Fresh off the back of a winter spell, the mare had three unlucky runs at Gunnedah, Coonabarabran and Dubbo before being first past the post in race four on Saturday.

“It’s fair to say a lot of preparation went into Saturday’s win,” Groth said.

“She was coming off a spell and had three starts from the extreme outside which didn’t suit her at all.

“From there though, she came up to distance and ran very well on Saturday.

“It was a really pleasing result.”

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Veteran jockey Michael Squires helped guide Bring The Joy home, winning by half a length from Binnacle in second and Blinkin Snazzy in third.

“It was a 10 out of 10 ride from Michael,” Groth said.

“She was out of class given it was a maiden and class one, but it was a great run throughout and Michael really pushed her home.

“The middle barrier was far more suited to her style, as was the track, so really a lot went right for her on Saturday.”

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Groth said he would decide whether the mare would next race over 1400 metres in Gunnedah or 1600 metres in Moree.

“It will come down to what the owners want to do to be honest,” he said.

“Where she races next will come down to if the owners want to see her at her home track over a shorter distance, or in a race that is more suitable in terms of distance, such as Moree.

“I think she would go OK over the shorter distance, it’s her home track and horses tend to do well on their home track.

“Another thing that works in her favour at Gunnedah is it is a very spacious track, so that takes the barrier draw out of it a bit.

“I’m hopeful that regardless of where she runs next she will have taken some confidence out of Saturday’s win and goes on with it.”

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