John Thompson’s unique training experience in China has provided him with more than just a talking point.

It also looks to have secured his future beyond Patinack Farm.

At Randwick on Wednesday, Thompson produced his first winner for the China Horse Club in First Seal.

High-profile owner Dato Tan Chin Nam also holds an interest in the Fastnet Rock filly who Thompson rated a standout when he inspected a group of horses for the China Horse Club last year.

“Before I went to China I checked out their horses, about 20 of them, at Think Big Stud and she was my top pick,” Thompson said.

“They’ve rewarded me for doing the job in China by giving me her to train.”

First Seal started odds-on in the Daily Press Group Plate (1100m) and came from midfield to overhaul Spirit Of Joy by a half neck, the runner-up valiant in defeat.

Thompson believes First Seal has the quality to earn a Group One start this spring.

“The race was too short today and she still got up,” Thompson said.

“I think she’s a miler. The grand plan is the Flight Stakes.”

Thompson has endured a tough period as head trainer for Nathan Tinkler whose recent deal to sell the Patinack Farm racing and breeding operation appears to have fallen through.

While he still has a handful of Patinack horses on his books, his Randwick stable is now largely comprised of horses from external clients, including four for the China Horse Club.

First Seal was part of an early treble for Hugh Bowman who also won aboard the Chris Waller-trained pair of Bascule and Plenty Special.

Bowman has settled straight back into Sydney racing after a stint in Hong Kong and while he says First Seal must improve rapidly to graduate to Group One level, he believes she has the potential to make the transition.

“She’s very straightforward and she’s out of an Oaks-winning mare so to win over 1100 (metres) at her second start, who knows where she will get to,” Bowman said.

“She’d have to take big steps (to get to the Flight Stakes) but it’s something that can be done.”