Chibnall, 23, prepared Sinister ($6.50) for victory in her tenth starter in the Relax at Woodlands Stud Pace (1609m).
Riding responsibilities were given to Malcom Jones, who placed the seven-year-old gelding behind the leader, before working at the top of the home straight to score with a header, after a great battle on the home straight with Nikita Jo ($15) finishing second, with Jeremy Wells ($4.40 eq. fav) 2.3 meters behind in third in 1:59.3s.
“It was great, it feels really good to get my first training win,” said Chibnall.
“He looked like he wasn’t too keen on winning, but he stuck his big head out to win.
“It was a great ride from Mal, and I’m glad he rode it too.”
It was the twelfth career victory for the well-travelled Heston Blue Chip gelding, who has been under Chibnall’s care since October.
“He’ll just keep sniffing around. He did very well in Scottsdale last week, so those types of tracks are options.
Chibnall is targeting a return to the Sulky later this month after suffering an injury in a racing crash on January 4.
“If it was my choice I would come back next week but it is more likely I will be back on Devonport Cup night (in Launceston on January 31).
Despite her first win, Chibnall said all the talk on the car ride home was about her partner Conor Crook piloting his first winner since September.
Crook, who is concentrating on training these days, returned to the Sulky in Chibnall’s absence for five rides at the Hobart meeting and won with Luvatinny ($6.50), who finished second in the state after winning one of five starts on the mainland last season.
For full race entries, click here.
Through Duncan Dornauf for Tasracing
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