Doug jumps for Jenny Gump

After seeing Jenny Gump (Prodigal Seelster) win at Westport in 2021 as a four year old for Ashburton trainer Simon Adlam, Invercargill trainer Doug McLachlan was quick on the phone to purchase the mare.

“I was watching the races and Ricky May was driving her. She led, he took a trail then came out and pounced on them and won. I jumped on the phone and rang Simon and bought her,” McLachlan said.

One hundred and nine starts later the now eight year old won her tenth race at Ascot Park today in the hands of Shane Walkinshaw.

JENNY GUMP REPLAY

“Shane had to do a little bit of work to get her out. She’s got terrific gate speed too and she’s electric off the tape and it’s just a pity there aren’t more stands around.”

Jenny Gump will now head to Gore in a fortnight for the $25,000 final of the Southern Surge.

“We’ll go to Gore and then give her a break because she’s been in for some time. I’m one of those trainers who thinks when you’ve got them going, keep them going”

Meanwhile McLachlan said Franco Huntington who ran second last in the same race is nearing the end of his long career.

He says the veteran of 287 starts will probably finish his career this season.

“He was caught three wide today, had to go right back and that’s not his go. I doubt whether he’ll be back next year.”

Franco Huntington has won seventeen races and earned more than $185,000.

For complete race results, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink