Damian Browne has snatched victory for New Zealand in the final race of the inaugural Origin jockeys challenge at the Gold Coast.
Racing Queensland and UBET sponsored the State of Origin jockeys challenge with top riders from Queensland, NSW, Victoria and New Zealand competing over four days and eight heats.
Tinto
While the concept had some teething problems, going into the final race New Zealand, NSW and Queensland all had a chance of winning.
Browne produced a perfect ride on Tinto ($3) to hold on and beat Retune ($101) by a half neck Saturday’s Open Handicap (1800m).
Browne was able to keep his main rival Jim Byrne, riding Jumbo Prince for Queensland, in a pocket and then took off coming to the turn to establish a winning break.
Jumbo Prince was held up for a run and then ran on well for fourth.
Tinto will press on to the $1 million Magic Millions Trophy (1800m) on January 9.
“I haven’t done much beside swimming, walking and three quarter pace work with her since she ran second in the (Group Two) Villiers Stakes two weeks ago,” trainer Rex Lipp said.
“She will get plenty of weight in the Millions but she should be spot-on. It has always been her main aim.”
Earlier, Byrne steered Legendary Luke ($7.50) to pip Browne on Siegfried ($3.50) in the other heat of the Origin.
“We had a lovely run and he really knuckled down over the final 200 metres,” Byrne said.
“I was deadly serious when I said I was going to try to come from last to win and Legendary Luke gave us a chance going into the final race.”
Final Origin points were New Zealand (30), NSW (24), Queensland (22 and Victoria (14).
