Michelle Payne’s desire to get back aboard Five All was rewarded with a win in the Group 3 $150,000 Frances Tressady Stakes (1400m) at Flemington today.
Payne’s only other ride on the Darren Weir trained mare was back in April 2013 when the pair ran second in a 1100m Ballarat Maiden and she was very excited when Five All ($14) was able to hold off the $3 favourite Floria by half a length.
“That was great. I’ve been waiting to get on this horse for a long time. I’ve ridden her in a few trials. She is an absolute lovely mare and has been racing terrific,” Payne said.
“It just worked out lovely. She had a lovely run and had a great turn of foot when she is allowed to settle back.”
Five All’s win ended a frustrating day for Payne who had earlier finished second on first starter Husson Eagle in the Listed $120,000 Sports 1000 (1000m) and Prince Of Penzance in the Listed $120,000 Roy Higgins Quality (2600m).
Leading trainer Darren Weir continues to do a good job with Five All with the mare not missing a place in her last ten starts before today’s win.
Five All spent almost a year away from the racetrack recovering from a mystery hoof injury and Weir said the four year old really appreciates the beach work she does at his Warrnambool stables.