Aaron Bain Racing | Aaron Bain News 63977 Zouwin

First-starter Zouwin scored an emotional win for Aaron Bain Racing at the metropolitan race meeting at Thomas Farms Murray Bridge on Saturday, January 17.

Tears flowed as Zouwin was the first thoroughbred runner for ABR since the passing of family matriarch Val Bain, 86, on Monday evening following a short illness.

For trainers Aaron Bain and Ned Taylor, it was special as the filly was first two-year-old runner for the 2025-26 racing season.

Zouwin was cheered home on course by more than 40 of her owners as she led throughout in the Bryan Guy Memorial Plate (1000m).

Despite coming from the outside gate in a field of seven, the daughter of Zousain flew the gates to lead easily, then showed great heart to stall off the challengers.

Ridden by Taylor Johnstone, Zouwin, well backed at $2.70, scored by a head from Verzain ($8) with Image Artist ($21), 1-3/4 lengths away third.

Just a $36,000 purchase, the filly collected $35,000 for the win along with a $21,120 Racing Rewards SA bonus.

Trainer Aaron Bain acknowledged the importance of Zouwin’s victory.

“We lost my Dad’s (Peter) mum (Val) early in the week and it has been a tough week,” Bain said.

“She loved her racing and would have put a circle around this filly today in the paper – that was her first job in the morning.

“This was out first thoroughbred runner since, and it has made me sad.

“She was 86-years-old, the matriarch and where ABR started and she is watching from above today.

“Zouwin was in front for a long time and I think Nanny sooled her home.

“A big credit to Ned (Taylor) and the team at home,” Bain said.

“At Angaston Park, we’ve got a 500-metre jump out chute at the bottom of the hill, and it has been famous for young horses over the years.

“It was part of our plan going there and she is one of 42 two-year-olds in training and the first we have stepped out this season.

“It is a big win for Ned, the team and myself and for the support Wayne Mitchell has thrown behind us on his property.”

Bain paid tribute to the support of Zouwin’s ownership group.

“I put out an audio to do lunch as it was our first two-year-old runner for the season and thought I would get one table of 10 but we ended up with four tables – a great result and now we can celebrate.”

“It is only Zouwin’s first full preparation since being broken in.

“After the sales she was in for three weeks, out for a month, in for three weeks, out for about six weeks and this is really only her first full prep.

“She was going to the paddock last Friday as we thought she was a bit shin sore, but she had just knocked her leg.

“She galloped well on the weekend and again through the week.

“We tried to run her five weeks ago, but the race fell away and we were waiting and waiting.

“We were going to run last week but we pulled out, and the race fell over and here we are today.”

Winning jockey Taylor Johnstone was full of praise for Zouwin.

“It was very exciting for a large group of owners to have a win with her today,” Johnstone said.

“Her early speed shocked me a little bit.

“I knew she was quick out of the gates but didn’t expect that.

“Aaron said to just go with her and she got across easily.

“To her credit, she has done a massive job – to be in front that long way out and to keep kicking.

“When that horse caught up, she fought on to the line.”

Johnstone said she had ridden Zouwin last year.

“I did a jump out on her early days.

“Aaron and Ned have done a massive job with her – they are great supporters on mine, and it is much appreciated.”