The newest member of the Sydney training ranks has started the latest chapter of his career on a winning note.
Hawkesbury-based Brad Widdup took the lightly-raced Junglized to Canberra for his first runner and he left the venue with a perfect strike rate after the son of Snitzel led all the way in the Multi-Story Demolition 2YO Handicap (1080m).
Junglized was sent out a $2 favourite before careering away late under the riding of Widdup's brother-in-law Christian Reith and the colt recorded a 2-1/4 length win.
"It doesn't matter where it is, you're first winner is always a special one," Widdup said. "It's just nice to get going.
"There's a lot of work ahead to make this successful and it's great that my first winner was for Damion (Flower) who's the main reason behind me going out on my own."
Widdup made the move from a senior role at Godolphin last month and has set up base at the Platinum Park training establishment at Hawkesbury.
Widdup spent the best part of the past 10 years working as firstly Peter Snowden's assistant trainer before continuing under John O'Shea when he took over the reins of Sheikh Mohammed's Australian racing business.
Prior to moving to Woodlands and Darley, Widdup was the assistant to Randwick-based trainer Kevin Moses for four years and also worked under the likes of Liam Birchley and Bill Mitchell.
"I've been very lucky during my career to have some wonderful mentors and the transition to running my own business has been what I expected," Widdup said.
"We're off and running now so I'm really looking forward to the challenges ahead and my next runner."
