THOROUGHBRED

John Sargent's first group one quinella was achieved with Choice Bro and Magic Shaft flashing across the finish line in Saturday's $225,000 The Oaks Stud Manawatu Sires at Awapuni.

Sargent is 20 odd winners clear in the national premiership and has been one of the country's leading trainers for a decade after coming back from Malaysia. His group one winners are in the single figures, reflecting how difficult racing's elite races are to win. "Yes, it was a big thrill all right, particularly coming in my old home town." he said.

Jonathan Riddell took the ride for Sargent on Choice Bro, a son of former fine Australian sprinter Choisir. Riddell positioned the chestnut behind the speed and drove him through between horses in the straight for a narrow win over stablemate Magic Shaft, who came wider out and finished strongly.

"John has been loyal to me lately and I'm glad I was able to repay that loyalty with this win," said Riddell.

Sargent may send Choice Bro to the Queensland winter carnival for the TJ Smith, a 1600m group one juvenile event at Eagle Farm. "He's ready to run the mile right now," said Sargent. Magic Shaft will spell immediately.