Sienna Grima lands fairytale G1 Epsom Handicap win aboard God’s Window

Apprentice jockey Sienna Grima has celebrated a remarkable first Group 1 victory at her first ride at the highest level, guiding God’s Window to a stunning win in the Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Randwick.

God’s Window ($26) came from last for trainer Chris Waller, with Grima producing the gelding down the outside to defeat stablemate Ceolwulf and Tom Kitten in a memorable finish.

God’s Window settled at the rear after not beginning cleanly, while Fully Lit established the lead and Mr Miller enjoyed a prominent position behind the speed.

Grima remained patient aboard God’s Window before bringing him to the outside in the straight, where the lightly weighted gelding unleashed a powerful finish to sweep past his rivals and claim the Group 1 feature.

Ceolwulf produced another big performance under 59kg to finish second, with Tom Kitten third and Plymouth filling fourth place.

The victory provided an extraordinary milestone for Grima, who had never previously ridden in a Group 1 race.

“I actually can’t believe it. I’m a bit emotional,” Grima said.

“He’s a beautiful horse and I can’t thank Chris, Darren and the owners.

“He didn’t jump away the best but he was travelling so well.”

Grima said her familiarity with God’s Window had helped keep her calm heading into the biggest ride of her career.

“I felt really calm. I think I just know him so well,” she said.

“He loves Randwick, he loves the mile. He put in a super first-up in the Theo Marks. I knew he had it in him, so I was more than happy to get to 50 for riding him.”

After settling at the tail, Grima said God’s Window gave her confidence that he would be capable of producing the required finish.

“I hit the top of the straight and just peeled out and I tried to give him as easy a time getting out there as I could,” she said.

“He just filled me with absolute confidence the whole way.”

Grima has enjoyed a rapid rise through the riding ranks and said winning a Group 1 was something she had dreamed about since childhood.

“It’s remarkable. It’s something I’ve dreamed of ever since I was a kid,” she said.

“To think that I had a winning chance is just beyond anything.

“Chris told me before I got there to just have a freaking good time and enjoy it, and I certainly did.”

God’s Window returned $26.00 for the win and $6.00 the place, completing a memorable Epsom Handicap result for Waller and giving Grima a Group 1 victory at her first attempt.