Craig Newitt had all the more reason to celebrate his 100th winner for the season at Moonee Valley on Saturday.
The milestone win came on Tasmanian horse Black `n' Tough who is trained by his cousin and former master Leon Wells.
The jockey said Wells was instrumental in getting him to the point where he's now a leading rider in Melbourne.
"Without a doubt I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for him. He gave me a really good kick along back home when I first started out," Newitt said.
"So it's very special."
Newitt spent about 18 months of his apprenticeship with Wells before moving to Victoria.
Black `n' Tough was heavily backed to start $3.60 favourite and kicked strongly rounding the home turn after sitting outside the leader.
She opened a winning break over the fast-finishing Serene Star who finished a length away with 1-3/4 lengths back to Counted in third.
"I just sat outside them and was never going to lose," Newitt said.