Andrew Hobbs, from the South Burnett Race Club, and Race Club Ambassador Cr Kathy Duff hand a cheque for $1500 to Neil Burrows, from the Wondai RSL, to help Legacy; the cheque was part of the proceeds of the Race Club’s traditional Anzac Day meeting

July 13, 2015

The South Burnett Race Club’s popular Anzac Day meeting in Wondai delivered its traditional benefit to Legacy on Saturday.

Every year – for longer than anyone can clearly remember – the Race Club has tallied up returns from its April race meeting so it can donate a portion of the proceeds to the war widows and orphans charity at the following Winter meeting.

On Saturday, Wondai RSL Sub-Branch president Neil Burrows dropped by the track to receive the race club’s $1500 donation.

Andrew Hobbs presented Neil with the cheque on behalf of the South Burnett Race Club, assisted by Racing Ambassador Cr Kathy Duff.

Andrew said the Anzac Day meeting was one of the club’s biggest each year, and using it to assist Legacy was a tradition all club members were very proud of.

“I don’t know how long we’ve been doing this, but I do know it’s been a very long time,” Andrew said.

Another highlight of the day was Race 4, the Lewis Duff Memorial Handicap over 1465 metres, which is held each year in honour of one of the race club’s founders.

This year the race was won by Famechon Baroness with popular Nanango apprentice Hannah Phillips aboard.

Famechon Baroness streaked past all other claimants to pass the winning post a clear 3 1/4 lengths ahead of her rivals in a time just four seconds off the course record.

The race is sponsored by twin brothers Cedric and Patrick Duff, descendants of Lewis Duff, who both have a long history in horse racing themselves.

This year only Cedric was able to attend the meeting but he brought along son Michael and wife Sara Duff and his grandchildren Aiden and Declan to help present the trophy to Famechon Baroness’ trainer Tom Moloney and owners Bob and Dorothy Black.

Cedric said he was extremely proud of his family’s connection to racing at Wondai, and just as proud that the club still displayed some early photos of Lewis Duff and other founders in the Race Secretary’s office.

Forecasts of extremely cold weather failed to deter racegoers, many of whom turned up in their winter finest to take part in the Fashions Of The Field competition.

As things turned out, the predicted freezing conditions failed to appear.

The club’s next meeting will be held on October 17 in the lead-up to Melbourne Cup Day on November 3.

Related articles:

Horses power around Wondai’s sand track at Saturday’s Winter race meeting

Emma Lindholm, from Nanango, dressed to the meeting’s “Winter Wonderland” theme; Emma regularly competes in Nanango Race Club’s girls fashion competitions

Ashleigh Michael came from Inverell to catch up with friend Letitia Little, from Wondai; Ashleigh later took out the Best Dressed Lady prize in Fashions Of The Field
Stylish couple Jarrod and Tina Wessell travelled from Bundaberg to attend the meeting
A stylishly dressed foursome from Nanango: Maddi Palfrey, Hayley Hunter, Katie Paterson and Melissa Roberts

Moanka Zeek, from Murgon, was the Best Dressed Man on the field …

… and Nanango’s Rod and Jenny Morgan were the Best Dressed Couple
Cedric Duff, from Glendalough Brangas Stud at Bowenville, and Cr Barry Green compare form trackside prior to the running of the day’s feature race, the Lewis Duff Memorial Handicap
The winners of this year’s Lewis Duff Memorial Handicap … jockey Hannah Phillips, trainer Tom Moloney and owners Bob and Dorothy Black with Michael Duff, at rear, Cedric Duff, Declan Duff, mum Sara Duff, Aiden Duff, front, and Cr Kathy Duff
Locals had as fun day out, too … like Wondai’s Jenn Gossow, who caught up with friend Elly Knight, also from Wondai

* * *

Jedidiah Hodge narrowly beat Western Maizcay by a neck in Race 1; the next two races proved to be just as tightly contested

Results

Race 1 – QTIS Benchmark 60 Handicap (1100m)
1. Duan Theo (4) – Jedidiah Hodge
2. Western Maizcay (9) – Rhiannon Payne
3. Frisco Rain (7) – Billie-Rose Derbyshire
Time: 1:08.05
Margins: Neck x 1 3/4 lengths

Race 2 – Open Handicap (1000m)
1. Glenthorn Avenue (4) – Hannah Phillips
2. Cearnach (5) – Stephanie Lacy
3. Brady ‘N’ Me (3) – Lyall Appo
Time: 1:00.40
Margins: Long neck x 3 3/4 lengths

Race 3 – Maiden Plate (1000m)
1. Klisnroc (1) – Billie-Rose Derbyshire
2. Come On Huss (7) – Hannah English
3. Col’s Pride (3) – Alannah Badger
Time: 1:02.30
Margins: Neck x 4 lengths

Race 4 – Lewis Duff Memorial Class B Handicap (1465m)
1. Famechon Baroness (1) – Hannah Phillips
2. Miss Amabella (8) – Lyall Appo
3. Casa Ciello (7) – Ian Coombes
Time: 1:34.40
Margins: 3 1/4 lengths x 1 3/4 lengths

Race 5 – Benchmark 75 Handicap (1465m)
1. Blaze To Fortune (5) – Jedidiah Hodge
2. Winner Wimmer (4) – Hannah English
3. Unique Fuse (1) – Hannah Phillips
Time: 1:33.70
Margins: 2 1/2 lengths x 1 3/4 lengths

Hannah Phillips led the field across the finish line by 3 1/4 lengths aboard Famechon Baroness in the feature race of the day
Jedidiah Hodge had an easier time of things in the last race, guiding Blaze To Fortune past the winning post an easy 2 1/2 lengths ahead of nearest rival Winner Wimmer

  

 

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