Spitfire Lady had to receive two results before she was finally declared the winner of the Rivette Series Final at Flemington.

While the judge, Bill Quin, had no hesitation in declaring her the winner by a half neck, the final decision rested with the stewards after Ben Melham, the rider of the second horse Ava’s Delight fired in a protest against Spitfire Lady being declared the winner, alleging interference in the straight.

After taking evidence from both parties, the objection was ultimately thrown out and correct weight declared.

The protest was bordering on being frivolous, with the patrol film viewed from all angels showing no signs of interference.

Perfect Offering turned in the best run outside of the winner, she came in for quite some support, after being well back in the field she was running on well, she could find her way into the winner’s circle again shortly.

That is about the only form that is going to come out of the race; the placegetters carried too many guns for their opposition.

In the absence of trainer, Michael Moroney, Spitfire Lady was saddled up by his deputy, Matthew Hoysted, a young man who has quite an attachment with the filly; she is honest as was shown with her win at Flemington.

Spitfire Lady- Winning with Darren Gauci