Ryan looked on helplessly as his jumper Super Haze was euthanised after suffering an injury in the Lafferty Hurdle.

His mood lifted when Police Camp defeated Bit Of A Lad and Caroun in the Thackeray Steeplechase.

The former talented jumps jockey, who has been training for seven years said Police Camp's victory with young jumps jockey Will Gordon in the saddle was his biggest win as a trainer.

"The win is very special to me," he said.

"I've only got a small team of horses in work and to have the chance to win one of the feature jumps races is great, especially one at my home track.

"I must admit I was down in the mouth after what happened to Super Haze but that's racing.

"One minute you're up and the next minute you're down - you've just got to ride the moments in the sport. I love racing it's in my blood."

Ryan took time out to acknowledge the owners in Police Camp following the victory in heavy conditions.

"A lot of the owners in Police Camp are locals which is a great result," he said.

"They have been patient and loyal. I thought Police Camp would be competitive in the Thackeray after his last start win in a steeplechase at Casterton.

"He loves wet tracks and got suitable conditions today."

The 46-year-old trainer said the $350,000 Grand National Steeplechase at Ballarat on August 25 was the main goal for the five-year-old.

"I'm not sure what path we'll go down to get Police Camp to the Grand National," he said.

"I may space his runs. I'll just wait and see how he pulls up before making any final decisions."

Police Camp has won three of his 13 jumps starts.

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