Persistence paid off for ETON AFFAIR, who shed his maiden status with a determined victory in the 1217m Maiden Plate at Moe on Friday.

Ridden patiently by Billy Egan, the three-year-old son of Peltzer settled beautifully before producing a strong finishing burst to score by three-quarters of a length on a testing Heavy 10 surface. It was his first career victory at his sixth start after knocking on the door with consecutive runner-up finishes leading into the race.

Trainer Tim Fitzsimmons was full of praise for both the horse and his rider after the win.

"It was a terrific, patient ride by Billy. He didn't panic when they rolled along early and just let the horse find his rhythm. When he asked him to go, he was really strong through the line."

Fitzsimmons said the heavy conditions played to ETON AFFAIR's strengths.

"He's a tough bugger, this horse. He doesn't know how to give in and he kept finding when Billy needed him. To do it in those conditions says a lot about his toughness."

The victory was made even more memorable as it marked the first race win together for trainer Tim Fitzsimmons and jockey Billy Egan.

"It's great to get our first winner together. Billy gave him every chance and hopefully it's the first of plenty."

With his maiden now behind him, connections are optimistic there is further improvement to come as ETON AFFAIR steps through the grades.

"He's still learning what it's all about. He's been building towards this and I think there's a bit more upside in him yet. It was nice to see him put it all together."

Congratulations to Tim, Billy and the ownership group on a well-deserved maiden victory.