Genzano notches Gavranich’s first group victory

She’s only been on the books as a co-trainer with Paul Messara for a few months, but Leah Gavranich has already posted her first group win.

Their three-year-old filly Genzano ($15) was impressive taking out the Group 3 3YO Spring Stakes at Newcastle saluting by a length and a quarter over another filly Kind Words ($15). War horse Kintyre ($5.50) was only a half neck back in third position after a fairly tough run in transit.

It’s been a long road for Gavranich to reach this point, and she was thankful for the opportunities Messara has presented her.

“Obviously I’ll be forever grateful to Paul. It’s not something I feel like he needed to do, asking me to go into a training partnership,” Gavranich beamed.

“15 years ago I started in Western Australia. I came over as a track work rider, progressed to foreman, travelling foreman, assistant trainer, co-trainer. It’s been a wonderful journey.”

Co-trainer Messara was thrilled for both his training partner and the daughter of Maurice

“To win a race like this on a big day. She’s won a couple in a row now this filly and she’s obviously going to go places,” Messara said.

“Next preparation she’s only going to get better.”

It was another heady steer from young hoop Zac Lloyd, a fact that wasn’t lost on Gavranich.

“You’ll have to go back and watch that, it was an absolute 20 out of 10,” Gavranich said.

“He drew 11, there was a gap in the field, he rolled across and put her on the rail.

“She was going well, probably went a little too soon, but it didn’t matter she was off and gone.”

Lloyd explained he was given clear instructions from Messara and was able to pull them off to the letter.