The inaugural Listed Johnnie Walker Stakes, the race following the Melbourne Cup, was won by the David Balfour-trained runner Right Fong.
Right Fong defeated LA Rocket by two and a half lenghts with race favourite Lee Freedman’s Sound Of Nature ($3.20) a further half a length back for third in the 1800m handicap event.
It was a very spirited contest that also saw the Melbourne Cup winning jockey Corey Brown having a quick change of colours to mount David Hayes-trained Stokehouse moments after his sensational Cup win aboard Shocking.
Sound Of Nature jumped evenly from the gate but was sitting at the back of the pack approaching the turn. Inside the 300m mark was when LA Rocket made his move pushing forth for a bold second place.
But it was Right Fong who bolted into the winning position at the top of the straight after jockey Mark Pegus let go with a solid sprint.
Early leader Mission Critical fell off the pace to finish second last while Ice Charriot was withdrawn.
