Kacmaz rode his first Australian winner on Your Excellency for Caulfield/Ballarat trainer Robert Smerdon.

The lightweight Kacmaz has only been based with Aquanita Racing’s Ballarat stable since late last year, working under the guidance of Smerdon’s stableford foreman Simon Morrish.

He left nothing to chance of Your Excellency ($4 favourite) in the Begonia City Fencing Class One, 1000m, on his newly-adopted home track. The three-year-old led from barrier one and was never headed.

Kacmaz said he felt confident the race was in his keeping with 200m to run.

He was swamped by well-wishers on dismounting, even earning a kiss from Your Excllency’s strapper.

Kacmaz has been with Aquanita Racing on-and-off since about five years, but only settled in Ballarat in August after a season in Qatar.

Your Excellency carries the prominent Nick Moraitis colours of white, grey and pink and now has two wins in four starts for $20,000-plus in stakes.