Megan Dunseath became the first female to ride a winner over obstacles at the famous Warrnambool Three-Day Carnival guiding Lord Pierro to victory.
The Paul Preusker-trained jumper took out the opening race on the 10-raced card on Tuesday claiming the Let’s Make It Grand Maiden Hurdle (3200m).
Lord Pierro was Dunseath’s only ride over the three days of racing.
Lord Pierro ($8.50) scored by a long-neck from Buffalo Bill ($31) with Periscope ($8.50) a further 5-½ lengths away third.
Born in Northern Ireland, Dunseath worked as a breaker and pre-trainer before moving to Australia.
“She’s got a ripper, ripper work ethic so I was really happy to give her a go and be rewarded too,” Preusker said.
Dunseath only had her first professional ride in June last year in a maiden high-weight race and the victory on Lord Pierro was only her 24th overall race ride and sixth over hurdles.
“Warrnambool is just brilliant, I love it,” Dunseath said.
“I arrived three-and-a-half years ago, I got a sponsorship with Richard Cully, and I’ve been there (Ballarat) since.”
Dunseath learned on Monday of the potential history she was in line to create and was grateful to all the help she had received from the racing fraternity.
“I tried not to think about it, but it was an unbelievable reception,” Dunseath said.
“Everyone has been a brilliant help, they’re all very good and very encouraging.”
