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Source: theaustralian.com.au
Tears swept Royal Randwick on Saturday.
But they were all of joy.
The history books will say that God’s Window has earned champion trainer Chris Waller a record-equalling seventh Group 1 TAB Epsom (1600m).
But the story emanating from the mile showpiece was all about champion apprentice Siena Grima, who steered the six-year-old to victory at her first ever Group 1 ride.
Not since Wayne Harris won aboard Gold Circle in 1981 has an apprentice won the famous Randwick mile feature.
But Grima, 24, bucked 45 years of history in one fell swoop and in doing so reduced her master Waller – and plenty of those around him – to tears.
It was in December last year that Grima began a stint with Waller on loan from Melanie O’Gorman.
Less than a year later, Grima has been crowned NSW champion apprentice for the season past and now has a Group 1 title to show for all her hard work and dedication.
“There are so many happy people to see this happen, we are all very proud,” Waller said, holding back tears.
“I’m getting emotional for her. Tough isn’t the right word for her. She’s so solid and an amazing horseperson and is the same person every morning at work.
“She’s one of the real professional athletes you read about and she’s quite special in a lot of ways.
“But she’s very grounded, still drives the same car and hasn’t done anything special, I’m just really proud and happy for her.
“She earned that today.”
In the direct aftermath of the watershed win, Waller revealed a key member of his team, Hall of Fame jockey Darren Beadman, was another to feel the emotion.
Beadman was on duty at Flemington on Saturday but Waller said he had spoken to the former champion hoop who “was also in tears”.
“He’s so proud – he’s put so much work into her,” Waller said.
“I supply the horses for her to ride but he’s been there working away with her and that has played a huge part in today.
“We knew Siena riding him today was the right fit, we never gave it a second thought to be honest.”
While the performance of import God’s Window almost got lost in all the aftermath, Waller said an Epsom tilt was put on the radar after Grima had ridden him to victory at headquarters during the winter.
“We picked this race out then and decided we’d come into it off the one run and it all worked out.”
In the lead up to Saturday’s Epsom, Grima revealed that Beadman had told her she’d be riding God’s Window in the Epsom three weeks ago so she could prepare for the career moment at 50kg.
And that leap of faith paid the ultimate dividend with God’s Window ($26) storming down the outside of the Randwick track for victory.
Ceolwulf ($9.50) confirmed he was in the best form of his career with a slashing runner-up performance carrying 59kg while Tom Kitten ($31) filled third a further length away.
While those around her were crying, Grima instead sported a beaming smile as she returned to scale to resounding applause.
“A huge thank you to Chris and Darren for showing the faith in me,” Grima beamed.
“I might have Monday off (work) – actually don’t worry guys, I’ll be there for trackwork.”
Grima said while she knew God’s Window was one of the outsiders, she went into the race confident the son of Dubawi could run a race.
“I galloped him on Thursday and just gave me the most incredible feel,” Grima said.
“I had a lovely cart out wide to the better part of the track and he just filled me with so much confidence.
“When I went past them all I thought – wow I’m going to win my first Group 1!
“I was a bit worried early I was too far back. When he didn’t begin the best I didn’t want to upset him, I was back with Mollie (Fitzgerald) and just thought us girls are going to get this done.
“Darren told me to just follow the wide line and I tracked Plymouth who gave me a beautiful cart and he just kept finding.
“It’s just an unreal feeling.”
Ceolwulf’s huge effort for second c