TODAY’S Port Macquarie meeting provided a special milestone for a trainer and his new apprentice.
Gosford’s Jake Hull and apprentice Millie Thompson combined for their first win together with favorite Rebelious Red in the Maiden Plate (1000m).
A $1.35 hotpot, the three-year-old defeated leading Newcastle trainer Kris Lees’ pair Starzzaborn ($13) and Bombinate ($9.50).
Whilst former jockey Hull made it three winners from her last four runners, he was even more pleased to see Thompson ride her first winner for his stable.
“Millie joined us just over a month ago, and rode Rebelious Red when third in a Hawkesbury barrier trial on December 16,” Hull said en route home.
“She is a hard worker and is really keen to learn, and I’m delighted to give her the opportunity to further her riding career.
“Millie rode Rebelious Red when he ran second on debut at Coffs Harbour on December 30, and I’m sure he would have won that day with a decent alley.
“He drew barrier 11 in a field of 12, and did a good job in an 805m Maiden Handicap.
“Whilst he won only narrowly today, there was merit in his performance.
“He is a nice horse still learning and if he pulls up in good order, we’ll look for a suitable Class 1 next.
“Otherwise, he can have a little break.”
Hull pointed out another runner had to be examined by the club vet at the starting point, and his gelding “half went to sleep” in the stalls.
“As a result he was slow to jump and took a while to get going before mustering speed and taking the lead,” he said.
“Kris Lees’ runner-up challenged him in the straight, but I don’t think she was ever going to get past us.
“Millie can claim 3kg in the country and for the time being we’ll concentrate on that sector.”
Hull began his current winning run with Red Spector at that Coffs Harbour meeting on December 30, and then scored with Prosperous Dragon at Newcastle on January 10.
Rebelious Red and Red Spector were bred by Hull’s major client John O’Connor, both horses being sons of the Redoute’s Choice stallion Red Henno.
Hull’s next runner will be four-year-old Rathoran at Tamworth on Thursday.
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Whilst Lees missed out against Hull’s Rebelious Red, he and fellow Newcastle trainer Paul Perry also were winners at Port Macquarie.
Lees took the Benchmark 58 Handicap (2000m) with $5.50 chance She’s Got Teeth (Jose Severo) in an all-Newcastle result; Jay Hopkins finishing second with Cassie’s Lad ($12) and Barry Lawrence was third with his recent Taree winner Fighting Magnus ($9.50).
Perry’s Nazare’s Impact ($7.50), with apprentice Siena Grima aboard and a 5kg advantage, nudged out topweight, Gosford trainer Greg McFarlane’s Catchy Tunes ($6.50), in the Benchmark 58 Handicap (1000m).
Story John Curtis, January 19, 2025 - Pics Bradley Photos
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