PRINCESS Pachara was finally back in the winner’s circle on Saturday, recording her first win in more than two years.
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The Peter Pennell-trained mare began her career with ten wins from her first 36 starts but things dried up following victory at Gilgandra in August of 2013.
Princess Pachara returned to that track on Saturday and got home in a tight finish in the Australia Day Gilgandra Sporting Club Benchmark 55 Handicap (1100m).
The win was the Bootleg from Seek To Dance’s first since making the move to Pennell’s Carinda stables.
It also continues the eight-year-old’s love affair with Gilgandra, with Saturday’s win her fourth at the track.
Gayna Williams’ Tinmine ($9) threatened but just fell short as apprentice jockey Clayton Gallagher got Princess Pachara ($6) home by a head.
the Garry Lunn-trained Oskastar ($7) was third while favourite Casino Bride ($3.50), ridden Greg Ryan, was the last one past the post.
Princess Pachara had run only one place in her past seven starts, a second at Wellington earlier this year, but Pennell will be hopeful Saturday’s victory can restore her to some of her former glory.
Coonamble trainer Cec Hodgson was also among the winners on Saturday, with I Dream Of Jimmy recording the first victory of his career.
Jumping from barrier four in the Gilgandra Panthers Benchmark 46 Handicap (1800m), I Dream Of Jimmy also got home in a close one.
With Vad Bolozhinskyi in the saddle, I Dream Of Jimmy ($9) passed the post a neck ahead of Brett Thompson’s Scarlett Gaze ($5.50) while the Lunn-trained Grandmaster Dash ($5.50) was third.