Weir captures first Victorian Group 1 with Trust In A Gust

Leading trainer Darren Weir tasted his first Group 1 success in Victoria when his talented four-year-old Trust In A Gust outlasted a gallant Dissident to win the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield yesterday.

Run as the Bendigo Bank East Malvern Sir Rupert Clarke Charity Cup (1400m), the race was a thrilling affair in the home straight with Trust In A Gust racing to the lead and Dissident looming up to challenge in the final stanza.

Dissident headed the Weir galloper inside the final 50 metres but Trust In A Gust refused to yield, fighting back strongly to score his maiden Group 1 win by a narrow margin.

A protest from Dissident’s rider Ben Melham for interference at the 1200m mark was dismissed by stewards, much to the delight of Trust In A Gust’s large band of connections.

A roar of joyous emotion erupted in the mounting yard following the announcement of Trust In A Gust as winner.

Trainer Darren Weir was rapt to get his first group 1 victory in his home state and was also happy about the win of his consistent galloper.

“It’s great to get the Group 1 in Victoria it has been a long time coming but he is a great racehorse, he actually got headed and fought back and stuck his head out at the right time.” Weir said.

“He has been a great advertisement for the stable and I don’t know what else to say really he is a great horse to train, tries hard and loves working.”

Thanks to the Melbourne Racing Club’s Charity Race Day initiative, Down Syndrome Victoria picked up a cheque for $20,000 thank to the win of Trust In A Gust.

Trust In A Gust (Keep The Faith x Subtle Breeze) has had 16 starts for nine wins and five placings and prizemoney of $867,650.

He will step up to the mile next time out in the Group 1 Toorak Handicap at Caulfield.