Country jockey Nathan Evans repaid trainer Tony Webb‘s faith in him by producing a perfect ride on Clockwise in the $250,000 Magic Millions Country Cup (1200m) at the Gold Coast.
Evans has ridden nearly 500 winners after originally being from central Queensland but had limited opportunities in the metropolitan area.
He is now based in Toowoomba where he regularly rides trackwork for Webb, who is a member of one of the best-known racing families on the Darling Downs.
Evans gave Clockwork ($11) the run of the race before she beat Secret Spirit ($6) by a length with a head to Excelebrazione ($41) in third.
The Country Cup has been run on the main Magic Millions card but was switched to Saturday to give it a higher profile.
Evans said it was the biggest win of his career and he was thankful connections stuck with him.
“They could have put Hugh Bowman or Damian Lane on her but they did the right thing by me,” Evans said.
Webb said there was never any doubt Evans would have the ride.
“He turns up for trackwork each morning so you wouldn’t be much of a bloke if you gave the ride away,” Webb said.
Clockwise was originally trained by Webb’s brother Mark until this year.
“The mare has really turned the corner since we put blinkers on her,” Webb said.