April 14, 2017
Recent rain and a high number of acceptors make for an ideal setting at Nanango on Saturday.
Easter Saturday racing has long been a bustling, enjoyable occasion for Lee Park patrons, and the competition on a good track should be as keen as usual.
And there are a string of local horses to cheer for.
Nanango trainer Glenn Richardson is set to saddle up seven runners in the first four events.
He might need a hand in the Bechley’s Transport BM 65 (1000m) as he has three hopefuls engaged.
Richardson’s apprentice Hannah English, fresh from her double on Hopetoun Street and Wild Element at Gympie last Saturday, has five opportunities before she reunites with her great mate Winner Wimmer at twilight time in Toowoomba.
The Burnett gallopers due to line up at Nanango’s second last meeting for the season are Hidden Angel, Dream of Choice, Hopetoun Street, Luck’s In, Man of Law, Urubamba, Sparkling Gift (all for Glenn Richardson), Glenthorn Avenue (Lindsay Anderson), Captain Clayton (Barry Phillips) and The Equine Bolt (James Curtain).
Meanwhile, Hannah Phillips has a full book of rides and punters should note that Nozi Tomizawa will make the trip from Toowoomba for just the one mount.
He will be aboard the recent Lee Park winner Anxpense in the opener, the James Curtain Racing Class B (800m).
* * *
For Safety’s Sake
The drama that enveloped the Sydney Cup is a wake up call for all race clubs and authorities.
The lack of a functional alarm system is utterly unacceptable.
Every chief steward’s stand should have a siren that can be heard along the back of the track.
It would be like a master switch.
The World War II air raid alarms were readily heard by all and sundry, and a modified version would be a definitive set up that would leave jockeys and the crowd in no doubt.
Although a dangerous situation is more likely when horses have to pass the post twice, another concern revolves around the rare prospect of a riderless horse heading back in the opposite direction and potentially meeting the field head on in the straight.
Starters and stewards are in two-way radio contact.
If there is a false start on country tracks, a hooter is usually activated at the barriers.
At present, the starter no doubt immediately contacts the head steward.
Under the improved arrangement, the steward would then sound the main siren as a back up for all to hear.
A “no race” was declared at Gympie last Saturday.
The stipes’ report stated: “Due to a malfunction of the barriers where a number of barrier gates did not open when the start was effected, stewards ruled it a no race under AR.134.”
The report does not indicate whether the barrier issue arose post race after jockeys returned and complaints were made, or if the problem was obvious at barrier-rise.
By the way, those folk who were critical of the Sydney Cup decision may well be advised to take notice of Blake Shinn’s opinion.
After coming off Who Shot Thebarman, he was Johnny-on-the-spot and supportive of the quick action that was taken.
There was probably less than 45 seconds between the incident and the field approaching the 1200 metre point, so any hindsight views after that short snippet of time are irrelevant.
The case is ongoing.
Stewards stated that “after interviewing co-trainer David Hayes, rider James Doyle and taking evidence from stipendiary steward Ray Livingstone, who inspected the relevant areas of the track, the matter was adjourned pending a report from the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Camden, where the horse (Almoonqith) will be transported to for autopsy.”
Hayes was asked to provide his veterinary and treatment records for the horse.
* * *
Away Track Action
The performance of the ATC Sires Produce Stakes winner Invader in the ATC Champagne Stakes at Randwick on Saturday holds particular interest.
A victory would give the Snitzel colt. that finished behind the placegetters in the 2017 Magic Millions Classic, two of the three relevant Sydney Group One titles.
Would that be enough to snatch the Champion Two-Year-old award from the Slipper heroine She Will Reign?
* * *
A Step Forward At The Farm
It has been a difficult journey, but at last the first intake of horses are now calling the infield stables at Eagle Farm home.
The complex will cater for more than 400 thoroughbreds.
There was also some glad tidings for the Brisbane Racing Club when connections of the classy New Zealand sprinter Start Wondering indicated they were Queensland bound for the carnival.
The Goodwood in Adelaide has been boosted to the $1 million mark, outstripping both the $700,000 Doomben 10,000 and the $700,000 Darley Kingsford-Smith Cup.
However Brisbane does give stables those two chances plus the $1.5 million Stradbroke.
* * *
Gear Up
If you’re heading to Lee Park on Saturday, it’s time to select your race day attire for the Moffatdale Ridge fashion theme of “Easter Bonnets, Bowlers and Cottontails”.
The full form guide is also available on this website.
It may be better to do the preliminary study before heading to Lee Park.
There will be plenty of people to chat with at the track – see you there!.
