YOUNG Gawler thoroughbred trainer Aimee Bush has described her first career winner – at Port Augusta on Sunday – as “just awesome”.
Bush has been inundated with congratulations and well-wishes since Oliver’s Tale saluted in race eight, triggering a flood of emotions for the 26-year-old.
“It was so much excitement, but relief as well, because I’d been wanting to get a winner so badly,” she said.
“I just couldn’t believe it – there’s been hard work and effort from a lot of people, so it was amazing.
“It was a day I’ll never forget.”
Bush trains two horses, Oliver’s Tale and Arctic Blaze, and before Sunday’s win had three seconds and a third to her credit.
Hailing from Victoria, she moved to South Australia in 2012 to gain her Bachelor of Animal Science, then her Honours in the same subject.
A lifelong horse lover, during her university studies Bush started riding track work for established Gawler trainer Darren Magro.
However, she soon “caught the racing bug”, and after completing her studies, began working full-time for Magro. To get the full experience, Bush did everything from helping with accounts and owner updates, to track riding, social media updates, and taking horses to and from tracks on race days.
She continues in the role today, and said she is fortunate that Magro allows her to stable her two horses within his facilities.
Bush was on hand earlier this month for the official opening of the Gawler and Barossa Jockey Club’s new $495,000 equine pool, established after the club received a grant as part of the State Government’s $24 million industry stimulus package.
“It’s a state-of-the-art pool, and we’re really lucky to have that facility at Gawler,” she said.
“I’ve used it already. Arctic Blaze loved it.”