After taking out the main event at Dubbo's Derby Day meeting on Saturday, Bryan Dixon enjoyed the chance to go out for a Chinese meal that night to celebrate.
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But he couldn't help but feel a little bad for jockey Yvette Lewis.
The apprentice hoop had combined with Dixon to take out the Maas Group Properties Western Eagle Benchmark 58 Handicap (2210m) with Zagaya and she, her sister, and mother all celebrated with Dixon that night.
"She couldn't eat much because she's riding again on Tuesday so it was a bit tough eating in front of her," Dixon laughed.
She might not have got to indulge as much as others afterwards, but the win with Zagaya was a hugely satisfying one for Lewis and earned her plenty of praise from Dixon.
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It was impressive not only because she made her move mid-race and held on to win with the nine-year-old, but because it continued her strong return after a battle with illness.
"She was out for awhile because of glandular fever and then had a battle with her weight after that because it really hit her immune system," Dixon said.
"It was good for her and she's ridden four or five winners since she's been back.
"It's been hard though because she can't get down to 55kg at the moment because she could get sick again but she's riding well and it was all a happy family."
The Derby Day atmosphere might have been different given COVID restriction meant there was a much smaller crowd than is normally seen, but Zagaya was one of a number of eye-catching winners on the track.
Described by Dixon as a "funny old horse", Zagaya has been in handy form lately and the result at Dubbo made it two wins in the past three starts.
Both have come in similar fashion, and it's just the way the Gilgandra trainer wanted to see his hope ridden.
"He pulls hard so you've got to get a race run to suit," Dixon said.
"If gets stuck for a run or pace is too slow he pulls hard and has nothing left at the finish.
"But she rode him a treat."
After getting away well from gate 10, Lewis and Zagaya settled on the outside in fifth early while Mr Dumont ($8) led the way.
But at the half way point the pace wasn't enough for Lewis and she kicked forward to take the lead and then move clear of the pack.
The lead shrunk as they rounded the bend for home but Zagaya fought on bravely in the straight to win fro a fast-finishing Club Town ($2.70 favourite), who had come from last.
The Michael Lunn-trained Club Town was a quarter-of-a-length back in second while Garry Lunn's Traffic Cop ($26) was third.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
