A scriptwriter couldn't have done a better job with Saturday night's BIG6 Country Clubs Championship Final - the last harness race ever run at Moonee Valley.

The $20,000 event paled in comparison to the Hunter Cup, Inter Dominion Trot and Derby when it came to prestige, but gave the Group 1s a run for their money regarding the story of the night.

Strident provided Elmore trainer Jenny Johnson with her maiden success at the venue that was home to Victorian harness racing for more than 33 years, but that was only part of the tale.

Strident was driven by the man who has won more races than anyone else at Moonee Valley - Gavin Lang - while Johnson's assistant Graeme Johannesen also has an enduring link with the track.

Johannesen's former trotter True Roman won 35 races at the Valley.

"It really was a great way to finish off because my stable foreman is Graeme Johannesen, who trained the great True Roman, and he still holds the record for the most wins at Moonee Valley," Johnson said.

"Gavin's record here is outstanding, so it was really fitting for them to be involved in the last win.

"This is also my first Moonee Valley winner - and it's going to be my last Moonee Valley winner - so it's been a great night."

Strident, heavily backed to start a $2.70 favourite, led all the way for a thrilling 1:58.9 win.

The eight-year-old was under siege in the straight but held on to score by a half neck from Tsunami Lombo and Unojoe in a finish that had the massive crowd cheering loudly.
Lang was chuffed to bring up his 1029th win at the venue that has provided him with many of his most memorable moments in harness racing.

"This place has been like a second home to me for a long time and to be fortunate enough to win the last race here is something that I'll remember for a long time," he said.

Courtesy of HRV.