First Flemington runner for rookie trainer

Thursday 9 April 2015, 4:21pm

Former picnic jockey Matthew Brown hasn't wasted any time pursuing his new career as a trainer.

Brown was granted a trainer's licence four weeks ago and had his first runner on Wednesday when Kiss Me Ketut finished unplaced at Geelong.

On Saturday he ventures to Flemington where he has Little Bita Spunk engaged in the Starlight Children's Foundation Trophy over 1200m.

The 21-year-old has been riding on the picnic circuit for the past three seasons, biding his time before branching out as a trainer.

"I've been pre-training for a while so it's good to finally have it all up and running," Brown said.

"I had three seasons of race riding at the picnics and last season was the most I did, whereas this season was more about concentrating on getting up and going for training."

Brown's father Scott has owned a number of thoroughbreds and the young trainer has always taking a keen interest in racing.

It was through fellow Cranbourne trainer Todd Balfour that Brown started riding trackwork before progressing to become an amateur jockey.

"Dad made me want to get into it and train the horses for the family and family friends," Brown said.

"We've got 11 in work at the moment and we'll stay around that dozen mark."

Little Bita Spunk made his debut for Balfour at Bendigo on March 21, finishing 11th to The Big Dance in the VOBIS Gold Rush.

The horse is a $71 chance on Saturday and Brown admits he is throwing Little Bita Spunk in the deep end.

"He raced pretty green at his first start but he's come on from it," Brown said.

"It's a big ask going down the straight for the first time but he's drawn one and should have the rail for quite some time to give him some help."

Tom Sadler has the ride on Saturday and Brown is hoping the apprentice can continue his luck for the family.

Brown's father was an owner of Sean Baile Mor, the horse that gave Sadler his first career-win at Sale in 2011.

– AAP

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