French import Don Diego De Vega broke through for his first win in Australia with a commanding performance in a chaotic edition of the Grafton Cup (2350m) on Thursday.

Drama struck before the race even began when favourite Bear On The Loose was scratched after getting a leg over in the barriers. That moment changed the race complexion and prompted a split-second tactical switch by jockey Zac Lloyd.

“He was one of the speed runners, so I decided to take the initiative. He jumped well and we landed in a perfect spot,” Lloyd told Sky Racing. “It was smooth sailing after that.”

Don Diego De Vega ($4.60 equal favourite) tracked Quietness ($4.60 equal favourite), who looked to have the race in her keeping before veering sharply in the straight. The move cost her the win, allowing Lloyd and Don Diego De Vega to pounce and score by three-quarters of a length. Zoology ($15) finished third, a length behind.

Trained by Annabel and Rob Archibald, the ex-European has been a work in progress since arriving in Australia. Part-owner Brendan Nelson of Australian Bloodstock praised the horse’s resilience on firmer ground than preferred.

“He likes it soft, so we weren’t sure today. But he was brave and classy,” Nelson said. “There’s more to come from him this spring.”

The win marked a special milestone for Lloyd, who spent his early riding days in the Northern Rivers.

“It’s great to come back and win a Cup here,” he said. “This one’s extra special.”

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