May 25, 2017
A highlight of Nanango Race Club’s sixth and final meeting for its 2016-17 season on Saturday will be the battle for the racing year’s riding honours.
The fact that there are seven hoops sharing the top spot with two wins apiece is a testimony to the depth of competition the five previous race meetings have generated.
Of that squad, Corey Bayliss (2-1-4) and Shannon Apthorpe (2-0-1) will not be working this time.
Hannah English’s 2-3-1 tally gives her an edge if the contest comes down to a countback while Melody O’Brien (2-1-1), Billie-Rose Derbyshire (2-0-1), Leeanne McCoy (2-0-0) and Paul Hamblin (2-0-0) all have multiple chances to boot home a vital winner or two.
Nathan Evans is the only jockey in action with just one win on the board.
But the title could still be anyone’s – if a jockey with zero victories at present lands a treble, they could score a last stride success.
Hannah Phillips, courtesy of an extended term on the sideline, has had just nine rides at Lee Park this season for three second placings.
The former Nanango premiership winner showed she is in fine form with a Jandowae double last weekend.
Her father Barry was pipped at the post for the top trainer’s slot at this time in 2015.
So maybe Hannah can land three and prevail from the clouds.
Hopetoun Street, with a 2-0-1 scorecard from three Lee Park appearances this season, is assured of the Horse Of The Year Title.
The gelding’s trainer Glenn Richardson (3-3-1) trails Tom Dougall (6-1-2) in the Trainers’ listings.
The defending title-holder does have an acceptor in each of the five events, while Dougall’s Toowoomba stable has four all up.
Note: The above tallies are subject to official confirmation.
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A Steady Stream
Richardson and his local Nanango client Peter Jackson continued their good run when Revelio flew home to win narrowly in the first at Toowoomba last Saturday.
The $31 chance was handled by Ruby Ride.
Although Hannah English did don silk at Clifford Park, getting back from Jandowae in time for the mount was not feasible.
The yard has turned out six winners and four placegetters since early April.
Revelio, a former lodger at Matt Dunn’s Murwillumbah set up, must like Clifford Park.
The Dane Shadow gelding was runner-up there at 15/1 when having his first run for Richardson in late March.
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A Certain Profitable Return
It is time to do the sums: admissions paid at the gate for all six race days at Lee Park for 2017-18 will cost a total of $60 per adult at the current rate.
The Nanango Race Club’s Member and Guest arrangement gets two people in for only $66.
That almost half-price offer comes with an added bonus – the Jenny Morgan Room is a convenient and comfortable members-only facility, a rarity at rural racetracks.
Alternative categories include Single Membership ($35) and 25 and Under ($25).
An extra bonus is that reciprocal membership applies to some other South-East Queensland country courses as well.
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Final Reminders For Saturday
If you know people associated with St Mary’s Catholic College, give them a call to inform them that this is their annual race day gathering.
Other things to note:
- Folk heading to Goomeri for Sunday’s Pumpkin Festival have an ideal Saturday afternoon social warm-up opportunity at Lee Park. Bookings for the free bus that will be running from Goomeri to Lee Park and back to Goomeri after the last race can be made with Lesley Berger on (07) 4163-1513.
- The Moffattdale Ridge Wines Fashion theme is 1950s Retro.
- The Champagne @ the Bit Bar will have new food lines on sale.
- Next season’s membership dues can paid on the day, and prospective new members can obtain the appropriate form from the race day office.
- The good fields for the meeting contain many chances and it is certain to be a very absorbing and interesting occasion.
Make the most of our current Indian Summer – see you there!
