Hawkspur has joined an elite group of modern-day gallopers with successive victories in the G2 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m).

The son of Chatswood Stud stallion Purrealist nosed out class mare Royal Descent in a pulsating finish to the historic weight-for-age event at Randwick on Saturday.

Hawkspur is only the fourth horse to double up the Chelmsford since 1970 following Kingston Town (1980-81), Stargazer (1990-91) and Lonhro (2002-03).

The Chris Waller trained gelding is better known as a backmarker but jockey Jim Cassidy elected to lead in the heavy conditions.  “I thought it would be hard to them a start,” he said.  “The mare definitely headed me but he just kept finding – I knew he would.”

Hawkspur (5g Purrealist – Mollyhawk by Catbird) emerged as a quality stayer winning the G3 Rough Habit, G3 Grand Prix and G1 Queensland Derby at the 2013 Brisbane winter carnival.  He flew from last to claim last year’s Chelmsford Stakes but had been unable to build on that success during the spring and autumn carnivals.

Waller prepared the first six to finish on Saturday – a record-breaking performance in an Australian Group event.  The champion trainer said Hawkspur will run in the G1 George Main Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on September 20 prior to the G1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on October 4.

He also holds nominations for the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.

Hawkspur is a homebred for David Puglisi and his wife Lynley.  His dam Mollyhawk has a 2yo Purrealist colt named Devil Hawk.

Purrealist (Tale of the Cat) stands at Chatswood Stud for a $5,500 (inc gst) fee.