Winona Costin repaid Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott's faith when she gave Military Mission (IRE) a pearl of a ride in Sunday's $300,000 Ladbrokes Hobart Cup (2400m) at Elwick racecourse.
Three back on the fence early, Costin eased the son of Mastercraftsman (IRE) off the fence, obliging Blake Shinn to race three deep on the favourite Spirit Ridge (GB).
After putting paid to Spirit Ridge (GB) in the straight, Military Mission (IRE) safely held the challenge of local hope Travelling Gigolo (Globetrotter) by two and a quarter lengths with a further three-quarter length back to Spirit Ridge (GBR) in third.
A €170,000 purchase for Mckeever Bloodstock/Gai Waterhouse/Adrian Bott from the Kremlin Cottage draft at the 2021 Goffs London Sale, the former Hugo Palmer inmate advances his record to five four three from 20 starts with earnings of $355,955.
It was a joyous moment for some of Military Mission's Tasmanian-based owners, who saw the import for the first time in the flesh.
"I would have liked to have been a little closer and taken up the running, but he did not muster after they jumped, so I had to bite the bullet," Winona Costin said.
"He got into a nice rhythm, and I was able to pop off the fence down the back.
"When I let him down at the top of the straight, he put them away in two strides.
"It’s such an honour to ride for Gai and Adrian and the owners. I’m so thankful for the support.
“The track is in great order and beautiful to ride, which makes for fair racing.”
Military Mission is the best of two winners from three to race for the Tamayuz mare Atlantic Isle, a 3-time winner in Germany.
He becomes the 103rd black-type winner for Danehill Dancer’s Irish Two Thousand Guineas winner Mastercraftsman (IRE).
