Milestone win for new trainer Cunningham
Jason Collett left Warwick Farm with a careless riding suspension, but the first metropolitan meeting of the season will still hold fond memories for the New Zealand jockey.
Shortly before he was banned for 13 meetings, Collett was all smiles after helping secure partner Clare Cunningham’s first city winner.
Collett booted Tenorino home in the TAB.com.au Handicap to the delight of Cunningham, who only took over training the five-year-old gelding from Gerald Ryan in April.
“What a thrill. Thankyou to (owners) Frank and Vicky Marino for sending me this horse.
“Frank wanted the horse to go to a smaller stable so I’m very grateful he came to me,” she said.
Tenorino had his first start for Cunningham, who used to run Peter Moody’s Sydney satellite stable, at Kembla Grange on July 22 and she was encouraged by a sixth placing.
“He was very unlucky and he pulled up super,” she said.
“I was going to head him up to a mile straight away but the way he hit the line at Kembla Grange, I thought we’re not going to waste that.
“We’ll put him over 1400 and see what we get on a big, beautiful track. With Jason aboard, it was really special.”
Collett was also rapt.
“I’ll be in the good books now,” he said.
Collett pleaded guilty to careless riding after his mount Al Mah Haha shifted out when passing the post in race one, an action that caused Puppet Master to clip heels and dislodge Rachel King.