Aaron Bain Racing | Aaron Bain News 65466 Leading Impact

Trainers Aaron Bain & Ned Taylor had the perfect end to their 2025/26 season when Leading Impact scored a dominant victory at Strathalbyn on Wednesday, July 29.

Very unlucky at his previous start when first-up from a spell, jockey Taylor Johnstone took any chance of misfortune out of the equation with an all-the-way win in the Pestka Signs Class One Handicap (1100m).

Coming from gate two, Johnstone kicked up inside to hold the front and then was able to dictate.

She took the three-year-old to the centre of the track on straightening seeking the best going on the soft 7 rated course and Leading Impact ($3.60 fav) was never troubled scoring a one length win from Summertime Madness ($5.50) with Lady Zelda ($7), a half-length away third.

At his previous run, his first for Aaron Bain Racing, Leading Impact was badly hampered when turning for home losing any winning possibility but today was ridden like he was the best horse – and he was.

Trainer Aaron Bain said Leading Impact was certainly capable of measuring up in the metropolitan area.

“He was quite unlucky first up,” Bain said.

“He was caught wide then suffered a significant check near the 200-metre mark.

“Today, Taylor was able to find the front and let him roll.

“I thought his win was quite impressive, and we can now look for a suitable race in town.

“It was nice to win a race for his Hong Kong owners, Headline Thoroughbreds, they are a huge supporter of our stable.”

Bain said he believed Leading Impact would be best suited in races up to 1200 metres where he could lead or be up on the speed.

Winning jockey Taylor Johnstone said Leading Impact had deserved the victory.

“It was a super effort,” Johnstone said.

“Obviously, he was very unlucky last start, and a few things went wrong for him, probably a little bit to do on my part as well.

“He stepped away okay today, but I had to really give him as good dig to get him there.

“Once he hit the front he travelled beautifully throughout the run.

“He didn’t over race and settled nicely into the bridle which was great to see.

“The best part of the track is five and out, so I got him to the middle of the track in the home straight.

“He let down and went through his gears really nicely.

“Carrying his big weight (60kg) up the hill was quite tough for him, but he still won with authority.

“He can keep going on with it now.”