(Photo: Ross Stanley)
September 23, 2020
The result of the recent Nanango Cup has made form students wince.
Weights and measures considerations for the open company event indicated that the Krystle Johnston-5trained Craiglea Simmo would not encore the 2019 victory in the Lee Park feature by its stablemate Executed.
The Sunshine Coast galloper, with Caloundra rider Adam Spinks aboard, carried the minimum mark of 55 kilograms. Its 43 Rating meant its True Handicap was 47 kilograms.
In other words, several rivals had a very significant edge in this key criteria.
Interestingly, post-Nanango, the Royal Harlequin gelding’s rating soared by seven points for its back-up six days later in a Kilcoy 58 BM (1900m) when it ran last.
On that occasion, Spinks was dislodged when Craiglea Courtney started bucking soon after the gates opened in an earlier contest.
Spinks was taken to hospital and replaced on Craiglea Simmo ($20) by Stephanie Lacy.
Adam was a familiar face around the Burnett during his junior days.
Back in the autumn of 2016, he picked up a second at Wondai and an Esk victory with General Kingsman.
At that time, Elijah-James Morris, whose father Clint was a part owner of the horse, wore livery that matched Adam’s.
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Paul Hamblin, the Sunshine Coast heavyweight hoop, had a satisfying Cup day at Lee Park.
He landed the first leg of a double courtesy of Walshie ($4.20) for Eidsvold trainer Bob Murray.
Later, Mahussey, the $2.90 pop from Troy Pascoe’s Toowoomba yard, bolted in by 16 lengths in the Class B Handicap.
The Mahisara mare’s time of 1.34.18 for the 1600 metre journey was a tad stunning as it was more than two seconds slicker than that clocked by Craiglea Simmo.
Mahussey is an entrant for next Saturday’s Class 3 Plate (1850m) at Toowoomba.
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Hoopert’s Back With A Vengeance
Jason Hoopert did not just bounce back at Mount Isa last Saturday – it is fair to say that he trampolined into the winner’s list.
His first three rides recorded two thirds and a last.
His final opportunity was on Nitro City ($10) and the margin in its favour was a head.
The veteran survivor had been out of action following his fall at The Isa on May 23.
Alan Welburn reported in the September 15 issue of the North West Star that “Hoopert was healing and an early return to riding was on the cards until he noticed persistent pain in his side while riding horses in exercise. Medicos discovered four broken ribs and the previously undetected damage meant additional time on the sidelines.”
In relation to Jason’s disastrous experience at Kilcoy in 2006, Welburn added: “Hoopert took inspiration from a specialist who suffered a brain injury while skiing but recovered. He became a neurosurgeon so he could understand how he recovered and help others.”
Hoopert indicated that if that fellow could become a neurosurgeon after his accident then “I could make it back and I’ve ridden 146 winners since I was told I would never ride again.”
It was a sublime moment for the former Burnett rider when he kicked that tally up to 147.
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Bits And Bridles
- Last Saturday’s meetings proved frustrating for the Burnett players. At Gympie, Hannah Richardson chalked up second placings on Craiglea Cetina, Fury of the Storm and Momentum Glory (Lindsay Anderson). A jockey shortage forced the withdrawal of Madcall, Dolci, Brigalow Queen and Cimarron Kid.
- At Dalby, Momentum Glory’s mentor Lindsay Anderson picked up the minor money with Kentford while jockey Hannah Phillips did likewise on Remember Bella.
- The unraced juvenile colt Sherwood Prince is an interesting entry for the $75,000 Pat O’Shea Plate (1000m) at this weekend’s Toowoomba Weetwood-Cup program. The bay, like his full brother Arnwood, was bred by his owner John Thornton and is prepared by Glenn Richardson.
