'I'm getting emotional for her' - Chris Waller fights back tears after star female apprentice wins Group 1 at the first attempt

Click here to add us to your Google preferred sources or find out more here

Star apprentice Siena Grima seized her chance when winning Saturday's Group 1 TAB Epsom Handicap at Randwick on her first ride at the highest level.

Joyous and emotional scenes followed Grima's victory on 25-1 shot God's Window, formerly trained by John and Thady Gosden, for her boss Chris Waller in the A$1.5 million contest.

Grima, 24, was crowned New South Wales champion apprentice last season and took her profile to greater heights with a daring last-to-first ride on God's Window, who swept past his rivals in the straight for a decisive success. She became the first apprentice in 45 years to win the Randwick feature.

Chris Waller and Siena Grima

"There are so many happy people to see this happen, we are all very proud," Waller said, holding back tears.

"I'm getting emotional for her. Tough isn't the right word for her. She's so solid and an amazing horseperson and is the same person every morning at work.

"She's one of the real professional athletes you read about and she's quite special in a lot of ways.

"But she's very grounded, still drives the same car and hasn't done anything special. I'm just really proud and happy for her. She earned that today."

Grima, who thanked Waller and former jockey Darren Beadman for their support, said: "I had a lovely cart out wide to the better part of the track and he just filled me with so much confidence.

"When I went past them all I thought – wow, I'm going to win my first Group 1. It's just an unreal feeling."

Godolphin's Tempted warmed up for a crack at Hong Kong superstar Ka Ying Rising in the Everest in two weeks' time with an explosive success in the Group 2 Precise Air Premiere Stakes for trainer Ciaron Maher.

Read more . . .

Dermot Weld eyes $750,000 Canadian International glory with progressive Purview 

'Every one of his races has been better than the one before' - key quotes and star ratings for every horse in our 2026 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe runner-by-runner guide 

'I wouldn't be ruling her out' - Racing Post handicapper Jonny Pearson believes 'Aidan O'Brien's best three-year-old' can overcome nightmare Arc draw 

Looking for free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more.