Jockey Hannah Phillips and Cedric Duff with the Members’ Cup presented to the connections of Oakfield Comanche

December 19, 2023

There were some anxious glances at the building clouds as Nanango’s Christmas Race meeting proceeded on Saturday.

But the brief heavy shower which hit Kingaroy skirted the Lee Park track, keeping conditions perfect for racing.

The last South Burnett race meeting for 2023 attracted a reasonable crowd, with many patrons decked out in festive garb.

Cr Kathy Duff again took control of the Fashions of the Field, held in front of the bar (see results, below).

Adult winners took home a bottle of Moffatdale Ridge wine while the youngsters were given a Christmas cake.

Race club president Andrew Green was keen to point out the new inside running rail which was installed at the track recently at a cost of $130,000.

Sadly, there is no good news yet about the future of the still-closed training track at the racecourse.

The five-race card featured the annual running of two events close to the hearts of Nanango residents: the Nanango RSL/Pedersen Family Memorial and the Malcolm McCallum Memorial.

The two races are run every year at the Christmas meeting and are a tribute to people who played an important role in the race club’s development.

The next race meeting to be held in the South Burnett will be at Nanango on February 10.

Darryl and Kaylene Schilf, from Kunioon, with Des McCallum, Nanango … Des presented the trophy to the winner of the annual Malcolm McCallum Memorial (Race 2)
Kirsten O’Connor and Macey and Maleah Roberts, all from Nanango, were enjoying a day at the races
A group of friends from Crows Nest travelled to the Nanango Races to celebrate the birthday of Lynda Hanson
(centre, in green)
Taylor Walsh and Hannah Greenaway, both from Nanango

* * *

The “Wondai Team” celebrated after Vizone’s win in Race 3 … jockey Kelly Gates with owner / trainer Kristen Roon, injured jockey Shania Willis and owners Narelle and Jeff Wenck
Jockey Hannah Phillips gives Oakfield Comanche a kiss after their victory in Race 4 … it was her 10th win on the seven-year-old, and the gelding’s fourth win in a row at the Nanango track

* * *

Spot the difference (apart from the storm clouds and green grass, of course) … a new, higher inside running rail was installed at the Lee Park track about three weeks ago at a cost of $130,000; the Heritage signs are expected to be replaced when the local branch undergoes its rebranding in 2024

* * *

Fashions Of The Field

Cr Kathy Duff compered the Fashions of the Field competition:

Rod and Jenny Morgan, from Nanango, with women’s winner Katie Close, from Crows Nest … Rod was asked to present the prizes as it was his birthday
Men’s winner was Bill Ross, from Kingaroy, who was probably recognised more for his singing (“there’s no business like snow business …) than his fashion sense

Boys Fashion of the Field winner was Maverick Black, 2½, from Nanango

Girls winners Venessa Diaz and Dakota Williams, Nanango, with Mia Woodward, 17 months, Toowoomba
Fashions of the Field judges were Margaret Davoren, Maleny; Anne Grant, Toogoolawah; and Adriana Manson, Runnymede

* * *

Results

Vizone, with Kelly Gates on board, romps away to win Race 3

Race 1 – Nanango RSL/Pedersen Family Memorial QTIS Ratings Band 0-60 Handicap (1000m)
1. Les Girls (12) – Chris Meehan
2. Mr Encore (2) – Heidi Gillie
3. Hero’s Trinket (11)  – Tiffani Brooker
Time: 0:57.19
Margins: Short neck x 4 lengths

Race 2 – Malcolm McCallum Memorial Maiden Plate (1200m)
1. Mos Out (11) – Nathan Thomas
2. Beatlemania (6) – Kelly Gates
3. Emperor Teio (2) – Emily Pomfrett
Time: 1:10.04
Margins: 2 1/4 lengths x 1/2 length

Race 3 – Nanango Caravan Service & Repairs Ratings Band 0-50 Handicap (1200m)
1. Vizone (3) – Kelly Gates
2. Chilli Palmer (4) – Chris Meehan
3. Yes No Maybe So (9) – Heidi Gillie
Time: 1:09.84
Margins: 1 1/2 lengths x short neck

Race 4 – Nanango Members Cup Open Handicap (1200m)
1. Oakfield Comanche (3) –  Hannah Phillips
2. Substitution (4) – Rob Thorburn
3. Grand Palazzo (1) – Emily Pomfrett
Time: 1:08.71
Margins: Nose x length

Race 5 –  Heritage Bank Nanango Benchmark 55 Handicap (1600m)
1. Basil’s Bow (1) – Chris Meehan
2. Persian Front (11) – Nathan Thomas
3. Strike The Night (6) – Tiffani Brooker
Time: 1:35.17
Margins: 2 lengths x length

Oakfield Comanche, on the outside, and Substitution battle it out in Race 4 … Oakfield Comanche (3) was the victor by a nose

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