Ron Leemon would have been happy to see Manawanui run a nice race on his return at Randwick.

To watch him win Saturday's Bill Ritchie Handicap was almost too much for the trainer who struggled to keep his emotions in check as the gelding came back to the winner's stall for the first time in almost three years.

The winner of the 2011 Golden Rose and AAMI Vase, Manawanui's career since has been a mixture of injury, frustration and a lot of faith.

"It is a great relief," Leemon said.

"The owners stuck by me and have been very patient.

"It's been hard but I knew he was the best horse in the field. It was just a case of whether he was at his best."

Punters stuck with the favourite Rock Sturdy ($2.60) in the Group Three race with Manawanui the $18 outsider of the field.

Tye Angland, who rode Manawanui to a barrier trial win on Tuesday, had the confidence to put him in a position ready to pounce.

He steered him through a gap and Manawanui dug deep to go to the line a short neck ahead of Rock Sturdy.

The pair left the others in their wake with Tougher Than Ever ($7) another three lengths away.

Leemon will now look at the Group One options for Manawanui.

"We had a plan which was to run last week and then go to the Rupert Clarke next week," he said.

"The rain stopped that plan so we have to look at other races now.

"He's still a bit soft and that will do him good."

Angland said the winning barrier trial earlier in the week gave him confidence Manawanui would run well.

"I knew he had it in him but I thought he might be a bit soft," he said.

"It was an absolutely gun training performance. First-up over 1400 metres isn't easy, especially with a horse coming off injury."