The Hawkes family’s training operation felt extra pressure before the maiden race at Sandown, with Michael, John, and Wayne Hawkes watching closely as Girijaala made her debut in the Sportsbet Racing Form Plate (1300m).

With Jye McNeil urging her on, Girijaala ($8) fought hard to secure a head victory over Act Natural ($3.60), with Qismah ($61) finishing third.

Wayne Hawkes shared that the win held sentimental value, as Girijaala’s dam, Amangiri, had been raced by his mother and Clare Hawkes, Michael’s wife.

“It’s special for the family, as mum and Clare raced her dam,” Hawkes said.

Hawkes also noted that while Girijaala is still immature, like her dam, he believes she will progress and perform in better races in the future.

In another notable win, former Singapore-based trainer Dan Meagher celebrated his first Australian victory with Cardone in the Tobin Brothers Celebrating Lives Handicap (1000m).

“It’s fantastic to win with Tommy, who is Brett’s son,” Meagher said, reflecting on his long connection with Brett Prebble, the son of Meagher’s father, John Meagher, who trained a Melbourne Cup winner.