All power to Kent and her king

By Jordan Gerrans

Through two different codes of racing and being based in three states of Australia – it has most definitely been a whirlwind journey and a half for Bronte Kent to land her first victory.

It occurred on Saturday afternoon at Mackay, as Kent’s only galloper that she prepares, King Pin Power, was a dominant winner in maiden grade.

Kent is based at Bowen in North Queensland these days after previous stops in Tasmania and Bathurst where she was involved with the harness code.

She relocated north to the Whitsunday region of the Sunshine State to be closer to her mother Rosie.

And, to make Saturday’s breakthrough result even sweeter, Rosie was at the Ooralea track in Mackay for the special occasion.

“It was a beautiful feeling and I was stoked she was there with me for it,” Kent said.

“The horse has done a lot for me in more ways than just winning a race.”

King Pin Power was the first horse Kent had ever taken to the races since she was licensed as a trainer and the gelding delivered on debut.

The son of Power trialled at Townsville’s Cluden Park ahead of his maiden race start, finishing second over the speedy 850 metre trip.

Leading Central Queensland hoop Ashley Butler was fast out of the machine on Saturday and was able to hold the lead in the early exchanges aboard Kent’s galloper.

The top rider was able to run the field into the ground in front aboard King Pin Power to land the prize by almost two lengths over 1050 metres.

The Kent galloper was well-supported in the market, as well.

The rookie trainer was blown away by Saturday's result. 

“We knew he had talent but we probably did not realise he was that good,” she said.

“He definitely came on from the trial he had the week before his race and he has taken everything in his stride, he has been really good.

“He is still green as far as experience goes.

“It was a whirlwind for me on Saturday – I was full of nerves – as I had not been to the races with a horse for over three years.

“We went there feeling confident and we were stoked with the result. It is a big deal for me, first horse and winner – it is great.”

It was a massive day for Butler at Mackay on Saturday, piloting four victories across the seven event program.

The four-year-old King Pin Power was previously prepared by the now defunct training partnership of Ryan Tyrell and Tom Button before Kent took over his care.

Button – who is also based at Bowen - has remained in the ownership of the gelding, alongside Kent.

Once the 32-year-old Kent moved to the regional town a couple of years ago and word got out she was a farrier by trade, she quickly became popular in the racing community.

She will help Button with his horses' feet while also shoeing on race day for the Bowen Turf Club.

Once Button and Kent got to know each other, he offered her the chance to prepare King Pin Power as he was sitting in the paddock not doing much.

He had trialled once in South East Queensland in June of last year but had not been seen publicly since. 

“Once Tom moved to Bowen, I got to know him, and word got out around the area that I was a farrier, as well,” Kent said.

“So, I got to be involved with the horses through that work.

“The opportunity arose and Tom offered me this horse to have a go with.

“It is probably one of the nicest things someone has ever done for me, to be honest.

“It was really genuine, what he did, and I really, really appreciate that it has happened.”

Originally from the Apple Isle, Kent worked for harness trainer Mick Maxwell in Tasmania before a stint followed in Bathurst, which was also in the pacers code.

It was not until she shifted north to Bowen – to be closer to her mother – when the rookie horsewoman got involved with the gallopers.

While a person moving from harness to gallopers is not a completely new concept, and has been done on several occasions over the years, Kent says it was a tough learning experience at the start.

“The transition was really hard because I have always had horses,” she said.

“It has actually been a massive learning curve – you never stop learning.

“I came into it with an open mind and willing to learn. The feeding and the less work you give a galloper compared to a standardbred – it has been a bit of a change, that is for sure.

“I have been pretty lucky with this guy, he is tough.”

With just one galloper in her team at the moment, Kent is keen to explore options of training a few more down the line, as well.

“I really need to thank all the Bowen Turf Club committee as well as so many of my friends and family who have supported me in Tasmania and up here,” she said.