There was nothing easy about apprentice Damien Thornton's first Saturday metropolitan win in Sydney.

The 18-year-old had his work cut out aboard Gerald Ryan-trained debutant Time For War, which raced greenly for the length of the Rosehill straight as he struggled to fend off the challenge of eventual runner-up Double Happy in the CFMEU Mining and Energy Plate (1100m).

Time For War had enough in reserve to score a narrow short head win, but Thornton had another fight on his hands when Glyn Schofield aboard the runner-up fired in a protest.

Chief steward Ray Murrihy brought the focus of the objection to a point 50m from the winning post when Time For War and Double Happy bumped.

Prior to that both horses had shifted out, but had not made contact.

"Inside the last 50 metres I believe I get on terms with the winner as if I've got the race won and at that point the winner shifts abruptly," Schofield said.

Blake Ryan, deputising for father Gerald, described the contact as "the slightest of brushes".

Stewards agreed the bump wasn't significant and dismissed Schofield's objection.

The decision was a relief for Thornton, who could finally celebrate his first Saturday win in Sydney since joining Ryan on loan a month ago.

"It's nice to get another winner for him today and keep him happy," Thornton said.

"I've been here just over a month and I'm really enjoying it."

Thornton is indentured to his father, Victorian trainer Glenn, but is on loan to Ryan for three months.