You couldn't have written a better script for David Callaughan's Armidale Cup debut.
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Callaughan made the trip from Tuncurry with Scotty Be Gotti entered in the $50,000 Cup race.
Jockey Louise Day rode the nine-year-old gelding perfectly, surging home by more than three lengths to take the win.
Callaughan praised the apprentice jockey for guiding Scotty Be Gotti for the win.
"Louise has ridden it, she has watched replays of the ride, she knows the horse," Callaughan said.
"Terrific ride by Louise and she's won three on him now."
Callaughan's wife, Pip, owns the big bay gelding, making the trek up to Armidale "very worthwhile."
The win was made even sweeter being Callaughan's first attempt at the Cup.
"First time here, my wife has been here with other horses we have had but it is my first time here and I am walking away with the Armidale Cup," he said.
"Armidale Jockey Club have done a fantastic job, the track is in terrific order, very happy and it is a pleasure to come up here and enjoy country racing."
As for whether he will come back for another attempt at the Cup, Callaughan isn't ruling anything out.
"Scotty is nine-years-old, he is still sound and still enjoying racing," he said.
"He will go back to the paddock and while he stays sound and enjoys racing we will just keep racing him."
ALSO IN SPORT:
Armidale-based trainer Frank Tanner gave the home crowd something to cheer about with his Cuthbert Gold second to Scotty Be Gotti.
Keith Smith scored another win for the locals with Named After crossing first over 1400m in race three.
Victory Vibes provided Guyra trainer Terry Vidler with a win in race eight.
Gosford trainer Nick Mitchell was the first winner for the day with Foolin' Around taking out the two-year-old thunderbolt handicap.
Taree's Bob Milligan took out the following 1100m maiden with Gypsy Queen.
Tamworth trainer Troy O'Neile won the next race with Arlo's Way while Brett Cavanough won the Class 3 1300m handicap with Reward the Chaser.
The Luke Morgan-trained Medal Afrique beat favourite She's Choosie by more than a length in race six over 1100m.