Narromine Turf Club has a knack of producing a surprise winner and things were no different on Sunday.
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The weekend's Gold Cup meeting went ahead, with only essential personnel attending, and those who tuned in from afar witnessed a pair of boilovers early on.
The opening event was narrowly won by debutant Smart Casual, who was a $26 chance, while just two races later it was $31 outsider Occasional who was first past the post.
While not many were expecting Smart Casual to get the job done in the Narromine Region Maiden Handicap (1100m), it was an extremely special win for jockey Kath Bell-Pitomac and trainer Garry McCarney.
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Both are based at Wellington and despite combining many times for a number of years, Sunday marked the first time they had scored a win together.
"It's the first winner I've ridden for Garry," Bell-Pitomac said to Sky Thoroughbred Central.
"I've ridden for him for years in the picnics. It's really good to see him get a winner and for me to be on the back."
It took a moment for the joy to become a reality after Bell-Pitomac wasn't sure whether she'd won when hitting the line.
In the first start of his career, Smart Casual got away well from barrier one and Bell-Pitomac was quickly able to settle at the front of the field.
Smart Casual and Cheshire ($41) led the way and built a gap of almost three lengths to Press Sydney ($8) and the chasing pack.
Smart Casual led into the bend and sat on the rails and while Cheshire briefly threatened it become apparent the pressure would come from the chasing pack.
Press Sydney surged late and Danni Long Legs ($17) flew over the closing stages but it was Smart Casual who just held on.
"I wasn't sure. I knew there was horses out wide and the angle here can be quite tricky so I wasn't sure," Bell-Pitomac said.
The win may have come on debut but patience had been needed with Smart Casual.
The now four-year-old mare trialled at Wellington in January and after running sixth she was immediately sent back to the paddock in the hope she would mature.
"She was a little green in the trial so we were hoping she learnt a bit," Bell-Pitomac said.
"She definitely didn't jump that well in the trial so when she was in front I was trying to look after her and keep her comfortable. She'll improve off that run as well."
After $6 shot Deep Rouge took out the second event for Scone trainer Darren Egan, the Kieren Hazelton-trained Occasional caused another boilover.
Occasional won the Col Hodges 50 Year Anniversary Class 1 and Maiden Plate (1600m), courtesy of a brilliant ride from apprentice jockey Jackson Searle.
Gilgandra-trained Occasional was second last turning for home but Searle was able to find a gap through the middle of the field before powering to a win of just over a length from Rusty Hawk ($7) and Poseidon Ruler ($2.50 favourite).
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.
