Intimate Moment has delivered apprentice jockey Sam Clipperton his first Group win and his master Ron Quinton the last feature race of the day at Rosehill.
The four-year-old snagged the Group Three Percy Sykes Tribute Stakes (1900m), coming with a late run to overhaul the Guy Walter-trained Any Day Will Do by three-quarters of a length.
The reigning Sydney premier apprentice and title leader this season, Clipperton said it was great to finally score his first Group win.
“I’ve been knocking on the door for a while,” Clipperton said.
“It’s special to be able do it for Ron.”
Trainer and former champion jockey Quinton returned the compliment, saying Clipperton had delivered on his brief to keep the runner relaxed.
“We told him … the only way he was going to win was to get her to relax and win in the last fifty (metres),” Quinton said.
He put the win down to the fact Intimate Moment had matured significantly in recent months.
“I told the boys all along – be patient, be patient. She’s maturing and getting better,” he said.
“She’s had a heap of runs this preparation, and she’s just kept getting better.”
“It’s just amazing.”
Clipperton said there had been concerns the mare could run out a strong 1900 metres with punters agreeing, sending her out at $21.
“She’s showed a lot of ability at home but she’s starting to deliver,” he said.
Epingle ($6.50) ran third while race favourite Lucky Lago ($4.60) was swamped and pulled up fifth.
