Much-travelled James Wanless landed his first winner in his new state when smart pacer Pub Blitz greeted the judge in the Laucke Mills Pace (1609m).
Wanless, who hails from Queensland, has raced horses in New South Wales, had a stint in Victoria before deciding to relocate to South Australia.
He also spent time working with Emma Stewart in Victoria.
But his luck ran out after the win.
“On the way home I had a flat tyre, damaged my mudguards and then had electrical issues with the headlights,” Wanless said.
“It was a bit of a drama-tripped back but at least I had my first win in South Australia.
“I think the racing here is good and hopefully this will be the first of a many winners,” Wanless said.
“I have brought nine horses with me and plan to add another one in the next few weeks.
“It suits me that there are generally at least two meetings a week at Globe Derby and coming to Port Pirie is no issue, especially after being based at Charlton in Victoria and all the travelling to other tracks.”
Wanless said Pub Blitz was the mainstay of his team.
“He’s a group one performer at his best and steps up when he is needed such as tonight.”
A $2.40 chance, Pub Blitz scored a neck win from Dawn on Sunday ($18.40) with Star Brutus ($2.10 fav) a metre and a half away third.
It was the 23rd win for the nine-year-old and took his stakes to $357,000.
Wanless is from a famous Queensland family and his grandfather Merv trained the champion pacer Lucky Creed which won 24 races in a row and also the 1970 Miracle Mile at Harold Park.