Clayton Douglas | Clayton Douglas News 62053 Knockout Blow By Title Fighter

Title Fighter delivered a remarkable upset victory in the Listed Hilton Nicholas Straight Six (1200m) as a 71-1 outsider under apprentice jockey Tom Prebble.  A career defining win for both horse and rider with their shared first stakes win.

Trainer Clayton Douglas was effusive in his praise for Prebble's ride, stating “He rode it a treat. You couldn’t have asked for a better ride honestly. He was nice and quiet on him early.

“He’s got a big future this kid.”

For Prebble, the victory was particularly special, marking his first stakes win for the talented apprentice and a significant milestone in his burgeoning career,  especially as his father, former champion international jockey Brett Prebble, was on course.

"I just see every race as the next and I want to win all of them," Prebble said.

"When I got the opportunity to ride in a Listed race, I just took the opportunity. It unfolded awesomely.”

Clayton was equally impressed with the effort of Title Fighter.  “We knocked back big offers from Hong Kong early on, to be honest I thought the owner was mad, and now he’s won a stakes race up the straight. It’s been a long, hard process to teach him to switch off and he’s now got strings to his bow. He’s only 4 and he’s done a terrific job this campaign” said Douglas.

The trainer also reflected on his season to date “I’ve had a really good season to be honest. I’ve got Giga Kick who’s my class horse for the stable, this guy’s now won a stakes race,  I’ve had a 2yr old stakes winner, we’re ticking along really well and I’m really happy with all the staff and how hard they’re working. It good to get a result for everyone” 

The team was thrilled to give Tom the opportunity and both horse and rider lived up to expectations.

Title Fighter's triumph in the Straight Six was his first stakes win and took his earnings to over $550,000.