Celine Gaudray ticked off an important milestone with the victory of Over The Stars at Caulfield.
Success in the Senet Gambling Law Experts Plate (1000m) on Wednesday was the Mornington-based apprentice’s 80th career win.
Gaudray can still claim 1.5kg in the metropolitan area until the completion of the Cranbourne meeting on Saturday after which she will have no claim on city tracks.
A delighted Gaudray said the victory rated right up with her first win in a Stakes race when she rode Buffalo River to success at Caulfield last year.
“It’s pretty high up with my feature wins,” Gaudray said.
“It’s a bit of a bittersweet moment. I can’t complain with the apprenticeship that I’ve had as I’ve had a few falls and injuries along the way, but it’s all a learning curve.
“It’s good to get it out of the way, but it will be a bit nerve-racking to see where it goes from here.
“I did think I would knock it off a bit earlier, but I didn’t ride a winner in town for a good six to eight weeks, so it would be good to pick up some momentum now.
“It’s good that a few of the spring senior jockeys will head off over the summertime and hopefully I can pick it up as a senior then.
“I’ve got my claim until after Saturday as I was booked before outriding my claim.”
Gaudray took the Henry Dwyer-trained Over The Stars ($6.50 in betting) straight to the front and despite wanting to lug out on the home turn held a three-quarter length advantage over Capitalex ($4.60) with Parch ($3.30) a further half-length away third.
“Henry said she was a little bit awkward, wanting to overdo it in her races a little bit,” Gaudray said.
“She has an awkward head carriage and didn’t get around the corner too well, but she had a light weight, and I was happy to keep her out in fron.
“No one bothered us, and she was in a rhythm, and she kicked on nicely.”
Dwyer said Gaudray was a smart rider who should be able to hold her own in senior ranks.
“She’s one of those apprentices that now she’s outridden her claim can go on with it,” Dwyer said.
“She’s a very good rider that knows her form and is good on these types of horses.”
