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They are partners in life and in racing and took extra special satisfaction in winning with Spin Bowles at Gosford on Thursday. It may have been simply a 1200m Maiden Plate, but it meant plenty to Hawkesbury co-trainers Mitch and Desiree Kearney. The reason is that four-year-old Spin Bowles is owned by the Kearney’s main client Peter Knight.

The happy connections of Spin Bowles celebrate his win. Credit: Bradley Photos.

“Peter has been with us since day dot; he is our major owner and a great supporter,” Mrs Kearney said. He saw this horse was for sale in Victoria and mentioned it to us. Mitch and I had a look at his form and his breeding. He had been only lightly raced, was nicely bred and we thought he was worth a try. Peter went ahead and bought him privately, so it was nice to reward him by winning with Spin Bowles.”

Cleverly ridden by Josh Parr, Spin Bowles ($2.80) never let debutant Unknown Universe ($2.45 favourite) get away from him and headed him on the home turn. He then showed plenty of fight to hold off the finishing effort of runner-up Dancing Phryne ($5).

Not only were the Kearneys thrilled to win for their owner, so was Parr for the husband and wife team.

“The last thing Josh said to us when we legged him aboard was: ‘I’m determined to win this race for you’,” Mrs Kearney said.

Spin Bowles is a son of triple Group 1 winner Le Romain’s American sire Hard Spun, and his dam Raven Protector was a four-times Melbourne winner. He has been a model of consistency since joining the Kearney yard, not finishing further back than fourth in seven starts, including four placings before his breakthrough success.

Spin Bowles was a gallant runner-up to Redemption Road in a 1300m Maiden Plate on his home track a week ago and backed up well at Gosford.

“We changed a few things around and kept him fresh and happy,” Mrs Kearney said. “Spin Bowles will have a little break now, come back for a couple more runs and then have a good spell. We’re sure there is more improvement in him.”

Watch replays of every race at Gosford's Thursday meeting here.