A night I will never forget
IT WAS so surreal and a night I will never forget, yet in parts I don't remember.
That's how Jackie Barker summed up her extraordinary time to Melton last night.
With four drives on the card, Barker notched a double, but this was no run-of-the-mill double, as both the reinswoman's winners were at the highest level.
Partnering Miki To Success to glory in the Vicbred Super Series Final for three-year-old colts and geldings, Barker registered her maiden Group One victory.
Scoring at $16, Miki To Success rated 1:52.9 over 2240 metres as his Emma Stewart-trained stablemates, Some American and Kingman, filled the placings.
"I couldn't believe it as we crossed the line," Barker said. "I had so many emotions and was so excited, it was just an unbelievable feeling.
"I didn't even know what to say after the race, I felt speechless, and to be honest, I can't even remember a word I said.
"To win a Group One is something I have been hoping to achieve for so long and to do it was an amazing feeling."
While the wait for her initial Group One was "so long", Barker only had to endure another 30-minute period before registering her second Group One win!
Combining with Stewart once again, Barker was triumphant with $14 shot Ivseenheavenslight in the two-year-old fillies' division.
Rating 1:54.7 over 2240 metres, the daughter of Bettors Delight scored from her stablemate Let Her Roll, with Soho Americano third for Michael Stanley.
"I was still processing my first Group One when I was heading out for the next race," Barker said. "I remember going onto the track and was on cloud nine, so I said to myself 'you need to regain focus and get your head into the game'.
"To win another Group One straight away is unbelievable, just amazing really.
"I can't thank Emma and her owners enough for trusting me with the drives and giving me these opportunities.
"It is so exciting to be a part of these races and I am very lucky I got to drive some nice horses which I cold drive with confidence."
HOOFNOTE: Barker went close to a Group One treble when she piloted $26 chance Stitched Up Dan to a half-head second in the Three-Year-Old Fillies' Final.
