Bad Boys a Very Good Boy in NT Derby

Sunday, 23 July 2006 00:00

Cape Cross colt Bad Boys sent his prizemoney earnings soaring for his connections yesterday when he scored a comprehensive win in the $101,200 Skycity NT Derby (2000m) at Fannie Bay in Darwin.

Prepared by Murray Bridge horseman John Hickmott, Bad Boys romped to a five length win over Just Don't Ask, while Filamony was another length and a half back in third place.

The win was the fourth win in 18 starts for the gelding who's most recent success came in a three-year-old event at Cheltenham in Adelaide on May 20.

At the start before that win he finished well down the track in Obglo's listed Chairman's Stakes - the main lead up to the Group One SA Derby.

Bad Boys is one of seven winners from the stakes race fourth placed Main Reef mare Loreef - a half sister to On the House and the dams of stakes winners including Art of War, Nuryana and Centre Stalls.

The latter is a good young stallion based at Ralph and Linda Satchell's Willow Grove Stud at Woodside in the Adelaide Hills. Centre Stalls is the sire of this season's exciting Adelaide three-year-old Amyjaye Power.

Denistoun Park trainer Alex MacPherson played his part in getting the colt to Australia after purchasing him as a weanling in New Zealand.

He then sold the youngster, for what would have been an unfortunate loss, at the Victorian Horses in Training Sale at Moonee Valley where he was purchased by his current owners.

PICS - Jenny Barnes

Alice Springs (NT)

Saturday, 13 August 2005 00:00

Track: Good
Weather: Fine
Rail: True Position

Stewards: R LENNOX (CHAIRMAN) J BENNETT, S FREARSON
Veterinary Surgeon: D McEWAN
Number of Races: 5
Number of Runners: 41
Stakes Paid: $28,000
Riding Changes:

Race	Horse	Rider	Replaced By	Reason
3	HOT MAGIC	M MORITA	K ARNOTT	Overweight
5	BYBROCCO	M MORITA	E CHAN	Overweight

Race NT 1 – CLASS 5 HANDICAP - 1200 metres:

Race delayed 4 minutes when READY FOR FUN and PSEUDONAJA had to be re-saddled. READY FOR FUN knuckled over badly as start effected. Just after straightening READY FOR FUN raced very greenly shifting ground and hampered FALTISH (NZ). At about the 50 metre mark READY FOR FUN shifted resulting in FALTISH (NZ) having to be eased.

1^st STARS WAR 2^nd SPICY SOUND 3^rd PSEUDONAJA

Race NT 2 – OPEN HANDICAP - 1100 metres:

CHIGWIDDEN and ULRICHO both slow into stride. SWIFTLY jumped awkwardly. SWIFTLY and DR. CONGO brushed slightly at about the 50 metre mark. Subsequent to the race a veterinary examination of SCOTRO revealed that the gelding had suffered an injury to its off fore tendon. Trainer of SCOTRO, Mr T GILLETT informed Stewards that the horse would be retired.

1^st DR. CONGO 2^nd CHIGWIDDEN 3^rd SWIFTLY

Race NT 3 – CLASS 3 HANDICAP - 1100 metres:

Jockey V ARNOTT replaced Apprentice M MORITA as the rider of HOT MAGIC when apprentice MORITA could not claim to his MRW. WITCH WAY WEST and FIRE JOE bumped shortly after the start.

1^st SHE’S A CARD 2^nd ABETACREW 3^rd BENACHI

Race NT 4 – MAIDEN PLATE - 1000 metres:

CENTRE JEWEL late scratching at 3.46pm by order of the Stewards when unable to be taken to the barrier stalls. VERY STRANGE late scratching at 3.58pm when reared in barrier stalls dislodging Apprentice M HART, who was advised by ambulance officials not to ride. CITRUS REGENT slow to begin. Approaching the 600 metre turn FISSION BELLE attempted to run off. Subsequent to the event Stewards ordered the following alterations to betting, all monies invested on CENTRE JEWEL and VERY STRANGE to be refunded and a deduction of 25c for a win and 25c for a place on the face value of the ticket on all successful wagers. Mr W SAVAGE, trainer of CENTRE JEWEL was advised by Stewards that the horse will not be permitted to start until it is proved that it can proceed to the barrier stalls in a safe manner. A caution was issued by Stewards against VERY STRANGE.

1^st GRAND COGNAC 2^nd IRISH FIXER 3^rd LET’S KARION

Race NT 5 – CLASS 1 HANDICAP - 1200 metres:

Apprentice E CHAN replaced M MORITA as the rider of BYBROCCO when that rider could not claim to his MRW. LANGTRIC jumped outwards at start then shifted inwards. At about the 1100 metre mark BRACKEN’S BOY was hampered when ONE THOUSAND STRONG, ridden by Apprentice M HART shifted in suddenly and BALLY TIGER, ridden by Apprentice K TSUI shifted outwards. Both Apprentice M HART and Apprentice K TSUI were severely reprimanded and informed by Stewards that much stronger action will be taken if a similar incident occurs in future.

1^st MOOKTA’S GOLD 2^nd LUNCH CLUB 3^rd LANGTRIC

SWAB SAMPLES:

Post-race samples: All winners were swabbed

1 Bookmaker in attendance.

 GENERAL

Apprentice M MORITA was spoken to by Stewards and reminded of his obligations in regards to his minimum riding weight (MRW).

Bart of the North Dominates Pine Creek Fields

Thursday, 01 June 2006 00:00

Young Darwin horseman Bart Merrall will be in for a busy day on Saturday when he travels a large team of his stable to the country non-TAB meeting at Pine Creek.

Merrall, 30, has twelve acceptors at the meeting - comprising more than half of the total number of runners of 22.

The Merrall stable is guaranteed one winner. He trains the entrie field of five to contest the $6,000 Rob Knight Tropical Refrigeration Open Handicap (1300m).

He also has two of the four in the Class 2, three of the five in the first division of the Class B and two of four in the other division.

The stable is without a runner in the feature event - the $10,150 Class 4 GBC Gold Pine Creek Cup (1600m).

Merrall was bred to train.

His father and grandfather were both successful trainers in New South Wales.

"My grandfather Bert Honeychurch trained in New South Wales and my dad Bob trained from Albury and Corowa before moving to Darwin later on," Merrall told The Virtual FormGuide.

The trainer, who has 35 in work, kicked away his training career in recent times after a stint as an owner and then stable employee.

"I owned a horse with Stephen Brown and then got into (owning) a few more," Merrall reported. "I also kicked around the stable a bit and learned a few things here and there."

"When Stephen moved to Macau it meant that I basically ended up in charge."

"I've been training for the last two seasons now," Merrall confirmed.

Merrall said he was very much looking forward to heading to Pine Creek on Saturday to saddle up his twelve runners.

"We've always been a big supporter of country racing," Merrall said. "There is some great money up for grabs - for money than many would be racing for in states like New South Wales."

He is also looking further ahead as the Darwin season cranks into full swing.

"Our carnival is coming up through July and August and we've got a number of horses being set for the good races - including the (Darwin) Cup."

Two horses in Merrall's stables are well known to interstate racing followers.

"We've got Mr Tambourineman back now after a stint down in Melbourne with John Leek," Merrall confirmed. "He will be set for the Cup again."

"And another is Glock," Merrall added. "We had him entered for the Pine Creek Cup, but he was given 62.5 (kilograms) and it's just too much weight."

As well as being a third generation trainer, Merrall's family includes more trainers. Accomplished Cranbourne horseman Les Theodore is an uncle and his son Stephen is also a successful trainer in Victoria through the exploits of stable stars including Count Ricardo and Overclock.

Darwin (NT)

Saturday, 06 August 2005 00:00

Track: Good
Weather: Fine
Rail: True Position

Stewards: M Richardson (Chairman), J Beagley, K Cook, J Hamilton, R Merritt, R Hamilton, B Merritt
Veterinary Surgeon: Howard Springs Veterinary Clinic
Number of Races: 5
Number of Runners: 31
Stakes Paid: $35,000

Race 1 – maiden s/w - 1200 metres:

When the gates opened ILYA jumped awkwardly and YOUWOULDN’T BELIEVE stood flat footed and lost ground.

1^st        HELLO HENRY        2^nd       MONTECATINI        3^rd        YOUWOULDN’T BELIEVE

Race 2 – class b hcp - 1000 metres:

DANCING BLADE reared when the gates opened and lost considerable ground.  NOT ANOTHER BUSH (NZ) was slow into stride.

1^st        BOUND BY FAITH   2^nd       PICADOR      3^rd        NANNA’SHANDSOMEBOY

Race 3 – class 2 hcp - 1300 metres:

At the start FLYING CAPE jumped out slightly bumping ADMIRAL HARRY onto CONTENDER (NZ).

Stewards questioned S Hillebrand (a), rider of PERFORMANCE about that gelding’s lack of early speed.  S Hillebrand (a) stated that the gelding commonly gets back in the early stages and finishes well.

The club’s veterinary surgeon inspected CONTENDER (NZ) subsequent to the event and reported that the gelding was lame in the near fore leg.

1^st        MR BRITTAS            2^nd       PERFORMANCE      3^rd        CONTENDER (NZ)

Race 4 – class 6 hcp - 1200 metres:

No report.

1^st        NASH STREET          2^nd       CALL THE HUNTER           3^rd        JUAN PABLO

Race 5 – class 4 hcp - 1100 metres:

Prior to correct weight being declared, S Hillebrand (a), rider of SAVNECT requested to view the stewards patrol film of the start of the race.  After viewing the film, stewards declared correct weight.

When the gates opened LUSKIN DREAMS jumped awkwardly.

During the race ALTO EGO lost its near hind plate.  Subsequent to the event the club’s veterinary surgeon inspected ALTO EGO and reported that the gelding was lame in the near hind leg.

1^st        IL DUCA        2^nd       BEL DE FERRO        3^rd        ALTO EGO

All winners were swabbed

Darwin Abandoned Over Cyclone Forecast

Monday, 24 April 2006 00:00

A cyclone, classified as forecasters as threatening as Cyclone Tracy, has forced the abandonment of tomorrow's ANZAC Day meeting at Fannie Bay in Darwin.

Cyclone Monica, a category 5 storm, is headed toward the mainland and severe gale force winds are expected in the morning in the Northern Territory capital.

People stationed in caravans and campervans have been ordered away from the immediate path of the cyclone.

Cyclone shelters have opened for Darwin residents.

Darwin Turf Club officials took the move earlier today to abandon their ANZAC Day racemeeting.

Tennant Creek (NT)

Saturday, 06 August 2005 00:00

Track: Good
Weather: Fine
Rail: True Position

Stewards: R LENNOX (CHAIRMAN) S FREARSON (STEWARD)
Veterinary Surgeon: SAMANTHA McMAHON
Number of Races: 4
Number of Runners: 21
Stakes Paid: $45,500

Race 1 – CLASS 5 HANDICAP - 1000 metres:

BENACHI jumped awkwardly bumping with MISS MOVIE STAR as start effected.

1^st APIARY 2^nd BENACHI 3^rd MISS MOVIE STAR

Race 2 – CLASS 1 HANDICAP - 1000 metres:

No race incidents.

1^st LITIGIOUS 2^nd REGAL ROSE 3^rd KISS OF MAGIC

Race 3 – MAIDEN PLATE - 1200 metres:

No race incidents.

1^st PRETTY TUBBY 2^nd DO WHAT WE DO 3^rd CENTRE JEWELL

Race 4 – CLASS 3 HANDICAP - 1200 metres:

SID'S EAGLE knuckled over as start effected.  On return to scale it was observed that SID'S EAGLE had its tongue over the bit.

1^st TOP VALUE 2^nd SID'S EAGLE 3^rd NEGEV

Race 5 – OPEN HANDICAP - 1600 metres:

BARADOR withdrawn when no rider available.  KARESHIM who was leading lost considerable ground suddenly at the 800 metre mark.  The veterinarian reported that after examining the horse subsequent to the race it was revealed that the horse was sore in both front legs and one hind leg.  Also it had pulled up slightly distressed and half an hour after the race showed a slow heart recovery.  Trainer W SAVAGE will be advised that the horse will not be permitted to start again until a veterinary certificate of soundness is produced to Stewards.

1^st GREIMOTA 2^nd SPAKATAK 3^rd PICAYUNE

 1 Bookmaker in attendance.

Katherine Flood Forces Changes in the Territory

Monday, 10 April 2006 00:00

Due to the damage to the Katherine's racetrack the Katherine Cup set down 20th May has been cancelled. Pine Creek Cup meeting which was set down for 6th May, has been transferred to the 20th May to assure the Pine Creek track which has also suffered from the lateness of the wet season, will be suitable for racing.

The Darwin Turf Club has programmed the following meeting for Saturday 6th May.

Open 1000m $7000
Class 6 1300m $7000
Class 4 1100m $7000
Class 3 1500m $7000
Class b 1200m $7000

The sequence of race meetings in May 2006 will be as follows:

6th May Darwin
13th May Darwin
20th May Pine Creek
27th May Darwin

Media Release - Darwin Turf Club

Darwin (NT)

Monday, 01 August 2005 00:00

Track: Good
Weather: Fine
Rail: True Position

Stewards: L Lane (Chairman), J Beagley, K Cook, J Hamilton, R Merritt, R Hamilton, B Merritt, M Richardson, D Merritt (Deputy Steward)
Veterinary Surgeon: Howard Springs Veterinary Clinic
Number of Races: 9
Number of Runners: 90
Stakes Paid: $315,700

Race 1 – 3YO CLASS 3 HCP - 1200 metres:

On jumping away DANCING BLADE and BOUND BY FAITH bumped.

Rounding the first turn BOUND BY FAITH had a tendency to lay out and in so doing tightened DANCING BLADE.

Stewards questioned S Ridler, rider of FILAMONY which performed below expectations.  S Ridler stated that the gelding layed out for the majority of the race and in his opinion had trained off.

1^st        THE TAILER 2^nd       BOUND BY FAITH   3^rd        CHEST

Race 2 – CLASS 2 HCP - 1100 metres:

Shortly after the start CORMEOGHAN and EXTRAORDINARY came together.

1^st        RUBYRULE   2^nd       THE SNARLING DOG          3^rd        CORMEOGHAN

Race 3 – CLASS 4 HCP - 1100 metres:

Prior to correct weight being declared S Ridler, rider of the second placegetter IL DUCA requested to view the head on patrol film of the straight.

When the gates opened HIGHER SCORE was slow into stride.

Approaching the first turn ALTO EGO raced tight on the outside of IL DUCA which when attempting to keep off the rail bumped ALTO EGO on a number of occasions.  LITTLE UMA, which was initially racing tight outside ALTO EGO, was bumped on the hindquarters by that gelding.

Near the 600 metres P Denton, rider of ALTO EGO dropped his whip.

Rounding the turn ALTO EGO hung out badly.  Trainer Ms A White was advised that a warning would be issued against the gelding and if it performed in a similar manner again some action may be taken.

Near the 200 metres IL DUCA was tightened for room and became unbalanced when racing tight on the inside of LITTLE UMA.

Subsequent to the event the club veterinary surgeon inspected ALTO EGO and ANTIOPE which both performed poorly.  He reported that he could find no apparent abnormality with ALTO EGO and that ANTIOPE was in season.

1^st        LITTLE UMA            2^nd       IL DUCA        3^rd        LUSKIN DREAMS

Race 4 – CLASS 6 HCP - 1600 metres:

When the gates opened RADIANT SOCIETY was slow to begin.

Prior to correct weight being declared C Lever, rider of second placegetter SILK WIND requested to view the stewards patrol film.

1^st        SWEPSCAY    2^nd       SONG MEKONG       3^rd        BY HOW FRAAR

Race 5 – CLASS 3 HCP - 1300 metres:

Near the 200 metres SPRUIK had to be eased off the heels of SUNBLOCK which rolled out.

S Leckey, rider of SUPER SLIDER was fined $100 for using the whip forward of the shoulder on that gelding (AR137 (A)(2)(a)).  Trainer K Rogerson was fined $100 for issuing instructions to the rider of SUPER SLIDER to use the whip forward of the shoulder on that gelding (AR137 (A) (3)).

1^st        WHERE’S DA IVORY           2^nd       KELVINSIDE LAD    3^rd        KAPPA

Race 6 – CLASS 2 HCP - 1900 metres:

On jumping away SILK WIND was tightened for room between SCHOBI BARU and PRINCE GEORGIOS which shifted out.

After passing the winning post the first time SCHOBI BARU, which had been taken in slightly by ALLWOOD, then shifted in away from that gelding and in so doing SILK WIND had to be checked.

As the field made the first turn SCHOBI BARU hung out and in so doing forced SILK WIND out resulting in GUNDOOEE STAR, which was racing on its outside having to be checked.

1^st        ALLWOOD    2^nd       SILK WIND    3^rd        AUDITORIUM

Race 7 – LIGHTING PLATE - 1000 metres:

When the gates opened ARNSIDE and CALIGULA scrambled and lost ground.

Shortly after the start ARNSIDE had to be eased off the heels of CALIGULA.

Near the 800 metres RADIANT BLAST and TOP SQUIRE were tightened for room between CALIGULA and TERM.

Rounding the first turn TERM hung out and in so doing took TOP SQUIRE out onto RADIANT BLAST which had to be checked.

The clubs veterinary surgeon inspected CALIGULA subsequent to the event and reported that the gelding was lame in the near hind leg.

Subsequent to the event the clubs veterinary surgeon inspected GOLDEN GLADIATOR and reported that it had suffered a mild attack of colic.

1^st        CATMAN       2^nd       BEAU MASTER        3^rd        GENERAL SWAMP

Race 8 – SPEC COND HCP - 1300 metres:

On jumping away BRIDPORT knuckled.

Shortly after the start CHIGWIDDEN was tightened for room between CELTIC DANE and FIRE BRIGHT.

1^st        COOLGARDIE          2^nd       SPAKATAK   3^rd        IF YOU SAY SO

Race 9 – DARWIN CUP - 2000 metres:

On jumping away SOLARIO was tightened for room between NOT ABANDONED and PATARCHI, both of which shifted.

During the race the saddle on LANSON slipped placing the rider D Bates at a disadvantage in the final stages of the race.

The clubs veterinary surgeon inspected SIR KINDLE (NZ) subsequent to the event and reported that the gelding had suffered an attack of colitis.

1^st        LANSON        2^nd       SUSURRO      3^rd        PATARCHIE

All winners were swabbed

Darwin (NT)

Saturday, 20 August 2005 00:00

Track: Good
Weather: Fine
Rail: True Position

Stewards: L Lane (Chairman), J Beagley, K Cook, J Hamilton, R Merritt, B Merritt, M Richardson
Veterinary Surgeon: Howard Springs Veterinary Clinic
Number of Races: 5
Number of Runners: 32
Stakes Paid: $35,000

Race 1 – CLASS 1 HCP - 1100 metres:

Stewards questioned Mr B Merrall trainer of PIRATE OF PENZANCE which was scratched from this event. Mr B Merrall stated that the gelding had swelling in its knee when he inspected it on Thursday afternoon and a subsequent x-ray revealed that it had bone chips in its knee. Further that the gelding had been worked on Thursday morning and had shown no sign of lameness at that time, Stewards noted Mr Merralls explanation for the scratching of PIRATE OF PENZANCE.

On jumping away SPLIT DECISION jumped inward onto ADMIRAL HARRY.

The clubs veterinary surgeon inspected ACQUA ALTO subsequent to the event and reported that the gelding was lame in the off fore leg.

1^st        LATE PRINCE          2^nd       ADMIRAL HARRY   3^rd        SPLIT DECISION

Race 2 – OPEN HCP - 1200 metres:

Ms A White trainer of DORTMUNDER notified the stewards that she had instructed the rider to ride the gelding back in the field today.

On jumping away TOP SQUIRE shifted out and hampered ENTITLEMENT and EL SUROSO.

Near the 850 metres TOP SQUIRE clipped the heels of DESERT DANE (P Denton) which shifted in to the rail. P Denton was notified that he must ensure he is 2 lengths clear prior to shifting ground in future.

The club veterinary surgeon inspected EL SUROSO subsequent to the event and reported that the mare was lame in the off fore fetlock. Mr R Severino trainer of EL SUROSO was advised that prior to it racing again he must produce a satisfactory veterinary certificate for the mare.

The clubs veterinary surgeon inspected DESERT DANE subsequent to the event and reported that the gelding had a stone bruise to the near fore hoof.

1^st        DESERT DANE         2^nd       DORTMUNDER        3^rd        TOP SQUIRE

Race 3 – CLASS B HCP - 1500 metres:

When the gates opened JIMMY JAMES shifted and bumped GAY DECEPTION which then shifted abruptly and hampered WARINGA FLYER.

1^st        PERFORMANCE      2^nd       JIMMY JAMES         3^rd        NANNASHANDSOMEBOY

Race 4 – CLASS 5 HCP - 1000 metres:

When the gates opened IL DUCA was slow to begin.

On jumping away MANDATE shifted in onto CELTIC PEACE.

Near the 200 metres LOADED VICE (NZ) shifted in and made contact with CHILTON.

Stewards questioned D Bates rider of MANDATE which had an interrupted run from the 650 metres to the entrance to the straight. D Bates stated that he had to ease off heels on a number of occasions as he had difficulty obtaining a clear run due to the horses ahead of him rolling in and out which resulted in there being no clear run for him to take until straightening.

1^st        LOADED VICE(NZ)  2^nd       CHILTON      3^rd        CELTIC PEACE

Race 5 – CLASS 3 HCP - 1300 metres:

Mr G Clarke, trainer of BEL DE FERRO was fined $50 for presenting that gelding with incorrect gear (AR140(a))

After being placed in the barriers MOONLIGHT EXPRESS broke through the front gate and cantered a short distance.

When the gates opened GUNDOOEE STAR and DESERT REEF were slow to begin.

Approaching the first turn GUNDOOEE STAR had a tendency to lay out.

Running to the 900 metres KELVINSIDE LAD had to be eased off the heels of SPRUIK.

Approaching the winning post G Clarke, rider of BEL DE FERRO had to stop riding when tightened for room on the inside of SPRUIK which was taken in by MR BRITTAS.

1^st        MR BRITTAS            2^nd       I SCREAM     3^rd        KELVINSIDE LAD

All winners were swabbed

Baster Wins Jockey Invitation at Darwin

Monday, 01 August 2005 00:00

Top Melbourne jockey Stephen Baster upstaged a class field of riders when he partnered Where's Da Ivory to a dashing win in the Qantas Invitation Plate at Fannie Bay in Darwin on Cup Day today.

Baster sent the Jade Robbery galloper to the front early and held that position on the rails before releasing the brakes at the top of the straight and the pair cleared away and set up a winning break.

On the line Where's Da Ivory held a comprehensive margin over Adelaide visitor Kelvinside Lad (Craig Moon), while the talented local Kappa (Chad Lever) was third home.

There was early success on Cup day for fellow visiting riders Chad Lever and Scott Leckey.

The feature race of the day - the Carlton Draught Darwin Cup - is the last of seven races on today's card.

PIC - Quentin Lang.