Just about everything that could go wrong did, but in the end, it was the finish that everyone was hoping for, with veteran trainer Gary White bowing out of racing on a winning note in Hobart on Sunday.
White, who began his career in 1980 and trained a winner with his first starter, ended his illustrious career by winning with the last horse he put a saddle on.
But that's where the drama started. The saddle shifted forward when the gates opened, and apprentice jockey Jackson Radley was forced to race in-font on a horse that normally settles back.
White admitted he thought the dream had gone pear-shaped, but despite all the difficulties, Better Than Banksy ($4) survived to win in a photo finish.
"Honestly with all my friends here today supporting me and the way the day started off with some placings and some average runs, gee!
"The saddle went forward. He had to ride him upside down; I'm telling you, this kid (jockey Jackson Radley) will be one of the best riders in Tasmania," an emotional White said after the race.
In a career spanning five decades, White has won just about every major race in the state and plenty interstate, including the 2009 Magic Millions 3YO with Tempest Tost, but it would be hard to see any of those achievements topping a winner with his last starter to 'bookend' a marvellous career.
"How gifted have I been? We do nothing special but to be afforded the opportunity and success, and for this fairy tale beginning and end, how fortunate have I been?" White exclaimed.
White, 68, retires a Hall of Fame trainer with more than 1100 winners, including more than 20 at Group and Listed level. He plans to enjoy retirement with his wife, Belinda, including a road trip around Australia in the near future.
A first-up win for Jones and Boxall
While the career of veteran trainer Gary White was drawing to a close on Sunday, another was just beginning with Amanda Jones landing her first winner with the only horse she has in work, Geegeeschaser, winning the 1100m maiden.
And to make it even more special, comeback jockey Kasi Boxall, who has just returned to the sport after 17 years, was in the saddle, landing her first winner at just her sixth ride back.
Jones has only held her trainer's license since October last year, and Geegeeschaser was just her fifth starter.
"I'm just so excited, this means so much to me because Kasi is one of my best friends," Jones said.
"I've only got her in work at the moment, I have two others, but they are turned out."
"It's great to ride my first winner back, especially for Amanda; she's a great friend of mine; we've known each other for a long time, Boxall added.
"I've always wanted to come back. Obviously, having kids makes it a little bit hard to come back and give it 110%, and you can't be out here unless you do. They are both grown-up now, and I thought now's my opportunity."
Geegeeschaser was first-up but coming off a winning trial and was backed from $15 to start $8.50.
Knockout blow by 'Rocky'
There were emotional scenes after another first with mature age apprentice 'Rocky' Morimoto scoring his first career win with Tsunami Sam ($2.70) winning the 1200m BM76 Hcp.
Morimoto, who is tied to the John Keys stable, has had limited opportunities and was having his 44th ride after commencing his riding career last August.
Hailing from Japan, Morimoto has been with Keys for about five years starting as a stable rider and fulfilling his dream to become a jockey.
"He's a very good man, if you knew Rocky and his work ethic and the vibrancy, he brings around the stable, he's outstanding," Stable rep Scott Brunton said.
"Today was a very good thing; you see this kid get out of bed in the early morning; he's close to six feet tall, but his one dream was to be a jockey."
Morimoto said, "John Keys gave me a chance; it's so good to ride my first winner; I struggle with my weight; all the hard work has paid off."
