Veteran galloper Pepperwood ensured he would be remembered as one of trainer Liam Birchley's favourite horses after claiming back-to-back Coffs Harbour Cups on Thursday.

Thanks to a rails-hugging ride from Glenn Colless, Pepperwood ($8) made his run along the inside to score a decisive victory and take his earnings past $1 million.

"He's been a special horse to us and I'm pleased he's still got it in him," Birchley said.

"(He's) one of the best I've had as far as genuine horses and I think he's the first one to get to a million dollars."

A nine-year-old, Pepperwood settled worse than midfield before Colless took the opportunity to save ground after the jockey left his run as late as possible.

Pepperwood joined the leaders at the 150m mark and went on to beat Single Spirit ($5) by 1-1/4 lengths with Prince Of Capers ($7.50) a length away third.

Colless didn't ride Pepperwood in 2012 but for the jockey born and bred in Coffs Harbour, it was his second hometown Cup win in three years.

"It's where I started so it's always good to come here," Colless said.