Not everything went to plan for trainer Michael Pay and son Jack at their home track on Sunday.
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But racing Jacobs Thunder in the 2120m Crampton's Carpet Pace, the father-son team showed why racing runs in the blood while taking out an upset win with the six-year-old gelding.
Michael was full of praise for his driver and horse both after expecting an early lead to be the path to a victory.
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He instead watched on as Jack worked Jacobs Thunder back from the death and battled his way to a first career win in the gig.
"It was really good, he drove him really well and he does most of the work with that horse too, so it's a great moment, it's worked out really well for him," Michael said.
The Steve Turnbull trained and Mitch Turnbull driven favourite Drive to the Beach led well out of the start and forced Pay and Jacobs Thunder back on the outside around the first turn.
When it comes down to winning races, it's every man for himself.
- Michael Pay
The eventual winner began to make his move with one lap left to go, forcing Drive to the Beach to work harder and up the pace in order to keep up, a challenge that Jacobs Thunder was all too ready to meet, according to trainer Michael.
"We were worried we might get boxed out early, but we thought if we did get caught there, not to panic and just put a bit of acid to the other horse, make it work a bit harder with a lap to go and Jack did exactly that and it worked out," Michael said.
Jacobs Thunder crossed the line together in a photo finish with the strong finishing Trent Rue trained and driven A True Sensation, with Drive to the Beach lagging just behind them by a head.
Jack said it was 'great' to compete against some of the region's names, especially Steve Turnbull who he's previously worked with.
"It was great, it was pretty exciting, it fees like it's been a long time coming, but I've finally cracked it," Jack said.
Despite the pressure, Jack says the winning adjustments came easily, taking the race at their own pace.
"The initial plan was to lead, but the favourite held us out and we just had to sit outside the leader there and just sort of let him plod along, which the horse likes to do," Jack said.
Both Turnbull and Rue have been supportive of many of the region's younger drivers, something Michael said he appreciated.
"They're all so good with the kids, they treat the kids great out there," Michael said.
"When it comes down to winning races, it's every man for himself."
Michael also sees good things in the future for Jacobs Thunder, who Jack does most of the work with and has proven himself to be a consistent earner for the family's stable.
"He's been a great little horse for us so far, there's very few times he hasn't picked up a cheque, he's been a real great pick-up," Michael said.
"I'm sure he'll keep doing well in the future with us."
"Jack's worked really well with him, just shows we've been doing this for a long time it goes always back to before Jack's grandfather, both the boys are right in it and they really enjoy it."