Ryan Foote had a day to remember at Te Rapa on Sunday, marking his first training victory with The Bambino.
Foote, who joined his father Ben in a training partnership at the beginning of the season, was understandably thrilled to achieve this milestone.
“I am pretty stoked. It is good to put the work in and get the rewards, especially on a day like today,” he expressed.
“We have had a few seconds and been a bit unlucky, but I have been patient, and the horses have been trying hard.”
The Bambino, who had prepared for his weekend assignment with a fifth-place finish on the Cambridge Synthetic track the previous Wednesday, wasn't initially slated to compete at Te Rapa.
The Foote duo had originally intended to enjoy the day as sponsors of the Great Northern Steeplechase (6500m).
Initially nominated for the Road To The Jericho (3210m) at New Plymouth on Saturday, the Foote team decided to change course and introduce the son of Rock ‘N' Pop to hurdling at Te Rapa.
Their decision paid off handsomely on Sunday.
“He definitely needed the run on Wednesday; he blew a bit and pulled a bit throughout the race, so it was good to run him on Wednesday,” Foote explained.
“He was straight into his breakfast this (Sunday) morning, so I was fairly confident as long as he could make it all over the jumps. He tries hard, and I am really proud of him. It was good to get his maiden hurdle, and hopefully, there is more to come.”
Jockey Emily Farr, who rode The Bambino to victory, had high praise for the horse and was delighted to be part of Ryan Foote's first training win.
“He (The Bambino) has been finishing off his amateur races so well with Amber Riddell on,” she commented.
“Footy said to me, ‘he has done a lot of jumping, so don't be afraid to give him a good squeeze in the first and then just put him in a position and ride him from there.'
“It was the first jumps race for him, and he has done it so impressively. He has got a bright future, and it was good to ride the first jumps winner for Ryan.”