Apprentice jockey Madeline Owen enjoyed a day to remember at Canterbury Park on Wednesday, winning what she hopes will be the first of many metropolitan races.
Riding for her boss and Muswellbrook trainer Todd Howlett, the 22-year-old guided Miss Kojiki ($8) to a good win in the 1100m Benchmark 72 Handicap.
After jumping nicely from gate five, Owen let race favourite Mr Kennedy (Zac Lloyd, $2.05) take up the running.
As the field spread out, the three-kilogram claimer then allowed Miss Kojiki to work into the race, as the pair finished over the top to win by a long neck from Mr Kennedy, while two lengths back in third was the Todd Smart-trained Continuum (Andrew Adkins, $31).
Chatting with NSW Country and Picnic Racing, Owen explained that she was thrilled to have a city winner next to her name finally.
“It was really exciting, and I’m really happy to have done it with my boss,” Owen said.
“It’s a bit of a special moment and sort of one of those goals I’ve finally ticked off.”
Miss Kojiki has been a good mare for connections, starting 29 times for seven wins and 13 minor placings, while Wednesday’s win takes her career earnings to over $200,000.
“She is definitely the stable favourite,” Owen said.
“I’ve won on her before, and she is a nice and easy ride, and she tried her guts out and made my job easy today.”
Since kicking off her career in late 2020, the Taree product has registered 77 winners, but she would love more opportunities.
“I haven’t really ridden for any of the big stables, and I do the best with the opportunities I’m given,” Owen said.
“Todd has been good enough to put me on a few.”
Howlett’s yard is in terrific form following a good win at Grafton on Sunday, a treble at Gunnedah on Tuesday, and today’s metropolitan winner.
Owen was just pleased to play her part in the stable’s success.
“Todd had a great day yesterday, and it was a good day for the whole team,” Owen said.
“We have a pretty close nit team, and everyone was happy, and it seems that he has the right horses coming through at the moment.”
In terms of the future for Owen, who has well over a year left on her apprenticeship, punters can expect to see the youngster taking up more opportunities in town.
“The plan is to ride a bit of outside work in Sydney,” Owen said.
“I can ride really light (50kg) and can make use of the claim.”
Owen treks to Gosford on Thursday and takes two rides for the Stephen Schofield yard when jumping aboard Elusive Mission in the 1200m Maiden Plate for fillies and mares in Mosht Up in the 1100m Benchmark 64 Handicap for fillies and mare.
