TEENAGER Mitch Beadman finally cracked it for his first Sydney winner at Rosehill yesterday – and beat his famous father in the process.
It was like something from a movie script as Mitch, 17, gained a freakish rails run on Mystery Queen to edge out Darren's mount, red-hot favourite Canyonville.
Looking on was the apprentice's sister Rachel and mother Kim, who was overcome by the historic moment.
"I can't talk, I can't talk," a teary Mrs Beadman said. "I'm so proud of him. It's been hard for Mitch but he's kept trying so hard. I'm so happy for him."
Beadman has been under an extraordinary, some say unfair, amount of pressure since he decided to follow his father and become a jockey. He made an auspicious debut, winning his first race with his first ride at Goulburn in May last year.
The teenager made his city riding debut at Randwick last month and crashed to the turf in an embarrassing fall.
He hadn't even managed a placing in a handful of city rides since but went to Rosehill yesterday feeling as if this could be his day.
"I had some good rides and I was just trying to stay focused and relaxed," he said.
"It's a great feeling to finally win my first city race, it's got the monkey off my back. I had been feeling the pressure but I was just trying to do my best."
As the celebrations for Mystery Queen's win continued, the teenager showed his professionalism and maturity in the next race to win on Let Me Adam in the Aussie Handicap (1200m).
Beadman's ride on Mystery Queen to win the Myer Handicap (1400m) was one right out of the text book.
"I was following dad on Canyonville through the race," Mitch said.
"Then the run came on the inside and I had to show nerves of steel to take it. It was only in the last 50m that I thought we could win."
Mystery Queen ($21) dived through on the fence to snatch a half-neck win from Canyonville ($1.90 fav) with a short neck to Cloudygaze ($7.50).
Darren Beadman could not wipe the smile from his face.
"I wasn't aware it was Mitch coming through on my inside for a few strides," the great jockey said. "After we passed the post, I congratulated him and said 'good on you Mitch'."
It has been a particularly trying time for the Beadman family in recent weeks as Darren and Kim work through some personal issues.
But all that was cast aside as the proud parents basked in their son's moment of triumph.
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