Fields Of Omagh Makes Stunning Return
- Sunday, 11 August 2002 00:00
Lindsay Park's head trainer Tony McEvoy was
nearly speechless after the dynamic win of his talented gelding Fields of Omagh in this
afternoon's Aurie's Star Handicap at Flemington.McEvoy was expecting Fields of Omagh to finish powerfully in today's 1200 metre feature event but not quite as much as he did.
"What a sensational return," McEvoy said. "We expected him to finish strongly and maybe finish in a place, but I'm really thrilled with that effort."
It was a sizzling return for Fields of Omagh who'd been off the scene after an injury scare since winning the Group Three Eclipse Stakes.
"He had damaged his suspensory ligament and
because he was such a promising horse we decided it was best to get him fully recovered
before returning," McEvoy reported.
A gelding by Australia's hottest sire Rubiton, Fields of Omagh has now won seven consecutive races and he's on track for a lucrative spring.
"We'd be aiming him at the Caulfield Cup later on, but the immediate plans will probably have to change now after his win today," McEvoy added.
Lindsay Park had planned to run Fields of Omagh in a "couple of handicaps" in the lead up to the big ones in the spring, but he was now most likely heading for a weight-for-age event.
"There's a couple of weeks to decide but we could head to the Memsie or the Liston with him now. He would get weighted out of handicaps otherwise."
In the run to the line Fields of Omagh booted clear to beat the grey Pindi Ridge by a length and a quarter. Gypsy Lad was the first horse home on the inside of the track finishing third, a further neck back.
The other runner to catch the eye was Magical
Miss, who rattled home on the outside for fourth. She was having her first start since her
runaway win in the Victoria Oaks in November.
The well fancied favourite Prince Rubiton was up there in the lead on the inside division and finished in fifth place. He was second home on the inside behind Gypsy Lad.
It was a welcome change of luck for McEvoy who was shattered after the tragic death of the promising four-year-old mare Kasi Haraka.
A former sale topper as a yearling, by Rory's Jester and a half sister to Nina Haraka, the grey collapsed shortly after the finishing line from a suspected heart attack.
"It's a great shame," a dejected McEvoy said. "She was performing so well at home and she had a lot of ability."
PICS - Quentin Lang.
The Chief Does it For Brave John
- Saturday, 10 August 2002 00:00
The gallant gelding's trainer John Ledger has been laid up in the past three weeks suffering from a serious foot infection. The infection came about after the likable Wangaratta trainer accidentally shot himself in the foot with a shotgun some 34 years ago.
The thoughts of Brave Chief's owner Frank Vodusek were clearly with Ledger, who was home in bed watching on television.
"He (Brave Chief) really did win if for John," Vodusek said. "It was really fantastic, he's such a brave horse."
"Our thoughts are definitely with John, we just hope everything turns out okay."
While his trainer is in poor health, for Brave Chief it was a welcome return to the winner's stall and the track where he scored his greatest career victory.
During the 2000 Spring Carnival, the son of Hula Chief blitzed his rivals in a track record breaking win in the Group Two Sandown Classic.
Brave Chief was well named as a youngster. Not long after his Sandown triumph the bold front runner suffered a severe twisted bowel on the eve of travelling to Sydney.
"It was about Easter time and he was due to go to Sydney and he suffered a twisted bowel," Vodusek recalled. "And since then he's need two operations and today is just a great result. We couldn't have dreamed of it happening."
With three kilogram claiming apprentice Michelle Payne in the saddle the spritely nine-year-old led throughout in the Carlton Draught Lincoln Handicap (2175m).
Recent Sandown winner Freegold ranged up on the outside in the middle stages of the home straight but he was unable to grab Brave Chief, and at the post the Group Two winner's class was too much. Natch was a handy third.
Adelaide to Host Hall of Fame Next Year
- Friday, 09 August 2002 00:00
The gala night will be held at the Convention Centre on Thursday May 15, 2003, in the days leading up to the next years Adelaide Cup. It will be the first time the event will be held outside Melbourne.
Thoroughbred Racing SA chairman, Mr. Stephen Harvey, was delighted by the news.
"This is a unique opportunity for South Australia," he said. "It will put racing on centre stage during next year's Adelaide Cup carnival to recognise the achievements and contributions of those in the industry."
Chairman of the Australian Racing Museum and Australian Racing Hall Of Fame, Mr Ian McDonald, is another looking forward to next years event.
"We are delighted to be working with Thoroughbred Racing SA as a member of the Australian Racing Museum and the Australian Racing Hall Of Fame with the hosting of the third annual Hall Of Fame dinner and Induction ceremony," he said. "This first-time hosting with an interstate member truly makes the Racing Hall Of Fame a national celebration."
Among the inaugural inductees to the Hall Of Fame were legendary South Australian trainers Colin Hayes and Bart Cummings.
The dinner, which recognises the achievements and contributions of trainers, jockeys, horses and associates, will be held on the Thursday before the traditional Carbine Club lunch (Friday), Honda Ladies day (Saturday) and the Adelaide Cup day on the Monday.
Media Release - Jason Hickson (TRSA)
Star Duo to Gallop in Adelaide
- Friday, 09 August 2002 00:00
Two stakes winners from the Tony McEvoy stable
will take part in an exhibition gallop at the Morphettville meeting in Adelaide tomorrow.Moonee Valley Oaks winner and Australian Oaks runner-up Elegant Fashion will join unbeaten stakes winning stablemate Pompous as they stride out in between races.
Elegant Fashion rose from an unknown to one of the country's best last preparation and McEvoy is hopeful she will take the next step.
"She has to take the next step against some of the country's best now," McEvoy said. "But there's no reason she shouldn't be able to. I'm optimistic!"
McEvoy reported the now four-year-old mare was going "super," and she would head on a traditional Cups lead up during the early spring.
"She'll kick off in the Liston (Stakes) and the ultimate aim would be the Caulfield Cup," Lindsay Park's head trainer said.
"I'm very pleased with the way she is going
so far. She's a top, top filly."
The other stablemate who will gallop tomorrow is the impressive debut stakes winner Pompous.
By the Lindsay Park based stallion Jeune, Pompous has not raced for about 18 months after injury problems.
"He had major pedal bone problems after his win," McEvoy reported.
McEvoy is hopeful Pompous can make a successful return to the track after his leg problems.
"The next two weeks will be the key," he said. "He's above himself and after the gallop he'll have a couple of trials before we make a decision."
Meanwhile, McEvoy reported the international star North Boy would go straight into the Group One Manikato Stakes next month without a run.
"He's going very good as well and the Manikato will be his first run," McEvoy said. "Hopefully we can get a good spring out of him."
Tomorrow is shaping as a great opportunity for locals to Adelaide to see some high class horse flesh.
As well as both Elegant Fashion and Pompous in exhibitions gallops, the exciting Great Glen steps out in the day's feature.
And to top of a great day Gold Guru's half sister by the champion Danehill, Gucci Guru, will be gunning for her first win and a springboard to feature events in Melbourne in the coming months.
PICS - Quentin Lang.
Tomorrow's Australian Wide Selections
- Friday, 09 August 2002 00:00
| MELBOURNE | |||
| 1 | Step Ahead | King Wells | Cyberiad |
| 2 | Green Pick | Foreign Affair | Old Man |
| 3 | Silent Senorita* | Ribe | Miss Rosedale |
| 4 | Dedicated Miss | Gradual | Tsunami Smytzer |
| 5 | Give Me A Chance | Blue Murder | Freegold |
| 6 | Currency Rep* | Philotimo | Chairman’s Choice |
| 7 | La Lagune | Rory’s Jane | She’s Golden Class |
| 8 | Zedatzi | Prince Errol | Almighty Yallah |
| SYDNEY | |||
| 1 | Laguna Lake | Jadana | Manzeal |
| 2 | Ikebana | Polar North | Magic Marvo |
| 3 | The Ark* | Halls of Assembly | Thorns |
| 4 | Secret Gift | Sharp Enough | Chickie |
| 5 | Conjuror | Sophistocat | Queen’s Suite |
| 6 | Star of Florida | Eastwest Success | Strictly Smart |
| 7 | Time Out | Eartear | Words of Magic |
| 8 | Sweet Chloe* | Plain Crazy | Winona |
| 9 | Just Imagine | Mustard | Madison |
| ADELAIDE | |||
| 1 | Nip of Cognac | Gucci Guru | Swiss Vault |
| 2 | Raquets | Zidane | Gilligan |
| 3 | Rusty Dusty Grey | Hostile Lad | Loong Har |
| 4 | Kastabon* | Voodoo Sunset | Brush With Fame |
| 5 | Great Glen | Romilada | Glenwest |
| 6 | Our Fame | Carlin | Dellottie |
| 7 | Harsh Praise | Bitovatune | Mustaagel |
| 8 | Pleasant Mick* | Serein | Mr. Iceman |
| BRISBANE | |||
| 1 | Madame Carrera | Love and Scandal | Out Yonder |
| 2 | British Buska | Malumba | Pukeko |
| 3 | Blaze a Fortune | Fires of Ireland | Talbingo Lad |
| 4 | Kid Treasure | Penola | Call the Hunter |
| 5 | Umpire* | Final Shuffle | Wyngrove |
| 6 | Sleepy Poet* | Emma Ready | Corporate |
| 7 | Pelt | Out Break | Ceffyl |
| 8 | Arakoola | Merkaba | Forever Amen |
| BELMONT | |||
| 1 | Suave Lady | Orion Star | Bleepak |
| 2 | Vain Zoe | Classic Lady | Top Quest |
| 3 | Lauda | Gold Budget | Real Storm |
| 4 | Eastern Standard* | Aqua Taj | Angel Lea |
| 5 | Zaheed | Perfect Minx | Ohio |
| 6 | Noble Sky | Kame’s Hope | Prince of Pop |
| 7 | King Kariba | Stormy Maddie | Dangerous Play |
| 8 | Midas Rose* | Adventurer | Warning Tune |
| GOLD COAST | |||
| 1 | Lion Hunt | Azzurro Magic | Altrice |
| 2 | Manicured* | Fire Ant | Of Arabia |
| 3 | Arabian Gift | Pose | What a Guy |
| 4 | The Wreck | Might and Gold | Vain Halo |
| 5 | Canny Cruise | Kutisha’s Boy | Cheerfully |
| 6 | Sensible | Maple Rose | Gold Rouble |
| 7 | In Cobargo | Magic Ways | Caledonian Lad |
| 8 | Desertline* | This Shood Click | Difficult |
NEWCASTLE |
|||
| 1 | Tequila Lodge | Oualie | Bangaroo |
| 2 | Move It Or Lose It | Master Charlie | Apple |
| 3 | Hurricane Stroller | Covet Thee | Snippety Lass |
| 4 | Nassidorf* | Oz | Addendum |
| 5 | Brecon Rose | Ours Truly | Ballykiss |
| 6 | Diamond Sun* | Powerderfinger | Cooder |
| 7 | Exotikos | Iggy | Scenic Review |
| 8 | Newtown | Intrepid Boy | Wedding Belle |
Louth Next On The Outback Racing Trail
- Friday, 09 August 2002 00:00
"The air fleet weve got coming includes a couple of old DC3s on their way from Sydney carrying enthusiasts for the seven-race meeting which carries $51,000 in prize money and trophies," says Louth Turf Club chief, Don LeLievre. "People are coming in from Wagga Wagga, Tamworth, Cunnamulla and all places in between," he added.
"Theres even a 19-member pipe band flying in from Newcastle. The support is unprecedented and the success we are looking at would not have been possible without our sponsors, including Cathay Pacific which donated two return tickets to Hong Kong for a raffle the prominent pastoral company, Clyde Agriculture, the Land newspaper, countryenergy, Cobar Toyota, the Ramsay health care group and Wesfarmers and the Elders group."
The "Trail" promises an event to suit every Outback traveller and the racing is a real rollcall of great Outback towns Louth, Nyngan, Enngonia, Collarenebri, Bourke, Warren, Broken Hill and Brewarrina.
The series of race meetings finishes at Brewarrina on November 16.
"This is a wonderful opportunity during this Year of the Outback for people who may never have been bush before to combine that experience with a great day at the races," says Brian Judd, Chief Executive, NSW Country Racing Council.
"People can choose the meeting that most suits them and take in some of the great Outback scenery and historic towns at the same time.
"Why not work in a fishing trip to the Menindee Lakes with a trip to the Silver City meeting, for example?"
Running across all races at Outback Racing Trail events will be the "King of the Outback Series."
Sponsored by the Bourke Bowling Club, the series will carry bonuses of $3,500 - $2,000 for first, $1,000 for second and $500 for third - for the most successful horse on an aggregate points score over the eight meetings of the Outback Racing Trail.
And more of these great meetings are on the way.
Brian Judd says the "Trail" is part of a concept of theme meetings" the CRC is focusing on developing through its seed funding programme throughout the State during the next 12 months.
"We are showing that racing can be a great family day out and also show what our Outback areas can offer."
Media Release - NSW CRC
Frankie's No Chicken - But He's Got the Pox
- Friday, 09 August 2002 00:00
Brilliant international jockey Frankie Dettori has been forced to miss the mount on the brilliant galloper Sakhee in France this weekend because of chicken pox.
The star jumping jock was hoping to have been fit to ride the colt in the Prix Gontaut-Biron at Deauville on Saturday.
With Dettori out of the mix after suffering chicken pox for the second time, Godolphin have found an able replacement in Richard Hills.
Ted Durcan will be aboard the stables other runner Sydenham, a Melbourne Cup entrant, who'll be used in France as a pacemaker.
Sakhee has not raced since finishing third in the Dubai World Cup. Just a few months earlier he scored a brilliant win in the Arc at Longchamp in France.
Luck Should Return For the Irish
- Friday, 09 August 2002 00:00
Aussie riders Grant Young and Steven Pateman quinellaed the Highweight Handicap, earning five points, while Irish rider Sean McDermott picked up a point for finishing fourth the home team going to a four point lead.
But the Irish team look to have some excellent mounts at Morphettville this weekend for the final two South Australian races in the series.
In the Samuel Smith Steeplechase (3600m), Irish riders Sean McDermott and Danny Howard have drawn the two early favourites Zidane and Gilligan respectively.
In the Clancys Hurdle (3284m), the visiting team has again drawn the early favourite, Liston, with Mark Madden in the saddle. Next best in early markets is The Rampager, who will be ridden by Grant Young.
Full points are on offer in Saturdays two feature races 12 for first, six for second, four for third place and two for fourth.
After Saturday, the series then moves to Victoria for five feature races over the next week.
Both jumps races at Morphettville on Saturday are also the final two races in the "Over The Rainbow" Series.
Hurdlers Kastabon and Voodoo Sunset, both engaged on Saturday, are fighting out the finish in the Best Performed Horse category, with 20 and 17 points respectively. Grant Young on 17 points is well clear in the riders title, five points ahead of Cieron Maher (12) and Steven Pateman and Jamie Julian (nine points).
It should prove an interesting finish to the trainers title, with Brett Bastin (20 points), Ron Campbell (17), Eric Musgrove (14) and David Halliday (12) all being represented by runners on Saturday.
Along with what always proves a fun Irish day at Morphettville, the meeting is complimented by the running of the Listed Yalumba "The Signature" Handicap, featuring some excellent local sprinters and the most promising Great Glen.
As well, top trainer Tony McEvoy will use the track for an exhibition gallop for two of his spring team Elegant Fashion and Pompous. Elegant Fashion is a multiple Group winner and is being aimed at the Caulfield Cup, while Pompous is resuming from a long break but was a stakes winner at his only start at Caulfield.
Media Release - Jason Hickson (TRSA)
Early Scratchings for Tomorrow
- Friday, 09 August 2002 00:00
The early scratchings as at 4pm today are:
Race 05 No 07 Loch Torridon
Race 05 No 08 Close But No Cigar
Race 06 No 12 Vincent
Race 08 No 08 Ziparche
There are also two riding changes:
Race 02 No 07 Fabian Alesci
Race 05 No 15 Stephen Baster
The track is currently rated good for tomorrow's provincial meeting at Swan Hill in Victoria.
There are five early scratchings:
Race 01 No 06 Pride of the Buck
Race 02 No 06 Roy's Star
Race 02 No 11 Miss Yum Cha
Race 03 No 04 Longmire
Race 08 No 12 Minuet
Meanwhile, the Adelaide meeting tomorrow is at Morphettville where the track is currently rated good after a sunny day.
There are four early scratchings:
Race 01 No 03 Red Labelle
Race 02 No 07 Copper Wildwood
Race 06 No 05 Oil Can Annie
Race 08 No 01 Mowglii
As of this morning the Randwick track's penetrometer reading was 4.52 and the track was rated good for San Domenico Stakes Day.
Please note Greg Ryan will be riding No 12 Tyrrell in race 5.
Freedman Among Last Six Finalists for Hoysted Award
- Friday, 09 August 2002 00:00
Melbourne Trainers' Premiership winner Lee
Freedman is one of six trainers to receive votes for the July nomination for the 2002 Fred
Hoysted Award. It was the sixth time Freedman had received votes for a monthly award this season.
The complete list of votegetters is as follows:
PETER CLARKE for the amazing win of 9YO King Joey first up in a Class 3 (1607m) Handicap at Seymour on July 15 after a 3 year break from racing caused by two bowed tendons. Peter used extensive water therapy exercise treatment to rehabilitate King Joey.
LEE FREEDMAN for winning two city doubles with promising 2YO Storm Prince at Moonee Valley (1000m) on July 3 and at Caulfield (1200m) on July 20 and with Bush Padre at Caulfield (1800m) on July 20 and again at Moonee Valley (2040m) on July 27, and for staving off the strong challenge of John Hawkes to win the Melbourne metropolitan trainers premiership with a smaller team racing.
PETER MAHER for making it a hat-trick with his smart sprinter Green Pick winning two races in July at Caulfield in a 4YO & Up 1MWLY (1450m) Handicap on July 14 and at Moonee Valley in a 1600m Handicap on July 27.
BARBARA MARSHMAN for the two wins of her 9YO stayer Sly Rambler in the Murtoa Cup (2050m) on July 5 and the Gillies Country Cup (2040m) at Moonee Valley on July 13.
JOHN WHEELER for training champion steeplechaser St Steven to three wins during the month at Moonee Valley the first on the flat in a 1MWLY 3000m Handicap on July 3 followed by the St Steven Steeplechase 3700m on July 13 and culminating in back to back Hiskens Steeple (3700m) wins on July 27 and for training Crafty Dancer to a Grand National Steeple (4700m) win at Flemington on July 6.
BRIAN MAYFIELD-SMITH for producing topline sprinter Rubitano to win first up in the Listed Sir John Monash Stakes (1000m) at Caulfield on July 20 beating a strong field of sprinters.
JOHN SYMONS for taking Macedon Lady from a 2YO Maiden Plate (1305m) win at Seymour on July 15 to a metropolitan win at Sandown, and completing a hat-trick of wins for the month at Flemington on July 31 in a Super Vobis 2yo Handicap (1730m).
PIC - Quentin Lang.
Media Release - Racing Victoria
Cassidy's Singapore Licence Extended
- Thursday, 08 August 2002 00:00
The 32-year-old Kiwi ace has to date saluted 18 times and finished 22 times in the minor placings.
Media Release - Singapore Turf Club