Jeff Penza on Elan Grenadine. Picture: ANDY ZAKELI
He hasn’t ridden in a Melbourne Cup or tasted Group 1 success, but young apprentice Shaun Guymer was rapt to boot home a winning double at Kembla Grange’s 100-year anniversary meeting.
The Warwick Farm-based apprentice kicked clear aboard Caesar’s Princess to win the Class2 Handicap (1200m), then stormed home on favourite Sailor’s Farewell in the Benchmark 70 Handicap (1400m).
It was Guymer’s first Kembla double and particularly special on the 100-year anniversary of racing at the track.
‘‘It’s a day when many of the older people remember the great times at Kembla and to have a winner is something I won’t forget,’’ Guymer said.
‘‘You want to be respectful to the occasion and enjoy being a part of it. It’s fantastic to get an opportunity to ride down here and a thrill for the owners to have a winner too.
‘‘I’ve been riding here three years and it’s a nice big track with plenty of room to place your horse. You see a big crowd here today and you know it’s a special occasion for everyone.’’
MORE: Kembla Grange celebrates 100 years
Guymer positioned the well-backed Caesar’s Princess on the rails, just off the speed and sprinted past favourite Syncopated in the final 200m.
His second winner was more impressive with Guymer blocked for a run on Sailor’s Farewell, but he didn’t panic and took the widest run to flash home.
Experienced hoop Jeff Penza won the Kembla jockeys’ premiership in 2010 and booted home the opening two winners, Elan Grenadine and Shivarchi.
‘‘It’s a honour to have a winner on a day like this,’’ said Penza, who has been riding at the track for 20 years.
‘‘When you think of some of the great names of racing associated with Kembla Grange you know how big a deal 100 years of racing here is.’’
First starter Shivarchi missed the kick three lengths but showed promise to take out the 3YO Colts and Geldings Maiden.
Trainer Robert Price, who had his first winner at Kembla Grange with Phantom King in 1988, said Shivarchi had ability.
‘‘We might look to give him a break and bring him back,’’ Price said.
‘‘He’s been a bit tricky around the barriers but it was a good debut. He’s a Magic Millions yearling, now a three-year-old and while we have been patient, he’s a nice type.’’