Godolphin’s Kate Grimwade has taken her first trip to Sandown and driven home a winner following a fighting victory from Isaurian.
Grimwade was last week appointed assistant-trainer to James Cummings to run the Carbine Lodge stable in Melbourne.
After a frustrating beginning at Moonee Valley on Saturday, Isaurian’s win in Wednesday’s Polytrack Handicap gave Grimwade her first success since linking up with Cummings.
Grimwade has been with Godolphin for nearly 15 years and was based at its Newmarket operation in the UK in charge of pre-training.
“I’m really excited to be back,” she said.
“I spent some time with Gai Waterhouse about eight years ago so I’ve had a good grounding in Australian racing.
“It’s been a bit of baptism of fire to start with but James has such a professional team around him and the support makes the job easier.
“At the moment I’m getting to know the people, know the horses and getting to know the racecourses.
“This is the first time I’ve been to Sandown and so far we like Sandown.”
Grimwade said she was looking forward to seeing Isaurian develop after recording a half-length win from Invincible Al.
“This is his third preparation and that’s the third time he’s won first-up,” Grimwade said.
“I couldn’t be happy with the horse really. Hopefully he’s a really exciting prospect for the future.”
