Tasmanian mare Miss It And A Bit is a horse Victorian apprentice Stephanie Thornton will never forget.
Miss It And A Bit gave Thornton her first city win in Melbourne in Wednesday’s Le Pine Funerals Handicap (1400m) at Sandown but the 18-year-old’s attachment stretches back to the start of her career.
“I actually had my first race ride on this mare (at Hobart) on Melbourne Cup day in 2015,” Thornton said.
“I haven’t sat on her since but to come here today, it’s a great thrill to get the win.
“I couldn’t have probably asked for a better horse to do it on.”
The win was Thornton’s career 50th, with 28 of those coming in Tasmania including 16 at Launceston and nine at Hobart.
“I think I’ve had six city rides prior to today. To get the first win on the board now is very exciting,” Thornton said.
Thornton was indentured to her father Glenn Thornton, who trains at Geelong, but has recently transferred to the Mick Kent stable at Cranbourne on a three-month loan.
Trained by Paul Maher, seven-year-old Miss It And A Bit ($31) scored by three-quarters of a length to deny the Kent-trained Four Sisters.
The runner-up was ridden by Kent’s other apprentice Beau Mertens who ended the day with five seconds and tied with Craig Williams in the battle for the Melbourne riders’ title.
