Following fourth placings in his first six starts, Alpha broke through to win the Caltex On Fernleigh Maiden (320m) on Friday night.

The win was a relief for the former Kiwi trainer.

“It’s been five years of hard work and perseverance I suppose,” Howe said.

Preferring to race mostly at Canberra, Howe has only been back racing at Wagga for the last few months and finally had luck on his side.

Heavily-backed debutant So Blooming Good ($1.70 fav) looked to have the race for the taking when he blistered out of the boxes however the Peter Dooner-trained dog was more interested in fighting than racing.

Veering out to attack Glendale Zeus ($20.70), his wayward behaviour dropped him through the pack and ruined any winning chance.

It was Alpha ($7.50) who took advantage, finding a rails run before going on to defeat Mandy Magic ($9.20) by a length.

Howe thought luck was finally on his side after copping some interference last time at Temora.

“He got clobbered over the 330 metres over the bend last time,” he said.

“He’s been thereabouts nearly every start so I’m happy to get the duck off the back.”