You haven't seen a smile bigger than the one on jockey Tiffany Prout's face after she won at Cowra last Saturday.
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Prout, who still races under her maiden name Jeffries, was onboard If You Say So ($4) for the victory - her second win since returning to the track after having daughter Riley in October, 2020.
She broke through for her first win aboard Parkes Champion Post, and stable, favourite Coulpa (he's adorable, trust us) on Melbourne Cup day in Dubbo - something Prout said was a long-time coming after returning to riding in July this year.
"It was awesome to get that first win, and to get it on Coulpa, who is my absolute fave was special," she said.
"He ran super that day, he jumped out well and the lead the whole way and then powered away in the straight.
"He's always trying, and he's just a real honest horse," said Prout.
The wins aboard Coulpa and If You Say So (who is trained by Melissa Harrison in Kembla Grange) were on the back of a frustrating string of minor placings, so Prout was pleased to get the monkey of her back.
"I'm happy with how I'm riding at the moment," she said.
"It was good to win for someone other than Mum (Parkes trainer Sharon Jeffries).
"It showed I can of course win on other horses and it's nice that people can recognise me a bit more," said Prout.
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Most of us can't imagine riding on a Thoroughbred, let alone after having a baby, so it's been impressive to see the way Prout has returned - and told the Parkes Champion Post that she is finally feeling as fit and strong as ever.
"I've had a lot of racing recently, and I'm feeling really good now, back to normal and feeling really fit again," she said.
"It's taken a little while but I'm really happy with where I'm at and looking forward to continuing the form and getting a few more winners.
"It's like any sport, you get on a roll, you back yourself a bit more, and you also get better rides when you're winning.
"I was getting annoyed and frustrated with all the minor placings, but I just had to stick to my guns, get a bit of luck on the day and you get the win," said Prout.
Veteran race caller Col Hodges, who was on hand to call the non-TAB meeting at Cowra on Saturday, described Prout's ride as 'outstanding'.
"Parkes based jockey Tiffany Jeffries, with an outstanding ride, overcame the outside barrier on If You Say So to win the opening event at Cowra on Saturday, the 1100 metres Front Line Workers Thank You Maiden Plate," wrote Hodges earlier this week.
"Eased out of the early speed battle by Jeffries, If You Say So settled back in the field and took the shortest way home along the inside rail."
It was a tight photo finish, which really highlights the margin for error in racing, with the four-year-old gelding winning by literally a nostril over Cheap Diamond ($8).
On the cards next for Prout and mother Sharon is a trip up to Coonamble for a six-race TAB meeting, with Flashlin, Nitty Gritty, Club Supreme and Annie's Missile all making the trip up the Newell.
Five-year-old gelding Flashlin, who's by Zoffany out of Bel Shoes, will be hoping to break the maiden in start 18 and is always an honest runner.
Might need to pack your gumboots though, Jeffries clan!
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