Four years ago Conduit took the plunge when Melbourne friends asked him to rejoin a syndicate with their latest acquisition _ even though he could not really afford it.

"The rest is history," he said.

That "honest" horse, Itstheone, yesterday won the biggest race of his career, the listed $130,000 Sportsbet.com.au Ballarat Cup, 2200 metres.

The win was made extra special for Conduit with hometown family and friends on course.

"I'm over the moon," Conduit said as began celebrations.

"The phone hasn't stopped ringing and I don't want to answer it just yet.

"I just want to have a beer with the boys first."

Conduit will share in $78,000 stakemoney, split eight ways.

Co-owners Tony Torcasio and Greg Zarra sparked his interest to buy into horses about 10 years ago.

Conduit said Itstheone had been the only one that had been any good on the track.

"It's just an honest horse, always trying," Conduit said.

"We stuck with him. He's had some injuries to his legs. The persistence has paid off."

Itstheone has had five wins and seven second-placings from 26 starts.

Conduit said he had been pleased with the gelding from "day dot" and looked forward to seeing what he could achieve next.