January 27, 2018
Thoroughbred racing by nature is a mix of dilemmas and delights. Not everyone can be a winner and not every venture developed by the industry’s leadership comes off.
Drama and intrigue as well as unforgettable excitement have been its attendants since the beginning.
The image of Robbie Fradd doing everything possible to lift Invincibella to victory on Magic Millions Day serves as a reminder that participants at all levels can be successful if they chase hard.
So it is timely to contemplate a forthcoming feature in the South Burnett in 2018.
On Easter Saturday, the Nanango Race Club will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the restarting of racing in the town.
The occasion is an opportunity to remember the efforts of a host of people whose toil delivered a new era for the sport.
Below, courtesy of the Queensland Turf Club’s Racing Calendar (May 1968), is the list of office bearers and officials for that April 20 meeting.
Readers who recall some of these names may like to pass on the word about the event to them:
Patron: W. Douglas
President: A.A. Anger
Vice Presidents: W.A. Richardson, W.F. Williams
Honorary Treasurer: R. King
Committee: W. Tewes, W. Willis, E.W. Jeneak, G. Rackemann, Roy McCallum, J. Olzard, Reg McCallum
Secretary: Wally Robinson
Honorary Stewards: W.F. Williams, G.S. Lee, R. Hickmott.
Stipendiary Steward: J.F. McGill (Q.T.C.)
Honorary Judges: Reg McCallum, J.A. Lee
Honorary Timekeeper: R. Surtees
Honorary Starter: W. Willis, E. “Ted” Nielsen
Clerk of Scales: W. Tewes
Clerk of Course: G. Rackemann
Betting Ring Steward: W. Richardson
Honorary Veterinary Surgeon: D. Byrne B.V.Sc.
Handicapper: J.F. McGill
Mr Trevor Walsh, assistant judge from the Q.T.C., Jack O’Brien from Wondai and Miss Stephanie Duff from Kingaroy helped guide the various officials during the day.
Note: Special credit is extended to Alex Ellison. His photo of the 1968 re-opening was included in my previous column before the holiday break. The framed image is very much at home in the Symes Room at Lee Park.
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Two players from that period who went on to be well-known Queensland identities are Pat Duff and Lloyd Hickmott.
The former was the leading campdrafter at the Goomeri Show a week before saddling up the Open winner Mick’s Luck, while the latter – along with his brother Ray – donated a free stallion service for the use of the owners of the first horse home in the Seventh Division Handicap.
The Hickmotts offered a choice of their sires Pharaonic, King Star and Tipperary Star.
The speedy trio had all competed in Golden Slippers.
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Meanwhile Nanango, with a Moffatdale Ridge Wines climate-friendly fashion theme of Floral Shirts, Floppy Hats and Floaty Dresses, opens the batting for 2018 on Saturday, February 24.
This is an attractive racing date for followers of autumn racing in the south.
The Caulfield card includes the rich Blue Diamond Stakes, the Futurity Stakes and the Oakleigh Plate.
The Hobartville Stakes and the Silver Slipper Stakes head the bill at Rosehill Gardens.
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Bits And Bridles
- It was great to see a fit and fresh looking Chris Kearney at the Magic Millions fixture early this month. He now works for Caloundra Livestock Transport but has been to hell and back more than once after suffering spinal injuries in a barrier mishap at the Sunshine Coast in 2014. Kearney, the long term rider for the Glenda Richardson stable, has endured a horrendous string of medical procedures and rehabilitation programs, not to mention the loss of his passionate horse-riding pursuits.
- It was odd last weekend to note that there were no non-TAB opportunities anywhere in Queensland. Glenn Richardson and some other country trainers trekked down to Deepwater, a village north of Glen Innes, for a program that carried light purses last Saturday.
- While its understandable that the Brisbane Racing Club would look for events that could bring an income to the Eagle Farm Racecourse, it is a little baffling that the Australian Open Tennis Finals on Saturday and Sunday night will be shown on the Big Screen. Live music, gourmet food and giant lawn games will be added attractions. Hopefully all the thoroughbreds that reside in the infield will have sweet dreams and not nightmares, given the probable noise factor involved.
Best wishes for the year ahead!
