3 weeks ago
9
By Craig Kerry
February 5, 2026 — 5.00pm
After a two-and-a-half year hiatus, Jenny Graham wanted to make a small, laid-back return to training.
Thanks to Royal Exile, that low-key comeback could turn into the biggest win of the Port Macquarie trainer’s life when the $70,000 buy competes in the $2 million Inglis Millennium (1100m) on Saturday at Randwick.
Royal Exile, left, goes down narrowly to Audit at Wyong on January 10.Credit: Getty Images
Graham has had success at a high level, winning the $600,000 Country Championships (2018) and stakes races up to group 2 level with Victorem, but she has never had a runner in a race worth as much as the restricted listed event for two-year-olds.
The chance comes after Graham bought Royal Exile and Vantorix, a $30,000 yearling, at the Inglis Classic sale to help spark her comeback.
Syndicated to loyal clients, both horses won their debuts at Taree to give Graham a perfect strike rate. Royal Exile raced on and was a close second when shaded late by Audit at Wyong’s standalone card on January 10.
A poor draw in 20 will make a win against the major stables even more difficult on Saturday, but Graham was daring to dream.
“Royal Exile has been a pretty nice horse from the start,” Graham said.
“The first lot of work that he did, he showed us he had some sort of ability and basically he’s stepped to each task as we put him to it. The next task is a bit of a jump, but it’s very hard to get in these races and he got in.
“The gate is obviously a disappointment, but we’re in there with a chance and as they say, racing can come out with many different tales, so we’ll give it a go.”
Loading
Sam Clipperton takes over from the suspended Ash Morgan aboard $34 chance Royal Exile on Saturday and Graham was hoping for a better tempo up front after the narrow loss over 1200m at Wyong.
“I was happy enough with it,” Graham said of the run.
“I just felt there could have been a bit more genuine speed injected in, but I was still happy enough with how the horse went.
“If there was more tempo, I think he would have finished off a bit better. Whether I’m right or wrong, I’m not sure.
“He’s been really good since then. His last lot of work on Tuesday was good. I’m happy with him.
“I was a bit shattered [with the draw], but it is what it is.
“I think from the gate, I’ll leave that a bit to Sam, but I did feel if he’s relaxed in the early part of that race, I think he’ll finish the race off better.”
Regardless of the result, Graham was enjoying the ride with the promising King’s Legacy gelding, the 33 owners who will be trackside on Saturday, and her smaller, family-run stable.
“I took the time off to look after my father, and he has gone into full-time care now, and I just really missed training,” Graham said.
“I just thought I’d get a couple of horses and just go back small, and just have a bit of fun, and I’ve been lucky enough that the two I’ve bought at the classic sales have both won. It was a nice comeback.
“I like it because it’s a bit more relaxed. I’ve only got three in work at the moment and it’s a little bit more laid-back.
“We just play around with them and hopefully we’ll get a real fast one.”
Most Viewed in Sport
Loading
