Marton-based Fraser Auret made sure the team was watered, fed and bedded before celebrating his 100th winner as a trainer on Saturday.
Auret celebrated with a "few bourbons at home" after Julinsky Prince got home in a driving finish at Wanganui.
Auret had expected a bold run from the 4-year-old,who is raced by his breeder and strong stable supporter John Bromley.
Julinsky Prince had won for the third time in his career at Hawera two runs back and was then tripped up by the going at Trentham.
"It was a great feeling and an opportunity to reflect on the last seven or eight years since I took out a licence on my own account. I must admit I did have a few bourbons at home on Saturday night," Auret said yesterday.
One of those reflections was his first winner Grand Prix at Woodville in August 2006.
Just turned 29, Auret honed many of his skills as a trainer growing up around horses at his parent's Nigel and Adaire's breeding barn stables just south of Wanganui.
"I was conscious the 100 was getting close, but I was more focused on just getting the job done for all of my owners. It was wonderful to get the milestone at Wanganui, though. I might be based in Marton these days, but I'm still a Wanganui boy through and through."
Auret said reaching the mark was also a credit to his staff and loyal band of owners.
"I have six staff and some really loyal owners - this is a testament to them. And it was fitting that Jonathon (Parkes) rode Julinsky Prince. Jonathon has ridden for me for a few years now and has probably racked up about 30 or 40 winners for me - and he's a Wanganui boy too," Auret said.
The affable trainer has three black type wins to his credit with Mettre En Jeu (Listed Triple Crown Cup), Sharp Princess (South Island Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes) and Mini Pearl (Manawatu Breeders' Stakes). The former now stands the Letham Thoroughbreds family operation of his parents on the Marangai.
