After working for nearly a decade in the Australian racing industry, Jasmine Jenkins made the decision to swap stable life for office life when a job opportunity arose offering her more money.  Less than six months passed by and Jazz found herself missing her furry four legged friends and began exploring alternative ways to entertain her racehorse obsession.  

Throughout the previous years, Jazz had always found herself pondering the idea of being a part owner of a racehorse, however, due to finances had never taken the idea further.  Now a little older and a little wiser, Jazz sat in a better financial position and owning a racehorse was becoming a more realistic idea.  

Being an avid punter at the weekends, Jazz had a handful of trainers in her mind whom she followed closely and was quick to tap their names into her trusty friend ‘Google’ in order to discover what horses and options were available.  After quickly finding that the majority of the horses her favourite trainers had available were out of her price range, Jazz decided to look for others.  Things weren’t looking too positive, until one evening an old friend that Jazz had on Facebook, Brooke Somers is Somerstone Thoroughbreds posted a status including photos of a 2 year old filly and a 2 year old colt that she had shares available in.

OLYMPIC GLORY (IRE) X CLASS SUCCESS

Despite Russell (Jazz’s partner) being reluctant to open his wallet, Jazz managed to convince him to go and just have a look around Brooke’s stable which is based in Hawkesbury.  The visit was followed up with lunch where Jazz and Russell discussed their options.  It was at this exact moment where Russell realised that the amount both himself and Jazz were spending weekly on cigarettes combined was more than their weekly fee if they were to buy a share in this little filly, whom was nicknamed Nellie.  So without further ado, it was to be agreed that if they were to take on a share of sweet Nellie, they were to quit smoking.

Nellie, Russell & Jazz

Fast forward roughly 3 months and the challenge to quit smoking is well and truly under way.  With the help of nicotine patches, Jazz has cut down to just two cigarettes a day and admits she is already beginning to feel the benefits of doing so.  

Just last week Nellie, who was given the race name of Enchanted Glory, had her first ever race start in the MAGIC MILLIONS WYONG 2YO CLASSIC over 1100 metres and despite the race not quite going to plan, all the owners were proud of her efforts.

Nellie & her stable mate at track work in Hawkesbury

Reflecting on the past few months, Jazz can’t believe how a little 2 year old filly by Irish stallion Olympic Glory has given her the strength and motivation to change her life for the better.  

Nellie & Jazz catching up over a bite to eat

Words by Kiersten Duke