Bayliss, in New Zealand until April, got a huge thrill when he rode his first Group 3 winner at Ellerslie on Volpe Veloce and was beside himself to have picked up his first Group 1 yesterday.
He didn't share the scepticism of the owners and the mare's trainer.
"I love this mare and I'd convinced myself we were going to win it. I'd come here to try and win a Group 1 and I didn't want to miss this opportunity. She can be tricky to handle at times, but she relaxed as soon as I got on her."
Richardson was every bit as excited as his jockey. He has always had a massive opinion of Volpe Veloce, but became deflated when it rained heavily.
"I honestly didn't think she could win, but in Group 1 races you have to take your chance. The way she won was quite remarkable. Jake rode her beautifully, like he did last start."
Richardson won the Railway in 1977 with Kailey, ridden by Lisa Cropp, in the early stages of his career.
"I've had a few placings when I was training in partnership with Mike [Moroney] and it's a race I've always revered."
Bayliss was determined to come with the last run at the leaders, which proved to be the masterstroke.
"When I first asked her to go she gave me something, but not everything, then halfway down she sprinted brilliantly. You can't buy the feeling that you get winning a Group 1 race."
We may see a lot more of Jake Bayliss.
"I will be going home in April to tidy up some matters and I may come back. I'd like to win the premiership and give myself a chance to get a contract to get into Hong Kong." Brother Regan Bayliss made a one-day trip from Melbourne to Ellerslie to ride Heroic Valour in the Railway, but the horse was late scratched after the rain. "That was disappointing, but it was great to see Jake ride a Group 1 winner." he said.
The victory took the mare's record to 10 wins from just 13 career starts and she remains unbeaten at Ellerslie with four wins from four starts as well as at the distance where she is six from six.
She will now tackle the Group 1 JR & N Berkett Telegraph (1200m) at Trentham on January 20.
What the jockeys said ...
1st Volpe Veloce Jake Bayliss: She travelled well. We got the run when we wanted and she found when we needed. You just can't explain Group 1 feelings.
2nd Packing Eagle Trudy Thornton: I think that if we had firmer ground they wouldn't have beaten us.
3rd Volks Lightning Chris Johnson: It was a top run. I thought we could win 100m out but the winner was too good.
4th Start Wondering Jonathan Parkes: It was a top run. We were just left alone in front and we were a sitting duck for the swoopers.
5th Sweet Leader Leith Innes: It was a super run. He got a little lost on the inside by himself but he went well.
6th Melody Belle Michael McNab: We were just annoyed in front and didn't quite finish it off.
7th Speech Craft Rosie Myers: It was a good gutsy run. He tried hard but I don't think the track conditions were in his favour.
8th Go Nicholas Mark Du Plessis: He just hated the track.
9th Somethingvain Cameron Lammas: She was just outclassed today.
Last Fully Funded Sam Spratt: He didn't settle the greatest and I don't think he liked that track at all.
- Additional reporting NZ Racing Desk
