Katelyn Mallyon secured her second Melbourne metro apprentice title when she guided home the Mick Kent-trained Vintage Lad at Sportingbet Park Sandown on Sunday.
The victory gave Mallyon a five win lead over fellow apprentices Jye McNeil and Harry Coffey, the latter riding a winner in race two on the card for Darren Weir who also notched a milestone of his own with Red Corner becoming the trainers 250th winner for the season. Vintage Lad provided Mallyon with her 31st winner of the season in the $35,000 Sportingbet Best Tote Plus 5% Handicap (2100m).
Trainer Kent was happy that he was able to play a part in Mallyon’s success.
“She gave him a really good ride I’m really pleased for Katelyn to take out the apprentice premiership,” Kent said.
“It really tickled me to see her win in what was probably her last ride for the season.
“It’s great to see her go out a winner, she rode him really well.”
With the apprentice title in her keeping Mallyon said the support she had received during the season was a major help.
"It's been a great season and it's really nice to win the race after Michelle Payne (who'd won the previous event on Red Corner), as Michelle has always been my mentor," Mallyon said.
“It’s been such a terrific season and to do it with mum and dad here on track as well makes it really special, it was great for them to be here and share it.
“It’s been an excellent season it’s great to cap it off with a winner.”
Mallyon will now turn her attention to the new season and a fresh set of challenges.
“That’s 19 to go now, hopefully I can outride my claim in the new season,” Mallyon said.
“My next goal is to outride my claim as quickly as I can.”
Full results for the Sportingbet Park meeting can be found here