Lindsey Smith praised the determination of Yellow Sam after the mare toughed out victory in the MRC Chairman’s Club Handicap (1440m) at Caulfield on Saturday.

Second-up after a win in the Golden Topaz (1200m), the $5 chance claimed her first metro win and eighth overall from 17 starts.

Ridden by Fred Kersley, Yellow Sam settled midfield before surging late to win by a half-neck over Lim’s Saltoro, with favourite The Open a short head away in third.

“It’s easy to train fast horses… She’s a courageous horse and has a great will to win,” Smith said.

Kersley, celebrating his fourth Victorian metro win of the season, added: “She’s probably one of the gutsiest horses I’ve ever had the pleasure to deal with.”

The day was marred by sadness in Race 8, with Rolls, trained by Maddie Raymond, euthanised after sustaining race injuries.

Jockey Harry Grace, dislodged in the incident, was taken for scans on a suspected wrist injury but was conscious and mobile.

Race 8 was won by Sayedaty Sadaty.