Payne lands first city winner

The Todd Payne-trained Lisztomania wins at Royal Randwick. Image: Bradley Photos.

Inverell trainer Todd Payne landed his most significant career win at Royal Randwick earlier this month.

Racing Lisztomania ($5.50) in the 1200m Class Three Highway Handicap on February 8th, connections watched on as the six-year-old Dream Ahead gelding broke a 733-day drought when finished strongly to win by a head from the Danny Williams-trained Exit Fee ($7).

The Noel Mayfield-Smith-trained Sammy Conquers All (Jay Fiord, 60/1) finished third and a length behind the winner.

The victory means Lisztomania has won three times and placed ten times in just 18 starts, bringing his career earnings to over $230,000.

It was a massive result for Payne, who’s raced the talented galloping five times in town, with Lisztomania finishing no worse than fourth before their victory at headquarters.

With a city win under their belt, Payne and the stable will look to continue the good run at Quirindi on Friday.

Starting recent Deepwater Cup winner Shamedy, Cobi Vitler will be in the saddle when taking on the $50,000 Quirindi Cup (1600m).

Payne will also start Takemine in the $35,000 Country Boosted Class Two Plate (1200m).