Those in attendance at Cowra Jockey Club on Sunday had every right to be furious with David Smith.
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The Mudgee trainer had just stolen the $28,000 Cowra Japan Cup (1200m), nabbing victory on the line from hometown hero Zarhron.
Ten-year-old warhorse Zarhron was shooting for a historic fifth win in the feature race but $26 chance Distinctive Look surged home in a sensational boilover.
And while it wasn't what the locals wanted, seeing and hearing how much it meant to Smith made the result an easy one to swallow.
Distinctive Look is a former Country Championships finalist but after a poor run of results had been on the verge of retiring a year ago.
"Talk about a thrill," an emotional Smith told Sky Thoroughbred Central post-race.
"He's been two years off his best form but geez it's good to see him come back.
"The 1200 around Cowra, I didn't think it was his go but they pop up when you least expect them."
Distinctive Look had last raced at Randwick in November of 2018 and he finished a disappointing 17th in a field of 18 that day.
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That had made it 13 consecutive starts without a placing.
"We were on the verge of returning him but my partner (Tash) said give him a good 12 months off and see where he is," Smith added.
"We gave him that 12 months ... so it's all credit to her."
After running sixth in a trial at Muswellbrook last November, Distinctive Look showed positive signs when running second in his next trial at Dubbo.
On Sunday, he led the chasing pack after the leading group of Jetgirl ($8), Fermanagh Lad ($5 favourite), the Dubbo-trained Kenny Succeed ($8.50) and Zarhron ($14) kicked out to an early lead of six lengths.
The field remained strung out but Mathew Cahill and Zarhron took control as they entered the straight.
Brendan Ward had Distinctive Look tacked on to the leader's back though and while Zarhron was surging clear the Mudgee hope stayed in touch.
Distinctive Look lifted and in the final strides, pulling alongside the sentimental favourite and went on to nab victory in a photo.
Exaggerate ($5.50) ran home well for third.
The day's main event, the $32,000 Cowra Cup (1700m), was won by Cheryl Crockett's Mackeller's Love ($26).
Mackellar's Love finished second in feature last year but went one better on Sunday, winning from Rinviata ($5) and Athena's Voice ($9.50).