It didn’t take long for Mack Hall to make his way to the winner’s enclosure.
While Belmont Park’s Wednesday meeting was conducted under dark and grey skies, Hall enjoyed the brightest moment of his fledgling career.
Hall celebrated his first win as a trainer when he’s well-backed gelding Gin ‘N’ Swanic easily won the Amelia Park Handicap (2200m) at winter headquarters.
Relishing the heavy track conditions, Gin ‘N’ Swanic came from last and in a dominant display won by 3 3/4 lengths under apprentice jockey, Luke Campbell.
Hall’s personal milestone came at his fifth start and just five weeks after he branched out on his own and was granted his trainer’s license.
The 22-year-old was rapt with the win.
“Unreal, can’t believe it, yeah,” Hall said.
Hall’s foray into the WA training ranks has commenced very well, particularly, so soon after he went solo.
Although he lacks racing experience, Hall says he gained a wealth of knowledge under some of Perth’s top trainers.
“I’ve always been around horses, but the racing side of things I started working with Todd Harvey and Rob Harvey,” Hall said.
“They taught me a hell of a lot.
“Then I went to Jarrad Noske for a few months, doing some breaking in and that.
“Now I’m training in my own right, which is good.
“Everyone has been a massive supporter and getting around me.”
Gin “N’ Swanic won his second race after winning a Geraldton maiden for trainer Dan Morton over a year ago.
Gin “N’ Swanic was on the six day turnaround after running fifth to Benji’s over a mile at Northam.
Hall was quietly confident Gin ‘N’ Swanic could win at his first try over 2200m.
“I was pretty confident he could see out the trip,” Hall said.
“I was worried if the back up might have taken it out of him.
“He does put in pretty hard in his races.
“I was pretty happy when Luke (Campbell) had him sort of back there out of trouble and made the run around them.”
Despite Gin ‘N’ Swanic having the race in his keeping early in the straight, Hall waited until he was clear before he reveled in victory.
“I was waiting until he was three or four in front before I got up and about,” Hall said.
Julio Santarelli