Eight-year-old gelding Elmore Lad chalked up his first win under the guidance of Henry Dwyer at Bendigo yesterday. It was just his fourth start in new colours since joining Dwyer from the Kym Hahn stable, and a trip to familiar territory sparked improvement from the new Ballarat resident. The son of Dr Doute’s ran well into fourth place at Bendigo the start prior in higher grade and ran right up to that performance yesterday, claiming the win by a short half-head on the line. Jockey Mitch Aitken gave his gelding every hope in the run, settling fifth in the running line after an even getaway. Aitken straightened up in clear air in the centre of the track and Elmore Lad responded, hitting the lead at the 100-metre mark before holding off the late closers for a tough win. The young hoop was all smiles post-race. “I gave him his head at the top of the straight and he gave a really good kick. He sustained that right through the line, I was very happy with him”. Elmore Lad has now won four of seven from the 1300-metre start at Bendigo and will be looking for a similar assignment when next seen at the races.