July 30, 2015
In the wake of the washed out card at Warwick last Saturday, Racing Queensland announced that rather than create a replacement meeting, it would “adopt an aggressive approach to the division of races over the next 7-10 days should field sizes deem it appropriate.”
Nanango Race Club’s QTIS Maiden (1200m) drew 27 acceptors for the usual maximum of 12 runners (and five reserves), so it was no surprise to see two divisions created.
On the other hand, it would have been most unfortunate if the powers that be did opt for just one field of hopefuls.
Such a call would have virtually denied 15 sets of owners a crack at the money.
Overall, the programmed six events attracted 114 entries with 91 proceeding to the acceptance stage.
Consequently there will be a huge roll up of horses at Lee Park on Saturday for what is now a seven race affair.
Interestingly, only four acceptors at Warwick are engaged at Nanango.
The fact that the last three south-east rural fixtures have been on sand tracks may also have stimulated the high interest in the agenda on grass.
Just as the Melbourne Cup meeting gathers in thoroughbreds from all points of the compass, Nanango this weekend will host runners from an amazing set of different centres.
The list underlines the tourism potential of country racing as well as the stimulus it provides to local economies.
Candidates will be travelling from stables at Eagle Farm, Deagon, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich, Gatton, Beaudesert, Oakey, Dalby, Jandowae, Roma, Chinchilla, Nobby, Toowoomba, Gympie, Bundaberg and Lismore down in the Northern Rivers.
Local representatives will be saddled up by trainers based at Lee Park, Wondai, Kingaroy and Hivesville.
The prelude to the action will be the special ceremony for the National Jockeys Trust annual Celebration Day.
The trophies for the Nanango Race Club’s 2014-15 premierships will be presented, and an added bonus prize for the major day of the year will be a suit package for the best dressed male patron, courtesy of Lowes (Kingaroy) Menswear.
So lads, do concoct some black and white attire !
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Carrollee Hotel Comes To The Party
Kingaroy’s Carrollee Hotel, the sponsors of the $10,000 Nanango Cup (1600m), will be offering a swish trackside marquee experience on Saturday, August 1.
Their $70 per head package includes return transport from the hotel to Lee Park, track admission, two drink vouchers, finger food throughout the day, live entertainment as well as in-tent bar, betting and television facilities.
“Percy The Punter” will also host an in-house Punters Club.
The decor will reflect the Moffatdale Ridge Wines Fashion theme of Beautiful Black and Wonderful White.
The Carrollee put on this special marquee every Cup Day and it’s always very popular.
You can buy tickets over the bar at the hotel or by phoning them on (07) 4162-1055.
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Local Lasses Look To The Cup
Apprentices Hannah Phillips and Hannah English, both holding full books of engagements, will be desperately keen to salute in their hometown’s feature contest.
Phillips will partner Baremin, the newcomer to her father Barry’s lodge.
The Barely A Moment mare last appeared in February when sporting the polish of leading Victorian trainer Darren Weir.
The now seven-year-old mare was beaten six lengths in a Sandown BM 84 Handicap.
In January, she won at Moonee Valley over 1600 metres and was fourth at Sandown over 1500 metres.
The lightly raced bay is taking on easier company here.
It will be a case of a head-dress of feathers in Phillips’ cap if she can score over the mile first up.
English, meanwhile, will again be aboard Winner Wimmer, a victor over the course and distance at the May fixture.
The duo have already picked up the Gayndah and Eidsvold Cups.
Both aspirants will have plenty of supporters.
Premier rider Hannah Phillips will get an extra buzz if she boots home her old, faithful Captain Clayton in the Huston Nissan BM 65 (1200m).
The Nanango Horse Of The Year, rated at 74.5, will hump 63 kilograms after the apprentice’s two kilogram allowance is claimed.
Closest in the weights is I’m The One (Lyall Appo, 65 rating, 59 kilograms).
The team has chalked up three wins and a second in four essays at home, and the Danbird nine-year-old always tries his heart out.
Finally, best wishes to jockey Jason Hoopert.
The Sunshine Coast hoop is returning to racing after his scooter accident in March.
