TRAINER Leroy Tomlinson couldn’t keep his emotions in check after saddling his first winner, Victoriasmedallion, during the current racing year.

Victoriasmedallion, with Reyan Lewis in the saddle, defeated rivals by a half-length in a driving finish going seven furlongs (1,400m).

The race was a native-bred five-year-olds and upwards and a six-year-olds and upwards (non-winners of three), plus an imported five-year-olds and upwards (non-winners of two).

“Well, I am feeling very good at the moment. I have been working so hard for this victory and I am so happy that the time has come,” Tomlinson told the Jamaica Observer‘s The Supreme Racing Guide.

“Nothing happens before its time, and today [Saturday, October 28] was my time so I am grateful for everything. I have been preparing this horse for some time and everything worked out as planned. This horse was well prepared,” he added.

Victoriasmedallion trailed Stickydon (Phillip Parchment) and Jaxson (Oshane Nugent) travelling on the backstretch. When Slamislano (Odeen Edwards) swept by in pursuit of the leaders heading into the half-mile (800m) turn, Victoriasmedallion lost some ground but the bay mare began rolling again approaching the distance, dropping down into second position behind Stickydon.

Victoriasmedallion entered the lane hugging the inside rails and, despite checking at the furlong pole and having to switch off the rails, she still managed to earn a hard-fought victory. Stickydon finished second, followed by Magic Bullet (Dane Dawkins).