As the horses lined up in the starting gate Roy McCabe’s Gaze Beyond bolted out the back with no jockey on board, jumped the fence, crossed Eleven Mile Drive and was eventually caught in a neighbouring paddock.

Gabrielle Englebrecht’s Qadira was also scratched because of the early drama but once racing got underway, it was the Richard Freedman-trained mare which jumped brilliantly from and went on to win.

It was the first time in Bathurst for co-owners and partners Yvonne Sampson and Chris O’Keefe and after tasting success, they want to come back again.

“This is our first time and not our last,” Sampson said.

“We’re really excited about the win. We’re lucky to be doing this with friends and that’s what racing is all about.”

Helsonic was originally a gift from Sampson, a presenter with Fox Sports, to O’Keefe, a reporter for Nine News Sydney. 

O’Keefe said there’s been some difficult times with Helsonic, but he praised the work Freedman has done.

“We’ve had her for about three years and it’s been a long hard road with her,” he explained.

“But Richard Freedman has done a great job with her at Rosehill. She’s had a big long spell and has come back a treat.” 

However, the mare didn’t have it all her own way and at the 800-metre mark, On The Nod ($8.50) had taken the lead. 

On The Nod led by half-a-head coming around the last turn and was narrowly holding on to the lead ahead of Helsonic coming into the home straight.

However, the mare, ridden by Matthew Cahill, took to the lead and won the race comfortably, regardless of a late push by Taldora Miss ($9.50).

Speaking on why the Sydney-trained mare came to Bathurst, O’Keefe said it was because the horse was well placed.

“We wanted to try and get a win under her belt,” he said. 

“Her last two starts were both on the Central Coast. She went okay but she’s had some issues with her legs. We thought Bathurst would be the best place to get her maiden on the board.”

O’Keefe is unsure where Helsonic will race next and will leave that decision up to Freedman.

“He’s the man behind all the decisions,” he said. 

“He’s the best. He can patch them together like no one else. He’s great to us. His communication is fantastic it.

“We’re just great to have a really good [ownership] team and great friends. It’s just awesome to finally get one.”