Hatfield making a name for herself in Mackay

By Glenn Davis

If strike rates are a measure of success, then Mackay’s Jennifer Hatfield is fast making a name for herself in North Queensland.

Hatfield has only been training since early 2021 but her background riding the pony club circuit has served her well.

A former shop fitter before a friend enticed her into the racing industry, Hatfield is currently striking at 21.9% this season with seven wins and ten placings from 32 starters.

“It’s coming to the end of the year but I’m very happy with the way things are going,” Hatfield said.

“We’ve had a good run the last couple of months but most of my success is attributed to The Penske File who has had nine starts for five wins for us.”

Hatfield has a small team of seven in work and is helped around the stables by her partner Henry Manzelmann who works full-time as a plasterer.

Henry is part of the Manzelmann clan of Queensland who are mourning the loss of the family patriarch “Ginger” Manzelmann who passed away recently. 

“Ginger” Manzelmann was a well-known former harness racing trainer in Queensland and owned many top gallopers.

He was the father of regional Queensland trainer John Manzelmann.

Meanwhile, Hatfield is hoping to continue her current strike-rate when she heads to her home track in Mackay on Friday with three runners.

She will spearhead her charge with a two-pronged attack from Flying Shamus and Poet’s Day in the Open Handicap over 1300 metres.

Her other runner is Fabulean in the QTIS Three-Year-Old Handicap over 1300 metres.

Hatfield has given punters a lead by declaring Flying Shamus - a Tahlia Fenlon mount - as her favoured runner in the Open Handicap.

Flying Shamus ended a string of three straight placings with a narrow win in a 1050 metre Benchmark 65 Handicap at Mackay on November 4.

Stablemate Poet’s Day tailed off last behind the Ricky Vale-trained Master Montaro in a 1200 metre Open Handicap at Mackay on November 11.

“I have to favour Flying Shamus as his last race was more like a Mackay Newmarket field,” Hatfield said.

“It’s a hard race again but Master Montaro is the one to beat again as he’s beaten us three times now.”