MACARTHUR horse trainer, Bek Winnell, has broken through to claim her first winner during last Saturday’s meet in Ararat.

It was the last race when Laura Lafferty rode Socialite Miss to victory that broke the drought, with the local trainer claiming victory in the 1600m 0-58 handicap race.

The victory was a long time coming and Winnell said it was a special moment for her.

“Ask the lady next to me, she will tell you about my emotions,” she said.

“There was a lot of screaming and crying.

“She drew wide and I told her just to keep her happy, keep a little bit of cover and she will come home strong.”

With minimal expectations, the trainer went into the meet knowing the six-year-old mare enjoyed the Ararat track.

“I just wanted a good run, she likes Ararat and has never really had a bad run there and she come up with the goods,” Winnell said.

Approaching her two-year anniversary as a trainer, Socialite Miss has a special connection with Winnell.

After having her from the outset, Trudy Cottier trained her before Winnell got her credentials and took over the responsibility.

“I used to ride for Barbara Marshman and I got a mare from here, then got a foal from her and that is Socialite Miss,” she said.

“She is pretty handy, she has got a switched on head for racing, every preparation she is getting more to her.”

It was Socialite Miss’ second start since a nine-week spell and does most of her trackwork at Hamilton along with some beach work.

Winnell has three other horses in work at the moment with three others having a spell currently.

While under the watch of Cottier, the mare won her Maiden with Lafferty in the saddle that day also.

“She won her maiden with Laura on her two years ago,” Winnell said.

“I had my pre-trainers then, so was trained by Trudy Cottier and so she did it then and she did it again.

“She has only ridden for me a couple of times, I think her and the horse quite like each other.”

Winnell is set to return to the track over Easter in Warracknabeal, searching for more success.