The Cunning Fox has maintained his perfect record over jumps with a hard-fought win in the feature Galleywood Hurdle at Warrnambool.

Trainer Patrick Payne, now working in partnership with his sister Michelle, has completed his collection of Warrnambool jumps trophies with the victory.

Before Wednesday’s success, Payne had secured one Brierly Steeplechase win and four Grand Annual Steeplechase victories.

Ridden by Tom Ryan, The Cunning Fox ($3) edged out the $2.35 favourite Affluential by 1-¼ lengths, with Right Now ($20) finishing third, half a length away.

The Cunning Fox, a former flat runner who placed second in the Listed VRC St Leger (2800m), struggled on the flat but found success over hurdles, debuting at Pakenham last July.

Ryan, who also rode The Cunning Fox in his April win at Pakenham, described him as a “terrier” over the jumps.

“That was a dog fight,” Ryan said. “He’s so slick and clever… there’s that terrier in him, the dog in him, and he fought all the way to the line.”

Ryan was thrilled to be associated with such a talented jumper.

“The feeling he gave me at Pakenham, it was something I hadn’t felt for a long time,” Ryan added.

Ryan also triumphed in the Dunroe Steeplechase, winning aboard Jekyll’n’Hyde.