THERE was no happier man at the UBET Racing Centre in Launceston last night than Wesley Vale trainer Glenn Stevenson who prepared his ghostly grey Jakcorijim to notch his first win of the season in a benchmark 82 handicap over 1400 metres.
Jakcorijim had finished well back at his two previous outings in shorter races but back to a more suitable journey (1400m) and with three-kilogram claiming mature-age apprentice Shiralee Maher aboard, the gelded son of Kendell Star powered home to grab victory in the shadows of the post.
“This horse is an absolute marvel. He just loves racing and while he is a nine-year-old he looks and acts like a three-year-old because this is what he lives for – racing,” Stevenson said.
“Tonight it looked a nice race for him and Shiralee (Maher) rode him a treat,” he said.
Jakcorijim settled midfield and was always travelling well for Maher and when she called on the gelding for the big effort 250 metre out the gallant grey slipped into overdrove and hit the line a long neck clear of Player One that flashed home late with race leader Second Dozen a neck away third.
It was Maher’s third win since acquiring her apprenticeship four months ago.
She is no stranger to riding winners having ridden many winners as an amateur at the picnics in Victoria before her and husband, trainer Paul Maher, packed up the family and moved to Tasmania over a year ago.