Not only did he rein home the Changeover mare to a nine-length victory in the opening maiden race, but he claimed most of the $3300 winning stake.
McIlwrick called breeder and trainer Neil Ure earlier this year about one pacer, but ended up with Nui Le instead.
‘‘I was calling Neil about a Washington VC horse and thought I would see if that was for sale, but it was a touch out of my price range. So he said this one was for lease.''
McIlwrick had a look at the mare's last start at Nelson and saw enough to give Nui Le a crack.
‘‘She had a great stride on her. I didn't expect her to win as easily as she did, but I expected her to win, nonetheless.''
McIlwrick gave the 4yr-old a quiet run at the Wyndham trials last week, but expects further improvement from yesterday's win.
‘‘She's a lovely wee filly and she should be better for the run, but I didn't pull the plugs or ask her. She sort of knocked off there a bit, and I was probably waving to the crowd a bit myself.''
●Nui Le might be in the early stages of her racing career, but October Rain is nearing the end after 27 starts which yielded five winsThe daughter of Pegasus Spur was served by Muscle Hill last year and is likely to have her last race at Forbury Park on Thursday.
‘‘She's done a super job. The owners have had some fun with her,'' driver Kimberly Butt said.
Butt works for Rangiora trainer Gavin Smith, who has had his work cut out keeping the mare sound due to a stifle issue.
‘‘The ability's always been there, but the niggly issues have held her back a bit,'' Butt said.
●The decision by Gore trainer Robert Wilson to claim Machie Mach last winter was rewarded with a win at Wingatui yesterday, the gelding's second since joining Wilson's stable.
‘‘He's such a lovely horse to work with and to have in the stable,'' Wilson said.
‘‘It's going to be hard now. He's just got a drop back so I dare say he'll be back another 10m again now.''
●Knapdale trainer Kathaleen O'Connor and veteran pacer Ronnocco were reunited in the winner's circle yesterday for the first time in almost two years.
Ronnocco's last win was in the sprint series at Forbury Park in May 2014, and O'Connor said the win came at an appropriate time.
‘‘That win is dedicated to my mother,'' she said.
Lois O'Connor, of Dunedin, died last month, aged 90.
