Romeo Gives Taylor Day to Remember

Young trainer Taylor Connor admitted she was in shock after “lazy” gelding Goodnight Romeo landed her first winner as a trainer at Cluden Park on Sunday.

“I’m still in shock, it doesn’t feel like it’s actually real,” the 27-year-old said.

“It’s such a great feeling to finally win one.”

There were jubilant scenes in the saddling enclosure after Goodnight Romeo led throughout to win the Mitavite Maiden Plate (1400m) under an expert Ash Butler ride.

Connor’s dad, Matt, an astute trainer in his own right, was on hand and declared his daughter’s win was one of the proudest days of his life.

For young Connor, the win came at starter number 29 and followed a number of close shaves since taking out her licence in August, 2023.

“I’ve only got a very small team. Goodnight Romeo and Spring’s Gift. I’d like to be a full-time trainer. I don’t like to see empty stables at home, but you’ve got to start at the bottom and work your way up,” Connor said.

“I’ve always followed dad around. Back when he was training they used to have a good little smoko room here and he’d hide me in the truck, and I used to come out when it was a little bit quieter. 

“Later on, when I was in health care, when Chris Attard was here he offered me a job at the stables working for Ares Racing and I loved it.

“I’ve worked for a few good trainers, but dad’s been my big mentor. He puts up with me, especially when I get frustrated.

“He’s always there and Tony Peters is a big help too. He’s usually here every morning and I wouldn’t be able to do it without him.”

Goodnight Romeo went into Sunday’s race third-up from a spell but gave Connor little confidence after an inglorious second last at his most recent run.

But some video homework and a change up at home during the week turned the gelding’s attitude and form around.

“He had a horrible race last start. We did some bloods on him and everything came back right, he just didn’t like racing wide and didn’t try,” she said.

“So we decided to nominate and see what happens.

“I was really happy Ash said yes to the ride. I’ve given him a few ordinary ones.

“We watched a couple of his replays of his races and trials and saw that we just needed the fence.

“So, we just went out on a limb today to go forward and find the rail and it worked.”

Goodnight Romeo was having just his fifth race start and cruised to a 1/2 length win from Hold My Halo for trainer Matt McGuire.

McGuire struck back in the next race when apprentice Olivia Kendal brought Tymon with a thundering finish to win the Great Northern Brewing Co BM 65 Hcp (1400m).

Kendal landed her second win for the day on Chartwell in the Ladbrokes Bet Ticker Cl6 Hcp (1200m) for young trainer Rhein Sewell.