Jockey Jim Byrne has produced a vintage Ipswich ride to score his first win since returning from injury in the $125,000 Provincial Stayers Final (2500m).
Byrne hadn't ridden since prevailing on Garibaldi at Eagle Farm on February 2 when he took two rides at Doomben on Wednesday. He took seven at Ipswich on Saturday.
He is a noted rider at the course, having won nine premierships and every major race there multiple times.
Byrne's trademark is to take off at the 600m and sweep around the field.
It is exactly what he did on It Ain't All Honey ($5.50) to win the Final by a length to Travistee ($3.60).
It Ain't All Honey's trainer Desleigh Forster has been a great supporter of Byrne and he has been riding work for her in the lead up to his comeback.
“That is exactly the way we planned to ride him. I have always thought It Ain't All Honey was a very good stayer in the making,” Forster said.
“He should have won at Caloundra last start and the further they go the better he will go.”
“It was a vintage Ipswich ride.”
Provided he comes through Saturday's run with no problems It Ain't All Honey will back up in the Tattersall's Cup over 3000m at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Byrne was thrilled to be back in the winners list.
“I tore a muscle away from my bicep and it has taken a while to heal but I wanted to make certain I was right before coming back,” he said.