Darren Beadman is figuratively back in the saddle, taking little time to prepare his first winner as Godolphin’s interim trainer in Australia.
A two-time winning Melbourne Cup jockey, Beadman was confirmed as John O’Shea’s Godolphinn replacement last weekend.
In his first metropolitan meeting at Canterbury on Wednesday, Beadman watched on as Malahat held off stablemate Kementari in the Rubick@Coolmore Plate.
“It’s nice to feel that winning feeling again,” he said.
“To be given this position by probably the biggest racing stable in the world is a dream come true, really. I’m very honoured,” Beadman said.
Malahat ($4.80) broke through at the fourth attempt with an all-the-way that left his stablemate and the $3.30 favourite Kementari 2-1/4 lengths adrift.
Sydney’s premier trainer Chris Waller was among the first to congratulate Beadman, who quickly made the distinction between riding and preparing a winner.
“There tends to be a lot more emotion in training because there’s more responsibility and you’re more part of a team,” he said.
“It’s a big effort by everyone …. it’s 24 hours a day with horses.”
Jockey Tye Angland was also pleased to guide the two-year-old colt home.
“When I first started my apprenticeship Darren was probably at the peak form of his career,” Angland said.
“I learned a lot watching Darren so to ride his first winner, I’m pretty chuffed.”
