July 21, 2017
After a frustrating run of eight placings for the month of July, Nanango apprentice Hannah English chalked up an important victory at Bundaberg last Saturday.
She partnered I Am McLovin ($9), the new addition to Glenn Richardson’s squad, to comfortably claim the $10,000 Visy Lightning Handicap (1090m) by three lengths from Daryl Gardiner’s charge Humanise, with the Bob Murray trained James is Blonde a head astern in third place.
Subject to official confirmation, English, with 14 wins, is one ahead of Corey Bayliss in the race to be the leading apprentice on the South East Country Racing Association circuit for 2016-17.
Meanwhile Richardson and Gardiner now share top spot in their category with 14 apiece.
Jason Hoopert (15), the runaway pacesetter in the seniors’ ranks, has a strong book for Gympie.
Neither English nor Bayliss is stepping out at Gympie, the only SECRA venue this weekend.
Instead, the duo will be rivals at the Gold Coast briefly on Saturday, with Hannah again doubling up at Toowoomba come twilight time.
Gardiner’s focus this Saturday is Thangool so Richardson gets a chance to put his nose in front at Gympie with Hidden Angel (Chelsea Jokic) and Revelio (Paul Hamblin).
Both contenders will sport the stable’s black and blue livery.
The set is based on Glenn’s beloved Penrith Panthers, the side that did the right thing against the Warriors in their NRL recent clash.
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Serious Items For The Industry
Racing Queensland has recently made two important announcements on its website. No doubt everyone wants these extremely important problems resolved in an utterly positive fashion.
On July 18: “The report on the Eagle Farm track surface will be delivered to the Minister for Racing Grace Grace on or before the 28th of July.
“In June, the Minister directed the Racing Queensland Board to take all necessary steps to rectify the track and ensure it is fit for purpose.
“As part of the direction under Section 44 of the Racing Act, Ms Grace requested a full briefing within four weeks of any steps the Board is taking – including obtaining independent expert advice to rectify the track.
“Former Victoria Racing Club CEO and current Harness Racing Victoria chair Dale Monteith was commissioned to undertake the review. The track-testing regime was delayed due to rain and an extension to the Ministerial deadline was sought and received.
“Racing Queensland has kept the Minister’s office updated on progress and will work with all stakeholders to ensure best-practice strategies are in place to return Eagle Farm to racing as soon as possible.”
And on July 14: “Racing Queensland (RQ) is working with the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) to address issues identified during an audit which began last year.
“On the May 26, 2017, ASQA rejected the application for renewal of the registration of Racing Queensland as an RTO (Registered Training Organisation) on issues of non-compliance.
“RQ has appealed ASQA’s decision which stems from an audit process that included educational systems and resources put in place some years ago.
“RQ has been in ongoing communication with the Queensland Jockeys Association about the process and has assured current students their education arrangement will continue as normal.
“RQ will continue to work with ASQA to ensure education and training services provided to the industry are maintained.”
(Note: The above situation has critical repercussions on areas such as the training of apprentices)
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Bits And Bridles
- Clouds, the winner of the first leg of the Gympie Turf Club’s Three Cups Gold Rush Trainers’ Challenge, will not be asked to try for the $5,000 bonus. His trainer Lindsay Anderson has said that the grey really resented the kick-back. The effort to actually win was incredible. The rising six-year-old conceded Unbowed about a dozen lengths with just 600 metres to run. After Gemma Steele took him about seven deep to avoid the flying sand, the determined son of Bradbury’s Luck set out in hot pursuit and managed to prevail by three parts of a length.
- Early Reminder: The $10,000 Nanango Cup (1600m) will be staged on August 12, just a fortnight away. The Moffatdale Ridge Wines Fashion Theme is Basic Black and a Splash.
- Nanango’s program is the first for the new season, and Nanango Race Club membership for the six meetings scheduled over the coming twelve months is outstanding value. The costs are $66 for Member and Guest double or $35 for one ($25 for those younger than 26). As well as course admittance, the fee provides access to the Members’ Bar. For Membership Application inquiries, contact either Rosemary Hansen on (07) 4163 2346 or Lesley Berger on (07) 4163-1513, or send them an email.
- Nanango Race Club’s other 2017-18 dates and fashion themes are September 16 (Feathers, Fascinators, Fedoras and Furs), Sunday December 3 (70s Flairs and Big Hair), February 24 (Floral Shirts, Floppy Hats and Floaty Dresses), Easter Saturday, March 31 (Vintage Glamour and Bonnets) and May 26 (Capes, Culottes and Cravats).
