Fitzsimmons Racing continued its outstanding run of form on Friday, with Lightning Express scoring a well-deserved win at the trainer’s home track of Bendigo — capping off a month that delivered a 37.5% winning strike rate and 63% of runners placing.

Ridden expertly by apprentice Jaylah Kennedy, Lightning Express took out the BM64 Handicap (1400m) with a patient, well-timed ride that impressed both punters and trainer Tim Fitzsimmons.

“I told Jaylah before the race that she’d need to put him to sleep and ride for luck,” Tim said. “She couldn’t have ridden him any better.

We’ve had a few wide gates where we’ve had to drag him back, and at Kilmore the other day he ended up too close in the run. He’s won over 1800 metres, so we’ll look to step him out again.”

It was Lightning Express’s first win in Australia since returning from Singapore, and another example of Fitzsimmons’ growing ability to place his team to perfection.

“We didn’t bring back too many world-beaters, so it’s all about finding the right races,” Tim added. “We’re willing to travel anywhere, and I’m starting to work it out.”

The win was a rewarding result for owners The Elvins and Peter Lee, with the horse originally found by Josh McLoughlan of Jig Racing, whose eye for talent continues to deliver for the stable.

It was a composed and mature ride from Kennedy, who was full of praise for the horse — and the stable.

“There were a few hairy moments in the run — he just overdid it a little bit early,” she said.

“I had to hold my breath most of the way to be honest, just trying to keep him as switched off as I could. When I got the gap at the top of the straight, I thought ‘how far?’ — but then he had a bit of a think about it!

It was great to ride a winner for Tim and the team. They’re obviously flying since he got back and it’s a stable I’d love to stay with.”

May has been a breakout month for Fitzsimmons Racing, with 6 winners and 5 thirds from just 16 starters. Backed by a hardworking team and strong support from owners, the stable is quickly establishing itself as one of Victoria’s most in-form and promising operations.

“I couldn’t be happier with the start we’ve had,” Tim said. “I’ve got a great team — a really good bunch of girls working for me and they’re incredibly dedicated. We’re very hands-on, and Bendigo has been an amazing place to train. The Club has been great to work with — from the top down, they just can’t do enough for you. We are very lucky.”