There were many deserved winners at the Gold Coast on Saturday, but none more so than courageous jockey Justin Stanley.Nearly five years after he suffered horrific injuries and almost lost his life at the same venue, Stanley capped a remarkable comeback when he rode local filly Beethog to an upset win in the $125,000 Gold Coast Guineas (1200m).Stanley was swamped with backslaps from his fellow jockeys, and adding to the emotion was the fact the lanky hoop combined with his most loyal supporter i

There were many deserved winners at the Gold Coast on Saturday, but none more so than courageous jockey Justin Stanley.

Nearly five years after he suffered horrific injuries and almost lost his life at the same venue, Stanley capped a remarkable comeback when he rode local filly Beethog to an upset win in the $125,000 Gold Coast Guineas (1200m).

Stanley was swamped with backslaps from his fellow jockeys, and adding to the emotion was the fact the lanky hoop combined with his most loyal supporter in Gold Coast trainer Les Kelly to win the Group Three feature.

"It's great to be able to win a good race for Les," Stanley said.

"We have had a bit of luck together over the years and he has always stuck by me."

Beethog ($51) caused the upset of the day when she flew home late to nab Temple Of Boom ($5) in the shadows of the post for a long neck win.

In a blanket finish, Fifteen Carat ($21) caught the eye when he flashed home late to finish a half-head back third while punters' elect Stryker ($4) dead-heated with 2009 Magic Millions and Golden Slipper winner Phelan Ready ($12) for fourth.

The luck Stanley has shared with Kelly is in stark contrast to the misfortune that has plagued the 29-year-old's career.

In December 2005, Stanley lay motionless on the Gold Coast track after his mount speared him into the turf.

He suffered a fractured skull, a broken jaw in two places, broken collarbone, broken right knee and torn ligaments.

After more than two years of frustrating rehabilitation, Stanley made a gradual return to the saddle by riding work in New Zealand but fate again intervened when he smashed his right leg while riding trackwork.

Despite the setbacks, Stanley was always confident he would make it back to race riding.

"My balance was gone for a while but I kept working at it and I was always confident I could get back," Stanley said.

"It's been a long time but to win a race like this makes it all worth it."