The Victorian native stayed at The Lagoon with the Turnbull family for the duration of this year's eight-day carnival, something which made him appreciate how special it is.

"I had a great time, even if the horse hadn't of won and we had to go home with our tail between our legs, I still enjoyed the week," he said.

"He's a lovely animal and is forever going to be a freak to me now. I was pretty keen to win this race after I'd been up here for a week.

"I'd never been here before, Peter Manning always spoke very highly of it and being out with Steve and the Turnbulls, and obviously how good they've been to us, I've realised how much this means. What a thrill.

"It was great to be out with the Turnbulls and see how they do things. It was great how well they treated us, I couldn't thank them anymore.

"I'd love to come back again, for sure."