Another Wil delivers emotional win in The Damien Oliver at Flemington to honour late owner Colin McKenna

Jamie Kah paid a touching tribute to Colin McKenna after winning on Another Wil, and reveals the words of encouragement she received from the late owner’s wife.

Jamies Kah scored an emotional win aboard Another Wil in The Damien Oliver at Flemington, and is gets a hug by trainer Ciaron Maher. Pictures: Getty Images

Straight talk from Janice McKenna, wife of popular late Victorian racing identity Col, inspired an emotion-charged Jamie Kah to victory aboard Another Wil in the Group 2 Damien Oliver (1400m) at Flemington.

“Don’t be a sook, you’ll be right, be tough,” McKenna told Kah on Saturday morning before she arrived at Flemington.

“She’s (Janice McKenna) tougher than me,” Kah said.

When there's a will, there's a way 🫶@jamieleekah07 powers home ANOTHER WIL to capture an emotional victory on #DerbyDay in The Damien Oliver.

🎥 @wwos | #MelbCupCarnivalpic.twitter.com/u4ndEMDmJ5

— Victoria Racing Club (@FlemingtonVRC) November 2, 2024

“It’d be extremely hard for her, but she’s just so tough and she’s coping so well.

“Today, I just wanted to make Col proud, and thank God we got the win in the end.

“There was a few tight gaps we had to get through, and he honestly didn’t feel like he was travelling that well on the turn.

“When we took the first gap, something picked us up and carried us over the line because he felt like he was probably struggling a little bit. His turn of foot in the last 200m, that was just unreal.

“This is for you, Col, he’d be watching, and hopefully one day I can be doing this in a Group 1 for him.”

Another Wil is the first winner in the McKenna’s striking royal blue and lime colours since Col died last Sunday after a short battle with illness.

Another Wil gets the better of stablemate Jimmysstar in The Damien Oliver. Picture: George Sal/Racing Photos via Getty Images

Tears replaced cheers in the mounting yard as McKenna family and friends shared in emotional embraces.

Champion trainer Ciaron Maher paid tribute to his long-time mentor.

“He’s a legend, a good mate, and I thought the horse would bounce back today,” Maher said.

“A lot of his family, Janice (wife), will be watching on from Woolsthorpe. Very proud. He was just such a great mentor and a mate.

“It’s pretty special. A lot of Col’s family and friends are in the horse. That’s why he loves racing.

“He bred it, there’s no more passionate person. he would just love to be here today. But I’m sure he’s looking down. Pretty special.”

Originally published as Another Wil delivers emotional win in The Damien Oliver at Flemington to honour late owner Colin McKenna