Niconero joined some of racings greats in winning his second Group 1 Futurity Stakes at Caulfield today but the feat was overshadowed by the tragic news for jockey Craig Newitt just prior to the race.

The feature race of the day was held up almost half an hour as stewards broke the news to Newitt his father, Guy, had been killed in a car accident just outside of Mornington.

The tragic news held the race back as stewards allowed Newitt, who was aboard second favourite Light Fantastic, to compose himself as he was determined to take the ride in the race.

It was a somber atmosphere at the track as the horses finally went around to the gates for the feature weight-for-age contest, Newitt looking steely in what must have been the most difficult of circumstances.

And Newitt rode the grey to perfection, settling fifth in the run before hooking around heels in the straight.

He swept up alongside stablemate and favourite Alamosa, who had forged to the front, and drew clear but was grabbed out wider on the track by Niconero right on the line, beaten a half neck.

Niconero, a rising eight-year-old, become just the fourth horse to win the Futurity more than once, joining Manikato, Ajax and Schillaci.

The David Hayes-trained gelding has won 12 times in his career, four at Group 1 level, with just under $2.5 million in earnings.

Jockey Craig Williams described Niconero as like a great wine as he continued to get better with age and Hayes is adamant there's more to come.

“Nico has been a great old horse,” Hayes said. “He jumped out of the ground and was dominant late. We're glad Weekend Hussler wasn't in the race as he's just not quite as good as him but he's as good as any another horse in Victoria.”

The Futurity is the first leg of the rich Asian Mile Challenge, with some massive bonuses for horses who can win two or more legs, but Hayes said he has “confiscated” Niconero's passport, as he doesn't travel well.

But he hasn't ruled out the gelding backing up in next weekend's Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington, despite having never won beyond 1800m.

No horse has won the Futurity Stakes/Australian Cup double since Crewman in 1970.

Newitt, consoled by his mother Virginia and sister Natalie on course, said he felt numb but vowed to fulfill his commitment of his remaining ride on Nine Tales in the JRA Stakes.