This one’s for Donna: Philpot

She’s Beneficial was Philpot’s first winner since his wife Donna was tragically killed in a track fall at the Bendigo Jockey Club in June.

Gus Philpot thought about giving up the racing game in the wake of Donna’s death, but her love of racing and, in particularly She’s Beneficial, gave the Bendigo trainer the strength to stick at it.

Related: Track rider passes away at BJC

“It’s been a tough five months, so that was for Donna,’’ Gus Philpot said after She’s Beneficial’s win on racing.com

“She’s our little baby, she loves this horse and she’s the reason why I kept going.

“This was her girl and that’s why we wanted to keep her going for Donna.”

Related: Philpot leaves lasting legacy

Donna Philpot’s name is still listed in the ownership of She’s Beneficial.

Philpot admitted his return to the training ranks in the past two months had been difficult.

“It’s still (very hard), but you’ve got to keep going,’’ he said.

“We’ve got to keep this horse going for Donna and I’m just glad she’s won a race for Donna.”

Fittingly, Bendigo jockey John Keating was in the saddle to guide She’s Beneficial to an easy two-length victory.

“Today’s win meant a lot to all the connections, Gus and his sister-in-law, all the owners and the rest of us that were friends with Donna,’’ Keating said.

“It’s been a tough few months, but for her (She’s Beneficial) to come out and win like that today… we had Donna to thank.”

Keating admitted the emotions of the victory started to get to him in the concluding stages of the race.

“I started to tear up,’’ Keating said.

“It was very emotional. Donna meant a lot to everyone and she’s sorely missed everyday.

“Gus and his family have found a way to keep going and we’ve got the memories of Donna.

“It means a lot to win on her horse.”

Keating said She’s Beneficial, who has won two races from 10 career starts, had the ability to win bigger and better races.