{"id":295952,"date":"2021-03-19T10:50:20","date_gmt":"2021-03-19T00:50:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=295952"},"modified":"2021-03-23T10:46:36","modified_gmt":"2021-03-23T00:46:36","slug":"the-drummer-marched-on","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2021\/03\/19\/the-drummer-marched-on\/","title":{"rendered":"The Drummer Marched On"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/a>
A happy Robert Faehr on Little Drummer Boy after their Nanango victory (Photo: Ross Stanley)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"Gunsynd's<\/a><\/p>\n

March 19, 2021<\/strong><\/p>\n

Small fields have a reputation for throwing up surprises and turning on close finishes.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Heritage Bank Nanango Benchmark 55 Handicap at Lee Park last month followed that script.<\/p>\n

Little Drummer Boy, prepared at Gympie by his owner Barry Gill, was a $7.50 pop that was not given a hope by punters. The six-year-old\u2019s 43 previous runs had yielded a Caloundra Maiden win in January 2019 and eight placings.<\/p>\n

The odds about the Drumbeats gelding\u2019s prospects lengthened when Robert Faehr tried to rev him up with a rat-ta-tat-tat with the whip after travelling only a quarter of the 1600 metre journey.<\/p>\n

However, the strategy did keep the bay in striking distance of the leaders and he finished with determination to snatch a short half head edge over the Mark Currie-trained Unresolved ($2 favourite) in a thrilling climax.<\/p>\n

Three weeks later, this time with Kelly Gates in the saddle, Little Drummer Boy ($5.50) hit the right note in the same grade against four rivals over 1470 metres on his home track. He just scraped in again as an outsider.<\/p>\n

It is fascinating to contemplate the ongoing benefits for some horses when they get a breakthrough and their confidence grows. Some also relish having few opponents!<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Wondai trainer Kym Afford has chalked up his fourth success for 2021, courtesy of Rockshore (Natalie Morton,$4) at Gympie and Gossiaux (Shannyn Stephan,$5) at Bundaberg.<\/p>\n

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\"Chris<\/a>
Chris Nettelfield and her mare Lucstana at her Memerambi property<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Honourable Mention For South Burnett Duo<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

To celebrate International Women\u2019s Day earlier this month, Racing Queensland recognised the efforts of\u00a0 10 hard-working ladies from around the State and across the three codes.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The contributions by South Burnett Race Club\u2019s modest worker Christiene Nettelfield were acknowledged with her selection in the diverse and valued group.<\/p>\n

RQ indicated that \u201cChristiene, until recently, fulfilled the role as Club Secretary for the South Burnett Race Club.<\/p>\n

“As Secretary, in addition to fulfilling the prescribed role, Christiene also developed Marquee Packages which have proved incredibly popular in attracting new patrons to the local races.<\/p>\n

“Christiene has also enhanced the local Fashions of the Field by personally sponsoring the events to ensure the interests of newly attracted patrons are also catered for.\u201d<\/p>\n

Nettelfield, who has participated as an owner-trainer, also helped establish the Monica Ryan Trophy as a means of celebrating the achievements of local female riders.<\/p>\n

She has made a fine contribution to the cause of thoroughbred welfare by providing a lifetime home for horses such as Fusette, Leica Fuse, Talk Back, Lucstana, Sympathise, Navillus Cannimiss, Jungle Jim and Papaver when their racing days were over.<\/p>\n

RQ also pointed out the present status of female jockeys.<\/strong><\/p>\n

“As the Country Premiership currently stands, Nanango\u2019s Hannah Richardson sits atop with women making up six of the Top 10 across the State.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hannah Phillips is one of 12 women in the Top 20.\u00a0As at March 18, Richardson leads the way with 22 wins from 124 engagements.<\/p>\n

Dan McIllivray, with 20 victories from 141 opportunities, sits in second place.<\/p>\n

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\"\"<\/a>
Peter Reid … a vet with extensive Hendra Virus expertise (Photo: Supplied)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hendra Virus Alert<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission is urging all horse owners and trainers to review their horses\u2019 Hendra vaccine status.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Commission\u2019s Veterinary Services and Animal Welfare Director Dr Martin Lenz said the recent discovery of a new strain of HeV (Hendra virus) meant all owners and trainers should ensure their horses\u2019 vaccinations were up-to-date.<\/p>\n

\u201cAustralian researchers have found a new strain of the deadly Hendra virus by comparing samples from flying foxes and a dead horse, and it could mean that breeds of flying foxes not previously thought to play a major role in transmitting Hendra virus could be carrying a new strain. Those areas previously deemed as low risk may face a higher risk,\u201d Dr Lenz said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese areas include locations in Queensland where grey-headed flying foxes predominate.\u201d<\/p>\n

In an ABC news report on March 10, Dr Peter Reid – a veterinary scientist with the Australian Veterinary Association – said the areas included parts of Queensland and NSW where black flying foxes live, and North Queensland where spectacled flying foxes are found.<\/p>\n

Dr Reid played a vital role in the 1994 outbreak that claimed the life of Hendra trainer Vic Rail.<\/p>\n

All up, four people have died and more than a 100 horses have perished due to this virus.<\/p>\n

It’s timely to point out that horses should not be feeding under fruiting trees where bats might be living, and that personal protective equipment be used when handling ailing horses.<\/p>\n

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Racing Diary Reminders<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n