It may have been a mere $20,000 Maiden race over 1600m on Saturday, but for trainer Leslie Khoo, it was the biggest race of 2022.

The popular trainer has had a year to forget with Whistle Grand finishing midfield (6th) in Race 4, the 100th horse he had saddled this season with zero wins to show for the effort.

But Khoo didn't have to wait long to break the duck when Melody Fair  ($17) broke his maiden status in the very next race, much to the relief of the Singaporean handler and also much to the joy of his fellow trainers.

"I want to thank all the trainers supporting me in the trainers' room," said the happy trainer to Pat Comerford from the Broadcast team straight after the race.

"It's my first winner of the year!

"It took me six months to get this win. I'd like to thank everybody and the owner (LSS Stable) for giving me this win."

It was not an easy watch by any measure with the maiden a few lengths behind race-favourite – Lim's Puncak Jaya  ($14, Jake Bayliss) in the straight. But under hard-riding by jockey Benny Woodworth, the four-year-old gelding slowly made ground before putting on a big show at the 150m.

The son of Duelled still had to dig deep late to get the job done but with the experienced Woodworth onboard, the head win – in a time of 1 min 35.98secs - was probably more comfortable than it looked.

A point not lost on Khoo – even back on Monday at nominations.

"Benny suited the horse very well," said the former top jockey.

"I thought the horse would run a good race and Benny accepted the ride straightaway."

Woodworth – after stints in Dubai and Mauritius earlier this year - had slowly been getting back to his best and was very happy for Khoo.

"Yes, very special," said the accomplished hoop.

"I rode against Leslie when he was a jockey. To be offered a ride from him, and win for him, especially his first winner (this year), I'm very happy for him, and for myself as well."

And of his current form and situation?

"I was fortunate to pick up last week's winner (Vgor), and after that I got a lot of phone calls.

"Normally I have two or three rides, I picked up six rides today and I won on the first one."

That was Woodworth's fourth win from 29 rides in 2022, but with his experience and skills in the saddle, you would imagine that number will increase with every meeting.

And for Khoo?

You get the feeling he will enjoy the win – and why not! - and back to work on Monday.

Well done, Leslie.