April 30, 2018
Three horses that work at Wondai repelled the invaders on Anzac Day, and a Kumbia galloper made it four victories out of a possible five for South Burnett outfits.
Lindsay Anderson secured a perfect outcome through the strong and determined efforts by his charges Liverpool Jane (Jason Hoopert, $1.30 favourite) and Clouds (Gemma Steele, $2.40 favourite).
And Stewart Barr landed his first home win courtesy of Willy Be Lucky (Gregory Hayes, $3 favourite), while the Scott Pedron prepared Paradiski (Adam Spinks, $4.60) for a successful attack on the Class B Handicap.
The event was sponsored by Bryan Zelinski Engineering (BZE), a long standing Murgon business that specialises in manufacturing equipment for agricultural and heavy industries.
Wondai went within a length of picking up a fourth trophy when Scarlet’s Choice, saddled up by Neville “Shorty” O’Toole, downed all bar the Oakey mare Star Painter (Sally Sweeney, $7) in the QTIS Benchmark 55 Handicap.
That incredibly competitive 850 metre contest that was sponsored by Stewart and Dr Jennie Barr’s Lilivale Stud saw a length and a half cover the first six at the finish.
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Shades Of Winx
In the Open Handicap (1100m), Liverpool Jane started at the very short odds that nearly matched the final quote for Winx at her last outing.
Although it is not a disadvantage to be off the rails at Wondai and many sand tracks, the lightly raced Captain Gerrard (Ire) mare was taken on for the lead.
Despite a few anxious moments, the chestnut proved too potent when it mattered, scoring decisively by three panels.
She had missed out narrowly at her two appearances (both at Gympie) this time in and was well tuned to chalk up her fourth first placing from four assignments on the Wondai circuit.
Stablemate Clouds also remains unconquered at the track, and Anderson’s ability as a conditioner was well and truly to the fore in the Wondai Diggers’ Club Cup (BM65, 1465m).
With just one run under his belt since December 3, the Bradbury’s Luck six-year-old, having been handy in transit, prevailed in the battle up the final hill to be almost two lengths clear at the wire.
Clouds took out the race’s 2017 renewal and Lindsay specifically targeted an encore.
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The Barrs’ Beautiful Day
Although Dr Jennie Barr is an expert in midwifery, she was “pacing the floor” prior to the Wondai RSL Maiden Plate (1465m).
She is part-owner, along with trainer-husband Stewart, of Willy Be Lucky.
The three-year-old by Bradbury’s Luck deserved a breakthrough following placings at Gympie and a fourth spot at Nanango.
Apprentice Gregory Hayes deliberately plotted a wide passage and Naturalism’s grandson bolted in by six lengths.
Click here to read more about the Barrs as per Gunsynd’s Gossip for March 5, 2018.
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The Battlefield Touch
South Burnett Race Club President Jeff Wenck, in his message of welcome to patrons, provided some pertinent reminders about the role of horses in wartime.
“The Light Horsemen and the Walers who carried them are synonymous with the Anzac efforts of 1914-18,” Jeff said.
“In 1918, the inaugural Jericho Cup was run near the banks of the Jordan River.
“Conducted primarily as a diversion for the opposing Turkish forces, the Jericho Cup was run over three miles across desert sands.
“This race was famously won by the legendary warhorse ‘Bill The Bastard’, who was ridden by his near constant companion Major Michael Shanahan.
“2018 signifies the 100th anniversary of the running of this race.
“And during this time, racing has continued to be part of the Anzac Day tradition.”
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The Community Response
Rural race clubs rely on the energy and enthusiasm of committee members and their helpers.
The confronting assortment of running and maintenance expenses these days are enormous.
As well as the paid up race naming rights sponsorships, the South Burnett Race Club has a variety of other supporters.
Examples include Crow FM 90.7, Kingaroy’s Hams Crane Hire (who provide the elevator for the video cameraman), the Wondai accountancy firm Hobbs and Associates and The Gums at Memerambi.
The community ethos that was evident at Wondai’s Anzac Day morning commemorations was replicated later that day at the racetrack.
The roll up, particularly by the younger generations, was both encouraging and rewarding for the Committee and their backers.
When compared with the city and provincial attendance figures, the four clubs in the South Burnett certainly attract a higher proportion per head of population through their gates.
Of course, the country meetings always draw out-of-town visitors as well.
Understandably, Anzac Day does trigger all sorts of reflective moments and people making special efforts.
May the pattern continue!
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Upcoming Events
Wondai’s next race days are scheduled for Saturday, July 7 and Caulfield Cup day on October 20.
Meanwhile, the annual festival that is Burrandowan comes up on Saturday, May 12.
And on Saturday, May 26, Nanango will be the venue for the annual St. Mary’s Catholic College reunion, as well as hosting a lucrative leg of the Battle Of The Bush Series.
