Trainer Leroy Tomlinson couldn't contain his emotions after leading his first winner in 2023, Victoriasmedallion to the winners’ enclosure.
Ridden by Reyan Lewis, Victoriasmedallion defeated rivals by half a length in a thrilling sprint over seven furlongs (1,400m).
The race featured native-bred five-year-olds and up, six-year-olds and up (non-winners of three), and imported five-year-olds and up (non-winners of two).
"I feel fantastic right now. I have worked so hard for this win, and I'm thrilled that it has finally arrived," Tomlinson said.
"Everything happens at the right time, and today (Saturday, October 28) was our day. I'm grateful for everything. I've been training this horse for a while, and everything went according to plan. She was well-prepared," he added.
Victoriasmedallion followed Stickydon (Phillip Parchment) and Jaxson (Oshane Nugent) on the backstretch. As Slamislano (Odeen Edwards) chased the leaders entering the half-mile turn, Victoriasmedallion lost some ground but regained momentum approaching the home stretch.
Hugging the inside rails, Victoriasmedallion overcame challenges at the furlong pole and managed to secure a hard-fought win. Stickydon took second place, followed by Magic Bullet (Dane Dawkins).
