Like most racehorse owners around the state, Kevin Howell hasn't seen much of his gallopers this year.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has meant no or minimal crowds at meetings while there's been little access around their home stables as well.
But Howell finally got a good look at Bronzie at Dubbo Turf Club on Tuesday and he liked what he saw.
Trained by Gayna Williams, three-year-old Bronzie started his career in style as Grant Buckley rode him to a strong win on debut in the Happy Holidays CG&E Maiden Handicap (1000m).
"I've only ever seen him twice with this COVID," Howell, one of three owners, said after the win.
"Once at a barrier trial and then today.
"We didn't know what to expect. He'd been interrupted a few times but we got him here.
Howell purchased Bronzie as a two-year-old and the trip to his first start hasn't been an easy one.
There was issues with his shins and then nasal discharge on an occasion as well but and it was only last month when he stepped out in a trial for the first time.
He showed promise when running fourth in open company there and proved his quality on Tuesday when powering to a half-length win.
Buckley and Bronzie ($11) had settled towards the lead early as Expect A Hero ($9) and Geesheehan ($9) set the pace up front.
The Rodney Robb-trained Expect A Hero had a handy lead going into the straight but it was soon eaten into as Geesheehan, Bronzie and Valen Galtero ($41) all pushed forward while Raised To The Max ($3.40) was winding up out wide.
It appeared Geesheehan and Bronzie would go neck-and-neck to the line but Williams' hope put in a strong final 100m to take victory while Raised To The Max ran home well for third.
"He's attacked the line today, which was very pleasing," Howell said of the Outreach X Arrogrant Belle gelding.
"It was a good effort first-up. He's a very laidback horse and the good thing was went Grant went to him he attacked the line. He's a cool dude."
The win was part of an early race-to-race double for Buckley.
After Jake Pracey-Holmes had produced a patient ride to take out the opener with the Mark Milton-trained Cthonia, Buckley went back-to-back with Bronzie and Upside.
Upside ($2.70) favourite, trained at Muswellbrook by Justin Bowen, edged out Inferno Miss ($8.50) in a photo in the Dubbo Radio Cabs F&M Maiden Handicap (1000m).