Thomas is chairman of the Christchurch Casino.
"It is a real thrill. I haven't had an experience like this for years" Thomas said.
It was a memorable day for Thomas as he is also in the Can West 2 syndicate who race the winner, Cangowest. The syndicate comprises Messrs Thomas, Peter Stechman and John Wallace, both of Mosgiel and members of the Canterbury-Westland Owners and Breeders' Association.
Crystal Duke reared as the field was despatched from the starting gates and lost several lengths. He stormed home down the outer from last at the 600m to win decisively.
Crystal Duke is trained at Riccarton by Kevin and Pam Hughes. Kevin is a member of the board of the Canterbury Jockey Club.
Pam joined him in an official capacity as a trainer on August 1 and the Winter Classic was their first win as a duo.
Crystal Duke won the Christchurch Casino Spring Classic at Riccarton last October. He has now won eight races and the $23,125 stake for the Winter Classic boosted his earnings to $108,165.
The Bachelor Duke-Starfire Glow gelding has also been minor-placed eight times in 39 starts.
He was a $20,000 purchase at the NZ Bloodstock select yearling sale in 2008.
Thomas was also in the ownership of Altered Image, winner of the $250,000 Coupland's Bakeries Mile at Riccarton in 2010.
Art Beat, the Winter Cup winner, was scratched from the Winter Classic due to a stone bruise.
"I put a poultice on her foot overnight but it did not bring her right," Wayne Hillis, her co-trainer, said.
Robert Hannam, who rode Crystal Duke and Cangowest, winner of the final race on the card, was suspended for careless riding. He was suspended from next Sunday until August 24 after he admitted shifting in at the 1100m when riding Tick Tock Turbo. Flying Alibi and Our Bee Jay were checked.
Lance Robinson signed off as a jockey when he rode Comanche Gold to finish seventh in the open 1400m.
Robinson (55) has taken the position as manager for the Rangiora branch of the stable of Jason Bridgman.
Robinson won 562 races as a jockey, the first on Taille at Tauherenikau in April, 1974.
He served his apprenticeship with Jock Harris at Woodville.
He was based in the central districts until he shifted to Christchurch 16 years ago and linked with the stable of Les Didham.
Robinson prepared some 35 winners in nine years as a trainer at Awapuni.
He resumed riding at the age of 33.
His wins include the 2004 Canterbury Gold Cup on Branson, 1975 Cuddle Stakes (Marinoto), 2000 Easter Cup (Diaga), 2000 Great Easter Handicap (The Red Express), 2000 Dunedin Cup (Ripon By), Stewards' Handicap in 1997 (Highanabove) and 2003 (Fingalbunt).
He won the Riverton Cup four times including the centennial edition on Gasnier in 2009.
