*Article by Andrew Eddy for racing.com
Cranbourne trainer Brian McGrath has registered a milestone to remember after his family bred galloper D’jumbuck edged out the favourite Jungle Jim in the BM84 at Flemington on Saturday.
Before Saturday, McGrath had trained seven city winners with his modest team, but none had been at headquarters and none had come at a Saturday meeting, with his wins all coming at midweek meetings at Sandown.
“It’s a big thrill to get a winner at Flemington,” McGrath said. “We had a filly here who ran third, no, fourth once, so to win here at headquarters is massive.
“A real thrill. I am really thrilled also for the owners. A special moment.
“He’s taken a bit of time to mature like his mother did, but he seems to be hitting his straps.”
Most punters were slightly less thrilled with the result as D’jumbuck edged out the hot favourite Jungle Jim in the last 100 metres.
Jockey Blake Shinn was one of those to take a deal of pleasure out of the victory, which was his second for the day after an earlier win aboard Spirit Ridge.
“I’ve just built an association with the horse and Brian for that matter and it’s a pleasure to work with Brian as he’s a real nice guy,” Shinn said.
“It’s just nice to win a race for one of the good guys.”