An emotion-charged post-race interview by Tahnee Barnett-Murray will see My Hepburn step out as the sentimental favourite in Saturday night’s Group 1 Paws Of Thunder (520m) at Wentworth Park.
For more than two years now, 17-year-old Tahnee, under the guidance of uncle Jade, has played a pivotal role in the immense success enjoyed by the Branxton kennels of veteran trainers Sue Smith and John Miles.
And after My Hepburn stormed into Saturday night’s Group 1 decider with an emphatic heat victory, Tahnee couldn’t help but express an outpouring of emotion, her love for the animal and sense of occasion there for all to see.
“Tahnee absolutely adores the dogs which we all saw in that beautiful video,” Sue Smith said.
“I’ve always said that the more love you show them the more they’ll give you in return and they get plenty of love here.
“These Days it’s a bit much for myself and John to go to the races with the travelling and handling so Jade and Tahnee have been a godsend with their help in getting them to and from the races.
“It really has allowed us to keep doing what we love and we’ve had quite a bit of success along the way with hopefully more to come.”
While betting markets have My Hepburn as one of the outsiders to land Saturday night’s $75,000 Paws Of Thunder first prize, the daughter of Bernardo and My Sapphire will carry more than her share of support, with young Tahnee poised to lead out her first Group 1 runner.
“If Tahnee wants to lead her out the job is hers,” Smith said.
“But if the occasion gets a bit much for her then Jade will step in. The decision is totally up to Tahnee but I hope she does.
“The dogs really respond to her because they feel the love and connection she has with them. She’s in her last year of school this year and wants to go to university but I know she also wants to make a real go of the dogs as well.
“She loves them and they love her. The more people coming through like Tahnee the better.”
Tahnee Barnett-Murray with My Hepburn prior to their heat win last Saturday
