Nanango Springs Back After Storm

Bella McBride, from Kingaroy, with Olivia Bowker, Sunshine Coast, and Jordyn Fleischfresser, Hervey Bay

September 12, 2023

Heavy rain (and hail) the night before couldn’t stop Nanango Race Club’s Spring race meeting from going ahead on Saturday.

In fact, the turf track at the Lee Park Racecourse looked like it hadn’t received a drop despite the fact that only the evening before it had been inches deep in water.

Stewards actually upgraded the track rating from Soft to Good ahead of Race 1 – and six-year-old mare Whistle Hoff set a class record in the last race!

There were five races on the card, and the meeting went off without a hitch.

As a thank you to patrons for their past support, the Race Club threw open its doors for free entry for the meeting which ensured a good crowd was in attendance.

Punters had a tough day, though, with only one favourite greeting the judges.

But out on the track, Kelly Gates would have been happier, romping home on two winners, both with huge margins.

Nanango Race Club president Andrew Green and secretary Leisa Green with Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington, centre, who sponsored Race 2

Having fun at Nanango (and channelling some famous sportsmen) were Gatton residents Josh Stephan, Kemsley Lund and Troy Badger, with Jeff Freney, from Toogoolawah

Some familiar faces at the Nanango Races … Cr Jane Erkens, Gloria and Rick Kirkness, Lorraine Barlow, from Red Hill; and Jenny Morgan

Nanango Race Club secretary Leisa Green, centre, presents a bottle of Moffatdale Ridge wine to the Women’s Fashions Of The Field Winner, Mellissa Currell, from Oakey (second from left), while competition organisers and judges Julie Berry, Cr Kathy Duff, Deb Dennien and Cr Jane Erkens look on

Trevor Otto, from Murgon (part-owner of Race 4 favourite Hard Landing), was the winner of the Men’s Fashions Of The Field competition

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Race Results

Kelly Gates streaks home on Jamesatelli in Race 2 to win by more than four lengths

Race 1 – Heartfelt Ceremonies With Simone Class B Handicap (800m)
1. Last Laugh (10) – Shania Willis
2. Spirit Of Luck (9) – Chris Meehan
3. Urban Jewel (12) – Matthew Powell
Time: 0:45.55
Margins: 3/4 length x 1/4 length

Race 2 – Deb Frecklington MP QTIS Class 3 Plate (1000m)
1. Jamesatelli (1) – Kelly Gates
2. Hero’s Trinket (12) – Amy Graham
3. Yes No Maybe So (14e) – Shania Willis
Time: 0:56.68
Margins: 4 1/4 lengths x long neck

Race 3 – B.L. Custom Signs Maiden Plate (1200m)
1. Frosty Bear (3) – Kelly Gates
2. Dustyiam (1) – Matthew Powell
3. Free Choice (2) – Sophie Blunt
Time: 1:09.88
Margins: 5 1/4 lengths x 1/2 neck

Race 4 – Free Admission Day Thank You Patrons Open Handicap (1200m)
1. Oakfield Comanche (4) – Hannah Phillips
2. Kuzco Lad (2) – Matthew Powell
3. Bulletin (5) – Minonette Kennedy
Time: 1:09.85
Margins: Neck x 3/4 length

Race 5 – Heritage Bank Nanango BenchMark 50 Handicap (1600m)
1. Whistle Hoff (9) – Chris Meehan
2. Richunclemoneybags (2) – Lilli Barr
3. Craiglea Karly (12) – Hannah Phillips
Time: 1:34.42
Margins: 3 1/4 lengths x 3 1/2 lengths