Classy English import Contributer socres the first Group 1 win for the John O’Shea – Godolphin team with an emphatic win in the 1 $500,000 Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m) at Warwick Farm today.

Contributer hits the line hard to win the Chipping Norton Stakes at Warwick Farm. Photo by Steve Hart.

O’Shea took over as head trainer of the mighty Godolphin stable in May last year and is relieved to have a delivered a Group 1 victory for his new boss.

“It’s great for a team effort more than anything. All the team that are here work hard to get a good result,” O’Shea said.

Contributrer ($2.50 favourite) made it two wins from two starts this preparation after winning first up in the Group 2 $250,000 Optus Apollo Stakes (1400m) at Randwick a fortnight ago.

The win by Contributer continued a great day for O’Shea’s who had won earlier in the day with two year old Exosphere in the Group 2 $175,000 Pro-Ride Skyline Stakes (1200m) and also with another import It’s Somewhat in the Group 3 $150,000 Liverpool City Cup (1300m).

Winning rider James McDonald had Contributer closer to the pace today but O’Shea wasn’t surprised with the different riding tactics.

“He rode him a bit closer today. Before the race Mac said there will be few riding changes. I said you will work it out,” O’Shea said.

Another one of Goldolphin’s English import Hartnell ($18) ran on late to make it a quinella for O’Shea with the Chris Waller trained He’s Your Man ($9.50) also making up ground late to fill third spot.

Contributer will now head to the Group 1 $3m The Star Doncaster Mile (1600m) at Randwick on April 4 and is also among the nomination for the Group 1 $4m Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on April 11.