Selby bought the eight-year-old gelding because of his name.

“I’m a Christian so that’s the only reason I bought him...because of his name,” Selby said.

If anyone’s going to take a gamble like that, it’s fitting it’s in the world of horse racing.

And Selby’s punt on Evangelist paid off big time on Friday as the gelding took out the Akubra Quirindi Showcase Cup.

“$27,000 is a lot of money to me – I’m the only owner,” Selby said.

“It’s a lot of money and the biggest win I’ve ever had.”

Evangelist was rustled up by apprentice Miki Nakao after the turn and took the lead halfway down the straight.

She pinched a length on the chasers and snuck home by a nose in front of George Woodard’s Loud Enough which just so happened to be the last horse Nakao won on.

Nakao’s win on Loud Enough came in the Inverell Cup on New Year’s Day and the win was also the reason Selby put the apprentice on Evangelist.

“That’s why I booked her, because I think she’s a bit of a cup specialist,” Selby said of Nakao.

“I think she gets in the zone and gets really focused.”

Selby said she’d “have to keep Miki on now” after a ride the trainer described as brilliant.

“I said to Miki ‘see if you can pinch a lead but just feel for the horse. Just feel how he’s travelling’,” Selby said of her instructions to Nakao.

“If it’s too hard to lead, don’t, go to plan B. The horse didn't jump, she took plan B and it was a brilliant ride.”

Selby also said she hoped the win would lead to more bookings for Nakao.

“She doesn't get rides. She’s going all the way to Moree tomorrow for one ride and she comes from Lismore,” Nakao said.

“People might put her on now.”

With the Akbura Quirindi Cup in the bag, Selby said she’d be chasing another country cup with Evangelist.

“He’ll race in the Armidale Cup in a fortnight,” Selby said.

Along with first place in the Quirindi Cup, Selby’s other runner in the race, Kilmarnock, took out fourth while Egyptian Ruler was third.