Face of the May Racing Carnival Jenna Primmer is dressed and ready for her role at next month’s legendary event.
SHE admits to taking any opportunity to dress up but Warrnambool’s Jenna Primmer never imagined she would land a job that incorporated her passion.
The 21-year-old was this year appointed the face of the 2012 May Racing Carnival and has spent the past few months in consultation with the Warrnambool Racing Club (WRC).
Miss Primmer said last-minute preparations were in full swing following the April 1 launch of the three-day meet which kicks off in just two weeks.
“It’s all going really well,” she said. “I’ve got all my outfits together, the local businesses have been fantastic helping me.
“I never thought that it was something I could do.
“(But) I can’t wait to take on the challenge.”
The racing manager for Matthew Williams Racing said she was probably one of the youngest women to ever represent the carnival, taking over from jockey Michelle Payne last year.
“I’m a real local girl,” Miss Primmer said.
“I’m from behind the scenes of the races so it’s probably a bit different for the WRC committee this year.
“I’ve taken on a different role rather than work this year so that’s a personal highlight for me to be recognised.”
Miss Primmer said horses were in her family’s blood.
“My grandfather and dad have always bred and raced horses,” she said.
“We always dressed up and went to the races as kids, my brother Brenton and I especially.
“We went to pony club and then we started working at the stables. We’ve known nothing else, really.”
The carnival, one of Australia’s biggest country race meetings, is gaining popularity all the time, according to Miss Primmer.
“The jumps racing is really strong this year and with the prizemoney being increased it will attract more trainers and jockeys,” she said.
Miss Primmer said it was too early to give any solid racing tips but was confident in the Matthew Williams Racing stables. “Our team is certainly shaping up well.”
She advised women applying the finishing touches to their race wear to keep in mind the wintry May winds. “Dress appropriately for the weather,” she laughed. “Make sure you’re nice and warm.
“Just enjoy the three-day carnival that it is.”
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