Apprentice Adam Hyeronimus was relieved to get off the mark for new boss Gai Waterhouse when he partnered Upon This Rock to an all-the-way first-up win at Rosehill on Saturday.
Hyeronimus, who only transferred his indentures to Waterhouse two weeks ago on loan, rode Upon This Rock to instructions out in front in the Schweppes Handicap (1400m).
The four-year-old mare kicked away in the straight to score by 2/3-4 lengths over Cabernet with Oakfield Comet 1-1/2 lengths away in third.
“It’s just a relief to get the first win for Gai,” 21-year-old Hyeronimus said.
“I haven’t been so happy and relieved at the same time. I’d only ever had a few rides for her before I went there two weeks ago, and since I’ve been there Gai has put me on horses with chances but they haven’t really ran up to their best.”
Upon This Rock brought up a Rosehill double for Waterhouse following the victory of two-year-old De Shamekh in the Australian Turf Club Plate (1100m).
They added to Waterhouse’s big day at the Gold Coast where she trained the quinella in the Magic Millions Classic and also won the Stayers Cup with Kontiki Park.
Premier trainer Chris Waller also had a Rosehill double but on a sadder note lost Sikka who collapsed and died in the race day stalls after finishing last in the Tab Sportsbet Handicap.
Deputy chief steward Greg Rudolph said the early indications were a likely internal haemorrhage, but the horse was taken away for an autopsy.
AAP TURF