Young apprentice jockey Tom Prebble celebrated the biggest win of his career on Saturday, steering outsider Title Fighter to victory in the Listed Straight Six (1200m) at Flemington.
It was just Prebble’s third career ride in a Stakes race, and the win takes his tally to 110 victories since beginning his apprenticeship in November 2022. The 20-year-old is the son of former champion jockey Brett Prebble and Maree Payne, continuing the family’s strong racing tradition.
Title Fighter, sent out at $61, delivered a short-head win over Deekay ($21), with former Singapore star Lim’s Kosciuszko ($12) close behind in third.
“This means a lot,” Prebble said.
“It was my first time on the horse. I thought the win was mine, but I didn’t want to go too soon and be smiling and cheering when I didn’t get the winner, so it’s pretty awesome now that I do realise I’ve won.”
Despite the milestone victory, Prebble remained focused and professional, choosing not to celebrate immediately as he prepared for his next ride.
“I just see every race as the next and I just learn from them,” he said.
“I got the opportunity to ride in a Listed race and took it on the chin and it turned out awesome.”
Trainer Clayton Douglas praised both horse and rider, highlighting Title Fighter’s development this campaign. The gelding stepped up from benchmark level to win at Stakes grade and appears set for a bright future.
“We knocked back big offers from Hong Kong early on,” Douglas revealed.
“To be honest, I thought the owner was mad, but he’s won a Stakes race at Flemington.
“It’s been a long, hard process to get him to switch off and now he’s got a few strings to his bow.
“He’s done a terrific job this campaign and there might be some more for him in the next 12 months or so.”
Douglas also commended Prebble for his tactical ride from the outside gate.
“He’s a quirky horse,” Douglas said.
“You have to get the first furlong right and then you’re right.
“Sometimes it doesn’t happen when you draw good gates, but he drew the outside gate today, so it worked out perfectly.”
Punters can follow Title Fighter’s next starts and find the best odds for upcoming Stakes races at top Australian betting sites.