{"id":262584,"date":"2020-07-01T18:01:02","date_gmt":"2020-07-01T08:01:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=262584"},"modified":"2022-10-28T15:04:06","modified_gmt":"2022-10-28T05:04:06","slug":"hooperts-fresh-challenge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2020\/07\/01\/hooperts-fresh-challenge\/","title":{"rendered":"Hoopert’s Fresh Challenge"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Jason Hoopert (left) with Michael Schrapel and Melody O’Brien, the jockey that managed to both ride and win a fashion prize on Tradies race day at Gatton in 2015 (Photo: Ross Stanley)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"Gunsynd's<\/a>July 1, 2020<\/strong><\/p>\n

In late May, Jason Hoopert suffered damage to four vertebrae when his mount Chantilly Bay broke down in the straight at Mount Isa\u2019s Buchanan Park racecourse.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mercifully the former Wondai apprentice\u2019s spinal cord was not impacted when he was dislodged from the mare that was subsequently euthanised.<\/p>\n

After an horrendous fall at Kilcoy in 2006, Hoopert was told his race riding days were over.<\/p>\n

He was in a coma when he took out his first South-East Country Racing Association Jockeys premiership.<\/p>\n

However, through extraordinary determination and painstaking efforts, he bounced back after an absence of more than four years, adding the SECRA titles for 2015-16, 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 seasons.<\/p>\n

One of his most satisfying feats was chalking up 100 wins after being written off.<\/p>\n

Jason also picked up Nanango Cups with Mimics (2013) and Tampere (2016).<\/p>\n

After developing his camera skills to a professional level during his long lay off, Hoopert relished the honourable excitement of being the official photographer at the 2017 National Jockeys Trust\u2019s celebratory function at Doomben.<\/p>\n

Subsequently, Jason was injured again when he fell from Magestical Maiden at Gympie on July 21, 2018.<\/p>\n

In recent weeks, things had been looking up for the ex-Sunshine Coast horseman.<\/p>\n

He had registered four wins in the fortnight prior to the accident, kicking off with a victory on May 9 at Mount Isa.<\/p>\n

There was a double at Barcaldine seven days later and, after trekking 635 kilometres, he scored at Cloncurry the very next day.<\/p>\n

Jason was due to take up a new job to augment his income on the Monday following his latest mishap.<\/p>\n

The fraternity wishes him a speedy recovery.<\/p>\n

No doubt he will have time to work on his website galleries at jasonhoopertphotography.com<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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Jason Hoopert and Tampere after their 2016 Nanango Cup victory (Photo: Ross Stanley)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

* * *<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Steps Towards Normality<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

The end of the spectator-free race days that were introduced to combat the ramifications of Covid-19 is hopefully in sight.<\/strong><\/p>\n

On June 19, Racing Queensland announced that \u201cpatrons will soon be permitted to return to Queensland racecourses following the approval of an Industry COVID Safe Plan.<\/p>\n

\u201cHaving sought and received approval through Queensland Health, a staged return to on-course activities will commence across the state from Monday, June 22.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn line with the Queensland Government\u2019s Roadmap to easing restrictions, clubs who opt-in to the racing industry\u2019s COVID Safe Plan will be permitted 20 patrons per designated area during the new stage.<\/p>\n

“The next phase, earmarked to begin on July 10, will increase to 100 patrons per designated area.”<\/p>\n

In order to be compliant with the COVID Safe Plan, clubs will be required to meet a range of guidelines including the segregation of licensed participants from patrons and social distancing measures including no more than one person per 4 square metres in each designated area.<\/p>\n

Importantly, each race club will need to conduct its own site assessment to determine how many designated areas it can make available to patrons.<\/p>\n

Nanango Race Club, with meetings scheduled for August 1 and September 12, no doubt will be exploring its options in coming weeks.<\/p>\n

The Brisbane Racing Club, the operator of Eagle Farm and Doomben, has recently conducted programs that were witnessed by owners, members and members\u2019 guests.<\/p>\n

However, the capital city club has no plans to include the general public during these times of restricted numbers.<\/p>\n

* * *<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Bits And Bridles<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n