By Jordan Gerrans

Darling Downs hobby trainer Melissa Birt is optimistic there is more to come after nabbing the maiden victory of her training tenure at Mitchell on Saturday afternoon. 

Birt’s Hoffman was able to win by almost a length following a smart ride from up-and-coming apprentice Brea Harrison at the country track. 

Hoffman is only a recent acquisition for the small Birt team after previously being prepared by Billy Healey at Caloundra and he was able to prevail in a Benchmark 55 Handicap over 1000 metres. 

The 39-year-old Birt was full of praise for the condition Healey presented Hoffman in when he lobbed at her Oakey stable following her $2,250 purchase. 

The son of Spirit Of Boom had his first run at Clifford Park for Birt earlier this month where he was well beaten.Â