April 22, 2014
Punters welcomed the fun, sun and the return of racing at Nanango’s Easter Saturday meeting at the weekend.
But there was a poignant sharing of sadness when Race 3 was won by the Barry Gill-trained Lady’s Command.
It was the Gympie trainer’s first win at a South Burnett track following the death of his wife, jockey Desiree Gill, after a fall at Caloundra in November.
And the win was in the CROW-FM Fiona Carvolth Memorial which honoured the memory of a 20-year-old Nanango resident killed in a car crash at Woodford in December.
The trophy was presented to Gill by Fiona’s parents, Ross and Leanne Carvolth.
Gill also brought home the winner of an eventful Race 5, Outback Cheryl, giving apprentice Chelsea Jokic a double for the day.
Two horses in this race – Glamorgan Boy and Okinawa – were scratched after they broke away at the barrier and sped riderless around the track.
The traditional Easter Saturday meeting at Nanango attracted a bumper crowd.
Sponsor and spectator tents dotted the grounds and children took advantage of free Easter eggs distributed by race club officials.
Both the bar areas and the betting ring were packed all day.
A big field of entrants also took part in the club’s popular Fashions Of The Field competition for the chance to win a twin-pack of Moffatdale Ridge wines and free tickets to the upcoming Burrandowan Picnic Races on May 10.
The meeting had a “Glorious Gents and Lacy Ladies” theme which was embraced enthusiastically.
The Easter race meeting was the first held in the South Burnett since January and many racegoers were plainly keen to catch up on trackside socialising after a three-month break.
But they won’t have to wait long for the next race meeting, which will be held this Friday (Anzac Day) at Wondai.
The next meeting at Nanango will be on May 31.
[Photos: southburnett.com.au and Clive Lowe Photography]
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RESULTS
Race 1 – Thorp’s Jewellers Maiden Plate (800m)
1. Kilgarrah (2) – Hannah Phillips
2. Sammy Safecracker (1) – Jason Missen
3. Sanwahkin (4) – Amy Van Der Sanden
Time: 0:45.90
Margins: 5 1/4 lengths x 1 1/2 lengths
Race 2 – Ergon Energy QTIS Benchmark 65 Handicap (1000m)
1. Croftside (6) – Sheree Drake
2. Lisa Fashionista (3) – Hannah Phillips
3. River Georgia (5) – Anthony Merritt
Time: 0:57.60
Margins: 1 1/4 lengths x neck
Race 3 – CROW-FM / Fiona Carvolth Memorial Benchmark 60 Handicap (1600m)
1. Lady’s Command (5) – Chelsea Jokic
2. Picalova (9) – Norifumi Yamada
3. Commander Bond (7) – Jason Missen
Time: 1:35.50
Margins: 3/4 length x 1 1/2 lengths
Race 4 – McDonald’s Kingaroy Class B Handicap (1200m)
1. Doubtful Prince (1) – Anthony Merritt
2. Scotchman (5) – Sheree Drake
3. Prince Of Peace (2) – Hannah Phillips
Time: 1:10.50
Margins: 3 1/2 lengths x 1/2 length
Race 5 – Glendalough Brangus Stud Maiden Handicap (1200m)
1. Outback Cheryl (4) – Chelsea Jokic
2. Rouge Sun (1) – Bradley Appo
3. Shez Zarzou (7) – Cecily Eaton
Time: 1:11.50
Margins: 2 lengths x 2 lengths
