There were emotional scenes at Sandown on Wednesday as Blake Shinn guided Enchanted Jenni to victory, handing his partner Lucy Yeomans her maiden win as a solo trainer.
Yeomans went out on her own last month after previously training in partnership with Lloyd Kennewell, and Enchanted Jenni was just her second runner under her own name when contesting the Sportsbet Fast Form Plate (1600m).
For Shinn, the moment was especially significant.
“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) produced a strong finishing burst to defeat the $1.95 favourite Crusader Voyage by three-quarters of a length, with Negentropy ($16) close up in third.
Yeomans said it was surreal to notch her first victory so early in her new career. “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 arrived in Yeomans’ yard in terrific order after previously being prepared by Alex Rae. “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.”
Next up for the Yeomans stable is Jenni The Fox, who lines up in the Group 2 Stocks Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley on Friday night after her earlier run in the Group 2 Let’s Elope Stakes (1400m).
“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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