Tom Prebble has emerged as the overall winner of the RMBL Apprentices Rising Stars Series, edging out Rose Hammond and Sarah Field by two points after the concluding event held at Flemington.
Although Prebble’s ride Sound It Out failed to feature prominently in the final — which was claimed by Hammond aboard Lake Vostok with an eye-catching late burst — his accumulated total of 42 points ensured he secured the series win.
There were some tense moments for Prebble in the home straight, but with the title confirmed, he was able to reflect on the experience with a sense of humour.
It’s been a breakthrough season for Prebble, who notched 24 metropolitan victories, highlighted by his maiden black-type triumph on $71 outsider Title Fight in the Listed Straight Six.
“Certainly not the way I wanted it to unfold – I was kind of calculating the points in my head about 400 metres out,” he said.
“But no, I’m very thankful to RMBL for sponsoring the series, we’re pretty grateful they bring all the apprentices to ride at Flemington.
“And obviously I’m very grateful to my masters Patrick and Michelle Payne, for giving me a lot of opportunities through the series to ride a couple of winners.
“Hopefully I can use it as a springboard.”
Hammond and Field shared second place overall, both adding to their points tally during the final round.
Hammond picked up 12 points and celebrated her first win at Flemington with Lake Vostok’s explosive finish, while Field earned a single point for finishing fifth aboard Matriarch Rose, enough to secure her a share of second.
