Trainer breaks eight-year drought

VETERAN horseman Paul Grech broke a long drought from the winners' circle in Kilmore last night.

Although he has enjoyed success as a driver in recent times, Grech hadn't scored as the listed trainer for the better part of a decade.

Grech's previous victory was with Diamond Jasper in Yarra Valley on August 14, 2017.

As for his latest triumph, Grech prepared Popcornfriday to complete an upset win.

"I couldn't believe the odds he was showing," Grech said. "He had been working a treat on the training track and I felt he had a decent chance.

"He's been racing consistently without much luck, so I certainly felt he was over the odds.

"He opened at $151 in the morning and paid $61 as the rank outsider."

Settled at the tail of the field from his second row draw, Popcornfriday gained a three-wide trail along the back straight before being angled to the extreme outside rounding the final turn.

Digging deep during the latter stages, Popcornfriday reached the lead in the last stride to score by a short half-head from Olivia Rose, with Hittheroadjack a half-head away third.

Owned by Kevin and Bernadette Sandiford, the son of Camluck rated 1:55.8 over 1690 metres.

"As happy as I am with the win, I am even more thrilled for Kevin, who has had some health battles lately," Grech said. "The win certainly put a smile on everyone's faces."