Doomben: Gary Duncan celebrates first win since heart attack scare after Dzsenifer’s breakthrough success

A fortnight after Gary “Jack” Duncan had his life flash before his eyes, the popular trainer had a special moment at Doomben on Saturday, landing his first winner since suffering a heart attack at the same track.

Duncan collapsed in the tie-up stalls at Doomben and had to be revived before spending the best part of a week in hospital after surgery but is now on the mend.

The Sunshine Coast trainer had sent out just one runner since the incident but Dzsenifer marked his first winner.

Given a perfect ride from jockey Taylor Marshall, the mare was able to go one better than her second a fortnight ago when Duncan collapsed.

“To be able to repay him (Duncan) with a winner, it was a big thrill,” Marshall said.

“I spoke to him last night and he sounded well considering. Hopefully he’s on the mend and things are positive.

“He seemed a bit shaken which is understandable but I’m really happy health-wise things are going better for him and it is a bit more positive.

“He has been a terrific supporter of mine and there are some things that are more important than racing, it gives you a lot of perspective when you see what happened to him.

“To be able to repay him for his loyalty, it’s one of those things you strive to do.”

Gary Duncan is recovering from a heart attack. Picture: AAPSource:AAP

Prior to Saturday’s win in the Class 6 Handicap (1600m), Dzsenifer had run five consecutive placings, but after settling three pairs back on the fence from barrier five Marshall put the writing on the wall he produced the mare for a perfectly timed run.

“She has been knocking on the door for a few runs now so I am just really thrilled for Jack’s sake,” Marshall said.

“They have done very well to keep a mare like her racing so consistently.

“From the alley I thought it was going to be messy the way the race mapped speed-wise but I was able to slot her in and get her tucked away, she came back under me and I was able to present her at the right time.”

Originally published asDuncan celebrates first win since heart attack

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