Lightly raced Danehill Dancer mare, Dame Claire tasted success for the first time at Cranbourne this afternoon.
Having her first start back from a spell, Dame Claire showed last preparation that she has above average ability as the mare was placed over 2060m at Cranbourne and followed this with a game fifth in the Listed VRC St Leger at Flemington.
Settling back in the field today, Dame Claire came with a well timed run and was perfectly ridden by young up and coming rider in Damien Thornton to snatch victory from Sweeneys Lane and Deebond.
Damien is apprentice to his father, Mount Moriac trainer Glen Thornton, a close friend of Pat's.
Pat also predicts a bright future for Damien who registered his second win aboard the mare.
A delighted Pat Carey explained after the race that it was a top effort for Dame Claire to win at her first start back from a break and the mare will only improve once she gets out to further trips.
Congratulations must go to the winning owners in John Sweeney and partners who have enjoyed great success with Epsom Lodge over the past five years.
We look forward to Dame Claire steeping out at the track in the very near future and on today's win it should not be too much longer before she is back in the winners circle.