Rose Hammond had a day she will never forget on Sunday.
The 20-year-old local apprentice jockey rode a winning double from as many rides on Echuca Cup Day.
Hammond started her dream day when Lika Swift ($20) scored in Race 2, but a great afternoon became even greater after Pravro’s victory in the Perricoota Station Sprint (1000m).
“Unbelievable,” Hammond said.
Both winners were trained by her boss Gwenda Johnstone, who embraced Hammond as she returned to scale.
“This is exciting, very exciting, come here Rosie,” a proud Johnstone said.
“This is just super.”
Like a fine wine, Pravro continues to get better with age.
Sunday’s win was the ninth of his career, five of which have come at Echuca.
The 10-year-old raced a little keen through the initial stages of the race, so was allowed to stride by Hammond.
Despite covering some extra ground in the run, Pravro charged down the outside fence to win the $40,000 event by a length.
“I’m so grateful for the owners and Gwenda for letting me ride him,” Hammond said.
“We took 4kg off his back, I rode him at 50kg and it clearly helped.
“It was just awesome, we got to the front a bit early, I couldn’t hold him and he just let rip.
“He was really strong, he was fantastic, I’ve been very excited for months to ride him and he’s gone fantastic.”
Earlier, Hammond guided Lika Swift ($20) to a popular success in the Murphy’s Turf and Landscaping Maiden Plate (1200m).
Warm applause greeted jockey and horse as they returned to the winner’s circle.
Lika Swift enjoyed an economical run in behind the speed before powering through the heavy conditions in the straight.
The grey gelding withstood a late challenge from odds-on favourite Gusmao to prevail by a nose, much to Hammond’s delight.
“He jumped really well and we got a good tow into the straight,” she said.
“The gap came and he just let rip. I thought he (Gusmao) had got me on the line, but he just held on enough. It’s fantastic.”
Lika Swift saluted at his fifth start and was due a change of fortune after luckless runs in his previous two outings.
Mick Johnstone headed praise on Hammond.
“That was fantastic and even better with Rosie riding it,” he said.
“She rode it perfect ... there’s a couple of committeemen in him, so it’s a very good win.”
The list of happy owners included both Gwenda and Mick Johnstone, Echuca Racing Club manager Garry Armstrong and race sponsor Troy Murphy.
The son of Swift Alliance was bred by local breeder Rob Mackenzie out of the handy mare Theresnothinglycra, who won five of her 17 career starts.
Daryl Archard’s Vandelle closed home impressively to finish third and surely has a win around the corner on that effort.
Son Rhys’ charge Ha She also caught the eye at a big price to finish fourth.
The double takes Hammond’s career winners to four and there will be many more ahead for one of the Goulburn Valley’s rising stars.