A thrilling tale of a bargain buy's journey to the big leagues! Michael Travers, a Wagga trainer, is on the cusp of an incredible achievement with his $600 purchase, Jenni Divine. But here's where it gets controversial... this horse has already earned back her purchase price, and then some!
Jenni Divine, with her impressive record of six placements in her first ten starts, faced an injury setback that kept her off the track for almost a year. However, she returned stronger and more mature, and now, she's eyeing the $150,000 SDRA Country Championships Qualifier and the $1 million final.
"We're behind the eight ball, but this race is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for any horse," Travers said. He believes in maximizing racing opportunities to turn over prize money for the owners, and Jenni Divine's recent wins and placings have him confident.
Last year's winner, Canny Hell, is back for a third attempt, but Travers is confident his horse can surprise. "It's not about following a set path; it's about seizing opportunities," he added.
The journey hasn't been without challenges. Travers, who owns 50% of Jenni Divine, a daughter of Divine Prophet, bought her as an unraced prospect. The transport costs to Wagga were significant, and he later syndicated her to stable clients for free, a decision that's paying off handsomely.
"It's a blessing that the Inglis Digital sale worked out so well," Travers said. "I'm glad the owners stuck with her through the injury, and now they're being rewarded."
Travers, who rode in the first Country Championships final in 2015, knows the value of this race. It's a chance for him to showcase his skills as a trainer and provide an opportunity for his 'bread-and-butter' horses to shine.
Jenni Divine's path to the Qualifier wasn't straightforward. She gained a start only after a scratch, and now faces tough competition, including Albury trainer Kym Davison's Autumn Break, a strong favorite despite a recent defeat.
"We know we're up against it, but we're ready to take on the challenge," Travers said.
And this is the part most people miss... it's not just about the money; it's about the journey, the resilience, and the belief in one's horse.
So, what do you think? Will Jenni Divine's story inspire you to believe in the underdogs? Or do you think the favorites will prevail? Let us know in the comments!
