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By Geoff Newling

John Hine couldn’t hide his delight when Delete surged to victory in today’s Tuffrock EJ Showcase Maiden Handicap (1400m) at Scone.

The Tamworth owner/trainer cheered home the four-year-old son of Arlington to a narrow but determined win from Stirling Osland’s Acraman. Ben Smith’s Elaborate was a close up third.

All the accolades were for Delete though who had, in six previous starts, failed to run a place. That’s one of the reasons why he was a “gift” horse, said John Hine. The other was a nasty looking leg.

“He deserved that win today,” John Hine said. “Had a bit of bad luck but everything fell into place today.”

John said he was “given the Arlington colt” and believes there is a bright future for the stallion.

Peter Graham gained a late pick-up ride on Delete as well while Aaron Bullock hit the front in the Hunter and North West Racing Association jockeys' premiership when he partnered Hermosa Reward to victory in the Kohnke Own Showcase Class 2 Handicap (1600m) for Newcastle trainer Kris Lees.

Last start winner at Taree, Hermosa’s Reward has won three of seven starts for Lees, who won the HNWRA trainers' premiership last season.

HNWRA secretary Bob Scherf said the HNWRA presentations will be held at Scone on September 21, before that day’s meeting. The Monstar, trained by Brett Cavanough, and one of the early favourites for the $1.3 million The Kosciuszko, is the HNWRA Horse of the Year.

Kris Lees is the leading trainer, Greg Ryan the leading jockey while Louise Day and Mikayla weir are joint winners of the HNWRA’s apprentice premiership. The Bede Thomas Memorial Award will also be presented to veteran racecaller Bob Poetschka.

View the full results with race replays for Scone here