Horse Racing: Burning Crown holds on to win Sky Racing Active Handicap at Warwick Farm

In what was the four-year old's first race start since December, he clung on by a neck to claim his fifth career win from 15 starts.

The pre-race favourite there was some concern about how he would handle the wet conditions, especially being first-up, but he really fought it out to the line.

"He's a good tough horse. I was a little bit worried about his fitness in the wet, but the trial (at Muswellbrook two weeks ago) must have brought him on enough," Grills said

"It was a good tough win and he's pulled up well, so I'm really happy."

She said she knew he would keep on fighting but was riding every stride as Epic Dan kept coming at him down the straight.

"I was confident he'd keep trying till he ran out of gas but he was fit enough and just too strong to the line, which was great," she said.

Speaking to Thoroughbred Central pre-race, Grills said she told jockey Josh Parr just to let him out the first 100-200m.

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As it was he was a bit "tardy" away but much to her delight settled into the race well.

"It was great to see the horse actually settle," she said.

"He didn't jump well and the other two got going pretty quick and he just settled in behind them third which was great to see."

Usually, she said, he likes to go really hard up to the front.

Grills said she will look to probably take him back down to Sydney in a few weeks time.

"He probably won't race for three weeks because it was a pretty tough run on a wet track and it will probably take a bit out of him," she said.

"[But] He's nearly got to go back to Sydney because he'll get too much weight in the country."

Also a part-owner of the Helmet-Scarlet Silk gelding, she said it was a bit strange not having anyone there to celebrate the win with but acknowledged that are very lucky that they are still racing.

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