Pindari's Powerhouse Gold Plate Triumph

SATURDAY night's Group 2 Cyril Rowe Gold Plate Final (472m) at Bulli, won in emphatic fashion by Pindari Express, had its share of controversy with stewards posting "hold all tickets" at the conclusion of the event as they deliberated over the start to the flagship event.

Run and won in terrible weather conditions, the $40,000 to-the-winner finale was taken out in breathtaking fashion by the Tracey Scruse owned and trained Pindari Express, the son of Fabregas and Brook's Doll sweeping down the centre of the track over the concluding stages to defeat gallant Victorian Nervous An Weird by a length in 26.16.

Black Forge finished third a further 1 ¼ lengths away, with the first three across the line in Saturday night's finale finalists in the Warragul St. Leger Final last August, the event won by Aston Kimetto.

For hobby trainer Scruse, who celebrated a watershed night by claiming by far the biggest win of her training career, the aftermath to the event was anything to what she had imagined, with stewards opting to fine both Scruse and fellow trainer Jack Smith $200 apiece for failing to box their dogs in a timely manner.

"I'm so proud of him (Pindari Express) but I can't lie, what happened after the race has taken a bit of the gloss off the win sadly," said an emotional Scruse, referring to the stewards' inquiring into the commencement of the race.

"After the race we were standing around for about 20 minutes waiting for the presentation, by then word had come down they were looking at the start. Everyone I spoke to said they hadn't heard of such a thing happening in the delaying of all clear, it was a real strange feeling.

"I had my opportunity to speak to the stewards and I had a fair hearing – in the end they fined me $200 and I have to cop that – what I don't like though is people saying I'm a cheat, that's been very upsetting.

"I don't want to go into what I told the stewards too much but what I will say is I didn't hear the starter say leads and collars off and that's why I was a bit late calling him up. I think its best I just leave it there."

Now a winner at 11 of his 15 starts, with prizemoney of $60,000, Scruse remains undecided about where she'll next head with her star conveyance, with a tilt at the Group 1 Golden Easter Egg still considered more possible than probable.

"The win Saturday night was an exemption race for the Easter Egg which means he goes straight into the heats if I go that way," said Scruse.

"He's never been with other dogs around two turns so I'm not definite at all about what I'll do next.

"The dog will come first. I've been really under the weather with the flu so I'll just spend the next few days getting over that I think – to be honest I haven't looked at anything past last Saturday – he won't be going to the Derby at Richmond Friday though."

Whilst it's been a rather dramatic 48 hours for Scruse, she was quick to thank all the well-wishers that have reached out following Pindari Express's rampaging win.

"There have been a lot of calls and messages, I haven't got back to everyone yet but I really appreciate all the kind words," added Scruse.

"I was talking to Jodie Manuel on Friday who reared the dog and I was feeling that sick I told her I wasn't even sure if I'd be able to walk him to the boxes. He's a special dog, it's just a bit upsetting I've had to talk about this issue (at the boxes) without just focusing on how great a win it was."