Patrick and Michelle Payne, alongside jockey Billy Egan, continued their success in the Listed Taj Rossi Series Final (1600m), with standout two-year-old Buccleuch producing a dominant win.

Backed into $1.45 with bookmakers, Buccleuch settled midfield under 59kg before surging clear to win by 3-1/4 lengths over Bermondsey ($31), with Arcora ($4.40) a long neck back in third.

It was Patrick Payne’s third win in the race, and a second with Egan, who also guided Cherry Tortoni to victory in 2020.

Michelle Payne suggested Buccleuch’s spring campaign may be light, with autumn 2026 shaping as the bigger target.

“He’s just still learning what it’s all about… but just a lovely horse who has always showed us really nice potential,” she said.

Egan noted the performance eclipsed Cherry Tortoni’s effort, saying, “He put a bit more of a margin on them… he just travelled like a winner the whole way.”