Welcometotheshow delivers Maiden Black Type for Donaldson-Aitken at Flemington
Flemington proved a memorable venue for young Ballarat trainer Tyler Donaldson-Aitken on Makybe Diva Stakes Day 2026, highlighted by a milestone victory with his stable's prominent performer, Welcometotheshow.
This tough galloper provided Donaldson-Aitken with his first Black Type win, achieved with his 50th race starter, in the $175,000 Listed Tontonan Stakes contested over 1400 metres.
Guided by jockey Craig Newitt, Welcometotheshow demonstrated remarkable tenacity, overcoming horses prepared by esteemed international Group 1 winning trainer Henry Dwyer (Cote Atlantique), the Hayes brothers from Lindsay Park (Cafe Millenium), and the accomplished Danny O'Brien (Sass Appeal), thereby delivering Donaldson-Aitken the career-defining thrill.
"It means a lot," he commented.
"It signifies a great deal to the entire team. Horses only perform at their best when they are content and supported by the right individuals.
"Therefore, immense gratitude goes to everyone involved. A special thanks to my partner, Briony, for her unwavering support; securing a win of this magnitude here is truly immense."
Donaldson-Aitken is now tasked with the exciting decision of where to aim the five-year-old entire next, but not before properly savouring the significance of Saturday's achievement.
"I'm pretty over-tired, so I wouldn't mind going home having a rest," he said, acknowledging the unlikelihood of such a scenario.
"All the guys are here, the missus is here, so we'll go to have some dinner, we'll have a good time and we'll treat everyone and make the most of the win.
"They're few and far between and we'll make a big deal of it."
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