May 23, 2025
Nanango Race Club’s triumphant return last Saturday – with a massive seven races on the card – faced a number of hurdles even before the barriers opened for Race 1.
Attendance numbers were challenged by competing events in the region, including the Blackbutt Show just down the road and a huge all-day junior football carnival in Murgon which attracted hundreds of local players (and their family members).
However, the free entry offered at the gate meant there was still a good-sized crowd and the betting ring was as busy as usual.
Race 1 was not a good omen for the rest of the meeting, when the top-weight and favourite Curious Magic, with Paul Randall on board, collapsed about the 150m mark after suffering a suspected heart attack.
Fortunately, the rest of the day went off more smoothly, although the incident in Race 1 pushed back starting times.
A revamped Fashions of the Field competition was held beside the spectator stand with entrants parading on a stage loaned by the Kumbia Race Club.
The race day was dedicated to the memory of well-known trainer Kaye Hill, 75, who died at her home in Nanango in March.
Kaye was one of the first women to gain a licence to become a strapper – and then a trainer – in Queensland.
Husband Paul, who took over her stable, had just one runner at Nanango on Saturday, Master Ned, which picked up a third in the eventful Race 1.
Race 4 was named in Kaye’s honour and Paul presented a memorial rug to the winner, Medals, ridden by Chloe Lowe.
Sentimental racing fans would have been hoping that Nanango specialist Oakfield Comanche and jockey Hannah Phillips could have picked up another win in this event, but the gelding began slowly and trailed the field home.
Likewise, Hard Landing – the seven-year-old raced by South Burnett Mayor Kathy Duff, former Mayor Brett Otto and their family members – also failed to shine despite recent good form.
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Race Results
Race 1 – Heritage Bank Nanango Maiden Plate (1000m)
1. Spring Bird (5) – Courtney Ferris
2. Judy Jetson (9) – Chelsea Francis
3. Master Ned (3) – Kayla Johnston
Time: 0:58.57
Margins: 3 lengths x 3 1/4 lengths
Race 2 – Mangan Electrical QTIS Ratings Band 0-50 Handicap (1000m)
1. Artopia (6) – Chloe Lowe
2. Richunclemoneybags (2) – Courtney Ferris
3. Koga Ninja (3) – Chelsea Francis
Time: 0:59.05
Margins: 1/2 length x neck
Race 3 – Oakey Motor Inn QTIS Ratings Band 0-50 Handicap (1000m)
1. I’m Famous (10) – Perrie Carter
2. Hey Pumpkin (7) – Chloe Lowe
3. Bun In The Oven (5) – Adam Spinks
Time: 0:58.54
Margins: 2 lengths x neck
Race 4 – Kaye Hill Memorial Open Handicap (1000m)
1. Medals (6) – Chloe Lowe
2. Uno Moon (2) – Chris Taylor
3. Ruby July (1) – Zac Sprie
Time: 1:09.05
Margins: 3/4 length x 2 lengths
Race 5 – G3 Engineering Benchmark 55 Handicap (1200m)
1. Imperioness (9) – Kayla Johnston
2. Darlhisma (2) – Adam Sewell
3. Paballo (3) – Perrie Carter
Time: 1:11.01
Margins: Nose x 1/2 length
Race 6 – Commercial Hotel Nanango Benchmark 55 Handicap (1200m)
1. Allezizzy (6) – Chloe Lowe
2. Sherwood’s One (7) – Wayne O’Connell
3. Dolly Disco (8) – Chris Taylor
Time: 1:10.77
Margins: 1 1/2 lengths x nose
Race 7 – Deb Frecklington MP Benchmark 50 Handicap (1600 Metres)
1. Half Moon Roo (11) – Kayla Johnston
2. Summer Star (9) – Chloe Lowe
3. Aces Up (2) – Shakira Bailey
Time: 1:36.60
Margins: 1 1/2 lengths x 1/2 length
