Jockey Blake Shinn was struggling to hold his emotions together after guiding Enchanted Jenni home at Sandown to provide his partner Lucy Yeomans with her maiden victory.
Yeomans branched out on her own last month after ending her training partnership she had been in with Lloyd Kennewell and Enchanted Jenni was only her second starter when lining up in the Sportsbet Fast Form Plate (1600m) on Wednesday.
While Yeomans was able to keep her emotions in check, Shinn struggled.
“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.”
Despite covering ground, Enchanted Jenni ($3.90) raced to a three-quarter length victory from the $1.95 favourite Crusader Voyage with Negentropy ($16) a short-head away third.
Yeomans said it was an amazing feeling to land a winner with only her second runner.
“I thought I would be a mess and crying, but I’m keeping it together,” Yeomans 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.”
Yeomans said Enchanted Jenni, who had been trained by Alex Rae, had arrived at her stable in great condition.
“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.”
Yeomans will be looking to collect her first Stakes winner when Jenni The Fox runs in the Group 2 Stocks Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley on Friday night.
Jenni The Fox was Yeomans first runner when seventh in the Group 2 Let’s Elope Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on September 13.
“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.”
