Trainer Mel Eggleston’s decision not to use professional jockeys on his mare Licitra in track work paid off when she won the Aquis Farm.com Handicap (900m) at the Gold Coast.

Licitra was backed from $21 into $17 before storming home to beat Invincible Heart ($3.10) by half a length with two lengths to Crusher ($2.50 favourite) in third in a boilover win.

Eggleston has always believed Licitra could win a metropolitan race but was worried she was getting too stirred up in her track work.

“So I decided not to use professional jockeys in track work and to just let Many (part owner Amanda Jupp) ride her in track work and she is settling a lot better,” Eggleston said.

“But I was still glad to give (jockey) Jason Taylor the ride as he is always available to help us out.”

Licitra is a daughter of Eggleston’s stakes winner Love and Money who has been a very good broodmare.

“We kept Love and Money to breed from and she has been great for us but unfortunately she died recently from old age,” Eggleston said.

Taylor said Licitra had been beaten for pace early but had knuckled down like a good horse to win.

“She might be able to win something a bit better,” Taylor said.

Credit: AAP