Trainer Gemma Rielly received some extra satisfaction out of the win by La Belle Jude at Sandown.

Not only was it Rielly's maiden metropolitan victory, La Belle Jude was the first horse the Caulfield-based trainer purchased as a yearling.

La Belle Jude, ridden by Joe Bowditch, defied the opposition in Wednesday's Le Pine Funerals Handicap, defeating Delightful Celyna by a half length.

“First yearling I bought, first city winner, an excellent result,” Rielly said.

“I've always said we could win a mile or a 2000-metre race midweek with her and the owners have been very patient.”

Rielly said her career is starting to move ahead after a slow beginning.

She has a number of slow maturing horses in her stable that didn't make it to the sales, but are now approaching racing stage.

“I did work for Mick Price before but not anymore,” she said.

“I've got myself a little 12-horse barn at Caulfield and I do my own thing.

“Joe comes over and does a few gallops and a few other track riders when they're finished with their trainers to help me out with some of the young ones.

“But I'm there at eleven o'clock in the morning still doing boxes, but it's worth it with wins like this.”

Rielly said La Belle Jude deserved her victory and thanked Bowditch for his perfect ride.

“I couldn't have asked for a better ride and just before he went out I gave him a cuddle and said ‘be one with the horse, Joe',” Rielly said.

“You really have to know this horse.”

Wednesday's victory was over 1800m and Rielly said she would look for a 2000m race.

“She'll probably spend a week at the water walker, she deserves it, as that might take a bit out of her,” she said.

“She really tried today as she does have the habit of getting to the front and switching off.”

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