3 minute read

Teenager Shaun Fannin couldn’t have wished for a better start to his riding career with Kevin Myers.

Originally from Hastings and accomplished in the show jumping and equestrian disciplines, Fannin has made the most of his first six weeks with the Wanganui trainer.

The 18-year-old rode his first winner earlier this month when he was successful over hurdles with the Myers-prepared and part-owned Houndscry and then won a highweight at Wanganui aboard stable runner Reeperbahn.

Six days later he went north to Te Aroha to claim a maiden hurdle on the Stephen Ralph-trained Thenamesbond.

“It’s going great with Kevin and he’s the master – everything is ticking along well,” Fannin said. “I couldn’t be with a better stable.”

The Myers factor has also resulted in him securing two rides at Thursday’s Otago meeting at Wingatui where he will partner Cecil in the Join NZ Jumps Inc Hurdle and Atomic Road in the Wild Range Photography Steeplechase.

“Kevin had both of them in his stable and Matt Gillies usually goes down to ride them, but they wanted a claimer on them,” said Fannin, who has a three-kilo allowance.

Now with Kelly Thompson, Cecil won a novice hurdle at Riverton three starts back before finishing fourth on the flat and fifth in the Great Western Hurdle.

Atomic Road is with Neill Ridley and he finished an encouraging fourth at Timaru most recently in his debut over the big fences.