Trust in a Gust has had to survive a protest to give premier Melbourne trainer Darren Weir his first Group One win in his home state in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes.
Ridden by Damian Lane, Trust in a Gust held off a determined challenge from triple Group One winner Dissident to win Sunday’s 1400m feature at Caulfield.
Trust In A Gust – Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes 2014
Dissident’s rider Ben Melham immediately fired in an objection for an incident early in the race which stewards dismissed, saying there was a major contribution from another horse.
“It is a great thrill for me to get my first Group One winner in Victoria,” Weir said.
“And it’s a great thrill to do it with this little horse.
“He got headed and he fought back.
“Last year was a great year. We’ve had a slow start this year but this tops it off.”