Wild Ruby had been one of the most deserving maidens in the Freedman barn, the honest mare had built a reputation for consistency throughout her career, repeatedly putting herself in the finish and proving she was only a matter of time away from breaking through.

After ten starts and six placings, Wild Ruby returned to Echuca on May 23 and was stepping out to the 1400m, which looked on paper to be favourable. Wild Ruby showed plenty of gate speed and travelled comfortably outside the leader, taking luck out of the equation and dominating the race. When asked for an effort coming into the straight, Wild Ruby used her tactical advantage and responded strongly to the urgings of Ryan Hurdle, putting the race beyond doubt and finally landing the maiden victory her form had long deserved.

The win was a reward for patience and consistency, Wild Ruby had done it the hard way throughout her career and on the wrong end of some brutal photo finishes, so it was a great thrill for Ruby's connections to get her maiden win on the board.