TRAINER Mitch Beer paid tribute to one of his long-time stable supporters after Sunrise Ruby was able to make a winning debut at Albury on Monday.
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Despite her inexperience and racing against older rivals, Sunrise Ruby proved too strong in the $20,000 Maiden Plate, (1175m).
Winning jockey Josh Richards made the most of a late pick-up ride after John Kissick had to forfeit the mount, struggling to get down to the required 54.5kg.
Richards hooked Sunsrise Ruby ($13) to the middle of the track once the field straightened for the run home.
The two-year-daughter of Casino Prince looked to be struggling to run a place but sprouted wings late to score a barnstorming win.
Heavily supported race favourite Jack The Brumby ($1.90) was second with the Beer-trained Previso ($4.40) third.
Beer said it was an impressive debut by Sunrise Ruby.
"She is a ripper and has got a stack of ability," Beer said.
"I knew she would get through the going but I thought this was a strong maiden for a Monday meeting over 1175m at Albury.
"She trialled well here in a recent trial when running fourth behind Dynamique who finished second.
"Dynamique is racing later on the card so hopefully it's a good omen."
Beer was emotional when paying tribute to part-owner Susan Zeitz who has been a big believer in the young trainer.
"Susan Zeitz bred this horse and has supported me before I even had a trainers licence," he said.
"She has kept sending me horses and I have given her more bad news than good.
"I actually get a bit emotional because when these people support you and whether you are winning a maiden or a race in town - it's what its all about.
"I know she would be beside herself at home which is in Victoria so she couldn't come today
"But I'm just bloody wrapped for her."
IN OTHER NEWS
Yesterday was Beer's first winner since relocating to his new stables.
"We have just gone into the new boxes and can only stable 40 horses at the moment," he said.
"The staff have done an incredible job and it has been a bastard of a time moving stables.
"Its been raining, we've been building the new stables and we should be back to working more than 50 horses at the end of next month.
"But it's terrific and things are going great."
Fellow Albury trainer John Whitelaw also landed a winner with Rosie's Ready notching her first win in more than two years in the $20,000 Class One Hcp, (1000m).
Rosie's Ready benefited from a patient ride from Simon Miller who sat back at the tail of the field before weaving a passage late close to the fence.
Miller claimed a double after he combined with Albury trainer Jodie Bohr to win the $20,000 Benchmark 66 Hcp, (1600m) aboard Footmark.
Albury Racing Club will hold its final meeting of the season on July 14.