Champion jockey Hugh Bowman has lifted I'm Thunderstruck to a heart-stopping win in the Golden Eagle at Rosehill.
In a desperate finish to the $7.5 million race, I'm Thunderstruck overhauled Count De Rupee in the dying stages to confirm his rise through the ranks of Australian racing.
Bowman, who is part of turf folklore as the rider of Winx, said winning the Golden Eagle equalled any of the historic moments he enjoyed with the champion racemare.
"I've ridden some amazing horses as we all know. And the feeling that I got today is what it's all about," Bowman said.
Count De Rupee appeared to have the race in his keeping when he shot away at the 200m.
I'm Thunderstuck, trained out of Melbourne by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr, was left flat-footed and Bowman admitted he was caught off guard as Count De Rupee established a clear-cut break.
"While I was making a way clear, Count De Rupee was getting away, he put four-and-a-half (lengths) on us, I think," Bowman said.
"I didn't panic ... but at about the 200 (metres) he's changed legs so I just have to sit there while he gets himself organised.
"And honestly, I was a passenger. He just took me to the line and I just made a point of not getting in his way and he delivered in spades."
I'm Thunderstruck started the $3.50 favourite and got there by a short head over Count De Rupee ($18) with Vangelic ($31) finishing third.
