Apprentice Alannah Fancourt has responded to a challenge from her master Tony Gollan and maintained her lead in the Brisbane jockeys’ premiership with a double at Ipswich.
Fancourt was the darling of bookies when she upset a big plunge to win on Stitchentime ($6) and then followed up with a win on Mauve Lotus ($26).
Six months ago Fancourt’s riding career was at the crossroads when Gollan told her she had to get her weight under control.
“I said she either got her weight down to 53kgs or she was wasting her time and she should go back to Toowoomba or the Gold Coast.”
“To her credit she has really made an effort and it is showing,” Gollan said.
Fancourt’s double took her to seven metropolitan wins for the year and the lead in the senior jockeys premiership.
“There is obviously a lot more to do but it is good to be getting the support of many trainers,” Fancourt said.
Trainer David Murphy is a big Fancourt fan after she came with a well timed run on Stitchentime to beat the odds on favourite Dee Nine Elle ($1.80) by 3/4 length in a three-year-old maiden (1020m).
“Alannah rides a lot of trackwork and is reaping the rewards. Stitchentime isn’t an easy horse to ride but she did the job well,” he said.
Trainer Ray Hawkswell was very emotional after Mauve Lotus won at his first start in more than two years.
“We have had a lot of trouble with keeping him sound but he has plenty of ability,” Hawkswell said.
My Little Flicka ($3) may get a chance at a Saturday race at Doomben after making it three wins from three starts at Ipswich in the Sirromet Hcp (1200m).
“She did a good job because she had to come from a wide barrier which can be tricky in small fields. But she did it both ends,” said trainer Ben Ahrens.
Brooke Stower continued the good run of apprentices on the day when Stormy Grey ($7) won the Civil Hcp (1200m).
Trainer Jim Hanna said Stormy Grey was usually ridden by his injured apprentice Ruby Ride who had done a lot of work with the galloper.
“Brooke’s been helping me out since Ruby got hurt so she deserved her chance in a race,” Hanna said.
Article from justhorseracing.com.au
