Above: Happy trainer Louise Bonella was thrilled with her horse’s effort in the unfamiliar role of race leader.HORSES were not the only winners at the Pakenham Racing Club’s meeting on Monday, where local jockey Peter Mertens scored a rare win without the help of a horse.
Mertens was presented with the 200405 Cremin Frank Facey Jockeys’ Premiership after collecting 50 points in the race for the award.
Apprentice jockey Michael Guthrie was Mertens’ closest rival after racing his way to 36 points.
Vicechairman of the Pakenham Racing Club, Keith Popovits, was thrilled to present the award to Mertens.
“When the club was in trouble with the track, Peter was the first to put his hand up and help out.
“He rode the track for us, made recommendations and spread the good word for the club,” Popovits said.
Mertens was all praise for the club and thanked those who had made his job possible.
“The club has done a marvellous job of the track.
“But I couldn’t be doing this without the owners, trainers and the people of Pakenham,” Mertens said.
Pakenham trainer Joy Bourke was also recognised with an award for being the leading Pakenham trainer over the past season.
Racing with My Pleasure and full brother Pleasure Cruiser, Ms Bourke enjoyed a big return from a small stable.
“This award is very rewarding, but many thanks go to the club for their ongoing support.
“I’ve been lucky (with horses) and I hope that luck continues,” Ms Bourke said.
A highlight of the meeting was the popular win of locally prepared mare Gilded Rose in the Class 3 Handicap over 1750 metres for trainer Suzanne Byers.
The sixyear old started at $5 put in a slashing run to bolt in by over four lengths, downing the two popular fancies Aqua Velva and Jeunique. It was the horse’s fourth win from 24 starts.
Cranbourne trainer Louise Bonella teamed up with Cranbourne jockey Brian Park in race seven to score a convincing win with talented fiveyearold mare Maggie’s Mate.
The ride was a pickup for Park, replacing Rikki Cartwright.
Maggie’s Mate shot clear with 200 metres to race and, despite looking a little lost with no company over the concluding stages, scored an impressive win.
“I had to use the whip a few times to get the job done,” Park said after the win.
Ms Bonella said leading wasn’t the horse’s favourite position and was happy with how the race was run.
“It was run perfectly, I was relieved when another horse took the lead from her.
“She starts thinking too much when out in front by herself, but it was a strong win,” she said.
Maggie’s Mate paid punters a $3 TAB dividend.
