Queen of the Desert victory for Albany jockey Casey Hunter

There was success for Albany jockey Casey Hunter on Alice Spring Turf Club’s biggest race day of the season.

After a fruitful stint in Alice Springs last year, Hunter, 25, has returned to the Northern Territory to ride home a winner on Sunday while also producing a strong run in the $70,000 Ladbrokes Alice Springs Cup (2000m).

The senior hoop guided Roughly to victory in the TDC Refrigeration Queen Of The Desert (1200m) event for trainer Carly Cook.

The seven-year-old mare ran second at her last start and jumped an $8 chance on Sunday, but Hunter was too strong in the finish as they won by more than a length.

Roughly had to do plenty of work from barrier seven but eventually got outside the leader and then sprinted clear in the final 200m.

In the feature race of the day, Hunter was on board roughie Doon Buggy ($81 chance) for trainer Russell Bell. They drew the outside barrier in the field of 11 but landed in the money, settling last before a long sustained run helped them finish fifth, beaten just over five lengths by the winner Lotion.

Earlier in the day Hunter ran fourth Olivares and $91 chance Carrie Ann. She has two winners at Pioneer Park this year.