Muswellbrook trainer Todd Willan’s promising galloper took out the inaugural event by three lengths last month.

Such widespread interest in the lead-up to the race saw TAB join The Championships to get behind each region’s horse.

Relevant sports editors were asked to nominate a charity, with $5000 heading to the winner’s chosen organisation.

Muswellbrook Chronicle was the lucky newspaper to have Artlee running for them, and Upper Hunter Cancer Council representative Glen Parsons said he was delighted with the initiative.

“It’s just encouraging that we see that, even outside the community, people are looking to support the Cancer Council,” he said.

“It’s a great contribution, not only by the Muswellbrook Chronicle in nominating the Cancer Council, but this will certainly provide major exposure to our organisation and also the TAB.

“We know that one in two people before the age of 85 will get some form of cancer, [and] we also know it’s extremely important we keep up with our prevention, advocacy, research and supporting those who are going through a cancer experience.

“This $5000 from the TAB will go towards our quest in defeating cancer.”