Saint breaks Vandyke's Farm hoodoo

Wednesday 3 April 2013, 5:12pm

It has taken 26 years and 100-odd runners but trainer David Vandyke can finally say he has won a race at Warwick Farm.

Saint La Bamba broke Vandyke's home track hoodoo with victory in the More Than Ready Handicap (1600m) on Wednesday.

Vandyke admitted his inability to produce a winner at Warwick Farm had been haunting him and even when Saint La Bamba kicked clear in the straight he thought "he'd get run down".

"Tell me if I've just won a race at Warwick Farm because I can't believe it," an ecstatic Vandyke said.

"I've had 100-odd runners, 19 of them favourites, and we finally cracked it.

"The dark cloud has lifted."

Vandyke started training more than 25 years ago but had a 10-year break before reigniting his career.

Group winner Lamasery has been his flagship horse since he returned to the fold but Saint La Bamba can also claim special significance after his breakthrough victory.

A delighted Vandyke said he would be celebrating the win on Wednesday night, although he stopped short of declaring he would put on a spread of prawns and champagne, a tradition among Warwick Farm trainers when they win a Group One race.

"It does feel like a Group One though," he said.

– AAP

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