Almost a year after he started training Lionel Cohen is beginning to reap the rewards, bringing up his first city win with Aeronautical at Randwick on Saturday.
A successful thoroughbred owner and breeder in his native South Africa, Cohen realised a long-held ambition to train when he moved to Australia after being told he would have to serve a five-year apprenticeship in his homeland.
First city winner for Lionel Cohen - Photo by Steve Hart
With six horses in work and room for another six, Cohen has taken his time to learn and it has paid off with two-year-old Aeronautical who caused an upset in the Clovelly Handicap.
Sent out at $17 with Nathan Berry aboard, Aeronautical came from last to beat Appearance ($18) by 1-1/4 lengths with Imperial Grand ($61) another three-quarters of a length away third.
The most-fancied runners failed to flatter with favourite Matignon ($3.60) eighth, Ingham Magic ($4) last and Pillory ($4.80) sixth.
“It’s been a big learning curve and I’ve learned a lot over the past year,” Cohen said.
“The horses I have are all owned by myself. I didn’t want to push it by bringing others in at the start but now I can start building on it.
“I have always rated this horse highly and he needed a good track.”
Before he came to Australia permanently, Cohen visited on many occasions.
“I found the industry here rejuvenating and exciting,” he said.
“When I inquired in South Africa about training horses they told me I’d have to serve a five-year apprenticeship.
“I couldn’t wait that long so I decided to come here.”
Cohen is based at Rosehill and has picked the brains of another former South African, David Payne, who has been in Australia for a decade.
“I have spent a lot of time with David Payne and he has introduced me to people and helped me,” he said.
“I’m still finding my feet but I’m doing what I’ve always wanted to do.”
Among the top-class racehorses Cohen has owned is Sun Classique, winner of the 2008 Group One Sheema Classic (2400m) in Dubai.
AAP TURF
