LOVELY ANNIVERSARY PRESENT

Trainer Danny O'Brien and wife Nina enjoyed a nice 15th wedding anniversary gift when Retourne won his maiden at Echuca on Thursday.

The couple bred and race the son of O'Brien's Newmarket Handicap winner Shamexpress. The gelding had started this campaign with four placings in succession and after being sent out $1,40 favourite, he was able to produce his best and break through for his first victory in the 2100m event. 

The three-year-old is a full-brother to O'Brien's recent Queensland Group 3 winner Maracana and he has showed much staying promise having performed well from 1600m to 2400m this campaign.

Aided by an excellent ride by jockey Jordan Childs, Retourne settled in the one-out, one-back position before taking over at the top of the straight. He did have to survive a late challenge to register the win. 

"He didn't win exactly how you would want a $1.40 pop to win, but to be fair to him he got a little lost out in front and came again when he heard the other horse," Childs said.

"He should take much confidence from today and be able to go on with it as he has the makings of a nice stayer."

Pic by Racing Photos