Graham Fischer

THE infectious smile of one of Gawler’s youngest trainers, Aimee Bush, was on full display when Olive Grove was a photo-finish winner at Gawler this past Wednesday.
Olive Grove gave Bush a winner at her home track after taking out a trainer’s license earlier this year, and she nearly supplied the quinella with stablemate Arctic Blaze a close up third in the Ultra Tune/Kingsford Hotel Benchmark 54 Handicap over 1100m.
A $21 chance, Olive Grove, ridden by apprentice Jacob Opperman, burst between runners to score a short half head win from Fay’s Joy ($15) with Arctic Blaze ($7.50) a head away third.
Bush, who came to SA to work for local trainer Darren Magro after moving from Gisborne in Victoria, has claimed a couple of winners since taking the step out into her own operation.
The first success came with Oliver’s Tale at Port Augusta on June 21, but she said the win of Olive Grove, on her home track, was a special one.
“We’re a big family here at Gawler,” Bush said.
“Everyone was so happy for me, as I am when other trainers have success.”
Further down the card, lightly raced mare Monteferrante resumed from a spell with a last-to-first victory for the McEvoy stable in Angaston.
Trained by Tony and Calvin McEvoy, Monteferrante finished strongly to win the Gawler Hi-Beam Carwash Benchmark 62 Handicap over 1500m.
The race was heat three of the Alcopop Series which will culminate in a $102,250 final over 1600 metres at Morphettville on Friday, December 18.
Ridden by Barend Vorster, the five-year-old mare settled last in the field of 10 with a good tempo up front.
Turning from home, Vorster angled the mare up behind the leaders and waited for a gap, which appeared, and he pushed the mare through.
It was a tough fight, but Monteferrante, which had drifted from $3 to $5, arrived in time to score a short half head win from Tee Train ($18) with Mr Epic ($3 favourite) more than a length away in third.
Vorster was the leading jockey at Gawler, landing a double, as he was also successful on Alotafun for Strathalbyn trainer Shayne Cahill in the Gawler Christmas Races Sat 19th December Maiden over 1100m.
Top trainer for the meeting was Oakbank trainer Kirsten Mooney who had a winning double with Ace Attack, ridden by Jason Holder, and Love Magic, ridden by apprentice Jess Eaton.
The next Gawler meeting will be on Saturday, December 19 and will be the club’s Christmas Party race day.