Some things in life – like a father and son’s special connection – are more important than money.

But it’s always a bonus when the source of that connection also becomes the first horse to win the $1 million The Hunter twice.

Two years after his front-running win in Newcastle’s premier race, Coal Crusher repeated the dose on Saturday for Warwick Farm trainer Joe Pride and his son, Brave, who is a carer, part-owner and strapper for the eight-year-old gelding.

Without a win since his Hunter triumph in 2023, Coal Crusher was a $5.50 TAB chance and led under Chad Schofield before rallying late to hold off stablemate Accredited by three-quarters of a length. Newcastle trainer Kris Lees’ Brudenell was third.

The victory capped a “groundbreaking” spring for Pride, who won the Champions Mile w

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