The win of Jennas Fling at Globe Derby Park highlighted another of the wonderful stories of harness racing – the love of a family and their horse.
Jennas Fling, now a 10-year-old, was a $37.60 outsider, but produced high emotion with an 8-1/2 metre win in the AMC Commercial Cleaning Pace (1800m).
Taken to the front by the state’s leading driver Dani Hill, Jennas Fling never really looked in danger defeating Canturi Crest ($7.40) with Bolt Action Blood ($28.70) a half head away third.
Jennas Fling incredibly has overcome four broken legs during his career to win his 16th race.
The gelding is trained by Robin Maguire and is owned by his children Karen, Rachel and Matt who all love him with his ability to come back after injury.
“He has had hairline cracks in all four legs,” Maguire said.
“He has broken down as a two-year-old, four-year-old and eight-year-old and we have nursed him back to the track each time.
“We bought him as a yearling from Ian Edwards when he was clearing out his stock and he has been a hero to us.”
Jennas Fling’s most recent injury came in June 2014 and he was off the scene until November last year.
Maguire said because of such a long break, the gelding had taken a few runs to get back to peak fitness.
Dani Hill, who brought up a winning treble having scored on Lis Tureen and Whats Emma Got, said despite the odds she had been certain, with a good run, he could measure up.
“I drove him last week and he had no luck getting caught wide, having to go back, and he ran on well late,” Hill said.
“If I had have thought he could lead from gate four I would have been very confident.
“But as the race developed I was able to get across quite easily and headed Stones Corner which led early and always hands up.
“He is a lovely old horse and really deserved that win.”
The win marked another unusual milestone for Maguire.
“I’ve also trained Lightning Fella and Exposed which also have won 16 races each,” Maguire said.
“Now Jennas Fling has reached that mark.”
