RACING: Watkins scores first-time trifecta

Capel-based trainer Bruce Watkins got a rare trifecta at the Bunbury Turf Club on Sunday when three of his horses finished on the podium.

Watkins said it was the first time he had three horses in the same race, let alone finish first, second and third, but admitted it was a special moment when they crossed the line within a second of each other in the Bunbury TAB Handicap (1016m).

South West jockey Kyra Yuill rode six-year-old grey gelding Al Faisal across the line first, but it was quickly followed by brown geldings Strictly Boardroom and Monteverdi.

Just three seconds separated Al Faisal and Monteverdi, giving Watkins the trifecta for the first time in his career.

Stricly Boardroom finished the race strongly. After hitting the turn in 12th he stormed home and Monteverdi also finished well after coming from eighth at the turn.

Meanwhile, Al Faisal was consistent throughout the race, going past the turn in third before powering home.

Watkins said the three horses were put in the same race because there was not another on the day which suited them.

He admitted he was surprised with how well they went, with both Al Faisal and Moteverdi going into the race without a trial ahead of the season.

"Al Faisal has won about seven trials and performed well when fresh, so we decided to put him in," Watkins said.

"He always goes well fresh."

Watkins has set his sights on Melbourne Cup day, where he will nominate two of the horses for a Bunbury race.

Al Faisal and Strictly Boardroom will be nominated for the 1100m race at Bunbury on November 3, while Monteverdi will likely go to the 1100m race in Northam on November 5.

Watkins said Stricly Boardroom had the ability to go to Ascot on Melbourne Cup day, but he would prefer the distance available in Bunbury.