Another of those high points arrived last Sunday following the debut win of the Brent Stanley-trained Bendigo Poet at Benalla.

Bruce, a former long-time Bendigo trainer, is one of the three-year-old gelding's owners, and also his breeder.

Bendigo Poet was the third foal for the former Bruce-trained mare Go Bendigo, a handy sprinter, who won four of 36 races from 2003-08, including once in metropolitan class at Moonee Valley.

Another of her progeny, Go Down, who was trained at Bendigo by Brendon Hearps, was also a city winner, coincidentally at Moonee Valley.

Bruce, a chiropractor in Bendigo, is hoping history might repeat itself, with Bendigo Poet showing glimpses on debut of his potential to develop into a city class winner.

The gelding did not enjoy the easiest of runs at Benalla, but was able to find enough on the line to squeeze by the John McArdle-trained sixth-starter Inside Edge.

Despite more than a few anxious moments in the straight, Bruce said the win was a proud moment for all those involved.

"There's quite a few Bendigo people in the ownership," he said.

"We are hoping he can kick on from here. He will need more ground, we think he will need about 1600 (metres).

"That will come, he will gradually step out in distance, but we will leave that up to Brent. You have to start somewhere."

The win was personally satisfying for Bruce, who trained thoroughbreds in Bendigo for about 30 years. He also bred the mum.

All four of Go Bendigo's wins came under the guidance of Bruce, before she spent the latter part of her career racing in Queensland and South Australia.

As he looks to wind down his horse racing activities, Bruce is intent to sit back and enjoy the ride with Bendigo Poet.

"I've had a lot of horses and bred a lot over the years, but I'm on the way out," he said.

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