Jim Pender and Mark Sweeney weren't the only ones who breathed a big sigh of relief when the rising star Ginga Dude (pictured) stormed home to win the Gr II First Sovereign Trust Japan/NZ International Trophy at Gate Pa last Saturday.

Bookies were facing a huge payout if Sterling Prince had held on, including a $10,000 bet at $13 as well as a $50,000 multi finishing on him. 

Good results for the punters over Easter Weekend included Dashing Donna, Mynewbestfriend, I Robot and Irish Opera up north, while down south at Riverton Zeddane, Brilliant Cut and Broctane were heavily backed. 

For the bookies the upset wins of The Deceiver, Snip, Hagar and Borninthestates ( Riverton Cup) helped set up a profitable Easter Monday. 

Winners

I Robot $10,000 @ $1.90 to return $19,000, Zeddane $10,000 @ $1.70 to return $17,000, Eel Win $5000 @ $2.20 to return $11,000, Dashing Donna $5000 @ $2.80 to return $14,000. 

Losers

Sterling Prince $10,000 @ $13, Sir Slick $8000 @ $2.80, Il Bacaro $3000 @ $6, Megapins $5000 @ $4.