Blake Shinn was overcome with emotion after piloting Enchanted Jenni to victory at Sandown, a result that handed his partner Lucy Yeomans her very first win as a trainer in her own right.
Yeomans only launched her solo training venture last month after parting ways with Lloyd Kennewell, and remarkably, Enchanted Jenni was just her second runner when lining up in the Sportsbet Fast Form Plate (1600m) on Wednesday.
While Yeomans kept her composure in the aftermath, Shinn admitted he was finding it difficult to contain his pride.
“It’s pretty special,” Shinn said.
“Lucy’s well respected. It’s not easy going out on your own, but she got good support from Tony Ottobre and a lot of people.
“It’s a good moment for her and it’s good to be a part of it.”
Enchanted Jenni ($3.90) proved too strong, scoring by three-quarters of a length over the $1.95 favourite Crusader Voyage, with Negentropy ($16) close up in third.
Yeomans described the win as a dream start to her new venture. “I thought I would be a mess and crying, but I’m keeping it together,” she said.
“We’ve got six horses in work. Myself and my righthand girl Tayla. It’s a little team effort but I’m so delighted to get the job done so soon.
“It’s so rewarding, and I love being with all the horses every day.
“We’ve got a small team, but a massive thanks to Tony Ottobre.
“He’s supported me for a long time, way back when I was with Ciaron (Maher) and when in the partnership and when he knew I was going out on my own, he sent around three horses the day I opened.
“To get my second ever runner in my own name, a winner, and for Tony, it’s something I will always remember.”
Enchanted Jenni, formerly prepared by Alex Rae, arrived at Yeomans’ stable in good order. “I galloped her, but I didn’t think she was fit enough, so we gave her a jump-out, which she won quite impressively,” Yeomans said. “Blake was quite keen to take the ride which is always a good sign and she got the job done.”
Now Yeomans is eyeing her first black-type success with Jenni The Fox, who lines up in the Group 2 Stocks Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley on Friday night, after debuting for her new trainer in the Group 2 Let’s Elope Stakes (1400m) earlier this month.
“It was a last-minute nomination and acceptance but Tony’s pretty keen to run,” Yeomans said. “She’s in good order, she’s bounced through the run, and I think if she does go there, she will be running really well.”
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