Megan Chases Return Win on Cup Day Program

Megan chases return win on Cup Day card

Young Townsville hobby trainer Megan Purvis knows only too well that it takes bucket loads of hard work and patience to land winners in the racing game.

Purvis, who turned 27 last week, is one of the younger brigade in the Townsville racing community trying to make her mark in a tough industry.

She re-joined the training ranks in April this year after more than a year’s break and will continue her quest for her first winner back at Cluden on Melbourne Cup Day with her honest galloper Strathcona.

Purvis, like so many other industry participants, is driven by a deep passion and enthusiasm for the game.

A typical day for Purvis, who is also a regular track work rider, starts at 2.45am and often doesn’t finish until around 7pm.

She rides work on eight to 10 horses, then goes on to her 9-5 job as a personal assistant at Townsville State High, and only gets to relax after feeding up her four horses in the afternoon.

“It’s a long day but I love it. I especially love riding the horses, and the banter at the track with the other trainers and jockeys,” Purvis said.

“But I also have my “real” job at the school where I’m an assistant to the Principal and deputies.

“In fact I won’t be able to go to the track to watch Strathcona on Tuesday because I’ll be at work.

“I only have four horses of my own and Strathcona would be the best of them.

“He had a really good run in Cairns at the Friday meeting at the amateurs in September and I was really confident back here in Townsville at his next start and he ran a really good second.

“At his most recent run he ran another strong second so he’s getting it together again.

“I’ve changed a few little things with him in how he’s ridden and got Jason Taylor back on board, and he’s turned the corner.

“His work has been enormous and he’s loving life more and he’s looking immaculate.

“He is due for a win and it would be just the thing for his confidence.

“Unfortunately, Jason can’t get up here for Tuesday but I’ve got Amanda Thompson on. She’ll be kind on him and I think that’ll suit him.

“We just need to keep him away from the fence in open running. He likes to be out in the open with plenty of room.”

Strathcona will line-up one of the fancies for the Transportable Lifestyles Hcp (1400m), race 2 on the five-race card on Cup Day.

The first race is scheduled for 1:00pm.