Outsider Silver Joy handed Kiwi trainer Bruce Marsh his 400th winner in Singapore after he won the S$85,000 Restricted Maiden race over 1600m on Sunday.

The affable former jockey was all smiles as he headed down to the winner’s circle to toast to the new milestone.

It’s doubtful the celebrations would be as wild as the day he led in his very first Kranji winner, though – an even bigger shock winner - 142-1 shot Hello And Goodbye - and in a much more prestigious race, the Emirates Singapore Derby (2000m) on July 17, 2005. 

A lot of water has since gone under the bridge in the last 14 years, that have not always been all beer and skittles, but the quiet achiever was certainly enjoying another sip of the bubbly - courtesy of a Moet bottle handed to him by fellow trainer Steven Burridge - at the Champagne Room.

“It’s been a marvellous place to train at. There is no travelling and the stakes money has been good,” said Marsh.

Silver Joy might not be in the same league as some of the better horses Marsh has trained – Singapore Three-Year-Old Challenge Triple Crown winner Gingerbread Man, second Singapore Derby winner Race Ahead (2010) and two-time Group winner Trudeau come to mind while champion galloper War Affair only joined him in the twilight of his career – but the All American three-year-old might still make into his own personal hall of fame thanks to the landmark win.

Should Marsh forget one day, the name may still jog his memory. Marsh famously won the Melbourne Cup in 1971 on a horse named Silver Knight!

“Silver Joy showed some promise, but things have gone wrong. Everything went right today,” he said.

“He got the trip today and there is no reason why he can’t go further.”