Black Caviar ridden by Luke Nolen wins the Diamond Jubilee Stakes during day five of the 2012 Royal Ascot meeting at Ascot Racecourse, England. Photo / AP
Black Caviar ridden by Luke Nolen wins the Diamond Jubilee Stakes during day five of the 2012 Royal Ascot meeting at Ascot Racecourse, England. Photo / AP
Luke Nolen has booted home a winner at his first ride since guiding Black Caviar to her narrow Royal Ascot victory.
Four days after his controversial effort on the champion, Nolen was in action at Caulfield where he resumed his battle with Craig Newitt for the Melbourne jockeys' premiership.
Nolenwasted no time pegging back the one-win margin Newitt established during his absence, partnering the Peter Moody-trained Storm Burst to victory in the opening race.
But his share of the lead was short-lived.
Newitt scored aboard the promising Waterford Hill in the final event, taking his season tally of wins to 63, again nudging one clear of his rival.
Nolen has had a tough time since winning the Diamond Jubilee Stakes aboard Black Caviar.
He has been lambasted by some for dropping his hands 50m from the finishing line then desperately urging Black Caviar to the post when she was challenged late.
Nolen admitted to a "brain fade" but subsequent veterinary tests also revealed Black Caviar tore muscles during the race.
The top hoop only arrived back in Australia on Tuesday and made it clear he would not be discussing Black Caviar at Caulfield so he could focus on his rides.
Nolen will instead speak at a press conference today.
While the see-sawing battle between Nolen and Newitt took centre stage at Caulfield it was also a key meeting for Dwayne Dunn who brought up his 50th win for the season aboard the Robert Smerdon-trained Glenmaura in the Design To Print Handicap (1000m) and was delighted to reach the milestone.
