December 2, 2013
The clock was turned back to the 1920s at Nanango Races on Saturday with flapper dresses and pearls in abundance, and even a top hat or two.
The Fashions of the Field theme was “Roaring 20s Vintage” and it seemed that just about everyone had dressed to match the occasion.
Morning showers, a dark sky and a sudden drop in temperature may have kept some racegoers away, but everyone who turned up was keen to have a good time.
A large marquee, organised by Kingaroy’s Carrollee Hotel, was filled with punters enjoying their own special racing experience.
The Pink Champagne Bar and the betting ring were also kept busy.
On the track, which was officially rated “dead”, the horses were having a less happy day with the windy weather spooking some of the runners.
Race 2 was delayed after a strapper was injured in the enclosure.
The woman was kicked in the chest by her charge, Just Watcher, requiring ambulance attention. While she was being assisted Just Watcher reared again, tossing its jockey Melody O’Brien. Just Watcher was a late scratching but it wasn’t the last…
A second ambulance was called to transport the injured strapper – who is believed to have suffered minor injuries – to hospital. Because of this delay, the runners were called back from the barrier to the mounting yard.
When the field re-assembled at the barriers, Charming Ally forced her way out through the gates, dislodging jockey Wayne O’Connell. Charming Ally then ran riderless back to the stables. It was scratched at the barrier after being rounded up and escorted back to the start by the Clerk of the Course.
Two other starters were also scratched at the barrier: Dancin’ Mick and Major Blot.
When the race was finally under way, apprentice jockey Brooke Stower made no mistake on Wylie, bringing home the first of her two winners for the day.
Saturday’s race meeting was the last in the South Burnett for 2013; the next meeting will be at Nanango on January 11.
[UPDATED with corrections]
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RESULTS
Race 1 – Country Focus Maiden Plate (800m)
1. Red Bugatti (4) – Jason Hoopert
2. Sammy Safecracker (1) – Ian Coombes (Kaylene Hamilton – Nanango)
3. Red Mint (5) – Chris Kearney
Time: 0:47.24
Margins: 1/2 length x 2 1/4 lengths
Race 2 – Nanango RSL Club/Pederson Memorial Class B Handicap (1000m)
1. Wylie (9) – Brooke Stower
2. Tipsy Tycoon (1) – Nathan Evans
3. Come On Lu Lu (5) – Amy Taylor
Time: 0:59.18
Margins: 1/2 length x 1 length
Race 3 – Malcolm McCallum Memorial/Desiree Gill Memorial QTIS Maiden Handicap (1200m)
1. Storm Crazy (3) – Brooke Stower
2. Alazani (5) – Ron Goltz
3. Laki Laki (2) – Ian Coombes
Time: 1:11.18
Margins: Long neck x 3 lengths
Race 4 – John Dundas Automotive Group Class 2 Handicap (1200m)
1. Outback Biff (1) – Gary Geran
2. Gold Record (3) – Ian Coombes (Kaylene Hamilton – Nanango)
3. Leica Snippet (6) – Shaun Bayliss
Time: 1:11.66
Margins: Long neck x 5 3/4 lengths
Race 5 – Betta Electrical Kingaroy Benchmark 65 Handicap (1600m)
1. King of Jacks (4) – James Orman
2. Spurring Spirit (2) – Nathan Evans (Anthony Greaves – Nanango)
3. Vain Dazzler (3) – Leslie Tilley (Norma King – Wondai)
Time: 1:37.44
Margins: Head x 1/2 length
