Helenus Thrashes Rivals in Bill Stutt
- Friday, 04 October 2002 00:00
Talented Victorian horseman Leon Corstens unearthed a genuine
Caulfield Guineas contender when Helenus scored a runaway win in tonight's $201,000 Group
Two Bill Stutt Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley.In front of a large crowd the son of former international galloping sensation Helissio proved much too good for his rivals as he strode away for a three and a half length win.
Purchased at the 2001 Australian Easter Yearling Sale for $80,000, Helenus at just his fourth start graduated to racing's elite with tonight's sizzling performance.
Even though he didn't race kindly in the middle stages for talented Group One
winning jockey Steven King, Helenus was able to stroll past the leaders rounding the
famous Valley turn and end the race with more than a couple of hundred metres to run.
Flemington based Corstens was a little worried about the colt being able to handle tonight's conditions after a less than convincing gallop on the strathayr surface early in the week.
"He didn't work that well when we brought him here to work on Monday morning," Corstens said. "But he may have really appreciated the conditions out there tonight."
Corstens said the promising young performer would head to the Group One Carlton Draught Caulfield Guineas in eight days time.
In a major shock connections indicated that if the colt was to win
the million dollar Guineas they would most likely spell the colt and not press on to the
Group One VRC Derby in November.
"The owners are not greedy and he is a stallion in the making," Corstens' training son Troy said in the aftermath.
Bred by the Hunter Valley based Widden Stud, Helenus was selected as a yearling by Troy Corstens who purchased the youngster on behalf of stable clients Jos and Thecla Xipell.
"This is the third horse they have had with us and they have all been stakes winners," Corstens Jnr added.
It's been a long time between drinks for Leon Corstens, a former Bart Cummings stable foreman, who's last Group winner came thanks to Royale Exit in the Norman Robinson Stakes nearly two years ago.
Tonight Helenus was piloted by Steven King who has made a successful
return to race riding in Melbourne after a length riding stint in Hong Kong in recent
years.
At the post Helenus proved his class winning the Group Two event by three and a half lengths from the Peter Moody trained Ain't Here, while the race favourite Half Hennessy was a further two lengths away in third place.
Rohatyn was originally fourth over the line, but was relegated back to fifth after a protest from the original fifth placed Cool Trent's jockey was upheld by stewards at a subsequent hearing.
PICS - Quentin Lang.
Group One Members "Infuriated" With Victorian Industry
- Friday, 04 October 2002 00:00
Victorian Racing officials need to get behind large member groups such as the Group One Racing Club and the Winners Circle if the industry wants new blood.
That is the opinion of Melissa Cockram, who along with her father Ted and brother Bill are in charge of the countrys most successful club formats which have raced a number of top class performers including Nina Haraka and last weekend's runaway Sandown winner Liberty Rose.
Cockram says the lack of interest shown by the Victorian industry towards their style of ownership was ludicrous and "didnt make sense at all."
"Surely they are wanting new people to get into the industry," Cockram said. "But instead of treating our members like they are wanted, they got the complete opposite."
Cockram said the main issue that members had was the fact they had to pay to get into the track when one of their horses was running.
"Even on those non-features raceday and midweeks they forced our members to pay at the gate," Cockram said. "Dont they realise that when they get people in the gate they are going to spend some money. They have to eat, many are going to buy books, theres drinks and the rest."
Cockram said the Group One and Winners Circle members were being treated in a complete different fashion to the west of the border.
"Its quite funny as our clubs are really embraced in South Australia," she said. "All of our members are always admitted free in the city and the provincial tracks."
Now instead of attending meetings in Victoria a number of their owners are staying home in their living rooms.
"A number of our members have gone to the extent of signing up with Optus or Foxtel and sitting at home and watching out horses instead of travelling to the races to see them," she added.
Resorting to have watch your horse run away from the track is a great shame. Anyone involved with having raced a horse would know the excitement of being on track when your horse runs and if it happens to win nothing can beat that feeling.
Nina Haraka, a Group winner and multiple Group One performer, has to date been the star of the five racing clubs which have been controlled by the Cockram family.
When that mare contested the Group One Caulfield Cup in Melbourne over 600 owners were at "the Heath" to cheer on their champion.
"And all 600 had to pay to get through the gate too," Melissa Cockram said.
Cockram said the stance of the Victorian industry left her hundreds of owners "infuriated."
"They couldnt believe how they can all get in free in South Australia, but are charged in Victoria."
Cockram went on to add that a couple of clubs in South Australia gave members free entry even when their horses were not running at the meeting.
A decision as to whether the Cockrams will establish another club to race a group of horses with the Lindsay Park stables is yet to be made.
"We have about six month to decide."
While officials around the country all seem to be harping on the fact of trying to get "new blood" into their sport, it is amazing that officials in the most exciting racing state in Australia are showing a lack of support which is proven in introducing previous racing virgins into the sport we know and love.
"Weve tried over and over and now weve given up," Cockram said of gaining some leverage and support from Victorian officials.
Racing Victoria's General Manager of Marketing Danny Curran said the Victorian industry had been supportive of owners in recent years and felt their policies were sufficient.
"Over the past year or so our benefits to owners have improved greatly," Curran said. "Since the introduction of the owners card we now admit 20 owners for the day their horse runs."
Curran said officials in Victoria have to "draw the line somewhere" as to the amount of owners given raceday rights.
"Basically how long is a piece of string," he added.
Curran said Racing Victoria welcomed any sort of feedback or submission from an organisation like that of the Group One Racing Club.
"Nothing has been put to us in recent years since we have become Racing Victoria and we recommend they raise their concerns with us."
But if Curran's beliefs are shared by the other power brokers in the state it looks as though the wishes of Cockram and her group might fall on deaf ears.
"It's pretty unreasonable to expect with that level of contribution (of the racing club format) that people can expect the same amount of privilege as other owners."
Tight at Top in Teac Race
- Thursday, 03 October 2002 00:00
Just one point separates the top three points-scorers after the latest race in the 2003 TEAC Rising Star Series.
Series leader, Michelle Payne did not ride in Monday's race at Werribee but clings to a one-point lead over Reece Wheeler and Matthew Pumpa who won Monday's race on Blazing Plane.
The points tally after five races is as follows:
Jockey |
Total |
Michelle Payne |
16 |
Matthew Pumpa |
15 |
Reece Wheeler |
15 |
Dale Smith |
13 |
Brady Cross |
12 |
Mark Pegus |
12 |
The next race in the series is scheduled for Thursday 15 October at Ballarat.
Media Release - Racing Victoria
Battling Farmer a Winner at the Valley
- Friday, 04 October 2002 00:00
Things are tough for farmers throughout much of regional Australia
at present for our cereal farmers. Steve Blore is just one of thousands of wheat growers
who are suffering courtesy of the big dry.But tonight at Moonee Valley there were some overdue smiles on the face of the Balranald based grazier. A thoroughbred gelding, named after his cereal growing station in lower western New South Wales, Littlewood Lane stamped his name as a promising young galloper as he finished too well to win the World Masters Games Handicap (1200m).
After a copybook ride from Group One winning rider Greg Childs, the
Geni Gillis trained four-year-old proved too strong for the pacesetters Wyndam All and
Steel King.
Gillis, who trained last year's VRC Derby runner-up Zarek, said the gelding is a very promising commodity.
"He's a nice horse and he looks to have a nice future," she said.
Gillis said the win was a great boost to Blore who was not enjoying the current weather conditions at his property.
"Steve told me we had to win tonight," she said with a laugh. "So it's good he (Littlewood Lane) came out and did it for him."
Littlewood Lane derives his name from his owner's property which is named
Littlewood Station.
Gillis said the gelding should stretch out to a mile (1600m) and graduate to better class races in the future.
And you can bet Steve Blore will be cheering loudly from the grandstands when he next wins, which by the ease of tonight's success shouldn't be too far down the track.
PICS - Quentin Lang.
Racing Victoria Clarifies Sky Position
- Thursday, 03 October 2002 00:00
The Victorian Racing Industry would like to place on record its response to the article prepared by Tony Bourke published in The Age newspaper today (3 October 2002)
The negotiation of the TAB Agency / Sky Channel contract for the provision of broadcast services has always been a matter for TABCORP, as manager of Joint Venture operations and not the Victorian Racing Industry.
The Victorian Racing Industry (VRI) is ready, willing and able to perform its obligations under the JV agreement and at no time has the VRI sought to resile from its obligations.
The Victorian Racing Industry appreciates that a stalemate in negotiations between TABCORP / Sky Channel could result in serious inconvenience to punters. To suggest that the VRI is not concerned with such an outcome is incorrect and misleading. Both Sky and TABCORP have assured the VRI that a stalemate has not been reached in their negotiations and that talks are continuing between both parties.
The assertion that the Victorian Racing Industry handed Sky a TV rights monopoly in its negotiations with Sky six months ago misses the point entirely.
Skys position in the market as the only national broadcaster of Australian racing is the same in 2002 as it was in 1996 when the TAB Agency contract last come up for negotiation. In recognition of Skys position, Racing Victoria Media Pty Ltd (now ThoroughVisioN Pty Ltd) negotiated a television rights deal with Sky which created the conditions for the continuity for the racing picture in Victoria.
The VRI supports TABCORP, our managing Joint Venture partner in its negotiations with Sky Channel to achieve an outcome for the supply of the Sky racing service to TAB Agencies at a reasonable commercial fee.
Media Release - Racing Victoria
Turnbull Stakes - Form Focus
- Friday, 04 October 2002 00:00
VRC Turnbull Stakes
(2000m)
Group 2 - Of $351,500 - Set Weights & Penalties
TEN YEAR TRENDS
Year - Winner - Trainer - Jockey - No. - Barr. - SP - Wgt. - Lead-up Form
1992 NATURALISM D.FREEDMAN S.MARSHALL - 5 - 12 - 4/5f - 57 - 5th AJC 1200m Hcp-1st Memsie Stks-1st Feehan Stks
1993 THE PHANTOM CHANCE C.JILLINGS R.VANCE - 7 - 9 - 8 - 55.5 - 7th NZ 1200m Hcp-5th NZ 1400m WFA
1994 REDDING G.KELLY D.BRERETON - 2 - 9 - 11/2 - 59 - 3rd Memsie Stks - 2nd Feehan Stks
1995 ALL OUR MOB G.WATERHOUSE W.HARRIS - 1 - 16 - 33 - 59 - 7th STC Theo Marks-6th VicHealth Cup
1996 DORIEMUS D.FREEDMAN G.HALL - 1 - 14 - 3ef - 59 - 7th Craiglee Stks-6th Underwood Stks
1997 MARBLE HALLS D.FREEDMAN D.OLIVER - 6 - 9 - 15/4 - 57 - 7th Liston Stks-1st Craiglee Stks-3rd Underwood Stks
1998 AEROSMITH P.HURDLE G.CHILDS - 1 - 14 - 15 - 59 - 5th Memsie Stks-1st Feehan Stks- 5th Underwood Stks
1999 SKY HEIGHTS C.ALDERSON D.OLIVER - 2 - 5 - 9/10f - 57.5 - 2nd Liston Stks-1st Craiglee Stks
2000 FAIRWAY J.DENHAM D.BEADMAN - 4 - 4 - 10 - 57.5 - 9th Tramway Hcp-7th Shannon Qlty-6th Geo.Main Stks
2001 SUNLINE - T.MCKEE - G.CHILDS - 6 - 12 - $2.25f - 56.5 - 2nd Manikato Stks-1st Memsie Stks-2nd Feehan Stks
Note: 1994 - Redding won on protest - (Paris Lane - 1st past the post)
RACE-STATS (last 10 years)
Turnbull Stks winners to contest the Cox Plate; (5) 1 win (The Phantom Chance), 3 placings (Sunline, Sky Heights, Redding), lost rider (Naturalism)
Cox Plate winners to contest the Turnbull
Stks; Sunline, The Phantom Chance
Melbourne Cup winners to contest the Turnbull Stks; Jezabeel, Doriemus
Caulfield Cup winners to contest the Turnbull Stks; Diatribe, Sky
Heights, Doriemus, Paris Lane
Race first run: 1948 Conducted at 2000m and Set Weights & Penalties since 1971
Mares to have won (since 1971): Sunline (2001) Let's Elope(1991) Just Now(1986) Denise's Joy(1976) Analight(1975) Leilani(1974)
FEATURE RACE CONNECTIONS (same year victories)
Turnbull Stks-Caulfield Cup: Sky Heights (1999) Let's Elope(1991) Analight(1975) Leilani(1974) Sometime(1963) Rising Fast(1954)
Turnbull Stks-Cox Plate: The Phantom Chance(1993) Better Loosen Up(1990) Dulcify(1979) Tobin Bronze(1966) Sir Dane(1964) Aquanita(1962) Rising Fast(1954)
Turnbull Stks-Melbourne Cup: Let's Elope(1991) Rising Fast(1954) Comic Court(1950)
FORM FACTS
The Turnbull Stakes has become a key lead-in to the G1 Caulfield Cup, trainer Bart Cummings (6 Caulfield Cup wins) following the same path with Magical Miss as he did with the two 4yo mares hes previously prepared to win the Caulfield Cup Lets Elope (1991) & Leilani (1974). Lets Elope won the Turnbull Stks-Caulfield Cup-Mackinnon Stks-Melbourne Cup in 1991, while Leilani collected three of the four, finishing 2nd to her stablemate Think Big in the Melbourne Cup. Northerly strung together an unprecedented sequence of WFA wins in Victoria last Spring, the Flemington 2000m record-holder striving to become the first horse (since 1971) to win the Craiglee-Underwood-Turnbull treble, Sky Heights taking the Craiglee-Turnbull (2nd-Underwood) double before winning the 1999 Caulfield Cup and Dulcify also taking the Craiglee-Turnbull double (3rd-Underwood) prior to his 1979 Cox Plate victory. Since 1971, three horses have won the Feehan-Turnbull double (Aerosmith, Naturalism, Better Loosen Up), Fields of Omagh is attempting this feat in 2002.
FORM FOCUS - FACTS & FIGURES
Media Release - Racing Victoria
Defier Invited to Dubai
- Thursday, 03 October 2002 00:00
Australia's Dubai World Cup agent Keith Hillier said trainer Guy Walter and the owners of Defier were honored by the invitation.
Walter said he would continue the light racing program for Defier. He would contest the Cox Plate after Saturday's Epsom Handicap and then be spelled.
The Dubai invitation would be strongly considered.
Media Release - Racing Victoria
Moe's Female Riding Challenge Nears
- Friday, 04 October 2002 00:00
In recognition of the contribution females have made, and continue to make in the racing industry, the club has again been granted permission by Racing Victoria to run two races restricted to female riders only.
The Wights of Moe Female Riders Challenge was first staged last year and proved extremely popular, attracting considerable support from within the female riding ranks.
Leading Gippsland jockey, Sally Wynne, has given the program the thumbs up saying "Ill definitely be taking part again this year. Unfortunately last year both my horses were scratched, so Im looking forward to it".
Sally said she had ridden at special womens invitation races at Echuca, Warrnambool, Adelaide and even Perth, but Moe was certainly the closest to home.
Undoubtedly the woman to beat is Tenille Gray, who won both the ladies races on last years card and will be back to defend her crown.
Tenille, who has two years remaining of her apprenticeship, said she was also very much looking forward to the day.
"It would be great if I could repeat the performance of last year, but its going to be tough," she said.
The races selected for the ladies are a 1000 metre Class One sprint and a 2050m Class Three staying test. Both events will be claiming races, allowing female apprentice riders to take their full allowances.
A tally of points will also be run on the two events, with a presentation to be made to the leading rider at the end of the day.
Media Release - Tim Bull (Gippsland Racing)
Valley Drops Joining Fee For New Members
- Thursday, 03 October 2002 00:00
With the Carlton Draught Cox Plate just around the corner, this is a wonderful opportunity for people to sign up as Members of the Valley just in time to see Australia's Greatest Race.
Call 1800 062 644 for more details.
Media Release - MVRC
Perignon Too Good in Orbost Cup
- Thursday, 03 October 2002 00:00
It provided a Gippsland win, when the Jeanette Robertson trained Perignon saluted over the 1100 metre sprint.
The six year-old Scenic gelding was first up from a spell and made it win number five from 30 starts. It was his second win at Bairnsdale from as many starts.
"He normally goes well fresh and he won his trial at Sale prior to the run, so we thought hed run a good race," said Jeanette.
Jeanette, who now has only one horse in work most like the trip east as Legendary, a horse she trained, still holds the 1600 metre track record at the course.
However, the trainers future in the industry is under a cloud with the uncertain future of Traralgon as a training complex.
"The reason I only have one horse now is that I work and it would be impossible for me to work my horse at Sale or Moe because I just wouldnt have time to do that and get to work.
"Weve only got a guarantee about Traralgon as a training venue until December and if we lose the facility I can see myself having to leave the industry," she said.
Riding honors at Bairnsdale went to Steven Noll and Wayne Davis, who both recorded doubles and Doug Harrison continued his good form on Gippsland tracks with a double, No More Rules in the first and Shenandoah in the last.
Media Release - Tim Bull (Gippsland Racing)
Yarra Glen (Vic)
- Thursday, 03 October 2002 00:00
Weather: FINE
Rail: TRUE
Riding Changes:
| Race | Horse | Rider | Replaced By | Reason |
| 3 | Zaravitch | S. Vella | L. Nolan | Indisposed |
| 6 | Wild Sally | B. Werner | L. Robertson | Unavailable |
| 7 | Desert Cristi | B. Park* | C. Newitt | Overweight |
*B. Park was fined $100 for accepting a ride for which he was unable to fulfil due to being overweight.
Race 1 - GREAT HOLIDAY ESCAPE NOVICE HURDLE - 2800 metres:
"Howdyano", which had suffered a bleeding attack, fell near the 600m.
Race 2 - STAR CRUISES CLASS 2 HANDICAP - 1500 metres:
"Stonekatz" bounded in the air on jumping away. Shortly after the start "Stonekatz" attempted to buck for a short distance. Mr. J. McGreal, trainer of the horse, was notified that an official warning would be placed on "Stonekatz" for his behaviour today. At the entrance to the straight "Stonekatz" shifted out across the heels of "Lightning Strikes" to obtain a clear run.
Race 3 - CATHAY PACIFIC HOLIDAYS CLASS 1 HANDICAP - 1950 metres:
No report.
Race 4 - ASIA MILES MAIDEN PLATE - 1000 metres:
On jumping away "Myravale" was hampered when tightened for room between "Clearly Unique" and "Krikwell", which shifted out. Shortly after the start "Almighty Miss" was hampered when tightened for room between "Starry Miss" and "Prince Marengo", which shifted in. Near the 700m "Starry Mist" had to be eased when tightened for room by "Prince Marengo" which was taken in slightly by "Gold Rooney". Rounding the home turn "Myravale" hung out. At the entrance to the straight, "Call My King" was eased when disappointed for a run on the inside of "Starry Mist" when there was insufficient room. Approaching the winning post, "Starry Mist" had to be checked when disappointed for a run between "Prove It" and "Prince Marengo" due to both horses shifting ground slightly.
Race 5 - CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS OPEN HANDICAP - 1500 metres:
"Luxford" jumped away awkwardly and lost ground.
Race 6 - HONG KONG TOURIST BOARD FILLIES AND MARES CLASS 1 HANDICAP - 1000 metres:
"Sweet Gypsy Rose" was slow to begin. Near the 800m, "Kitayaa" had to be eased when racing tight between "Limerick Belle" and "El Mellina".
Race 7 - FLIGHT CENTRE FILLIES AND MARES CLASS 3 HANDICAP - 1200 metres:
Acting on a confirmed telephone call from Ms. B. Savio, trainer of "Adena Lass" who stated that the mare had injured its off hind leg and was unfit to run, the Stewards ordered the withdrawal of "Adena Lass" at 12.30pm. Ms. Savio will submit a Veterinary Certificate in respect of the mare. Shortly after the start "La Tonkiki" got its head up when being eased. Approaching the 600m, "Gold Duo" shifted out and brushed "Argegno". Rounding the home turn "Desert Cristi" was held up when unable to obtain a clear run. Shortly after straightening "Desert Cristi" had to be eased off the heels of "Gold Duo" which shifted in to obtain a run.
Race 8 - CORPORATE TRAVELLER MAIDEN PLATE - 1500 metres:
"Biscaval" was slow to begin. Near the 1200m, "Biscaval" was hampered when tightened for room by "Dubbilo's Heaven (NZ)" which shifted in away from "Ubiquitous". In the straight, "Amber Shore" shifted out under pressure and as a result, inconvenienced "Jungle Trail". D. Smith, rider of "Grand Beaver" which performed poorly, stated to the Stewards that the gelding travelled well in the early stages of the race, however, the failed to respond to his riding approaching the home turn. D. Smith added that on pulling up he believed "Grand Beaver" may have been lame in the near foreleg. A Veterinary examination of "Grand Beaver" subsequent to the race revealed no abnormalities.
SWAB SAMPLES: were taken from the winners of the following races: "Club Red" - Race 2; "Tessuto" - Race 4; "Fraar Diavolo" - Race 5"; "El Mellina" - Race 6; "Leicamondee" - Race 8.
Pre race swab samples were taken from six horses for post race analysis.
SUMMARY |
|
| FINES | B. Park (Race 7) - overweight ($100) |
| HORSE ACTIONS: | Race 3 - "Stonekatz" - warned. |