One of South Africa's favourite trainers abroad, David Payne, landed the prestigious Australian Derby on Saturday during the newly named "The Championships" in what must be his most famous win in his new homeland

Criterion enjoyed the heavy conditions to out run Tupac Amaru and Hooked to win the $2 million event.

Sir Owen Glenn bought Criterion by Selling (the a golden Slipper star), with the initial aim of winning the great two year old race but Payne knew there was more of a likelihood that the house would stay. 

"We got him for the Slipper and it just shows you there's no rules in racing," Payne said.

"He's only becoming a horse now. He was very weak, and if you look at him now he's furnished and it makes a difference.

"I think he'll be an even better four-year-old."

"He's done enough this preparation. We will look at races like the Caulfield Cup and even the Cox Plate," he said.

Jockey Hugh Bowman was thrilled with the win. 

"It's my first ATC Derby and I was so confident coming into it," he said.

"In the run I was in a beautiful rhythm, the horse was loving the ground.

"I must admit I thought Hooked was going to come at me at the 300m, but this horse just went to another level one the mile-and-a-half.

"I am so pleased and so proud to have won this race."