Under-rated Show a Heart gelding Woorim provided leading Brisbane trainer Robert Heathcote with his first Group I win when he stormed home to win a thrilling version of the Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield today, with hot favourite Sepoy finishing out of a place.
Last on the corner, Woorim was pulled to the outside of the track by regular rider Damian Browne and he produced a stunning burst to reel in every runner and win from a wall of rivals.
Now the earner of over $1 million, Woorim (pictured) is the first winner at racing's elite level for Brisbane's premier trainer Heathcote and not surprisingly he was jumping for joy when the photo finish was posted on the big screen.
"A group one - there it is, finally," Heathcote said. "When you're back last against a field of cream sprinters like that you don't expect it.
"Coming to the turn I saw that orange cap pop out and there was Damian Browne and he knows what the horse is capable of doing.
"They were pretty good horses and he's run them down. I didn't know to be honest when they hit the line (if he'd won), but I knew he was coming that fast. It's a real buzz.
"It's a Group One - it's a golden chalice for a trainer. It will be right up there with the highlight of my life - like the birth of my kids etc.
"(Owners) Ross and Judy Cutts have been to the top of Everest, but it's my first Group One and a special thanks for them helping me get there.
"1100 metres we always figured was going to be a bit short," Heathcote continued. "But we figured with the speed, they would go pretty hard and our bloke would come with a rush.
"We felt we were a little bit unlucky in the Emirates at the end of the last carnival. He's done the job today, so what can you say!"
Heathcote said the talented gelding would run next in the Group I Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington.
A graduate of the 2007 Magic Millions National Yearling Sale, Woorim is a son of leading Glenlogan Park sire Show a Heart (pictured) and is raced by Ross and Judy Cutts.
"It's a real thrill to get Rob's first Group One," Ross Cutts said.
Rider Damian Browne said the gelding was "flat the whole way" chasing the leaders.
"I knew he would hit the line hard but I was worried how much start I'd given them. Thankfully he really stuck his neck out."
"It's great for Rob to get his first Group One," Browne added. "He's been a great support during my career. To get that for him today is a great thrill."
Woorim is one of two stakes performers and four winners, from four to race, for the grand producer Wabble.
A five time winner and Brisbane winner in her own right, Wabble is a daughter of Canadian Silver and is also the dam of the group performed, six time winner My Limit.
Wabble, who won two races at two, is a half sister to the Meynink Stakes winner Indiana Storm.
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