Six months after losing a race on protest on a Grahame Begg horse, apprentice jockey Ryan Houston finally notched an official first Saturday metropolitan winner for the popular trainer.
Houston expertly handled noted wet-tracker British Columbia to claim the Benchmark 84 (1700m) from Nation’s Call and Miracle Spin.
Favourite Nation’s Call appeared to get every chance, tracking the speed from fourth-placed Frumos and British Columbia, but the verging on heavy ground blunted his finish.
British Columbia, with 53.5kg on his back, never looked like being run down from the top of the straight and rewarded Houston, who admitted he was still haunted by a ride for Begg last January.
Houston was first past the post on Rivaport but a protest, third versus first for interference at the 500m, relegated the Begg runner to third.
“That race still haunts me to this day,” Houston said.
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“It’s good to get my first Saturday winner officially for him (Begg), he gives me a fair few good rides and I’m thankful he’s on my side.
“One of the boxes ticked off, this horse didn’t look like he was going to lose down the straight … it’s been a long time coming (Saturday metro), but helpful with three kilograms.”
Begg praised Houston’s skillset and development.
“Ryan is going along very, very well,” Begg said.
“He’s a young rider with plenty of potential and has come into his own this time of year and got the job done very well.”
Begg said British Columbia benefited from Houston’s weight claim and track conditions.
“We thought he’d run very well, he ran well at Flemington second-up up to the 1700m with the light weight, 53.5kg,” Begg said.
“One of the lightest weights he’s carried in his life and he really relishes soft ground, for a big horse he puts himself up on speed and the boy rode him very, very well.
“He was able to relax outside the leader and put them to the sword.”