The Leeton horseman celebrated after winning his first race as a driver aboard Love At First Bite in fine style on Anzac Day.

Symes is approaching 20 wins as a trainer, but his maiden driving success was one to savour.

"I was slightly confident but pretty nervous coming over and I didn't say much to (wife) Olivia," Symes said.

"I got a bit carried away down the home straight when he kicked away for home and we're $200 lighter but that's part of racing."

The 38-year-old won the race he had his first drive in five years ago, but finished more than 100 winners off the winner.

Symes doesn't always drive his own horses, but was pleased he did on this occasion.

"I had my first winner when I had my first drive but I was 150 metres last," Symes said.

Finding the front early, Love At First Bite was able to dictate terms.

Symes was thrilled with the performance as he held off Dawn Ofa New Brew to win by 5.1 metres.

"He just felt like he was jogging and heading for home was just waiting for them," he said.

"He looked at me as if to say 'what are hitting me for? They are nowhere near me,' but we got there."

Alanah Pitt took out overall honours with a race-to-race double.

She trained Soho Beijing to victory before scoring with Turbo Bromac for Darrell Hillier.

READ MORE