Racing: Horsewoman seeks first win

Expect jockey Cameron Lammas to be excited if Grey Power can win the West End Tavern - Old Taupo Rd 1400 at Arawa Park tomorrow.

Grey Power is trained by Lammas' girlfriend, Tracey Parnwell, who also races the horse in partnership with owner-breeder Gary Hodel, of Matamata, and success will be a first for the capable horsewoman.

Grey Power was originally trained by Richard Coxon and showed immense ability when charging home to win on debut at Te Teko in February 2010 when ridden by Gavin McKeon, who had a high opinion of the son of Jungle Pocket.

Unfortunately, Grey Power went amiss after that first win and spent a long time in the paddock until Parnwell took over, initially using the horse as a hack. He returned to the track when he showed no signs of his injury.

Hodel agreed to let Parnwell train Grey Power and the young horsewoman took out a trainer's licence.

Grey Power returned to the racetrack at the Matamata meeting on May 9 and despite having been off the scene for more than two years, he produced a top effort for third behind Matabrahma, who is now campaigning in Queensland for trainer Paul Jenkins.

Not surprised by that showing, Lammas believed the horse would be hard to beat next time and so his judgment goes on the line tomorrow. Grey Power certainly looks a strong chance in the Rating 65 field.

Royal Sceptre, who is trained at Cambridge by Ross McCarroll, will be chasing back-to-back wins and from barrier two should be a tough opponent for Grey Power.

Other chances in the field include A Cool Change, Northern General, Tabu Soro, Maraschino, Dreams Unwind, Mellow Yellow and emergency Mr Kanton.