups on Monday.

Hall speaking on #SportsLine said it was one for WA and felt the barrier draw was a significant factor.

"Beautiful thing was that we got that barrier two, that was a major plus so I could save ground on the big fella as he had top weight at 61.5." Hall said.

"That was instrumental and then it was just a matter of keeping my eye out and if I could get a run up behind the leader and then get off the fence I got that opportunity to put the big grey in the race.

Hall explained that the ten-year-old needed a little encouragement in the final throws as they turned the corner.

"On straightening I thought gee we might win this and you never get too carried away but I must say about 100 out I was a little worried and Ash Grey was really pushing hard, so I put the whip away and gave the big fella a big push and said come on mate one last crack and he put his hand up and got the money."

Hall has had a long associated with the horse in winning two Broome cups and now two Darwin cups.

"I was just so proud of the horse, the dirt racing in Broome and Darwin and even in the US when you're watching its hard work and a lot of horses can surrender but big grey he doesn't surrender and that's what we saw him do yesterday."

It is uncertain what the future may hold for ItsaHymn whether owners will run him in another Kalgoorlie carnival or if that may be the end.

IMAGE: NT News