Trainer Justin Prentice (2nd from left) with his mother Debbie and a group of happy owners after the win of Rocknroll Lincoln in the 2019 TABtouch WA Pacing Cup Photo by Paceway Photos
When the Justin Prentice trained Rocknroll Lincoln took out the $450,000 Group One TABtouch WA Pacing Cup on Friday night at Gloucester Park some were asking the question – Is Justin the youngest ever trainer of a WA Pacing Cup winner?
The definitive answer is no and while Justin as a 30yo is in the top bracket as the youngest trainer he sits in sixth place on the list headed by Frances Taylor who was just 21 years old when she became the first woman to train the winner of Western Australia’s leading harness race.
The year was 1982 and the horse concerned was Sharach which was driven by Lou Austin to give Lou his second WA Pacing Cup after the win of San Simeon in 1981.
The list of youngest trainers of a WA Pacing Cup winner is as follows;
Frances Taylor 21yo with Sharach 1982
Alison Smith 24yo with Sunshine Band 1996
Roddy Butt 25yo with Justaboyden 1995
Fred Hough 25yo with Frosty Nelson 1955
Ron Porter 26yo with Winsome Bobbie 1946
Justin Prentice did however enter a select group of just four father/son trainers of a WA Pacing Cup winner.
The complete list of father/son trainers of a WA Pacing Cup winner are as follows;
Fred Thomas (1920 Harold Rose) and Don Thomas (1959 Buller Pass)
Howard Porter (1942 Black Bertha) and Ron Porter (1946 Winsome Bobbie, 1962 Leyoro)
Trevor Warwick (1987 Our Ian Mac) and Justin Warwick (2000 Admirals Avenue)
Kim Prentice (2003 Baltic Eagle) and Justin Prentice (2019 Rocknroll Lincoln)
