A lengthy period of frustration with Southern Icon ended on Saturday for trainer Alan Tait when the talented sprinter returned to winning form.

A first-up trip south signals a welcome return to the racetrack for speedy Matamata galloper Southern Icon.

Underthemoonlight wins 2017 Lisa Chittick Foxbridge Plate Group 2 NZ$100,000 at Te Rapa (NZ), 1200m.

Alan Tait is hoping Southern Icon’s win at Te Rapa on Saturday signals a major turnaround in the sprinter’s fortunes.

Southern Icon is an uncertain runner for Saturday week's Gr.1 Makfi Challenge Stakes in the wake of his Gr.2 Foxbridge Plate failure last weekend, though Matamata trainer Alan Tait remains optimistic of lining up at Hastings.