A mix of excitement and relief was felt by Barbara Kennedy after Subtle Power crossed the line at Ruakaka on Saturday, delivering her first success as a trainer in New Zealand.
Kennedy had previously trained 59 winners in her native South Africa, and after moving to New Zealand with her husband and jockey Warren, was given the opportunity to take over Peter and Dawn Williams’ successful barn at Byerley Park from the beginning of June.
Subtle Power was one of the horses Kennedy took over from the Williams’ for owner-breeder Chittick Investments, and the Savabeel filly was rated a +500 chance with horse racing bookmakers in the maiden mile contest after finishing third on debut at Cambridge.
In the hands of the premiership-leading hoop, Subtle Power settled in behind the speed through the running and took the lead early in the straight, managing to hold out several late chargers to score by a head.
Kennedy was delighted to get on the board so early into her Kiwi career, made particularly special with her husband in the saddle.
“I was really ecstatic on the day and a bit relieved at the same time to get the first win out of the way,” Barbara Kennedy said.
“We were really happy and it was great to have Warren ride my first winner in New Zealand too.
“She’s a filly who the penny hasn’t quite dropped yet, she was still very green after hitting the front quite early, and she got a bit lost.
“She was one with Peter and Dawn, so Warren had done a lot of trackwork on her while she was with them and had ridden her at the trials as well. He was very happy with her.
“She’s a decent type and has shown us tonnes of ability, so she’ll probably head out for a spell now and come back in the spring.”
Back at Byerley Park, Kennedy is establishing a good foundation heading into the new season next month.
“We have a nice little routine going with a great team that Peter and Dawn have trained up really well, they all know the swing of things,” she said.
“We have 15 horses in training, so that’s a nice number to kick off with and slowly figure things out as we go.
“I’m hoping Subtle Power can be something special for the new season and we have a few other decent prospects coming through, but my main goal is to get the winners rolling and being able to compete with the bigger trainers.
“I’m looking forward to getting out there and showing them what we’ve got.”
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