Troublesome five-year-old Haggarty was on his worst behaviour proving a handful for the barrier attendants before he landed his maiden at Warrnambool on Thursday.
For while it seemed the lightly-raced chestnut would not take his place in the field but after testing the patience of everyone he jumped brilliantly from the gates and was never headed in the Star of the West Maiden (1100m).
Trainer Vincent Malady said Haggarty had been a difficult barrier horse and was grateful for the persistence of the Warrnambool track staff.
“They could very well have scratched the horse but the guys over at the start persevered and got him in,” Vincent said.
Jockey Jordan Childs rode to instructions to have the horse happy in the run and he led racing three horses off the rail in the firmer ground throughout.
“I thought the ground was better out there and he was happy to be there,” Jordan said.
“To the horse’s credit, he did a good job to keep going and win.”
Vincent said it was now back to drawing board for Haggarty who he had thought had mended his ways after showing faultless barrier manners two starts ago when resuming at Hamilton.
“I thought he would be okay today, but he’s got a mind of his own.
“Clearly we will have to do more barrier work with him.”
Haggarty started at $31 and scored by a length from the $2.10 favourite Royal Boss and Campo ($3.20)
The son of Street Boss had finished midfield at his other three starts and was beaten just over five lengths each time.
“He can gallop but if you knew the horse you could not have backed him today because he can be a menace,” Vincent said.