A Maiden Win to Remember for Divine Mandate

There couldn’t have been a more fitting way for our stable apprentice, Paige Fergusson-Smith, to return to the races!

After almost 10 months on the sidelines following injury, months of rehabilitation, hard work and dedication finally culminated in a winning return at Grafton yesterday, with Paige guiding Divine Mandate to his maiden victory over 1410m.

Third-up for the preparation, Divine Mandate carried the benefit of race fitness into the contest, while the three-kilogram claim afforded by stable apprentice Paige gave the gelding every chance to deliver.

The pair were slow away from the barriers, but Paige remained composed, allowing Divine Mandate to find his feet and settle into a lovely rhythm through the early stages. From there, the race developed into a battle of the apprentices.

As the field turned for home, Divine Mandate began to build momentum, with Paige asking for everything he had. The pair fought their way towards the line alongside fellow apprentice Violet Soulsby, with neither willing to give an inch.

It was a determined finish from both horse and rider, but Divine Mandate dug deep when it mattered most to secure his first career victory.

For us, however, the result meant so much more than a maiden win.

To see Paige back in the saddle, competing and doing what she loves after such a long and challenging road back is something we couldn’t be prouder of. Ten months away from race day takes an enormous amount of patience and resilience, and Paige has approached every step of her rehabilitation with the same determination and professionalism she brings to the saddle.

To return with a winner is the perfect reward for all that hard work.

Welcome back, Paige - and congratulations to Divine Mandate’s ownership group, Magus Equine Limited!