Ballard rode Deadly Choices to victory and thanked the owners and trainer for the ride.

"I'd like to say a heartfelt thanks to Lloyd and Wendy Hick, Margaret and Lindsay Miller (joint owners) and Damien Finter (trainer)," Ballard said.

"There was a room full of top-shelf jockeys at Doomben on Saturday, but you put your faith in me to ride Deadly and I can never truly express my appreciation or gratitude to you for sticking with me.

Ballard said that when he reflects on time in the saddle in years to come, Saturday will no doubt stand as his best day on a racetrack.

"It's made all the more special because of the wonderful people involved with this horse," he said.

"The only way that Saturday could have been better was if Mum and Dad and Lacey (wife) and Lil (daughter) could have been there to share it with me, but it made coming home yesterday all the sweeter."

Ballard said Racing Queensland had done a terrific job developing the Battle of the Bush and Country Cup Challenge concepts which he called a breath of life for country racing.

"I hope the results are as rewarding for everyone involved in administering and executing these initiatives as they are for regional participants around the state. I hope that they continue to grow for many years to come."

READ ALSO: Flash mob entertain at Kmart

While you are here subscribe to our weekly email to your inbox at 6am every Friday