Protest Win Gives Hall Flemington Double
- Monday, 07 October 2002 00:00
Leading Melbourne trainer David Hall ended
todays Flemington meeting with a double after stewards upheld a protest to give him
the final race after his horse was originally first past the post.Makybe Diva (Desert King-Tugela) was originally second over the line behind the Adelaide trained mare Little Miss Quick, but the local horse got the verdict from the stewards about 15 minutes after the two runners hit the line locked together.
A nose, the smallest margin possible in racing, separated the two after the 2000 metres of the Jezabeel Handicap with Little Miss Quick getting the judges verdict after a desperately close photo finish.
As expected leading jockey Brett Prebble, who was aboard the runner-up, fired in a protest of alleged interference in the home straight and the connections of both runners then had to make statements to stewards at a subsequent hearing.
Prebble told the stewards panel, headed by their chief Des Gleeson, that the interference from about the 400 metre mark "cost" his the race.
"My horse was hampered severely,"
Prebble stated to stewards. "The winner has come out at least three or four horses
and taken my running."
Craig Newitt, who had ridden Little Miss Quick, confessed to stewards the runner-up may have been impeded by his mount, but he felt the runner-up still had every chance to win.
Little Miss Quicks trainer Leon Macdonald wasnt in Melbourne, but his stable foreman Andrew Noblet emphasised to stewards that Newitt had put away his whip during the incident.
But after a seemingly short consultation period Gleeson told connections that the incident was sufficient to warrant them in reversing the result and promoting Makybe Diva to the winning position.
Makybe Diva, who is owned by Port Lincoln based tuna fishing millionaire Tony Santic, has now won her past four starts after earlier success at Wangaratta, Sale and Ballarat respectively.
Halls earlier winner came thanks to the speedy juvenile filly Fashion Victim. The daughter of Rorys Jester proved too good for a well bred bunch of first starters to win in the listed Maribyrnong Trial Stakes over 900 metres earlier in the afternoon.
PICS Quentin Lang.
Terrenora After Black Type
- Monday, 07 October 2002 00:00
Well credentialled Encosta de Lago mare Terrenora will go hunting
black type after a runaway win in the Fire Oak Handicap (1800m) at Flemington today.Trained by Kilmore based Lee Hope, Terrenora brought up her third win and second at Flemington when she dashed away from her rivals in her one and a half length success.
At the post her class was too much for Yo Yo Ma, who had raced closer to the pace, while Baralae, who was specked at double figure odds, was another one and three quarter lengths away in third place.
Hope said Terrenora enjoyed todays conditions and the way the race was run.
"She just wasnt suited last time out at Sandown," he said. "They jogged early and she wasnt able to get over the top of them."
With leading apprentice Craig Newitt in the saddle, Terrenora as expected got back in the field and was then switched to the middle of the track in the straight before unleashing a powerful sprint to win impressively.
Connections are hoping the mare will be able to improve further on todays winning performance in a race for stakes form.
"Obviously it is our intention to try and get some black type with her," Hope added. "Im trying to aim her at the Matriarch Stakes here on the last day of the carnival."
Hope also indicated her next start was likely to come in the $60,500 Jack Godby Plate (1600m) at Caulfield on Vinery Thousand Guineas Day (Wednesday week).
The mare, who is from the Flemington winning Tattenham mare Tattenora, has now earned a cheque at her past five starts and her prizemoney is now in excess of $87,000.
PIC Quentin Lang.
Four Tracks to Hold Important Gallops
- Monday, 07 October 2002 00:00
Caulfield will host their annual Breakfast with the Stars at "the Heath" tomorrow morning with a strong line up expected to be put through their paces including the leading Caulfield Guineas fancy Bel Esprit.
Further south Sandown will come alive as the classy group of Godolphin horses gallop as their spring goals approach.
Champion mare Sunline, who arrived in Melbourne late last week after her recent George Main Stakes placing, will be put through her paces by regular rider Greg Childs at Flemington.
And down the road last season’s champion three-year-old Lonhro will gallop at Moonee Valley in preparation for Saturday’s Yalumba Stakes, where he will clash with Sunline, and his ultimate target of the Cox Plate.
The Sandown gallops are expected at 6.15am, while the other three tracks will have action from about 6.30am.
Top Riders Engaged for Caulfield Cup Pair
- Monday, 07 October 2002 00:00
The merry-go-round of jockeys for Saturday weeks Group One
Carlton Draught Caulfield Cup has continued with two big named riders committing
themselves to leading chances.Damien Oliver, who had hinted he may jump to the Bart Cummings trained Magical Miss in the Caulfield feature, announced yesterday he would stick to the Tony McEvoy trained Fields of Omagh.
Oliver partnered the Rubiton gelding to his slashing third in Saturdays Group Two Turnbull Stakes after having won on the gelding in the Feehan Stakes at Moonee Valley.
Meanwhile, leading Sydney based jockey Jim Cassidy, has jumped at the opportunity to ride the Rick Hore-Lacy trained Dash for Cash, Saturdays brave runner-up to Northerly in the Turnbull.
Cassidy said he didnt have to think twice about taking up
Hore-Lacys offer to ride the son of Secret Savings in the Caulfield Cup.
Bart Cummings is yet to confirm who will partner his Cup fancy Magical Miss now that Oliver has elected to stick with Fields of Omagh. Cummings said there is no "real rush" to find a rider only to add hed been approached by "a number" of them. Cummings may even reward Andrew Findlay for his recent good form on a number of gallopers including those trained by the Cups king. The saddle on Magical Miss becomes vacant as regular rider Steven Arnold will be unable to make the weight on Saturday week.
Meanwhile, rumours that Greg Childs would dump
Sunline in preference to Fields of Omagh in the Cox Plate should the two clash, appear to
be just that.
Childs said today he wasnt planning on giving up the ride aboard the champion daughter of the Victorian based sire Desert Sun.
The two will be chasing their third win together in this years $3 million Carlton Draught Cox Plate at Moonee Valley on Saturday fortnight.
PICS - Quentin Lang.
Take a Walk on the Wild Side
- Sunday, 06 October 2002 00:00
Ive had my eye for a few months now on a locally trained Toy Pindarri mare named Alice In Toyland. Although her record of 8 starts for 2 wins and 2 seconds may not seem impressive, I know for a fact it is. Trainer Terry Wild Jnr who has already an impressive list of individual winners from runners to date has nursed her along patiently letting this slow maturing mare find her ability and the results are showing. If you get a chance to see her on Sky or at the races have a good look at the strong athletic type she is. Built like a colt with the attitude of a brothel madam Alice parades like a natural body builder. All good mares seem to need that bitch type aggression in them to be more competitive and she displays it well.
Last Sunday Alice In Toyland faced the starter at Wangaratta in a Class1 1600m winning in workmanlike fashion. Ernie Marchant took into account her greenness and allowed her to sit on the pace and kept her out of trouble nursing her to get the mile at her first attempt. She appears to have pulled up well and Terrys next plan is to take on a Class 2 over 1600m then have a crack at the all greys race on Oaks Day at Flemington. Ambitious maybe, yet well within her reach if all goes well. Look out metro racing Alice and Terry are on their way and I can see this 4yo mare winning in town within the season at hand.
As you can see her by owners pictured below after the Wangaratta victory they get great excitement from all she does. Without owners like these there is no racing so all rewards are well deserved.
.
Terry trains at Wangaratta and his facilities are ideal for the 20 horses that he trains there. He trades as both an Equine Tutor and a full time racehorse trainer and is attracting influential owners who are buying horses in Australia to race overseas. He has broken in and arranged export of horses that are currently racing in both Singapore and Hong Kong so he must be doing something right. This season alone he has been commissioned by local trainer John Ledger to educate some of his young babies, which he does after working his own racehorses.
The racing industry revolves around the thoroughbred as both a source of investment and entertainment, it is big business and needs people like Terry Wild Jnr to keep it improving. Terry can be contacted on ph: 03 57 22 1443 or mobile: 0417 397 177 and is always keen to greet new clients and continue his quest for success.
Risky Venture Wins Thrilling Cup Hurdle
- Monday, 07 October 2002 00:00
Risky Venture, a former moderately performed Adelaide flat race performer, held off the challenges from two of his rivals to win in a thrilling three way finish.
The six-year-old son of Umatilla was "recruited" to Musgrove's jumping stable after he felt he'd make into a more than capable jump race performer.
"We got him from Leon Macdonald in Adelaide," Musgrove said. "He felt he had got him as har as he could go on the flat and he looked as though he might develop into a nice jumper."
Musgrove said the gelding would be sent for an immediate spell after today's triumph.
"He'll go out now and we will come back next year and look at some fences for him," he added.
In a driving finish underrated jumps jockey Brian Constable got plenty out of Risky Venture ($7-$9) to get home by a long head over the veteran jumper Zabuan ($4.20-$4.80), while Real Tonic ($5), which looked the winner halfway down the straight, was a further half head away in third place.
Musgrove won his 400th jumping event at Yarra Glen last Thursday, and immediately added another to that tally when Super Cobra won in Adelaide on Saturday.
Benalla (Vic)
- Sunday, 06 October 2002 00:00
Weather: Fine
Rail: True
Riding Changes:
| Race | Horse | Rider | Replaced By | Reason |
| 2 | Cosmic Coincidence | N. Callow | B. Rawiller | Non Engagement |
| 5 | Jasper's Gold | E. Brennen | V. Caddy | Misunderstanding |
| 6 | Radioactive Star | M. Gatt | B. Ward | Unavailable |
| 7 | Uncle Andre | S. Seamer | N. Ryan | Non Engagement |
| 8 | The Farmer Guy | J. Winks* | M. Pegus | Indisposed |
* Must produce a medical certificate.
Race 1 - Grace & Charles Ilsley Maiden Plate - 1100 metres:
Sailing Orders (NZ) jumped away awkwardly. Shortly after the start Masoka attempted to buck for a short distance. B. Cox trainer of the mare was notified that an 0fficial warning would be placed against Masoka and should the mare perform in a similar manner it may lead to some action being taken. Approaching the 500m Sailing Orders had to be eased when tightened for room between Mestengo which shifted out slightly and Abrasions which shifted in. Approaching the winning post Swinging was tightened for room Don’t Tell Em and Danestorm when both of those horses shifted ground. During this incident Swinging doors was accidentally struck over the head of the whip of A Ledger rider of Don’t Tell Em. A. Ledger rider of Don't tell Em Firth place getter was severely reprimanded for weighing in 1kg over his alloted weight. In deciding not to penalise A. Ledger stewards took into account A. Ledgers excellent record in this area.
Race 2 - Arden Beauty @ Amcal Benalla SV 3YO Maiden Plate - 1400 metres:
Infinite Grace was slow to begin. Rounding the home corner and in the straight Springburn hung out. T. Krushka trainer of the filly was notified that an official warning would be placed against the filly and should Springburn perform in a similar manner in future it may lead to some action being taken. J. Patton rider of Lucera which had performed below expectations stated to the stewards that the filly didn't travel throughout the race and failed to respond to his riding after passing the 400m. a veterinary examination of Lucera subsequent to the race revealed that the filly had got it's tongue over the bit and pulled up slightly distressed.
Race 3 - Schneider Electric SV 3YO C & G Maiden Plate - 1400 metres:
Acting on a confirmed telephone call Lacryma Hope was lame in the near fore leg and unfit to start stewards with drew the gelding at 8:30am. S. Fliedner trainer of Lacryma Hope will submit a veterinary certificate to the club in respect of the gelding. Prior to the start of the race Vanstonne was examined by the clubs veterinary surgeon and passed fit to run. Due to the slowness of the pace in the early stages of the race Itchycoo Prince and Prince St Clemens and Sunraysia all over raced Rounding the home corner and in the early part of the straight Nyneleven (NZ) had difficulty in obtaining a clear run. In the early part of the straight De Lago Dancer had difficulty in obtaining a clear run.
Race 4 - Hudson Frame & Truss Class 2 Handicap - 1600 metres:
Carisbrook Park was slow to begin..
Race 5 - Tooheys New Benalla Gold Cup Open HCP - 2300 metres:
M. Zahra rider of Soldado stated to the stewards that the gelding failed to respond to his riding in the straight. A veterinary examination subsequent to the event revealed that Soldado had pulled up in a distressed state. Approaching the 100m Ekalaka had to be eased off the heals of Benmore.
Race 6 - Southern Cross Ten Class 1 Handicap - 1200 metres:
Approaching the home corner Dander's Belle was held up for a run. Near the 200m E. Marchant rider of Dancer's Belle dropped his whip. On jumping away Kentucky Clan shifted out and tightened Ruby Halo out onto Darchemon, which resulted in both horses being hampered. B. Johns rider of Darchemon which had performed below expectations stated to the stewards that the gelding over raced in the early and middle stages of the race and had a tendency to lay out rounding the home corner. B. Johns further stated that in his opinion the gelding was not suited by the distance of today's race and was a beaten horse after straightening. A veterinary examination of Darchemon revealed that the horse pulled up in slightly distressed.
Race 7 - The Weary Dunlop Open HCP - 1200 metres:
Acting on a confirmed telephone call that Romantic Sea had suffered an injury to it's off hind leg and was unfit to start. Stewards withdrew the mare at 12:51 pm. R. Hoysted trainer of the mare submitted a veterinary certificate in respect of Romantic Sea. Approaching the 100m Ekalaka had to be eased to avoid the heels of Benmore.
Race 8 - Delatite Shire Class 3 Handicap - 1400 metres:
Approaching the 600m Cobar shifted out and took Bicarb out onto Cool Azz which resulted in Bicarb having to be eased to avoid the heels of Cool Azz. Approaching the 200m The Farmer Guy had to be eased off the heels of Cobar which shifted in slightly. At the entrance to the straight The Farmer Guy shifted out on two occasions and brushed Bicarb which resulted in that gelding becoming unbalanced. L. Currie rider of Gantry who eased the mare down in the straight stated to the stewards that the mare travelled well in the early stages of the race and rounding the home corner failed to respond to his riding and in his opinion something may have gone a miss with Gantry. A veterinary examination of Gantry subsequent to the event revealed that the mare was suffering from a heart irregularity. D. Lawson trainer of the mare was notified that before Gantry would be permitted to start again he must produce the satisfactory results of an ECG examination. V. Hall rider of Leopard Strike (NZ) stated to the stewards that he was held up for a run from the 600m until the 200m and then was disappointed for a run between Kakhiashvili and Fancy Flyer when both of those horses shifted ground.Approaching 100m Leopard Strike after obtaining a run between Kakhiashvili and Fancy Flyer shifted out and brushed Fancy Flyer.
SWAB SAMPLES:
Race 1. Danestorm,( Second place getter), Random swab.
Race 2. Cosmic Confidence, Race winner.
Race 4. Super Spur, Race Winner.
Race 5. Lightuma, Race Winner.
Race 7. Slalom, Winner.
Pre raced blood samples were taken from the following
horses for post race analysis.
Race 5. Chantage (NZ), Jasper's Gold, Lightuma.
Race 7. Green Pick, Boy's Talk.
SUMMARY |
|
| FINES | C. McDonald Trainer of
Lochinvale (NZ) was fined the sum of $50 for his late notification of L. Currie as the
rider of the gelding. L. Currie rider of Samosiera unplaced was fined the sum of $300 for unnecessary use of the whip, on the beaten gelding. |
| SEVERE REPRIMANDS & SUSPENSIONS: | |
| HORSE ACTIONS: | Race 1. Masoka. Race 2. Springburn. |
Revitalised Hayes Looks Forward to Caulfield Cup
- Monday, 07 October 2002 00:00
Hayes again made the long flight from his Hong Kong base to Melbourne to saddle up his son of Zabeel in the Turnbull Stakes and he was pleased with what he saw.
After racing closer to the pace than he had in previous starts, the galloper former known in New Zealand as Hades, finished on his race in stylish fashion to finish a handy fourth behind the champion West Australian Northerly.
"It was an excellent run," Hayes explained. "With the races now being over a longer distance we are able to race him much closer to the pace which is really going to suit him."
"Im really looking forward to the Caulfield Cup now," he added with a smile and a twinkle in his eye.
Helene Vitality, who is already a Group One winner of the New Zealand Derby as a three-year-old, will have his next run in the Caulfield Cup.
After that the good class performer will head toward the worlds richest handicap, the $4 million Tooheys New Melbourne Cup on the first Tuesday of November.
"He wont run between the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups," Hayes stated.
"Well give him a few good strong gallops in between, but he wont be actually racing in between Caulfield and Flemington."
Hayes obviously has that burning ambition to win the Caulfield Cup and add to the familys success in the race. Lindsay Park last won the race with Fraar.
And while he would be pleased to be beaten by Lindsay Parks current star Fields of Omagh there is still a bit of friendly rivalry present.
"Obviously Im pretty keen to be able to beat Tony in the Caulfield Cup," Hayes said with a laugh. "He has one up on me in a feature race you know."
McEvoy and Hayes had clashed once before in Singapore when the Tony McEvoy trained North Boy scored a track record breaking win in the Krisflyer Sprint at Kranji earlier this year.
"Its definitely my time to turn the tables."
Swan Hill (Vic)
- Sunday, 06 October 2002 00:00
Weather: Fine/Overcast
Rail: True
Riding Changes:
| Race | Horse | Rider | Replaced By | Reason |
| 8 | Rainbow Flame | C. Quilty * see adjourned enquiry | C. Puls | Non Arrival |
Race 1 - Carlton Draught Maiden Plate - 2100 Metres:
After passing the winning post the first time, the saddle moved forward on Irish Kit, placing E. Brennen, rider of the mare, at a considerable disadvantage for the remainder of the race.
Mr Ossie Bant, part-owner/trainer of Gramena, which performed poorly, was notified by Stewards that a warning would be placed against the mare for it's poor performance today and if it performs in a similar manner in the future, action may be taken. In arriving at their decision, the Stewards took into account Gramena's poor recent form. Subsequent to the event, a veterinary examination of Gramena revealed no abnormality.
Race 2 - L P Nolan Class 2 Handicap - 2100 Metres:
Stewards' interviewed W. Hokai, rider of Tahitian Crown and Mrs G. Gillis, trainer of the mare, regarding Tahitian Crown's poor performance today. W. Hokai stated that the mare failed to respond to his riding from the 1,000 metres and was a beaten horse shortly after. W. Hokai further stated that the mare felt normal in its action during the race and after pulling up. Mrs Gillis could offer no explanation for Tahitian Crown's poor performance. Subsequent to the race Tahitian Crown was examined by the Club's veterinary surgeon who reported no apparent abnormality. Stewards ordered that a swab sample be taken from Tahitian Crown.
Race 3 -Quambatook Rural Supplies Class 3 Handicap - 1000 Metres:
Prior to correct weight being declared B. Cross, rider of Tehoke Boy fourth place getter, viewed the photo finish image for third place.
Near the 700 metres Are You Serious, which was laying out, had to be checked over the heels of All Lustre.
Rounding the home turn Are You Serious had a tendency to hang out.
After passing the 200 metres Nevada River had to shift out abruptly to obtain a clear run.
Race 4 - E J Meney Memorial Super Vobis 3-years-old Maiden Plate - 1300 Metres:
Splatt Street was examined at the barrier by the Club's veterinary Surgeon and passed fit to run.
On jumping away Tempest Terror shifted out and took Smash Hits out on to Splatt Street, which then shifted out abruptly and bumped Spanish Angel. This resulted in both Spanish Angel and Splatt Street losing ground.
Approaching the winning post Our Miss Penny shifted out and inconvenienced Howley Hall.
Race 5 - Quambatook Hotel Country Cup - 1600 Metres:
Prior to correct weight being declared J. D'Arcy, rider of Tricked, third place getter, viewed the Stewards' patrol film.
Approaching the 200 metres Spike The Bubbles shifted in under pressure and took Tricked in on to Spring Water.
M. Pumpa, rider of Spike The Bubbles, was severely reprimanded for making a celebratory gesture prior to the winning post.
Race 6 - Swan Hill Chemicals Class 2 Handicap - 1300 Metres:
Shortly after the start Front The Judge was hampered when tightened for room between Secret Voodoo and Skalaad, which shifted in.
Near the 800 metres Thunder Boom knuckled.
D. Yendall, rider of Kit's Price, was fined the sum of $300 for unnecessary use of the whip on the gelding.
Race 7 - Pearsons Grain Class 3 Handicap - 1600 Metres:
Throughout the race Chenonceau had a tendency to hang out.
Near the 800 metres Devaux had to be checked off the heels of Fergus My Boy. Dantastic, which was following, was hampered in consequence.
Rounding the home turn Dantastic was checked and hampered when Mrs Nasty weakened back through the field.
Stewards interviewed Mr M. Cerchi, trainer of Chenonceau, regarding the riding instructions given to M. Heagney. Mr Cerchi explained to Stewards that the gelding had raced greenly in its previous starts and in his opinion was not suited to being ridden back in the field in those runs. Mr Cerchi further stated that it was his intention today for Chenonceau to be ridden near the lead in a attempt to see if the gelding would improve over todays race distance. M. Heagney, rider of the gelding, confirmed to the Stewards the instructions given and further stated that Chenonceau had a tendency to hang out during the race and it would be his recommendation to make some gear changes on the gelding prior to its next start.Stewards accepted the explanations tendered by both Mr. M Cerchi and M Heagney.
Race 8 - Max Wilson Tyres & Batteries Maiden Plate - 1000 Metres:
Shortly after the start Purple Beau had to be checked when Saville's Anguish was taken out by Rhodamine Red, which was initially taken out by Mrs Mortimer.
After passing the 800 metres, Rainbow Flame was hampered when tightened for room between Rhodamine Red and Sure Red due to both horses shifting ground.
SWAB SAMPLES
Race 1 - Lack O' Fun - winner - routine
Race 2 - Tahitian Crown - random - which performed poorly
Race 4 - La Babe - third place getter - random
Race 6 - Thunder Boom - second place getter - routine
Race 7 - Fergus My Boy - winner - routine
ADJOURNED ENQUIRY
Race 8 - Stewards adjourned an enquiry into the reason for C. Quilty not fulfilling his engagement on Rainbow Flame.
Spring Shock: Don Eduardo Breaks Down - Retirement Beckons
- Monday, 07 October 2002 00:00
The four-year-old Zabeel entire Don Eduardo (NZ)
has been forced from taking further part in the Victorian Spring Carnival with an injured
fetlock. Trainer Lee Freedman said that Don Eduardo (NZ) will have surgery to remove a
bone chip.The question of Don Eduardo (NZ) (ex Diamond Lover by Sticks And Stones) returning to the track in the autumn will be answered after the surgery. However with the stallion being a large strong horse Freedman says it will depend on being able to keep weight off the injury to take the pressure off the leg.
Don Eduardo (NZ) has a valuable career at stud ahead of him and his owner Phillippines businessman and long time breeder in Australia, Eduardo Cojuangco, may want to commence his stallion career without further racing.
Don Eduardo (NZ) was purchased as a yearling from Cambridge Stud at the New
Zealand Bloodstock Ltd Premier Yearling sale in 2000 for a record $NZ3.6m. From the Group
1 winning mare Diamond Lover, who is from Eight Carat, Don Eduardo is a three-quarter
brother to the successful young stallion Octagonal. Don Eduardo (NZ) is a half brother to
the Group 1 winning Tristalove (dam of Group 1 winning Viking Ruler ), Antwerp and a full
brother to the Group 2 winning Peruzzi.Lightly raced with only 14 race day starts Don Eduardo (NZ) had a successful autumn in 2002 stamping his mark on his generation with a win in the Group 1, AJC Derby, 2400m at Randwick on March 30th. With his bloodlines already being some of the most successful in Australasia the Group 1 win secured his value and stud future at the highest level.
Don Eduardo (NZ) has won five of the starts, placed on two and earned $A1,572,610 in stakes.
PICS - Quentin Lang.
Media Release - TNZ
The Two Brave Chiefs of the Ledger Stable
- Sunday, 06 October 2002 00:00
Overcoming the odds to stand tall in this roller coaster sport of thoroughbred racing we all love so much is Wangaratta trainer, John Ledger. He hides the gruelling last 10 weeks in which he has encountered battling with a serious bone infection that saw him hospitalized for over a month with talk of amputation of his foot. Thirty years ago he had an accident and was shot in the foot before recovering to compete at the highest level of show jumping and being short-listed for our Olympic team of 1988.
The last months have left his new stable complex and 40 horses in work in the capable hands of his son jockey Adrian to manage together with younger twin brothers Chris and Brad. Adrian who shows maturity way beyond his years has put his own career on hold to be the driving force of this unique team. John is on the road to recovery and keen to see Adrian back riding fulltime and to fulfill his ambition of working in Ireland next year for the powerful O’Brien stable together with his girlfriend Aimee who herself is an accomplished rider and equine vet nurse.
Two years ago John, with the help of his very good Group winning mare Blaze The Turf, acquired a huge area of land directly opposite the Wangaratta racecourse and set about building the showpiece which stands there today. Son Travis, a builder by trade, made sure nothing was done halfway and the results are impressive. The barn itself houses up to 40 horses in huge 20 x 16’ boxes all open and airy. There are also 20 paddocks where the babies frolic on lush grass as they watch their older friends go about the business of becoming racehorses. There is a long straight pool for cardio-vascular work, a short walk to the 4 training tracks of the turf club, a walking machine to put a lovely strong top along the backs of all their horses, a house where Adrian lives to be on call if needed and a paddock with show jumps for the twins, Chris and Brad to coach their show jumpers which are now competing at state level.
John commutes from his property in Yarrawonga, only a 20-minute drive from Wangaratta where he always has about 20 young horses being broken in. This team works from dusk till dawn and with a quiet season just passed due to so many young horses in work, is now poised as a force to be reckoned with. The coming season will be exciting for them as they produce up to 50 well bred newcomers to the barriers. Sure it sounds daunting but nothing this big can be run without good management and that comes in the form of wife Kerrie who keeps the books, family and owners intact. Central to both city racing and the smaller country tracks along the NSW/Victorian border, horses can be placed to race wherever their ability takes them. Next time you visit the races at Wangaratta or watch them on Sky Channel have a look after they jump from the mile chute and you’ll see this vast complex.
This Wednesday 9 year old Brave Chief and John Ledger return to the scene of one of their many courageous wins. October 11th 2000 saw this son of Hula Chief lead all the way in the prestigious Cranbourne Cup with jockey Patrick Payne aboard firmly stamping himself as one of the most popular and improved country trained horses racing. Originally broken in and trained by John’s brother George Ledger who passed away suddenly in November 1998 from cancer after Brave Chiefs first campaign, owner Frank Vodusek placed his many horses with John. George and John worked very closely together and both shared the belief this horse was special.
Within a season he repaid their faith and the city wins he boasted prior to the 2000 Cranbourne Cup was an impressive list the likes of: 31.8.97 Moonee Valley jockey: D Nikolic, 30.8.98 Moonee Valley jockey: J Patton, 15.11.98 Moonee Valley jockey: E Marchant, 5.4.99 Caulfield jockey: E Marchant, 15.5.99 Caulfield jockey: A Ledger, 26.6.99 Moonee Valley jockey: A Ledger, 31.7.99 Moonee Valley jockey: A Ledger, 23.9.99 Moonee Valley jockey: J Patton, 17.6.00 Sandown jockey: A Ledger, 29.7.00 Moonee Valley jockey: A Ledger. If you think that is a great achievement after the Cranbourne Cup they then topped it off with the Group 2 Sandown Classic one-month later on 18.11.2000 in Australian record time for 2400m.
After a well-deserved spell he had his best to come, but after his first up run on 24.2.01 tragedy was looming. Brave Chief suffered a severe colic attack so badly he twisted his bowel and found himself on the operating table at Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital. Fortunately for Harry (his stable name) he was under the knife of one of Australia’s best Equine surgeons in Jim Vasey. Jim and his team worked overtime saving his life not once but twice. At least they all thought that he could retire now in the luxury he deserved but Brave Chief had different ideas.
Once he was well and roaming his paddock Brave Chief begged for another chance on the track so John started light work with him just to keep the old horse happy. Like all good soldiers he wore his new scar into battle and had a light campaign showing signs of his old flair but something was missing. Once again they tried to retire him but he wanted no part of that rubbish and ran around his paddock until they gave him another shot at it almost 6 months later. This current campaign he shut up all the grandstand experts who declared he was finished and answered them back by returning to the winners circle at Sandown on August 10th 2002 with his new lightweight and kind partner aboard in Michelle Payne to the cheers and tears of everyone watching.
Patrick teams up again on Wednesday with Chief carrying top weight of 58kgs against a fancy bunch of competitors and game is the person who says he can’t pull it off. This is no fairytale story it’s the true facts about a great team of horse, owner and trainer who have nothing left to prove. Good Luck from everyone at Cyberhorse and the thousands that have cheered for him every start. One thing for sure is George has been watching over the events and very proud of his brother and the horse he whispers encouragement to.
John or Kerrie can be contacted by phone 03 57 44 3728 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..