Ayden’s Warrior delivered a deserved breakthrough at the elite level, taking out the $220,000 staying feature at career start 69 for Team Thompson.

“He is a warrior by nature, and he deserved this Group 1 win,” handler Luke Thompson said post-race.

“My head was with Power Squeeze, but my heart was with Ayden’s Warrior.”

After contesting five previous Group 1 finals, Ayden’s Warrior finally secured his maiden top-tier victory with a powerful staying performance.

“He is four years old and racing as good as ever,” Thompson said.

Magpie Hector finished second for trainer Jack Smith and Electrify rounded out the minor placings.

Ayden’s Warrior wins the Sandown Cup from box five for Team Thompson in a time of 41.59 seconds. 

The victory continued the successful cross-border partnership between Thompson and New South Wales trainer Jodie Lord, with the pair regularly sharing training duties between Victoria and NSW.

“This is a credit to the Lords,” Thompson said.

“We had six dogs in tonight and five of them were from them. It’s a great partnership.”

Earlier in the evening, Thompson and Lord combined for another Group 1 success when Secret Bandit stormed over the top of kennelmate Distinction to win the Sapphire Crown (515m).

“It’s been an incredible night,” Thompson said.

Ayden’s Warrior is now expected to head north for Queensland’s rich Winter Carnival.