Indy Melmen produced a stunning upset in the Group 1 Maturity Classic at The Meadows on Saturday night, handing trainer Korie-Lee Heinrich her first Group 1 victory.

The win was not only Indy Melmen’s maiden Group race success but also a significant milestone for the 31-year-old Heinrich, who recently took over the Anakie-based training operation of her mother, Andrea Dailly, and partner Tom Dailly.

“I thought he was our best chance heading into the race, but I also didn’t think he would be able to win a race like this so early on in his career,” Heinrich said.

“I knew he had the ability, but he is a little slower to mature, which can sometimes be his downfall.”

Indy Melmen showed tremendous determination to hold off Storm Hustler and withstand a flying finish from race favourite Wrongly Accused, stopping the clock in 29.71 seconds over 525 metres.

Indy Melmen wins the Group 1 Maturity Classic from box three. 

The victory takes Indy Melmen’s record to eight wins from 20 starts and pushes his career earnings beyond $130,000.

The son of My Bro Fabio and Indy Matilda is bred and owned by George Dailly, whose passion for breeding remains as strong as ever.

“George lives and breathes breeding, and he does a great job of it,” Heinrich said.

With a large greyhound operation behind her, Heinrich was quick to acknowledge the people who help make the success possible.

“It’s a big team effort. There are so many people who contribute behind the scenes every day, and this win is just as much theirs as it is ours,” she said.

Earlier in the evening, New South Wales trainer Jack Smith claimed another Group race victory at The Meadows when Magpie Hector captured the Group 3 Fireball (730m).

Magpie Hector timed his run to perfection, charging late to run down fastest qualifier Amron Toy by the narrowest of margins.

The Fireball success was the fourth Group race victory of Magpie Hector’s 42-start career.