By Jordan Gerrans
Beaudesert gelding Powerwolf steps out to what is classed as middle distance racing for the first time this preparation in a 1500 metre event at Kilcoy on Thursday afternoon.
For Powerwolf’s rider, a 1500 metre race is like a walk in the park that they will barely even get a sweat up during.
Apprentice jockey Colleen Krahnen will be having just her second ever career race ride at Kilcoy on Thursday after a lengthy globe-trotting tenure in endurance racing.
The 25-year-old has travelled around the world representing Australia in the discipline.
While 1500 metres is a lengthy trip for Powerwolf and many other gallopers, Krahnen often competed in events where she would ride her horse for 80kms, with some bigger races going to 160 kms and beyond.
It is most certainly a serious change of pace for Krahnen riding speedy thoroughbred race horses for a job compared to her previous focus, but it is a switch she is thoroughly enjoying.
“I was very lucky to be able to go overseas and my parents supported me tremendously with beautiful horses to ride,” she said.
“I was very lucky to get two national titles. Penny and Peter Toft gave me a lot of opportunities to go abroad.
“Now after doing so many years of endurance, I love doing two or three laps in the morning with a horse then calling it a day (laughs).”
Krahnen jokes that she has been on horseback since before she could walk with her family long involved in endurance racing, with her mother representing Australia in the USA at one stage.
As a teenager she competed around Australia and in New Zealand alongside her sister in the sport as well as being selected to represent Australia in France.
The apprentice hoop also competes with her own horses in show jumping events.
Krahnen – who is indentured to trainer Mark Palmer at Beaudesert – is a high achiever outside of her equine pursuits, as well.
She is completing the final year of her Masters in Architecture after previously studying a Bachelor of Design while majoring in Architecture, which she achieved with distinction.
The Josephville-based emerging rider completed all of her studies while riding track work in the morning to help pay the bills.
“I always wanted to be a jockey – from day one – but obviously all this can be time consuming,” Krahnen said.
“I was not sure if I would be able to make it or develop the skills to become a jockey at one stage after riding so much endurance and my studies.
“The horses and working in the construction industry have always been side by side for me and I love doing it.
“I do not think I could pick one or the other."