East Devonport trainer Kasey Kent landed her first Tasmanian training win when Miss Collann ($3.90) won the Bevan Lees Butchery Pace (2200m) in Launceston on Sunday night.
Driven by Jordan Chibnall, the four-year-old daughter of Sweet Lou was able to cross straight to the lead and proved too good late for Martha Lavinia ($4.20) by four metres, with Gypsy Amour ($10) 11m away third in a mile rate of 1:59.2s on a rain-affected track.
Kent grew up in Tasmania before moving interstate to complete her university studies and become a physiotherapist, then relocating to Victoria for work opportunities.
She returned to Tasmania earlier this year following the passing of her father, Ian, last December.
“The passing of Dad left an irreplaceable hole in my heart, and returning home was something I thought that I had to do.
“Dad always taught me it was natural to feel down sometimes, but there is no other choice but to get up and get going, and that’s something I will take away with me for the rest of my life,” Kasey said.
Kasey trained 15 winners during her Victorian adventure, while her sister Bronte has changed codes, training her first winner as a thoroughbred trainer in North Queensland in mid-December.
Kasey will prepare a small number now she’s back in Tasmania, where she is utilising the property of the Maxfield family, who own Miss Collann.
“Working with her is something I can do to try and make him proud, and the support from Mick and Anne (Maxfield) gave me something to focus on.
“I’m working full time at PhysioTas, so one is enough for me at present.”
The win was the first leg of a driving double for Chibnall, who won the final race on the program aboard the Conor Crook-trained Ultimaction ($1.50 fav).
The program was a night full of doubles, with Rohan Hillier scoring aboard Carmen Emjay ($3.40) and Ourtiger ($1.50 fav).
Charlie Castles recorded a winning training and driving double with Octagonise ($4.20) and Gordons Bay ($6).
Last season’s leading trainer, Wayne Yole, is now four wins behind Tammy Langley on the state’s leading trainers premiership, after a winning double with Barbette ($31) and James Cagney ($41).
