Noel Maxwell enjoys first victory in nine years with Whatta Sticky Beak

Whatta Sticky Beak provided the Whitton trainer with a breakthrough after ending a losing streak of his own.

The seven-year-old became the first winner Maxwell has trained since Classic Beach Girl saluted at Leeton in February 2011.

He was thrilled with the result.

"It is really good," Maxwell said.

"We've had a few seconds but we've had to have patience."

Maxwell certainly showed plenty of patience after leasing the son of Sportswriter.

A winner in his 16^th start at Coolamon in April 2018 for John Marcus, Whatta Sticky Beak hadn't tasted success in 36 starts since.

Of those 19 have been for Maxwell after deciding to lease him off Marcus in November.

Whatta Sticky Beat had been placed in three of them, the latest coming 11 starts ago.

Maxwell thought coming up with gate one made plenty of difference.

"He got a better draw," he said.

"He's been drawing a lot of sixes and it just doesn't suit his racing.

"This time he had the one."

Shane Hallcroft then afforded the seven-year-old the perfect trip, sitting behind leader Carribbean Magic ($81) before finding clear running coming around the turn for home with the well-supported Whatta Sticky Beak ($9) going on to win by 5.1 metres.

While devoid of a lot of success Maxwell just enjoys working with the horses.

"I was thrilled actually as you put a lot into them," he said.

"I just enjoy doing it and it gives me something to do."

It proved to be a big night for Maxwell who finished third with Heza Conman earlier in the night.

Meanwhile Bring Back Leah got her Australian racing career off to the perfect start.

With three placings in eight New Zealand starts the Gerard Cooper-trained mare dominated her rivals to win by over 33 metres.

MORE SPORT