Unexpected rain fell mid-meeting at Randwick on Saturday, but it aided a predictable outcome as Australia's champion mare Verry Elleegant won her ninth Group 1 race in the $1 million George Main Stakes (1600m).

Verry Elleegant ($1.75 favourite) was among the slowest into stride from barrier two on the downgraded Soft 7 surface, with James McDonald shoving Chris Waller's mare into fourth position on settling behind bold front runner Riodini ($13).

Rachel King again rated Riodini to perfection, skipping four lengths clear turning for home, but Verry Elleegant displayed her champion qualities to strike the lead 50 metres from home to score by three-quarters of a length.

Chelmsford Stakes runner-up Riodini held on to second by half a head from Chelmsford winner Think It Over ($4.80), with ATC Oaks winner Hungry Heart ($21) closing for fourth.

"She had to dig deep the last 200 metres but that's when the horses like Verry Elleegant start to excel. The tougher the contest, the better she will go," said winning trainer Chris Waller.

McDonald described Verry Elleegant as being 'pretty cranky' before the George Main, which was the hoop's 55th victory at G1 level.

"I was a little bit worried with her going around (to the start), she was quite cantankerous and wanted to get on with it," McDonald said.

"Once I jumped a little bit slow, I didn't have many options to be fair and just let it unfold how it went.

"When I looked up at the 500-metre mark and Riodini had shot clear I thought 'Geez, it's going to take a mighty horse to run her down'. Both Think It Over and Verry Elleegant went together but she pulls out all stops this horse, she's as tough as nails."

Waller said Verry Elleegant will have her next start on October 2 in either the $1m G2 Hill Stakes (2000m) at Randwick or $1m G1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington ahead of the $5m Ladbrokes Cox Plate (2040m) at The Valley on October 23.

Racing.com