Saddles Left High And Dry
Although Queensland’s wet weather has been welcome on one hand as a valuable stimulus, the downside has included some disruptions to the racing calendar.
A Nimble Type Of Nimbus
Wags were playing with words when they suggested that “She Will Rain” left her rivals in her wake in last week’s “Golden Galoshes” at Rosehill.
Anxiety, Joy And Relief At Esk
After Blackbutt trainer Wayne Farrington legged Hannah English on to the favourite Striking Warrior for the API Maiden Plate (1200m) at Esk last Saturday, the gelding paraded and warmed-up without a problem before his first run since last July.
Thursday’s Rocky Road
It was just one of those days at Rockhampton’s Callaghan Park course on Thursday.
Hamblin Hits Home Targets
Jumps jockeys are used to covering plenty of ground – but Paul Hamblin, the former Darling Downs horseman now based in Melbourne, doesn’t find any hurdle when it comes to his work travels.
The Lucky Lad Didn’t Miss
Back in 1951, rookie Peter Sexton was given the opportunity of riding Chez Dior in the QTC McDougall Stakes, Eagle Farm’s early season feature for juvenile fillies.
Miles No Problem For English
On Friday, February 10 Hannah English booted home Sequoia Miss for the James Curtain stable at Rockhampton. And the next day she chalked up a treble at Miles.
Something For Playful Patrons
Given the recent focus on elite level racing with Sydney’s The Everest project, it is refreshing to note Eidsvold Race Club’s outlook.
Dizzy Heights For High Rollers
At a time when many Australian country race clubs would appreciate some reinvigoration, Racing New South Wales and the Australian Turf Club have triggered an avalanche of comment about their bold new project.
Locals Head Out
There’s no local racing for a little while yet, so this Saturday will see South Burnett units heading up to Thangool and down to Warwick.
Kilcoy Opens The 2017 Innings
The South East Country District racing agenda for this year kicks off at Kilcoy on Thursday.
Curtain Rises On New Prospects
My first story for the new year concerns a very positive boost for an arm of the South Burnett’s racing industry.
Encouraging Signs For Kristen
The efforts of Nug’s Pocket and Ascot Bound at Esk last Saturday were a positive sign for young Wondai trainer Kristen Wenck.
English Rules At Roma
The name Contessa Diamantina di Roma is well connected with western Queensland place names – she was the wife of Sir George Bowen, this state’s first governor.
Memories Of Murgon Marvel Rekindled
Picnic In the Park, the Lunchtime gelding that put together 21 straight victories in 1984-85, was honoured at last Sunday’s Nanango Race Club meeting.
Nanango Draws The Numbers
Despite all the counter attractions, acceptances for Sunday’s card at Lee Park are very pleasing.
The Fledglings Flourish
The tried and true bush experiences for rookie riders traditionally stand them in good stead when they progress to the provincial level.
Uphill Climb Ended At Mt Perry
The saying goes that it’s a long road that has no turning. Thankfully, Nanango trainer Glenn Richardson went around the right corner last Saturday.
The Last Of The Annuals
Saturday’s Mount Perry meeting wrapped up the program for the “once-a-year” race clubs for 2016, but the sequence will kick off again on January 7 at Bell.
Usain Misses A Win
The Age newspaper has suggested that Olympic athlete Usain Bolt was paid $500,000 to attend Thursday’s Oaks meeting in Melbourne.
