Inverell trainer Todd Payne has booked a spot in his first Country Championships Final with his runner Lisztomania after it ran a gallant second to the Paul Messara trained Intervarsity in yesterday’s Hunter Northwest Championship Qualifier at Tamworth.

After jumping from the outside barrier, jockey Luke Rolls took the gelding back and when the pace eased, he put Lisztomania into the race and got within a length of the winner.

Payne says Luke gave him a peach ride, adding at the top of the straight he thought it would take a good one to beat him.

He says he’s looking forward to heading to Randwick for the Country Championship final on April 5th as Lisztomania hasn’t missed a place when racing at the venue.

Hellcibell, part owned by Inverell’s Justin Oakenfull, finished third.