Entering the winners circle for the first time yesterday was Belle Eclipse (Darci Brahma x Zino Belle), winning the $15,000 Benalla Glass Maiden Plate (1406m) at Benalla Racing Club.

Belle Eclipse had her racing debut just five weeks ago, with this her third start and her first start over 1400m for trainers David Hayes and Tom Dabernig.

“It was a very progressive win and fantastic ride from Michael (Walker),” said Hayes’ racing manager Rayan Moore. “She was luckless in her start before at Moonee Valley but she has always shown a bit at home and that is why we have started her in a few city maidens.

“Off the back of her two runs going from a provincial maiden up to 1400m, David (Hayes) was very confident going into the race and he said the ride from Michael was a ten out of ten.”

Beginning from a middle barrier, rider Michael Walker settled Belle Eclipse towards the tail of the field in the early stages. Struggling to find a clear run, Belle Eclipse made her way up to sit behind the leaders ready to strike as they straightened for home.

The Darci Brahma filly fought her way up the straight to gain victory by half-a-head over Fish And Chips (NZ) (High Chaparral), who challenged her in the final 100m, with Indelo (Niello) finishing in third.

“We will space her runs out from now but we think she is a very progressive filly heading towards the staying preparation,” comments Moore.

Breaking maiden status has increased her total earnings to A$9,000 for owner Sir Peter Vela who bred Belle Eclipse with Philip Vela.

Sired by Darci Brahma, Belle Eclipse is out of stakes winning mare Zino Belle (Success Express), winner of the Group 3 Hawke’s Bay Gold Trail Stakes. She is a full-sister to the winner of this season’s Listed Pegasus Stakes, Silver Eclipse (Darci Brahma).