Alice's wonderland with debut win

LOCAL apprentice jockey Alice Kennedy has scored a scintillating debut career win at her first race meet with a victory on Rocket Tiger at Benalla on 14 April. She steered the six-year-old gelding to her first win in emphatic style after pushing the button at the 200m, swooping the front runners in the 1206m 3YO+ BM64 to win by 0.75 lengths. Kennedy said Rocket Tiger jumped well and was in a spot her and Wangaratta trainer Ben Brisbourne wanted him to be as he’s a horse that can get on the bridal. “We wanted to have him off the bridal, nice and relaxed and when it came to push the button hopefully he let down well and he let down wonderfully and won the race," she said. “At the 400m we came out wide around the field about six to seven lengths off them, and down the straight he made up all that ground.” It was Rocket Tiger’s first win since August last year, but he has been knocking on the door with two consecutive seconds at Wangaratta and Sandown in March, and a sixth at Caufield on 5 April. Kennedy had already put in a solid performance earlier in the day, holding onto a second place in a 1406m 3YO+ BM58 aboard Brisbourne trained Torn, finishing five lengths behind Biden Time that bolted it in from the 200m. The 18-year-old has been an apprentice with the Brisbourne stable for more than two years and was thrilled to get her first ride and win after about 200 jump outs and 60 trials. “I just want to remain consistent, as all us apprentices know that you can hit a rough patch where you can’t get any rides," she said. "I’m just hoping I stay with Ben and keep getting opportunities and have a successful career and progress into town. “Ben is one of the best for apprentices as he puts you on and gives you opportunities.” Her colleagues, Hannah Edgley who was a former apprentice with Brisbourne has been super helpful, as has Hannah Le Blanc. "Some of the seniors offer helpful advice which is really appreciated," she said.

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