Jordan’s air of satisfaction
PROMISING apprentice Codi Jordan almost heaved a sigh of relief when she partnered the Rowan Hamertrained Date Night to victory in Launceston last Friday night.
It was Jordan’s first winner and one that seemed long overdue.
Jordan, who is apprenticed to Wesley Vale trainer Glenn Stevenson, had notched plenty of minor placings since being given her licence to ride in races in September but now the monkey is off her back, the 22- year- old could start to soar.
“It’s good to finally get the win, but it seemed like it was never going to happen,” Jordan said.
“I was getting close and it was great to win on one trained by Rowan ( Hamer) because he’s been a massive supporter of mine from day one,” Jordan said.
“I think a third of my trial rides were for him and he put me on for my third race ride which gave me a lot of confidence.
“Glenn ( Stevenson) also has been wonderful because he has poured all of his resources into helping me become a better rider and Raquel Clark ( jockey) also has been a great help.”
Stevenson has a growing stable with about 16 in work and Jordan rides most of them in trackwork and she has a favourite in three- time Newmarket Handicap winner I’m Wesley. “The first time I jumped on I’m Wesley
I couldn’t believe the difference between him and most of the other horses I’d ridden. You can feel the power and
while Wesley keeps you on your toes, he is a gun.”
Jordan finished high school and was heading to university, but her love of riding and the equine industry steered her in another direction.
“I was going to university to study to be a physical education teacher,” she said.
“But I switched that around and did a year studying equine sports therapy and I reckon that’s what I’ll pursue at the end of my riding career.”
Jordan says the racing industry offers plenty of challenges, but she deals with them professionally.
“Right now, I see the industry as one that keeps on giving.
“There is always something to learn and the more you put into something the more you can take out.
“I keep setting myself goals and that also helps to keep me interested and focused.”
Jordan knew that fitness was going to be an important factor, so she has employed a personal trainer to ensure she can go into each race meeting with her body in top order. BRIGHTON trainer Stuart Gandy had a good night at the office on Friday preparing three winners on the nineevent card.
Gandy won with Gee Gee Sox, Gee Gee Queen Bee and Gee Gee Lanett.
Gee Gee Queen Bee and Gee Gee Lanett both led to take out their respective races while Gee Gee Sox came from behind to score an impressive win in the Grenville Stud maiden over 1100m.
While Queen Bee and Lanett were impressive, it was Gee Gee Sox that stood out as one to follow. “I think Gee Gee Sox is a very serious filly and I’m sure she will prove that later on,” Gandy said.