Saint Or Sinner has given trainer Mike Moroney and his team a morale-boosting win at Flemington.
The Moroney-trained Araldo, the stayer which finished seventh in Tuesday's Melbourne Cup, had to be euthanised after breaking his leg in an accident while returning to scale.
Saint Or Sinner, who races in the same colours as Araldo, was sent out a $12 chance in Saturday's Antler Luggage Handicap (1600m) and prevailed by a long head over Pin Your Hopes ($13).
Moroney said it had been a tough spring for his stable but he appreciated the support his team had received since Tuesday.
"We've been overwhelmed by the thousands of people on social media that have sent messages," Moroney said.
"I'd like to thank them for that because it makes it a little bit easier."
Saint Or Sinner's part-owner Rupert Legh, who also was in the ownership of Araldo, said it had been one of his toughest weeks in racing.
"He (Araldo) was just one of those special horses," Legh said.
"He was just a special animal, just in stature and character. It just hurt, the way it happened."
Moroney praised the ride of James McDonald and said the gelding had always had talent.