Taree trainer Grant Jobson was walking on air after Imatruestar spaced older rivals at Grafton on Monday.
The Star Turn 3yo became the first winner for Jobson and the way he hit the line first-up in the XXXX Gold Maiden Plate (1006m) made the long hours working two jobs especially worthwhile.
“I love him and I’m stoked,” Jobson said following the four-length victory. “He’s such a caring horse and that win was very impressive. He’s running quick times and now we might look at a provincial race.”
Imatruestar continued the successful run for Vinery’s second-season stallion Star Turn. He has sired 5 individual winners of 7 races for an early-season lead on both tables over Flying Artie and Capitalist.
“He’s been in and out of training this year but only needs short breaks,” Jobson added. “He’s big enough already without spelling too long. He was placed twice in April and then ran a real good race in the Inglis Challenge at Scone. I can’t believe the improvement this time in. His coat and his work have been spot-on.”
Imatruestar was bred at Byerley Stud and Jobson sourced him for $22,000 at the 2020 Inglis Ready2Race Sale. “I got him well below what he was really worth. I liked his breeze and maybe others didn’t see the improvement in him at the Sale.”
Jobson, 32, operates Jobson Fabrications and its brief includes the construction of stables, crushes and other plant for the horse industry. He started out as a welder for UGL and was later engaged on contract in the logging industry.
Between those two stints, he worked for Bob Milligan for three years learning the ropes and appreciating the horse skills of the Taree legend. “I didn’t stop learning with Bob. I’ve always loved horses and after the last contract, I thought it was time to give training a go.”
Imatruestar is owned by Grant and his fiancé Danielle Varrica in partnership with Paul Branch who was happy to take a share in his first horse. “It can get pretty crazy juggling a business and training,” Jobson admitted. “Hopefully, one day horses will take over from the day job.”
Star Turn sired the trainer’s breakthrough winner from Chris Waller’s Canterbury winner Hadiklaim (War Pass). She has also foaled Hong Kong expat Nervous Witness who is by Star Turn’s sire Star Witness. He won a Tatura trial in January before selling to clients of David Hayes.
Star Turn had consolidated his quick start to 2021-22 with a double via Startantes (Doomben) and Rebel County (Goulburn) on Saturday. And he can commence the new Hong Kong season in similar vein when Cordyceps Six returns in the Lin Fa Shan Hcp (1000m) at Sha Tin this Sunday.
Startantes could be set for a Melbourne campaign after improving her record to 4 wins and $168,150 in Brisbane. “She is doing a super job,” owner-trainer-breeder Rob Heathcote claimed. “You gotta love the family. Her dam (Funtantes) and grand-dam (Cantantes) just keep producing winners.”
Rebel County won second time out for Dynamic Syndications and trainers Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou. The syndicate also includes Westbury Stud breeder Gerry Harvey who sold him for $75,000 at the 2020 Gold Coast Magic Millions. His dam County Cork (Fastnet Rock) is a half-sister to Savabeel.
Vinery stands Star Turn for a $16,500 (inc GST) service fee with payment on a live foal. For bookings or further information, please contact Adam White (0414 800 918) or Harry Roach (0401 970 006).
