Apprentice jockey Matthew McGillivray recorded his first Sydney winner when the Tim McIntosh-trained Star Shaft saluted as favourite in the TAB Highway Handicap (1200m) at Rosehill on Saturday.
McGillivray, who currently claims 2kg in metropolitan areas, relocated from Queensland to link up with Randwick trainer John Sargent two months ago.
Star Shaft ($3.80 fav) was awkwardly placed on the rails as the field negotiated the home turn but McGillivray managed to extricate the gelding into clear room before surging to the front and winning by a length.
"This is my first in the city here and it's one more until I lose the 2(kg) unfortunately," McGillivray said.
"He missed it (the start) a bit but we enjoyed a cosy run behind them and the pace was beautiful. All he had to do was find a gap and the job was done."
Stewards reprimanded McGillivray for shifting out late onto the runner-up Somebody ($21) but the winning margin meant it had no influence on the result of the race. Finishing in third place was the Luke Pepper-trained Stratum's Siren ($4.60).
McGillivray had to make quick getaway from Rosehill after the race as he had an engagement to fulfil in the second last event at Kembla Grange.
McGillivray's first winner since moving south came aboard the Sargent-trained Cilla at Canberra on May 27.
Click here to view a race replay, courtesy of Racing NSW.
