Count De Rupee, the great local hope, had saluted in the $1 million The Gong.

As the punters erupted in scenes not seen at the track in years, former Nowra-based trainers Robert and Luke Price embraced.

It didn't take long for the tears to start flowing down their cheeks.

As Brock Ryan returned to the winners circle, the emotions were the same.

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"After the Golden Eagle, I said I feel like crying because I got beat," Ryan said. "Now I feel like crying because I won."

Robert and Luke Price have enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2021.

Star filly Jamaea enjoyed dual Group 2 success in both the spring and autumn. Count De Rupee finished second in the $7.5 million Golden Eagle.

But this, this was their statement victory.

The $580,000 prize for winning is nice, but the winning the feature at Kembla Grange means so much more than that for the co-trainers.

"It's pretty special," Luke Price said as the tears started to flow.

"That's very special, on your home track, to win a $1 million race."

Robert Price was similarly emotional post-race.

"This is a highlight of Luke and my partnership," Robert said.

"We've been successful but we've only got a small team. We're certainly batting above our weight. It's just been a dream."

Robert and Luke Price have spent the week dismissing the doubters. He can't run a mile. He can't win in the wet. He has no chance from the wide barrier.

Saturday's result was an emphatic statement of just how good this horse is.

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Even with the odds stacked against him, as he drifted as far as $6 in the market on Saturday morning, Count De Rupee proved a step above his rivals.

Ryan delivered a masterful ride to secure a comfortable victory, Chris Waller's Nudge was more than a length back, with Yamazaki third.

The biggest races in the country now beckon.

"He's such a special horse," Luke said.

"I've said it for a long time, the feel he gives you is second to none. He's a very special animal and I can't wait to keep building."