February 17, 2023
It was truly “ladies day” at the Nanango Race Club’s annual Valentine’s Day meeting at the Lee Park course last Saturday.
There was pink in abundance to fit the day’s on-course theme, “Pretty In Pink”.
There was everything from pink frocks and fascinators to pink hats and ties.
Fittingly, female jockeys were aboard all the winners, although it wasn’t a day to celebrate for the rider of the Race 1 winner.
Sariah Champkin’s ride was a knockout … literally.
After passing the winning post, Hero’s Trinket shifted out abruptly towards the outside running rail, tossing the apprentice jockey to the track.
There was concern as Champkin lay prone on the grass, unconscious for a couple of minutes. But QAS paramedics were quickly on the scene and stabilised the jockey before transferring her to the waiting ambulance and Kingaroy Hospital for treatment for cuts and bruises.
Fortunately, she was not seriously injured but other jockeys took over Champkin’s rides for the rest of the meeting.
There was more drama before Race 2, with a late scratching after an incident in the mounting yard; Sand And Ocean broke loose from an attendant, hitting her head on a rail. The filly was scratched on veterinary advice.
The rest of the meeting went off smoothly.
No one could hide the smiles on the faces of the connections of the Race 4 winner, Hard Landing, trained by Pat Duff, after it won a tough battle down the straight.
The syndicate behind the winner included South Burnett Mayor Brett Otto and Cr Kathy Duff and members of their extended families.
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Race Results
Race 1 – Three Way Photos Class B Handicap (800m)
1. Hero’s Trinket (5) – Sariah Champkin
2. Quarter Past (9) – Rebecca Wilson
3. Holy Chariot (8) – Kenji Yoishida
Time: 0:45.57
Margins: 3/4 length x 1/2 length
Race 2 – Pursers Buses QTIS Maiden Plate (1000m)
1. Invaness (4) – Nicole Vuille
2. Loud Attraction (5) – Matthew Powell
3. Spillionheir (2) – Kenji Yoshida
Time: 0:58.23
Margins: 1 1/4 lengths x short neck
Race 3 – Nanango Bookmakers Association Ratings Band 0-50 Handicap (1000m)
1. Red Gadget (12) – Hannah Richardson
2. Lively Lass (9) – Adam Sewell
3. Sunny Ekcels (13) – Adam Spinks
Time: 0:57.71
Margins: 3 3/4 lengths x 1/2 length
Race 4 – Nanango Caravan Service & Repairs Open Handicap (1000m)
1. Hard Landing (8) – Wendy Peel
2. Wander (9) – Shania Willis
3. Fire King (2) – Adam Sewell
Time: 0:56.62
Margins: Head x 2 1/2 lengths
Race 5 – Heritage Bank Nanango Ratings Band 0-60 Handicap (1200m)
1. See For Yourself (2) – Kelly Gates
2. Raku’s Secret (6) – Lilli Barr
3. Kohiko (10) – Landan Sykes
Time: 1:08.98
Margins: Short neck x short neck
