Clayton Harmey described it as a "proud moment" to win a maiden Inter City Pace title alongside fellow first timer Allan McColl.
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The Nulkaba trainer combined with the Morpeth owner on Saturday night, taking out the annual Maitland Harness Racing Club feature with I'm Quick As Fire.
The six-year-old gelding was the lowest graded of Harmey's half-a-dozen runners in the $20,400 final (2422 metres) and lived up to pre-race backing after being drawn second on the front line.
It continues a successful partnership between the pair over the last two years.
"The first one he [McColl] gave me was Classy Trim, which wasn't very good but it won a few races and helped me get to where I am today," Harmey said.
"Then he said we might try a few better ones and Wet My Whistle won the [group 2] Golden Guitar last year.
"So now to be part of his first Inter City Pace win is a proud moment for me. He's been in the game for a long time."
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Sydney driver Robert Morris also collected his first Inter City Pace prize.
I'm Quick As Fire, which paid $2.70 on the TAB tote, finished 2.7m ahead of stablemate Azur Express while Salt Ash trainer Neil Thompson was third with Ultra Bliss.
Highly-rated chance Major Bob missed the placings in fourth.
"It was a good win, but more of a relief than anything else," Harmey said.
He said I'm Quick As Fire would eye upcoming series at Menangle while Azur Express and Major Bob will likely target the Regional Championships in Newcastle in May.
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