Jennings’ Pirouette has heads turning

An emotional Brett Prebble salutes the skies after scoring aboard the Caroline Jennings-trained Plucky Pirouette at Flemington on Oaks Day. 256937 Picture: SCOTT BARBOUR/RACING PHOTOS

By David Nagel

Pakenham-based Caroline Jennings may only be new to the challenges of being the head trainer of a stable – but the born-and-bred Irish-women has the credentials to make a huge mark in the world of racing.

Jennings had the biggest win of her short but exciting career when her four-year-old mare Plucky Pirouette kicked off Kennedy Oaks day in grand style with a courageous victory in the $130,000 BM70 Stakes (1700m) at Flemington on Thursday.

Despite training her first winner just over a year ago, Jennings has over 20-years’ experience in the equine industry and has learnt her craft off some of the biggest names in the game.

She worked intensively under the tutelage of Monty Roberts – an equine advisor to Queen Elizabeth – at his home base in California, becoming Ireland’s first Monty Roberts accredited instructor.

She arrived in Australia in 2011 and worked at some renowned horse studs, including Coolmore Australia, and has also spent time at the famous Waikato and Cambridge Stud farms in New Zealand.

Jennings worked for a number of years in both Sydney and Melbourne with Gai Waterhouse, seeing her perfectly placed to oversee the growing Kennedy Racing Team – spearheaded by jeweller and owner James Kennedy.

Plucky Pirouette winning a race – on a day sponsored by her owner – was the biggest thrill in her short training career.

“Brilliant, we couldn’t have planned it better, go Plucky,” an excited Jennings said post-race.

“I’m delighted, I’m delighted for her and the team. It’s really incredible to be a part of this week, but to be part of Kennedy Oaks day and to have a winner on Kennedy Oaks day is special.”

Plucky Pirouette, a Brazen Beau/Queen of Eight mare, bounced out of a 20-week spell with a strong win at Mornington on September 26, before being an unlucky runner in a $100,000 race at Hamilton on October 9.

“Luck just wasn’t on her side at Hamilton but we’ll forget about that, we’ll remember today and we’ll remember Mornington…I’m delighted,” Jennings said.

“Congratulations to my owner James Kennedy and all the team, and Brett (jockey Brett Prebble) as well.

“Brett’s been doing a lot with us at the track and I’m standing on the shoulders of many. I’ve got a lot of people around me and I couldn’t be prouder.”

Prebble gave Plucky Pirouette a ride from the absolute top shelf of his exquisite skill set.

He drifted Plucky Pirouette back to last from a wide gate, then went to the running rail and made-up ground to midfield on the fence. Prebble then peeled off the rail as the field turned for home before hitting the front at the 200-metre mark.

Plucky Pirouette then fought of the challenge of the Archie Alexander-trained Parisian Dancer to give Prebble an emotional victory after a sad loss just a day earlier.

“I lost my nan yesterday, so it’s pretty special, all our family will be at home today watching,” an emotional Prebble said.

He then delved deeper into his connection with the horse, with a change to her racing style at Mornington paying full benefit on Oaks Day.

“First up I actually changed the riding tactics on her, she had an awkward draw that day and I just felt she’s only a little horse and it’s hard for those horses to do it at both ends,” he said.

“By changing her race pattern she’s better in the mindset now, she’s not as aggressive and she conserves her energy for when I need it.

“She hit a flat patch today and I thought we were going to get lumbered with the big weight, but then she got a bump from the inside horse and it urged her on and she was really strong on the line.

“I had time to salute to nan so it was beautiful.”

Plucky Pirouette has won four of her 18 starts with her $73,000 winners’ cheque taking her career earnings to a tick over $200,000.