James Healy celebrates first stakes win with Arabian Rose in Glasshouse Handicap

Sunshine Coast trainer James Healy has secured his maiden stakes victory thanks to the unheralded mare Arabian Rose, who triumphed in the Listed Glasshouse Handicap on her home track at Caloundra.

Initially listed as the third emergency when final acceptors were declared, Arabian Rose's place in the field was uncertain, with trainer Healy enduring a tense wait until scratchings paved the way for her inclusion.

"It has been the plan for a long time and when the 'noms' came out, I thought we were absolutely 'none'," Healy conveyed.

"But the stars aligned.

"The Glasshouse is staying home, and we'll go again next year."

The victory held special significance for jockey Tiffani Brooker, who was the mare's regular rider in the initial stages of her career. A previous ride on the four-year-old at Caloundra last December ended with what she described as a "bum steer".

However, Brooker chose not to dwell on the past, instead focusing on her work and earning her way back into the saddle. Her dedication culminated in a rewarding performance in Saturday's Glasshouse Handicap (1400m).

"I had to sit on the sidelines for a little bit after a bum steer last preparation," Brooker revealed.

"I had a bit of success on her early days, but I did my time, and I kept showing up.

"I thought at the end of the carnival, if she gets a light weight, I might be back on her, just keep showing up.

"James was a bit nervous before the race and I said, 'don't worry, I'll give her her chance and if she's good enough, she'll win."

Arabian Rose ($19) proved more than good enough, fighting her way to the front in the closing stages and displaying great determination under Brooker's guidance to edge out Cifrado ($12). Anemacore ($12) finished a close third in a thrilling finish where the margin between the first three horses was less than half a length.

The win by Arabian Rose represented a significant upset for many punters, with the mare paying $19 on leading Aussie betting sites. Both Cifrado and Anemacore, who started at $12, had garnered considerable interest across betting apps Australia.