The three-year-old pacer became the first horse to win a race in the East region since Sunday's move to the second phase of regional harness racing across the state.

It follows the amalgamation of the previous Bendigo (or Central), Shepparton, Cranbourne and Kilmore regions used during phase-one of restrictions.

Cotchin was the first trainer to add his name to the East winner's roll as Kennys Killer broke through for an overdue win over the 2150m distance.

The gelding had been placed nine times in 15 previous starts (14 of them on Victorian tracks), including five seconds. He had not finished outside the top four in four outings during the first phase of regional racing.

"He's one of those horses who has been going to win one, but there's always something that could go wrong, or he gets held up," Cotchin said.

"He did a great job to come from last and get the money.

"We think he's better when you drive him a bit quiet and he gets home good.

"We were lucky one (Mea Culpa) carted us up in, but they went a long way from home, so he did a great job to win."

Tayla French ensured her own little slice of history by becoming the first driver to notch a win under the format.

It continued a stellar two months for the Heathcote reinswoman, who finished the first phase of regional racing with 10 wins, 15 seconds and nine thirds from 59 starts, and notched a win and a third from five starts on Monday.

Her combination with Cotchin has proven every bit as successful in that period, with the partnership yielding four wins, three seconds and a third from 13 starts.

Cotchin believed French's form had been one of the undoubted high spots of regional racing.

"Tayla is just improving all the time and definitely has a bright future," he said.

"She has done a great job for me ... a couple of those she has driven for me probably haven't had the best chance, so the record is even better than it looks.

"It's really nice to see the young drivers coming on and getting a real go. They are the ones who are going to keep the game going.

"The timing (of regional racing) has been great for Tayla, things have really clicked. She's really clicked with Betternbetter, the horse really races well for her.

"Hopefully she can keep the winners coming for me and for herself."

After successfully chasing down his Vicbred bonus on Monday, Cotchin said Kennys Killer was expected to return to James Rattray in Sydney, but would not rule out a future return to Victoria.

"I think with a spell he will improve a bit more. He's got the speed, he just needs a little bit more strength to be a real nice horse," the trainer said.

"He's very honest and always thereabouts picking up a cheque.

"He'll go back, but if he improves a bit he will probably come back for the Sires stakes."

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