The Peter Romero-trained Rambunctious ensured owner Tommy Gemmell savoured a night to remember after scoring an upset win on New Year's Eve at the Albury Paceway.
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Driven by reinsman Cameron Maggs, Rambunctious lobbed at double figure odds after upsetting the Bruce Harpley trained and driven hot-pot Macarena Madi ($1.20-fav).
Macarena Madi led from the pole draw after an early speed duel with Rambunctious with Maggs deciding to take a sit behind the odds-on favourite.
It proved to be a race winning move after Rambunctious stalked the leader for most of the $6500 NR up to 52 Pace, (1770m).
Maggs was forced to wait until half-way down the straight before extricating Rambunctious into space who sprinted quickly to overhaul Macarena Madi and score a runaway victory.
It sparked some big celebrations from Gemmell who had 60 of his family and relatives at the Paceway for the occasion.
Romero said it was a huge thrill for all involved.
"It was a sensational win and with Tommy having all his family and relatives at the meeting - it couldn't have worked out any better," Romero said.
"A smart drive by Cameron probably proved to be the difference.
"We sort of hoped to find the front but once the lead wasn't up for grabs, Cameron ducked in behind the leader and the horse settled beautifully which was the key.
"Sometimes the horse has a habit of over-racing but he was nice and relaxed throughout the race.
"It was a great drive to get off the fence when he did and the horse was good enough to do the rest.
"I joked to Cameron at the presentation that he didn't even pull the horses plugs and he replied to me 'I didn't have time to.'"
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Romero said he was surprised to see how big of odds Rambunctious drifted to after the favourite was heavily supported.
"I thought with the crew there supporting my horse that he would probably start at around five or six dollars," Romero said.
"But he just kept blowing and a couple of people I know got $17 fixed odds which was unbelievable really.
"It certainly set the scene for a happy new year."
Romero revealed Rambunctious is yet to realise his full potential and can be a quirky pacer to train.
"He seems to like the Albury track but he can be a funny horse to train," he said.
"He's very quirky and you just need to get everything right at once for him to perform at his best.
"Quite often I think that I have got the horse spot on but if he gets out on the track and is one of his moods, he can be disappointing.
"But he has got his fair share of ability which he proved the other night."
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