Clayton Tonkin has saluted with his first starter as a trainer in 15 years.
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Ride High ($1.50 favourite) led throughout to land the group 2 $75,000 4yo and 5yo Championship at Melton on Saturday night.
Tonkin, who works alongside his partner and premier trainer Emma Stewart preparing a team at Cardigan, had not had a starter in his own right as a trainer since Robin Hood won in Horsham in 2004.
It was also a triumphant return for Ride High, which Tonkin leases in partnership with breeder Peter Gleeson.
The group 1-winning five-year-old had not raced since August last year and has now won nine of 10 career starts.
Ride High held out the Stewart-trained Hurricane Harley by a half neck, with stablemate Tam Major third.
In the meantime, Gordon reinsman Darby McGuigan represented Victoria in the Australian drivers' championship in Hobart on Saturday night, winning a heat.
WA's Gary Hall junior took out the title.
