North West trainer Mark Ganderton celebrated an early birthday gift at Elwick on Sunday, producing a perfect two‑from‑two result with his only runners on the program.

The Tazwegian ($3.10) kicked off the day with a determined win in the maiden/class 1 over 2040m, followed by Zuni ($8) railing through to score in the BM64 (1200m).

For The Tazwegian, it was officially her second career victory — though her first came via the disqualification of the original winner back in March 2024. The mare carries deep sentimental value for Ganderton, having been bred by his late best mate Glen Massey, who passed away six years ago. She was the final horse Massey ever bred, being by Melbourne Cup winner Fiorente out of the Estambul mare Revenging. Leading apprentice Jabez Johnstone guided her to Sunday’s breakthrough.

Ganderton’s second winner, Zuni (by Stratosphere), was rewarded for her consistency after finishing runner‑up at her previous two outings. Her win capped a well‑deserved double for the stable.

The pair of victories also snapped a run of near misses for Ganderton, whose last winner had come back in March when Vixen’s Moon scored on his home track at Devonport.