After a couple of runs that his co-trainer said had toughened Red Santa in Sydney, the gelding has returned to Caulfield to claim a hard-fought win.

But it took a masterful ride from Jamie Kah to land the prize and give the Jockeys’ Premiership leader her 101st metropolitan win for the season.

But to claim first prize in the Behind The Barriers “Boxing Challenge” 7/8 (2000m), Red Santa, the $2.10 Sportsbet favourite, had to survive a protest from runner-up Flossing ($8) for alleged interference at the 50m mark.

After a long hearing, Racing Victoria stewards dismissed the objection while Swindon Lass ($51) was back in third place.

Red Santa is prepared by Ciaron Maher and David Eustace and Maher said his team in Sydney had done a “super job”.

“I haven’t seen this horse for a little while,” Maher said.

“He’s been up at our Sydney stable and I thought he had really hardened up.

“I thought he was fluctuating his weight a little bit but after a couple of tough runs up there, he paraded well and the team have done a good job.

“Normally it’s the other way around when we send them up but they’ve done a great job.

“The owners have had a great season with (three-time Derby winner) Explosive Jack and the like.

“It’s a great way to round if off for them.”

For Kah, who earlier on Saturday’s program landed her 100th win for the season, said winner number 101 sounds a lot better.

“(Brett) Prebble still thinks he crossed the line 100 times, so now I’ve beaten him,” Kah said.

“I’m not one for publicity and the crowds but it’s a pretty cool feeling out there. We haven’t heard that roar from the crowd for a while.

“It’s exciting out there. It has been a great day.”

Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au