Punters Back In The Pink

Shae Cull and Karlie Zemek, both from Kingaroy, were dressed to the theme, “pretty in pink”

February 15, 2021

Nanango’s first race meeting for 2021 attracted a keen crowd of racegoers on Saturday, all keen to be “in the pink” for Valentines Day.

A good-sized crowd gathered under marquees, in the ring and in the race stand to enjoy a day of hot racing.

Lee Park is always a popular spot for reunions, and there were several large ones on the day, including a couple of big birthday celebrations.

Race Club president Andrew Green’s family – who have been linked to Nanango and local racing for generations – came from all points on the compass to mark Meg Green’s 40th birthday.

Another big birthday reunion was organised for former Footscray AFL player Danny Del-Re, including matching T-shirts!

Racing was keen, although a number of scratchings left just four starters in Race 5.

Race 3 was definitely the most eventful on the card.

The start was delayed after Blue Boy McCombe tossed its jockey, Natalie Morton, who was then unable to continue.

Another late scratching was The Devastator which refused to load in the barrier.

However, the rest of the day’s racing went smoothly with a couple of very close finishes.

Race 1 was named to mark Meg Green’s 40th birthday; Meg, centre at back, was joined by her parents, Barry and Mary Green and numerous other relatives all with a strong link to Nanango

Friends and family members of the late Alan Downie gathered for Race 2 which was named in his memory … Alan, who was a massive supporter of the Nanango Panthers soccer club, died in June last year but because of the pandemic many local residents did not have the opportunity them to farewell him in style

Janelle Henschen and her brother Ian Cecil, both from Kingaroy

Bianca Bauer, from Kingaroy; and Keoni English, from Nanango

Former Footscray AFL player Danny Del-Re (centre, at back) was joined by a bunch of friends to celebrate his birthday … the group came from all over, including the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Dalby

Happy owners after Race 2 … ‘Allena’ owners Narelle Wenck, Bodey Roon and Jeff Wenck with jockey Kelly Gates and Wondai-based trainer Kristen Wenck

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‘She’s Smart’, with Kenji Yoshida, just edged out Kelly Gates on ‘Courtingrock’ in a tight finish in Race 1

Results

Race 1 – Happy 40th Birthday Meg Green Class B Handicap (800m)
1. She’s Smart (3) – Kenji Yoshida
2. Courtingrock (8) – Kelly Gates
3. Glam Rock (1) – Hannah Phillips
Time: 0:45.79
Margins: 1/2 head x 1 1/2 lengths

Race 2 – Alan Downie Memorial Benchmark 65 Handicap (1000m)
1. Allena (2) – Kelly Gates
2. Havashout (3) – Robert Faehr
3. Curry Connection (4) – Hannah Richardson
Time: 0:57.99
Margins: 2 1/2 lengths x 3/4 length

Race 3 – Timbertowner’s Car Detailing QTIS Maiden Plate (1200m)
1. Kitty Kat’s Kittenqtis (7) – Hannah Phillips
2. Craiglea Danielqtis (2) – Hannah Richardson
3. Very Soonqtis (10) – Girish Goomany
Time: 1:10.98
Margins: 1 1/2 lengths x 1 1/2 lengths

Race 4 – Nanango Bookmakers Association Benchmark 50 Handicap (1200m)
1. Miss Nasty (7) – Melea Castle
2. Brutus (2) – Paul Hamblin
3. Solid Asset (1) – Gregory Hayes
Time: 1:10.00
Margins: 1 1/2 lengths x 1 1/2 lengths

Race 5 – Heritage Bank Nanango Benchmark 55 Handicap (1600m)
1. Little Drummer Boy (6) – Robert Faehr
2. Unresolved (5) – Nathan Evans
3. Gambit (1) – Louise Dillon
Time: 1:35.72
Margins: Short 1/2 head x 6 lengths