Nanango Race Salutes Late Trainer

Cedric Duff paid tribute to his late brother Pat while presenting the Members Cup after Race 3

December 18, 2024

There was a touch of sadness about Saturday’s Nanango Races, and it wasn’t just because of the gloomy weather and the rain …

Race 3 – the annual Members Cup – was dedicated to the memory of veteran trainer Pat Duff who died aged 84 on November 23.

The funeral for the Hall Of Famer – well-known in the South Burnett – was held at Eagle Farm Racecourse on December 2.

Pat’s brother Cedric did the solemn duty of presenting the Members Cup Trophy to the connections of the Race 3 winner, On Hold, as the rain came tumbling down.

The other sad part of the day was the knowledge this would be the last race meeting held at Nanango’s Lee Park Racecourse until at least after the new racing year begins in August 2025.

This follows Racing Queensland’s decision in November to take away Nanango’s February, April and May meetings and re-allocate them to other venues outside the South Burnett.

But despite all this, there were still lots of smiles and laughter among the crowd at the Christmas meeting, with at least two birthday parties being celebrated.

It was also a big day for young jockey Nora Palasthy who only began riding professionally in September this year. She brought home two winners taking her career total to five!

The heavy clouds and threat of storms forced the last four race times to be brought forward, but the changes ensured the full card went ahead despite several heavy showers.

Family members Robyn, Rhiannon and Taylor Herrmann, Nick Frohloff, Courtney Nievers and Roz Frohloff after Race 2

Nanango Race Club president Andrew Green with Russell McCallum after Race 1 … the race was dedicated in memory to Russell’s late brother, Malcolm

Lisa Blencowe and Keely and Trevor Tuplin, from Benarkin, with Declan and Georgie Rose

Another birthday celebration … from left, Patterson Braithwaite, Kingaroy; birthday girl Scarlett Landman; Taylah Hore, Brisbane; and Summer Laherty, Dakoda Staples, Brianna Costa and Sophia Shaw, all from Nanango

Deputy Mayor Jane Erkens, Jenny Morgan and Mayor Kathy Duff were swapping notes ahead of the Fashions of the Field competition

Matthew Dow and Lisa Middlebrook, from Nanango, were celebrating Lisa’s birthday on Friday with a day at the races

Paul Gleeson, North Lakes; and Daniel Rose, Blackbutt; at back, with Sarah Gleeson, North Lakes; Leanne Rose, Blackbutt; and Rachel and Dillon Pitchford, Yarraman

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Sutherland, with replacement jockey Kenji Yoshida aboard, romps to the line in Race 1

Race Results

Race 1 – Malcolm McCallum Memorial Maiden Plate (1000m)
1. Sutherland (7) – Kenji Yoshida
2. Bronze Memory (4) – Isabel Jessop
3. Flying To Mars (2) – Damien Boutet
Time: 0:58.14
Margins: 3/4 length x 1/2 head

Race 2 – Nanango RSL / Pedersen Family Memorial Benchmark 50 Handicap (1000m)
1. Babu King (3) – Nora Palasthy
2. Forebears (8) – Colleen Krahnen
3. Coltman (1) – Maddie Mankelow
Time: 0:58.24
Margins: 1 length x long neck

Race 3 – Vale Pat Duff / Members Cup Open Plate (1000m)
1. On Hold (6) – Kelly Gates
2. Cabrinella (5) – Maddie Mankelow
3. King Klaus (3) – Jaimee-Lee Devine
Time: 0:57.14
Margins: 2 1/2 lengths x 1/2 length

Race 4 – Commercial Hotel Burnett To The Beach – Final – Benchmark 55 Handicap (1200m)
1. Hurricane Hall (1) – Nora Palasthy
2. Flick (8) – Ty Wheeler
3. War Too All (3) – Julie Busuttin
Time: 1:10.52
Margins: Short head x neck

Race 5 – Heritage Bank Nanango QTIS Benchmark 50 Handicap (1600m)
1. Dolly Disco (9) – Chris Taylor
2. Time To Turn (13) – Damien Boutet
3. Frijoles (8) – Rhiannon Payne
Time: 1:36.61
Margins: 4 lengths x 3/4 length