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Hawkesbury trainer Mitchell Kearney won his second race at Bathurst last Sunday with a mare who had been “retired”.

And he has his wife Desiree to thank for a remarkable result in more ways than one.

Not only was four-year-old mare Final Trick scheduled never to face the starter again after failing on her home track last October, but she had to win the Hugh Bowman Maiden Cup (1200m) in the stewards’ room and rob fellow Hawkesbury trainer Mal Johnston of victory.

Johnston’s Quite Frankly narrowly beat Final Trick in the tightest of finishes but had veered out over the concluding stages and caused interference, prompting stewards to reverse the result.

“It wasn’t the way you like to win, but it’s business,” Kearney said. “It was a great thrill to win with this mare.”

Final Trick’s previous owner-trainer Mike Van Gestel advised stewards she would be retired after being beaten nearly 30 lengths in a Hawkesbury Maiden (1300m) on October 22.

It was her 20th start and she had managed four placings – two at the provincials and two in the country.

“Retirement” was on - until Kearney’s wife stepped in.

“Desiree bought Final Trick from Mike for $1000, and we decided to give her another try,” Kearney explained.

“Desiree rides her in all her work and does a great job.

“We really haven’t done anything different with her. She is a happy mare and enjoying her work.”

First prize at Bathurst was $8920, nearly nine times Final Trick’s purchase price.

Kearney has been training for four years, and his breakthrough winner was Silk Spun on his home track in 2014.

He used to work at Muskoka Farm and rode in barrier trials, though never got to ride in a race as he struggled with increasing weight.

Kearney has two horses in work at Hawkesbury, the other being a two-year-old.

“Naturally, I would like to become a full-time trainer down the track if the opportunity arises,” he said.

For now, the horses are a hobby. He drives trucks for John Holgate’s Prestige Racehorse Transport, often taking winners to the races.

The Kearneys have two young children, a son Jack, 6, and daughter Isabella, 3.

Desiree, a cousin of jockey Robbie Brewer, rides her husband’s horses in trackwork and also helps out a number of other Hawkesbury trainers.