Racing: Fifth time lucky for Victorian

Paul Hamblin. Photo / Supplied

Victorian jockey Paul Hamblin had his first New Zealand win at Wingatui on Saturday at his fifth visit.

Hamblin was rewarded for coming over to ride Omakau, Central Otago, horseman Murray Hamilton's team of three when Misisipi Moonshine cleared out to a 19-length win in the steeplechase.

He rode Misisipi Moonshine to finish third in a maiden steeple at the Grand National meeting.

However, he would not have particularly good memories of Riccarton as he suffered concussion and a facial laceration when his mount Lindisfarne crashed in the Grand National Steeplechase.

Hamblin has ridden some 50 winners over jumps and others on the flat in 23 years as a jockey in Australia, Ireland, England and the Czech Republic, where he rode in the equivalent of the Grand National Steeplechase over 55 fences.

Hamblin was encouraged to try his luck in New Zealand by New Plymouth trainer John Wheeler, whom he rode work for when Wheeler campaigned horses at the Brisbane winter carnival.

Misisipi Moonshine is the fourth individual jumps winner for Hamilton since May - Kid Columbus (New Zealand Grand National Hurdles), Rule The Day and Magic Man.

Kid Columbus is back in work with the New Zealand Cup in November Cup as his target.

Owner Peter Lyon, of Alexandra, felt Misisipi Moonshine was worth trying as a jumper, being a half-brother by Sunray to Blakes Boy, whose four wins included the 2005 Waikato Hurdles and the Sydenham Hurdles at Riccarton.