MAV LANDS MOTT MAIDEN GROUP 1

Jockey Jamie Mott has won that elusive Group 1 race after partnering former Kiwi galloper Callsign Mav to victory in wet conditions in the $1 million Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday.

In the race where jockey Daniel Moor rode his first elite-level winner on Sierra Sue just 12 months ago, the abnormally tall Mott also joined the ranks of G1 winners with another polished effort to score in worsening Heavy conditions.

Trainer Danny O'Brien was quick to sing the praises of Mott, who began as an apprentice with the trainer almost 20 years ago.

"He's just been such a gifted rider who's worked so hard over such a long period of time with his weight," O'Brien said.

"If Jamie was four or five kilos lighter, he'd be a top-three metropolitan jockey.

"He rides as well as anyone and he's going to be a very popular victor here today.

"There are so many people that have got so much admiration for Jamie."

The 34-year-old quickly returned the compliment: "We've had a great, long association for many years and he was fantastic to me as an apprentice.

"It's really pleasing to get a win for him.

"I always knew it was coming," the winner of 1352 races said of his maiden G1.

"I'm one for working hard and always believing in what you are doing. Give up is not an option. I put myself in a good spot weight-wise and mind-wise this campaign and I'm thankful to Danny and the wonderful connections for keeping me on Callsign Mav.

"They deserve it and the horse does as well."

As for Callsign Mav, he came to Australia last spring for the Cox Plate on the back of three G1 wins in New Zealand and O'Brien said he will now aim the horse at back-to-back G1 wins in the Toorak Handicap (1600m) on October 8.

Story by Andrew Eddy for Racing.com

Pics  by Racing Photos