Brett, who was in the sulky for just his ninth race drive, took Peter Manning trained Roydon Chester to his first victory from six career starts.

After going to the front during the early stages of the Wimmera Mail-Times Pace, the five year-old held on to win by just over a metre to rough pair Samara Knight and Bunjil Boy.

Brett said it was good to have the `monkey off his back' and crack his first race win.

``Going to the front was definitely where I wanted to go,'' he said.

``I got there cheap, he cruised to the death that easy and the leader handed up easily.

``If I had have gone back at the start I don't think I would have won.''

Brett's maiden victory was somewhat soured after stewards cautioned him for excessive use of the whip in the run home, striking Roydon Chester 14 times, four more than permitted. The caution will hang over his head for the next two months, with a further infringement resulting in a $100 fine.

Brett said Roydon Chester had suffered from the 'flu in the weeks leading up to the race but he still remained confident of a big showing from his drive, who came from barrier six.

``On his merits, he was better than any other horse in that field,'' Brett said.

Brett expected Roydon Chester to back up in a C1 only mobile event at Maryborough next Friday.