Townsend chasing first city breakthrough

By Glenn Davis

Jesse Townsend is living his dream of being a trainer, while working as a farrier, and won’t be surprised if Brechen can give him his first metropolitan winner at Ipswich on Wednesday.

Townsend is into his fourth season of training and has a stable of 12, which he works each day before heading off to do his farrier work.

“I’m desperate to win my first metro race as I’ve been placed quite a few times in town,” Townsend said.

“I train the horses of a morning and then I go and do my farrier work at places like Washpool Lodge, where I spend two days a week shoeing horses.

“I also go to a few other spelling properties as well as shoeing for a few local Ipswich trainers.”

Townsend has long wanted to train horses and got the itch after buying a horse with close friend Shannon Peell, who part-owns Brechen.

Brechen lines up in the Benchmark 65 Handicap on Wednesday. 

“Shannon and I bought a horse, that I rode trackwork on, and I was taught how to train by Ipswich trainer John Hubbard,” he said.

“It wasn’t long after that that I got my trainer's licence.”

While Townsend is keen for a city breakthrough, he concedes Brechen may need the outing at his first start in 20 months since winning an 1150 metre Benchmark race on the Gold Coast Polytrack in November of 2024.

“He did a tendon after his last win at the Gold Coast, so he’ll probably need the run,” Townsend said.

“But, he’s coming along really well so far, so it wouldn’t surprise me if he wins.

“But, I’ll be happy if he goes around safe and sound and I’ll be delighted if he just places.”

Brechen started his career under the training partnership of John Hawkes and his sons Michael and Wayne.

However, after two barrier trials he was moved on to Chris Waller, who managed three placings from six starts in 2022.

The seven-year-old son of Capitalist had further stints with Victorian trainers Dominika Griglakova and Patrick Kearney before he was sold and moved on to Townsend’s stables.

Brechen placed behind the Chris and Corey Munce-trained Gerringong in a 1000 metre barrier trial at Doomben last month to prepare for his return.

“He’s not a leader, but he ended up in front in the trial and ran really well behind Gerringong,” Townsend said.

“The form out of that trial is good as Gerringong ran second in the (Group 2) Dane Ripper after the trial win and placed in the (Group 1) Tatt’s Tiara.

“Gerringong also started favourite in the Glasshouse Handicap last Saturday when she ran fourth.”