Lindsey Smith’s honest mare Yellow Sam proved once again why she’s one of the toughest horses in the stable, digging deep to claim victory in the MRC Chairman’s Club Handicap (1440m) at Caulfield on Saturday.

Backing up from a win in the Golden Topaz (1200m) at Swan Hill, Yellow Sam brought her A-game to metropolitan level. Ridden by Fred Kersley, she powered home late from midfield to score by a half-neck over Lim’s Saltoro, with The Open close behind in third. Rheinberg rounded out a tightly bunched top four.

Now a winner of eight from 17, Yellow Sam again showed her hallmark courage, something Smith has long admired.

“It’s easy to train fast horses,” Smith said.

“I’ve got a few slow ones at the moment. But she’s been a courageous horse from day dot.

“She’s a courageous horse and has a great will to win. As I’ve said many times, will maybe out does ability sometimes.”

Fred Kersley was also glowing in his praise after notching his fourth metro win of the Victorian season.

“She’s a pleasure to deal with,” Kersley said.

“She’s probably one of the gutsiest horses I’ve ever had the pleasure to deal with. Time and time again she’s come back as a filly, a mare and she’s held that form, so I take my hat off to Lindsey.”

Tragedy struck earlier in the day when Rolls, trained by Maddie Raymond, was fatally injured in Race 8 and was humanely euthanised. Jockey Harry Grace, who had partnered Rolls to victory in the 2023 Warrnambool Cup, was dislodged in the straight and taken for scans on a suspected wrist injury.

“After a fall at Caulfield Harry Grace is off to for scans on a suspected wrist injury,” the Victorian Jockeys Association said. He remained conscious and mobile post-fall.

The Ciaron Maher-trained Sayedaty Sadaty took out the race.

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