THE first time Paul Carberry tried to win a race in Orange, Bob Hawke was Prime Minister and Australia had just won the America’s Cup.

A quarter of a century later, Carberry could finally crack a smile after watching his six-year-old gelding Gold Sultan claim the $12,000 Moraitis Leaders In Fresh Produce Open Handicap over 1300m at Orange’s Towac Park following a composed ride by Greg Ryan.

“I’ve been trying for about 25 years to win a race at Orange and I’ve finally won one, so it’s a big thrill,” the owner said.

The Mark Milton-trained Gold Sultan ($3.40 fav) settled in nicely behind early leader Jazannan ($15.00) before Ryan freed his ride up in the straight to claim a comfortable half-length win from Hot Bake Clarrie ($8.00), with Spoilt Matilda ($6.50) a length further behind in third.

The win took Gold Sultan’s career earnings to over $50,000 and continued a rich vein of recent form, with the win the horse’s third from its past six starts.

“He jumped very well. I liked the way that Greg allowed the horse to settle and let a few pace-makers go,” Carberry said.

“Overall it was a very well-judged ride by Greg Ryan.”

“This seems to be his pet distance. The only other time he raced in Orange he was second here (in April this year) in a prelude to the Bathurst Soldier’s Saddle.”

It was a tough day at the track for Golden West trainers, who failed to notch any winners.

Cowra trainer Ken Parsons had plenty of reason to smile, though, after Ella La Rossa took out the Moraitis Thoroughbreds Rating 77 Handicap and Flaming Note won the www.goldenwest.com.au Maiden Handicap.

It was a great day for Cowra trainers, with the Andrew Molloy-trained gelding Monaro Magic getting home in the final race of the day, the McCarron Cullinane Class 2 Handicap over 1300m.

Golden West Race Club operations manager Michael Plummer was pleased with the turnout at Orange’s first meeting since May 9, with a solid crowd on hand for the seven-race program.

“We’ve had a good turnout enjoying the weather, hopefully it’s a sign of things to come. It’s nice to be back in Orange,” Plummer said.

“We’ve done a lot of work with the track - the trainers and jockeys are very happy with the track, so it’s all looking good.”