Marc Chevalier was just short of the perfect start to his training career, with Tri Nations running a close second in his first start for the stable at Scone on Thursday over 1200m.
Tri Nations was the first runner for Marc in his own name after setting up a training base at Hawkesbury in New South Wales. Chevalier decided to relocate back to NSW where his Australian journey started, after recently being in charge of Danny O'Brien's Flemington Stable.
Chevalier played a major part in the careers of horses such as Russian Camelot and Vow And Declare.
It has been an exciting build-up to Chevalier's first runner, a horse he purchased through Inglis Digital for $27,500. Tri Nations is one of five horses currently in the stable.
Tri Nations jumped away cleanly under Rory Hutchings, and the pair settled in the back half of the field. They started their run at the 600m and rounded the field as they swept for home.
As they balanced up down the straight, Tri Nations showed a bit of kick, but he couldn't reel in Kickatorp, who had raced up on the pace. Tri Nations finished second by 0.3 lengths.
"We were so pleased to see him run that well," Chevalier said after the race.
"He gave it his all. I thought he'd get there. However, the winner looks like a smart horse and has now won two from two.
"It would have been amazing to start the career with a winner, although I am just as happy to see him right in the finish, and we will look to place him to advantage for the win next start."
It was a nervous watch for Chevalier, who purposely started his charge at a track with a long straight.
Chevalier's second runner is looking as though it will be TBB Racing's lightly raced mare Pitavago. Pitavago was purchased from the same Inglis Digital Sale as Tri Nations and has made great improvement since joining Marc's stable.
Pitavago was purchased off the back of a second placing, her best result in her four starts.
"We are rapt to be involved in the Marc Chevalier stable and get involved with potentially one of his first runners," TBB Racing's Todd Blum said.
"An opportunity arose when Marc purchased Pitavago, and to have her ready to race makes it an exciting proposal.
"Marc comes into the training ranks with a wealth of experience across both Hemispheres and has worked with some of the industries biggest names.
"It was great to see him get off to such a great start. I hope Tri Nations can get the monkey off the back at his next start, and Marc can bring home a winner."
There are still opportunities to get involved in Pitavago, who will trial at Hawkesbury on August 23. Marc will then look for a suitable race to kick her off in around two weeks from that.