Mum’s the word for James Healy after landing first Saturday winner with Deferential at Eagle Farm

James Healy’s thoughts immediately went to the best worker in his stable – his mother Leanne – after training his first Saturday city winner.

Deferential lands Sunshine Coast trainer James Healy his first Saturday winner in town. Picture: Grant Peters / Trackside Photography

Mum’s the word for trainer James Healy, who landed his first Saturday metropolitan winner on Saturday with the help of his best staff member — his mum.

Deferential charged home to defy his $23 quote in the Class 2 Handicap (1200m) and land Healy the chocolates in the process, in what was an emotional moment for the Sunshine Coast trainer.

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“I want to thank the team at home, especially my mum (Leanne), she does a wonderful job for me and she is the backbone of the stable,” Healy said.

“She doesn’t get appreciated as much as she should. She’s not here today because she is working.

“It’s my first Saturday winner, so it is pretty special.”

Healy cut his teeth working for master trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace and now has his own set up at Caloundra, where he has prepared Deferential to bounce back.

Deferential with a strong finish wins the sixth at Eagle Farm!@CejayGraham1 | @jhealyracing | @BrisRacingClubpic.twitter.com/htXsuSNSkP

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) October 19, 2024

“A lot of people would have jumped off him after his last start, it took me a while to wrap my head around what happened there,” he said.

“He really deserves this, this horse, he is such an honest competitor.

“He doesn’t help himself, but this prep he is a lot more settled and the tempo helped him today.”

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Veteran boilover

Toowoomba veteran Kevin Kemp caused a boilover in the QTIS 3YO Handicap (1400m) when he upstaged his more favoured rivals with a timed to the minute performance.

Apuntar was sent out friendless in betting, jumping at $17, but lightweight jockey Taylor Marshall made light work of that quote when he stormed home over the final furlong to knock off the Chris and Corey Munce-trained Bollinger Miss.

It followed Kris Lees bringing Sydney form to Brisbane with great success with Bubba’s Bay in the Benchmark 90 Handicap (1200m).

Apuntar swoops on Bollinger Miss to win at Eagle Farm for Kevin Kemp and Taylor Marshall!@BrisRacingClubpic.twitter.com/n6ypNWE4c5

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) October 19, 2024

The in-form mare had been unlucky through a handful of runs in Sydney before Lees made the decision to send her north of the border, where she was able to grab the $85,000 prize.

Puck and RQ part

Racing Queensland and the state’s senior track manager Greg Puckeridge have parted ways.

It can be revealed Puckeridge has had his tenure ended with the state’s governing body recently.

Here's what Kevin Kemp and Taylor Marshall said after Apuntar's win at Eagle Farm today!@BrisRacingClubpic.twitter.com/9dISUnvP4o

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) October 19, 2024

Puckeridge originally oversaw the Eagle Farm renovation from his role with Racing Queensland, before the Brisbane Racing Club opted to go it alone and take over the management of the much maligned surface.

The renowned track man was also tasked with overseeing the high-profile renovation at the Gold Coast Turf Club, which has only just come back online following months on the sidelines after Magic Millions day in January.

Originally published as Mum’s the word for James Healy after landing first Saturday winner with Deferential at Eagle Farm