Karinya Max claims first career win ahead of Limbo Larry at Bathurst Paceway

The trainer claimed his first win with the five-year-old Always A Virgin gelding when Karinya Max ($3.30 favourite) held off a fast finishing Limbo Larry ($6, Jed Betts) in the TAB Odds and Evens Pace (1,730 metres).

It was just the fourth career start for Eyre's runner, who managed to hold his lead from start to finish under the guidance of Angela Hedges.

Bathurst's favourite bridesmaid, Limbo Larry, took his career record to six wins and a staggering 24 runner-up finishes with Wednesday's result.

Hedges, who has been in the drivers seat for all of Karinya Max's careers starts thus far, was happy to see him make the breakthrough.

"He's been going good and he's been consistent but he's always had to do it tough and has burned himself out. He did it all the way tonight," she said.

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"We've got the monkey off the back and the owners have been really good to me. I'm really happy with him."

Hedges found the lead with ease on Karinya Max.

Eyre's gelding flew out to an early break out of gate three before the field settled in place behind him.

Dont Tell Errol showed early speed to sit behind the leader and Switchem All In raced without cover.

Cobbity Conquest ($4.60, Mat Rue) was well positioned one out and one back, with other well-backed hopes Mahala Prince ($3.80, Nathan Xuereb) and Limbo Larry trailing him.

The field remained set that way until the last turn approached.

It was there where Switchem All In showed signs of fatigue, as Brett Field began working his gelding hard with more than 400m still to run.

Rue was forced to take Cobbity Conquest around the death seat runner and it gave Hedges the chance to put some distance on her rivals in the outside line.

Mahala Prince pulled out wide to begin the charge as Limbo Larry waited behind Cobbity Conquest as long as possible.

Limbo Larry flew by the rest of the field to throw down a late challenge but Karinya Max had enough left to win by a short half head.

The mile rate was 1:57.3.

One of the most popular victories in Wednesday night's Bathurst meeting came from the next race on the card.

Family Ambition ($66) took a stunning upset victory in the Bathurst Toyota Ladyship Pace (1,730m) to give trainer Christine Brodie her moment in the winner's circle.

The against-the-odds success was just the third career victory for the mare.