Local Wyong trainer Denim Wynen has celebrated her first city winner, with Sunshine Law saluting at Rosehill on Saturday, August 3.
The former Yulong galloper was previously trained by Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald, but after Wynen purchased the horse online for $85,000, connections have been quickly rewarded — Sunshine Law’s winning purse was $82,500.
Ridden by boom local apprentice Anna Roper, Sunshine Law hugged the rail throughout the run, with Roper’s patience paying off in the concluding stages to claim a well-deserved victory.
The gelding has now had just 10 starts for three wins and five seconds.
With only six horses in work, it’s a terrific achievement for the 29-year-old trainer.
Wynen also saddled up Monkana on the day, who finished a close second; surely a win isn’t far away for the consistent four-year-old mare.
Meanwhile, local trainer Kristen Buchanan has claimed her first solo Wyong Trainers Premiership, capping off a consistent season with a strong late surge.
After going close in previous years – including a tie with Kim Waugh in 2023 – Buchanan secured the title in dramatic fashion.
The premiership went down to the wire, but two winners in the final week – Stylebender at Kembla Grange on Saturday, July 26, and Tambeloa at Warwick Farm on Wednesday, July 30 – sealed the deal.
She finished the season with 25 winners, two ahead of her closest rivals, Sara Ryan and Kim Waugh, who had claimed the past nine consecutive titles.
“It sounds like a cliché, but this really was a team effort,” Buchanan said.
“People don’t realise how much goes on behind the scenes and the amount of work my staff put in; we are absolutely thrilled.”
Buchanan credited several factors for her success, including a strategic decision to downsize her operation.
She halved her numbers from 50 to 25 horses, transitioning to a boutique-style stable.
One of the clear highlights of her season was the form of seven-year-old gelding Stylebender, who notched five wins, accounting for 20% of her season tally.
Buchanan attributed his consistency to a wind operation last year that improved his breathing and overall performance.
“He’s a tricky horse to ride – he has a mind of his own, but we’ve always had a high opinion of him and love having him in the stable,” she said.
Two of Stylebender’s wins were ridden by promising local apprentice Bronte Simpson, including her first-ever race – a winning debut at Muswellbrook on May 2.
“I’m so proud of Bronte,” Buchanan said.
“Her ride at Kembla was an absolute 10 out of 10.
“She has a fantastic future ahead of her.”
With the $250,000 Wyong Leagues Group Wyong Cup on Friday, September 5, now on the radar, Buchanan has big hopes for Stylebender.
“We’re daring to dream; it’s a tough race to win, but the way he’s going, we think he’ll be a big chance,” she said.
