Trainer Glen Thompson has capped a challenging season with Benagil securing his first Group 1 victory in the Australasian Oaks (2000m) at Morphettville on Saturday.

Under a masterful ride from jockey Mark Zahra, the $3.10 favourite won by 1-¼ lengths, defeating $201 outsider Sweltering, with Polymnia ($4.60) in third.

Thompson, who recently took over as head trainer of Ballymore Stables after Mike Moroney’s death, has faced significant upheaval, including the merger of Ballymore Stables with Lindsay Park. However, he remained focused on preparing Benagil for success. “We got her here in as good an order as we could, and I thought she was spot on today and she raced like it,” Thompson said.

Benagil, who made her Group 1 debut last campaign with a fifth in the Thousand Guineas, has shown considerable improvement. “She’s just gone to another level this time,” Thompson said.

Zahra praised Thompson’s training, acknowledging the filly’s fantastic preparation through a long and demanding campaign. “He’s just done a great job with his filly, and she looked fantastic,” Zahra said.

Looking ahead, Thompson hinted at a potential Queensland campaign for Benagil, but will first monitor her recovery.