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I've had some really tough times of late and this lifts the spirits

I've had some really tough times of late and this lifts the spirits
Egret

LAST week it was Peter Russo, this week it's Leigh Sutton who has channelled his inner Rocky Balboa when describing the "massive highlight" he has created.

After beating Apollo Creed to claim the heavyweight title, Balboa declared "except for my kid bein' born, this is the greatest night in the history of my life."

For Russo his championship moment was delivered by Mahomes winning a New South Wales Breeders' Challenge True Blue Final at Club Menangle - his first Group One win.

"With the exception of marrying my beautiful wife (Krystal) and my children (Bronte and Beau) being born, this is the greatest moment of my life," Russo said.

Fast forward to last night's Tabcorp Park Melton meeting and Sutton registered his maiden Group One success when Egret caused an upset in a Breeders' Crown Final.

Beginning quickly to lead from barrier five, the Anton Golino-trained trotter was eased to take a trail behind her stablemate, Revelstoke, in what proved to be the winning move.

Using the sprint lane during the latter stages, the daughter of Father Patrick dashed to a seven-metre win from Lindys Love, with Aldebaran Keepa a metre-and-a-half away third.

"She began so quickly I almost fell out the back of the sulky," Sutton joked. "She was travelling so well the whole way and I was just waiting on the chance to set her loose."

Rating 1:57.4 over 2240 metres, Egret stretched her record to five wins, six placings and earnings of $108,750 from 16 starts for owners Yabby Dam Farms and Ange Morris.

"To win a Group One is just an unbelievable feeling...I can't even describe it," Sutton said. "Except for the birth of my kids Milla, Tye and Cruz, this is the biggest thrill of my life.

"I've had some really tough times of late and this lifts the spirits.

"I can't thank Anton and Pat (Driscoll, owner) enough for the drive and Nathan Jack for the introduction to the stable.

"Clayton Harmony and Ange Morris have played a big role role throughout the years by being great supporters.

"And my partner Maddie...this win is for you!"

  • PAUL COURTS

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