February 9, 2023
Hannah Phillips was all smiles at Nanango Race Club’s February 2021 meeting when she took out the Maiden on Kitty Kat’s Kitten for local trainer Janene Armstrong.
Fittingly, the duo looked pretty in pink.
Unfortunately Phillips suffered a broken arm and dental damage in a jump out incident at Toowoomba on January 25, 2022. Her mount’s saddle slipped and, in an instant, Hannah was under the horse’s back legs.
After extensive rehabilitation, she returned to race riding.
On Australia Day this year, she had two engagements at Kilcoy. Lady Rascal, prepared by her father Barry, provided her with a minor placing.
The lightly raced mare, with Phillips on board again, is scheduled to step out in the opener at Lee Park on Saturday.
A victory would be a just reward for the persistence and determination that Hannah Phillips has displayed during her time on the sidelines.
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Some Newcomers
Rookie Caloundra apprentice Sophie Blunt’s main reason for venturing into an apprenticeship was her partnership with Eau Rogue, a retired unraced galloper that she rode at pony club, showjumping and eventing.
The mare, whose dam So Stream is a half-sister the Longchamp Group One winner Sweet Stream, came through Racing Queensland’s Off-The-Track program.
Blunt, who had no previous knowledge of racing, is indentured to former Tolga trainer Gary “Jack” Duncan.
She has chalked up two wins, courtesy of Thorben at Gladstone just prior to Christmas, and Come Clean at Bundaberg on January 28.
The 4kg-claimer is down to pilot Top Pass, Fitzroy Plain and Come Clean on Saturday at Nanango.
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Newcomers From Afar
- Young conditioner Jack Laing has relocated from Cranbourne to the Sunshine Coast. His pair of Nanango contenders earned a crust in Gippsland at the Woolamai Picnic Race Club on January 14. At the program for amateur riders, Silent Charge shed its maiden tag while Gertanie picked up second money in the shorter Maiden on the same card. Divine Charm and March As One are the yard’s acceptors for Caloundra on Sunday. Polanski, the 2013 VRC Derby winner, was among a host of stakes winners saddled up by Laing’s father Robbie.
- Mackay trainer Olivia Cairns is represented by Fire King. His jockey Adam Sewell is very widely travelled. Thus far this year he has ridden at Rockhampton, Mackay, Thangool, Dalby, Gatton, Sunshine Coast, Townsville, Emerald, Inverell, Glen Innes and Lismore.
- Bowen horseman Andrew Cameron and hoop Adam Spinks will link up with Battle and El Shaday.
- Other South Burnett trainers with runners are: Adam Briskey (Blue Smartie, Invaness, Beeokay); Patrick Sexton (Spressi, Raku’s Secret); Bob Chessher (Emperor Teio, Courtingrock); Kay O’Neill (Fitzroy Plain, Conair) and Kym Afford (Wander).
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A Purpose Beyond The Pleasure
The mention of the words “Magic Millions” conjures up thoughts of ultra-upmarket yearlings and seven-figure prizemoney contests.
However, there was more than meets the eye with the MM’s annual Polo and Showjumping day at Doug Jennings Park at The Spit at Southport early last month.
The event showcased equestrian activities that give retired thoroughbreds a new lease of life. There were many families in attendance and no doubt some in the youthful category would have been inspired by what transpired.
Twenty top junior showjumpers did battle for impressive prizes in the opening stanza that was designed to foster the development of emerging talent.
For the adults, a dozen slot holders with a team of four riders apiece vied for around $1 million in total prize money. Coolmore Australia and Queensland’s Peachester Lodge were the key financial supporters.
The sides from the world of racing included the Brisbane Racing Club, Washpool Lodge, Peachester Lodge and the aptly named Godolphin Lifetime Care.
When it came to the polo, jockeys James McDonald, Jamie Kah, Ben Melham and trainers Ciaron Maher and Annabel Neasham all swung at the puck.
Another player was Queensland’s State of Origin coach and former Melbourne Storm star Billy Slater. Understandably, the popular figure is no slouch in the saddle.
His grandfather Bill, a stockman, mentored him during his childhood in North Queensland. Slater was barely into his teens when he started working in the stables of local Innisfail trainer Greg Strickland. The first horse of his own was Munchguninny. The four-year-old race mare, gifted to him when she bowed a tendon, became his pride and joy.
Slater had a stint at Gai Waterhouse’s Tulloch Lodge. Later he became a breeder, a MM vendor, and owner and an ambassador for Racing Queensland. His wife Nicole is a fine equine artist.
Looking forward to a great day’s action when 21 jockeys will ply their trade at Lee Park this weekend!
