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Local star Magnifisio upstagd the big names from interstate with a striking turn of foot to win the $750,000 Winterbottom Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.

The Jim Taylor-trained five-year-old followed up his win in the G2 Lee Steere Stakes two weeks ago with a maiden Group One win as the favoured interstate Moment Of Change and Angelic Light failed to run up to their G1 form in Melbourne.

However there ws post race drama for Magnifisio’s connections as Steven Arnold, who rode runner-up Watermans Bay, lodged an unsuccessful protest claiming interference from the winner in the early stages.

Winning jockey Jason Brown was later suspended for 16 days and fined $1000 after he was found to have allowed Magnifisio to shift inwards when not fully clear of Watermans Bay approaching the 1000m.

Taylor paid credit to Brown for the win.

“It was a great ride by Jason. He’s as good as anyone here,” Taylor said.

“The position he got her in was perfect. We had to go a little bit further back than normal but it was a great effort.

“She’s a great mare.”

Rank outsider Windswept led early with Luke Nolen keen to have Moment Of Change on the speed and he was pushed up to lead after 200m while Damien Oliver occupied the box seat position in third aboard Angelic Light with Magnifisio in midfield.

Rounding the home turn Moment Of Change went a length and a half clear with Angelic Light looming large on the outside however it was Magnifioso who came with a tremendous late burst to hold off the late closing Watermans Bay and Shining Knight for an all Perth finish.

A $80,0000 purchase at the 2011 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale, the 5YO Magnifisio became the first G1 winner for her sire Magnus.

She has won 12 of her 22 starts with six placings, collecting $1,194,100 in prize money.