Turk Warrior scored his 10th career win at just his 16th start when winning the $109,000 Ladbrokes Carpet Charge (1009m) at Devonport on Wednesday.
Trained locally at Wesley Vale by Glenn Stevenson, regular hoop Ismail Toker took the four-year-old to the front in the straight and held off the challenge of progressive mare Emily with Liffeybeau third.
Stevenson drescribed the new concept as a great initiative and said it was fantastic to be the first winner of the new race on his home track.
“We made the decision after the Newmarket to change plans,” he said.
“It was the right move and we’ve reaped the rewards.”
Stevenson said the horse’s work in the lead-up to the race suggested he would be hard to beat.
“He’s that well and we’ve been that happy with him.”
Toker was also thrilled to land the initial Carpet Charge.
“I couldn’t describe my feelings today, all the hard work has paid of,” he said.
“I think he goes really well fresh and it was his day today – I think this was his strongest win.”
