"LOOK at that, the smile that lights up the world."
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It was the post-race comment from Gunnedah trainer Gavin Groth about apprentice Qin Yong after the young rider had won the $22,000 Power Control & Communication Benchmark 58 Handicap (1300m) at Gunnedah Jockey Club's Riverside Racecourse aboard Gavin's horse Malzzom on Saturday.
Qin was unsaddling Malzoom after leading all the way and snaring a two-and-a-quarter-length win from Rod Northam's Joey's Chance.
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Michelle Fleming's Dan Roy was another length and a quarter away third.
The winning smile was bright and big. It remained for the length of his quick summation to Groth of how Malzoom had won.
It ended with "he was strong at the end". "It was the perfect ride, rated him perfectly," Groth said.
"We've been trying to ride him quiet but he just runs with the rest of them. He races best when you let him do his own thing."
That's exactly what the apprentice did, let him lead and roll along.
He also saved him for a last effort half way down the straight, not going for him until he was well into the home stretch.
"Perfect," Gavin Groth said.
It was Malzoom's third career win at start No 28. He's also run nine placings, for more than $78,000 in prizemoney.
"Nice to win at home too," Groth said. "Especially on Hams day."
The Christmas Hams are a tradition at Gunnedah and a big ham is headed the way of every winning trainer.
