Art Success was first past the post at Doomben in February but was disqualified from the race after he was found to have the steroid-related drug hydroxyprogesterone caproate (HPC) in blood samples.

HPC was the steroid-related drug which gained international attention when top Australian sprinter Takeover Target was refused a start in Hong Kong in December 2006.

Art Success’s trainer John Collins was handed a nine-month disqualification by Queensland stewards but won his appeal against the ban.

Ridden by multiple South African premiership-winner Jeff Lloyd, Art Success ($15) scored by two lengths from $5 favourite Belmonte with Juerga ($21) a long head away third in the 2350-metre feature.

Art Success had not officially won a race since the 2006 Brisbane Cup in the final year it was a Group One event run over 3200 metres.

Lloyd only recently returned from South Africa where he rode River Jetez to fourth in that country’s premier race, the Durban July, 11 days ago.

Collins said he targeted Lloyd for the ride early and was glad to get his man.

“I’ve had him in mind for a while and we got him straight away. We always thought he’d suit the horse and he certainly did,” Collins said.

Lloyd rode Art Success quietly, keeping him out of trouble and settling midfield before moving off the fence at the 1000 metres and making his move.

When asked for a final effort, Art Success exploded in the last 250 metres to blow his rivals away and quickly put the result beyond doubt.

“They told me he’s a horse that doesn’t like getting crowded or bumped in a race, so I gave him room and it panned out beautifully,” Lloyd said.

“When they rang me they said if the track was dry he could win and they were right.”