Trainer breaks seven-year drought

IT'S a nine-hour round trip to race a horse, but the long journey is "well worth it" according to Ashleigh Camilleri.

Broken Hill-based Camilleri travelled to Port Pirie last Saturday night and was thrilled to return home with her first winner in more than seven years.

Camilleri was triumphant with Itz Blackjack, which outstayed his rivals with Corey Johnson in the cart.

Camilleri's previous win was in Mildura on May 13, 2018 when Tommys Song proved too good with Kima Frenning holding the reins.

During the interim Camilleri took a five-year break from training.

"It has been so long since my last winner, I almost don't remember it," Camilleri said. "I will say you never forget the feeling of training a winner and I was very excited on Saturday night.

"We don't have racing in Broken Hill anymore, so we've got to do the travelling.

"I had two runners and Dad (Tony) had one and we returned with a win and a third, so it was well worth it."

After working overtime in the 'death seat', Itz Blackjack accounted for Lunchinheaven and Ohso Kinky in 2:01.1 over 2050 metres.

"I'm very happy with his run," Camilleri said. "He did the hard yards and won like the tough old horse he is.

"He can be a bit painful at times, for example if has horses all around him he can spit the chewy, but when his mind is on the game, he goes well.

"He seems to go better with a week or two between runs, so I will head to Gawler with him in a few weeks time."