Fitzsimmons Racing ticked off another key milestone on Monday, landing its first metropolitan-class winner since returning to Australia — following from a breakout run of results through May.

Condor’s victory in the BM64 Handicap (1000m) at Mornington was the stable’s latest highlight, coming off a month that returned six winners and five thirds from just 16 runners, an impressive 37.5% winning strike rate and 63% top-three finish rate.

“Of all the horses I’ve brought back, he’s progressed the most,” said trainer Tim Fitzsimmons.

“It’s great to see him get the job done on a wet track, especially at this time of year. He struggled with the heat in Singapore — he was very dry-coated — but he’s really appreciating the cooler conditions here.

We’ll probably have to go up in grade now, but when Moonee Valley returns to racing, I think the 955-metre series could suit him perfectly.”

Ridden confidently by Ryan Houston, Condor bounced from a wide gate and showed tenacity late to fight off challengers in testing conditions. The win continues a red-hot partnership between Houston and the stable, with four wins from just five rides for Fitzsimmons Racing.

“The only query today was that he hadn’t been on a heavy track, but he stood up to the test,” Houston said.

“We were able to come across with another speedy horse and tough it out to the line. The way he travelled on the surface, I was confident once we got to the corner. I just kept him under himself for as long as I could, and once I asked, he gave a strong kick.

Credit to the horse — he’ll definitely improve off that. I get along with Tim really well and hopefully we can keep banging winners together.”

Condor has now won three of his four starts in Australia, and Monday’s metro victory joins a list of early achievements for the Bendigo-based stable — including a first winner, first home-track win, and first home-track double.

With Condor continuing to progress and the stable hitting new highs, Fitzsimmons Racing is building something special — and they’re just getting started.

“We’re really proud of how the stable is travelling,” Fitzsimmons said. “I’ve got a fantastic team behind me and a loyal group of owners who’ve backed us every step of the way. There’s a great feeling around the stable, and we’re continuing to keep raising the bar.”