Long time between victories

VICTORIAN horseman David Magri boasts a unique winning streak at Boort.

Registering his maiden success as a reinsman at the country venue in 1995, Magri returned to the circuit yesterday to score with Columbias Deejay.

What makes Magri’s latest triumph unique is it is the first time he has visited Boort since his initial victory.

“I won my first race at Boort and hadn’t been back until today,” Magri said. “Given I’m two for two here, I won’t be waiting so long before I return.”

Driven confidently, Columbias Deejay began well from his 30-metre back mark to settle midfield as Major Bouchea worked to the lead.

Sent forward along the back straight, the trotter ranged up to the front runner on the home turn before sprinting to a three-metre win from Major Bouchea, with Lochlee Jacob 23 metres away third.

Rating a modest 2:08.6 over 2250 metres, Columbias Deejay broke a 23-month drought from the winners’ circle.

“I’m rapt to have him back on the winning list,” Magri said. “He got crook on me last season and no matter what I did, I couldn’t get him right.

“He’s been going along well this time in and it’s the best he has been for a while.

“I’ve got nothing specific in mind for him, just find the right races and hope he can pick up a few more.”