Browne, a former South Islander, reckoned this was his first ride at Ellerslie in more than 20 years and he says don't ask him what horse that was.
Birchley, a popular character, was prepared to indulge in a little transtasman banter. "He [Browne] was probably always a good rider, but we made him." Someone mentioned that New Zealand also made Birchley - he spent several years honing his skills in New Zealand thoroughbred establishments.
"What a ride," he said of his stable jockey. And it was.
The laid-back Hardline, despite the introduction of the sharpening blinkers, was still second last on the home bend.
Local runner Selfie and Jason Collett burst to the front at the 230m and looked certain to win.
Even when you could see Hardline starting to wind up he was a $50 chance to pick the leader up.
He wound up so well he ran past by one length. It was a superb performance.
Browne said he wasn't overly worried when so far back on the bend.
"My job was to keep him balanced and to allow him the last run at them."
That was certainly achieved.
Dal Cielo took third ahead of O'Dianne, Gotham and Strata Lady.
The favourite The Justice League was five and six wide to the home turn and had no chance from there of being in the finish.
But the moment belonged to Liam Birchley. "This is my greatest moment in racing."
Donna Logan said what we were probably all thinking after Volkstok'n'barrell got punters home at $1.60.
"It's just amazing to have a horse like this," said the Ruakaka trainer.
The $100,000 New Zealand Bloodstock Insurance Karaka 3YO Mile didn't pan out quite as well as most thought.
Indications that Matt Cameron might take a sit in the trail on the hot favourite evaporated when he held the lead from the No 1 gate.
Woodsman came around and headed Volkstok'n'barrell at the 600m, but Cameron attacked on the home bend at almost exactly the same time James McDonald dashed alongside and just put his head in front on Rockfast.
A titanic battle looked on, until Rockfast ducked outwards halfway down the straight and from that point Volkstok'n'barrell had it to himself.
Cameron said he had been surprised to be attacked so quickly on the
bend. "He hadn't expected to have to sprint that early, but once he did, he put it away quickly.
"I learned something today - he sprints better when you don't use the whip. He doesn't need it."
Rockfast had no chance to make up the ground he lost, but was just as clearly second.
Volkstok'n'barrell will start next in the Avondale Guineas.
It was potentially a multi-million dollar gallop when Silent Achiever, Shuka and Rising Romance combined between races at Ellerslie last night.
Shuka and Silent Achiever worked ahead from the 1000m with Rising Romance 10 lengths behind.
The front pair galloped together to the finish with Rising Romance making up probably five lengths on them, going to the line strongly.
Roger James said he was unsure where he would kick off Silent Achiever's march towards the rich Queen Elizabeth Stakes in Sydney.
"Last year, I kicked her off here and she had to carry 61kg [which she won by a nose], but I won't be doing that, she'd have to carry 64kg or 65kg this time.
"I have options to go to Melbourne first, but I think probably the best option is to go to Sydney earlier than last year."
Shuka will aim towards the 2000m weight-for-age Herbie Dyke Stakes at Te Rapa. "All I hope for is a couple of decent barrier draws so he can go forward and take up a position," said co-trainer Peter Williams.
Donna Logan said she was undecided whether to send Rising Romance to the Avondale trials next, but thought probably not.
She will aim Rising Romance instead for the group one Waikato Sprint at Te Rapa.
"Where are we with her preparation - in a fabulous place?"
A day in a million
• Liam Birchley continues his affinity with New Zealand's richest race.
• The Queensland horseman applied blinkers to Hardline and he raced truly and quickly down the Ellerslie straight.
• Volkstok'n'barrell showed a new string to his bow by leading all the way.
