March 20, 2016
The day after her mother passed away, Tiffani Brooker opted to fulfil her Saturday, March 12 engagements at Esk and Toowoomba.
Canid’s maiden success at Nanango in August 2014 has been one of the Sunshine Coast apprentice’s popular victories in the South Burnett.
Ironically, Glenn Richardson’s charge finished between her mount, In The Rouge, and the winner Favourite Shadow (Michael Schrapel) in the Des Moore Memorial (BM 45, 1200m) at Esk.
There was compensation and some emotional release in the next event, the Hydraulink Toowoomba Maiden Plate.
Brooker and Princess Prickle proved to be a thorn in the side of their rivals by comfortably leading all the way.
It was a gem of a ride with a tricky gate to contend with on a mare having just the third outing of her career.
The daughter of Carry The Flag was also first up over 1460 metres and was an odds-on favourite.
At Toowoomba, Tiffani went close to making it two for the day on the Michael Nolan-trained Beauxbaton in the Art and Soul Class 2 Handicap, an aptly named contest considering the Magic Albert gelding is owned by legendary artist Brian Malt, his wife Jan and their family.
The run was a a tonic for Brian, who is battling a severe illness.
It was particularly stimulating for him as the chestnut is from his stakes-winning mare Strawberry Malt.
Jan’s research work that produced the galloper’s name is no doubt appreciated by Harry Potter fans.
Condolences are extended to Tiffani Brooker, her family and friends.
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Recognition And Reward For Hannah
Hannah English, after going down by a mere short half head on Canid at Esk, added another entry to her logbook a few hours later.
She booted home Dr Deejay for the Kevin Kemp stable at Clifford Park and maintained momentum with an Ipswich success on Unbowed for Pat Duff’s Deagon yard on Thursday.
It is quite a compliment to get bookings from Duff – he knows more than a fair bit about emerging talent.
Mick Dittman, Michael Pelling, Jim Byrne and Mandy Radecker, a champion apprentice whose early days included South Burnett outings, are among the fine jockeys he mentored.
English has the honour of representing Queensland in the Tasmanian leg of the National Apprentices Series at Launceston this coming Wednesday.
Given that Jimmy Orman, Queensland’s flag bearer in the earlier part of the series, chalked up his very first winner at Lee Park, Hannah completes a special double for her hometown of Nanango.
A host of well-wishers will ride every stride the gifted horsewoman and her mounts cover in this third section of the prestigious competition’s five-State circuit, that continues at Ascot (WA, April 20) and Murray Bridge (SA, May 4).
Queensland, boosted by Brooke Stower’s winning performance on home turf earlier this month, shares the top of the table with Victoria on 8 points.
Western Australia (7) and South Australia (6) are in close touch while Tasmania (1) gets its chance with multiple locals to sport silk on Wednesday.
New South Wales is not participating.
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Increased Capacity And Comfort At Lee Park
Racegoers attending Nanango’s traditionally bumper Easter Saturday fixture on March 26 are in for a pleasant surprise.
Courtesy of generous donations by the Nanango Heritage Bank, two mini-grandstands (with a combined capacity of around 200) and 10 large tables, produced by the local Men’s Shed, will be in service.
Race viewing options will now be available along a wider frontage.
The racecourse already boasts the enclosed Symes Room refreshment area, a covered betting ring, a main grandstand, significant under cover tables and seating, a well-appointed Members Lounge and the Pink Champagne Bar.
It is little wonder that Easter visitors to Nanango relish the chance for catch-ups at the area’s major raceday.
Any grey morning skies are not a deterrent because of the course’s extensive under-cover amenities.
Patrons are reminded that the Moffatdale Ridge Wines Fashion on the Field theme for the meeting is Royalty: Vintage, Lace and Pearls.
There will also be goodies for children who don Easter Bonnets.
This is an occasion that is too good to miss.
