Sir Elton -the “Rocketman” delivers a stunning performance at Wyong

The Adam Duggan trained Sir Elton looks set for a promising career after recording his second successive win in smart time at Wyong’s Give Me 5 For Kids Charity Race Day.

Starting $1.65 favourite the three-year-old blitzed his opposition to win the CENTRAL COAST BULLDOGS MASTERS RUGBY LEAGUE CLASS 2 over 1100m by more than three lengths.

The Your Song gelding franked his debut win at Gosford on May 25 and had no problem making the step up from maiden to class 2.

Tommy Berry took Sir Elton to an early lead, before pulling away in the straight to record an eye-catching win.

Gosford based Duggan purchased Sir Elton as a yearling for $175,000 and races him with small syndicate.

“He’s a pretty smart horse and it’s exciting to see how far he can go,” Duggan said.

“I was a little bit nervous meeting this stronger field today but now I don’t know why I was.

“He’s as smart a horse as I’ve had, that probably doesn’t mean a lot but he’s good.

“It’s a month in between runs today, and I reckon he will improve again on this.”

Duggan said he will target a metropolitan race for Sir Elton’s next start.

Berry, who brought up a winning double in the race, was full of praise for Sir Elton.

“He looks pretty smart, he’s just a racehorse,” Berry said.

“Your Song has definitely stamped him. He’s a real good type with a lovely temperament.

“He beat them very easily today, so I think once they get the blinkers off and get him to switch off, they’ve got a very nice horse on their hands.

“He will easily go to better class races.”

Lashes ($4) trained by Matthew Smith was second, from Siege Warfare ($41) from the Todd Howlett stable.

The win was part of a winning treble for Berry, who shared the riding honours with Blake Shinn.

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In-form Blake Shinn shared the riding honours with Tommy Berry, both leading jockeys bagging a treble.

Shinn rode a double for Kris Lees and the third for Bjorn Baker.

Hong Kong bound Shinn is coming off a successful Brisbane Winter Carnival and will head back to the sunshine state this Saturday hoping to claim another Group 1 aboard Godolphin galloper Pohutukawa in the Tattersal’s Tiara.

He goes into the weekend full of confidence after booting home favourites Front Sight and Our Candidate for Lees, before he combined with Baker to take out the GIVE ME 5 FOR KIDS CHARITY CUP BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP on another short priced favourite Doctor Zous.

Lees produced an Australian Bloodstock stayer who will target metropolitan distance races in the winter and a Goree gelding who looks to have a bright future.

Front Sight was the first of the Lees winners, dominating the 1350m CASANOVA OYSTERS & SEAFOOD MAIDEN.

Blake Shinn believes the gelding is a good horse in the making.

The Star Witness three-year-old was sent out $1.14 favourite and justified the price with Shinn pulling away from the field in the final stages of the race winning by more than three lengths.

“This win will bring him a lot of confidence and he’s a very progressive horse,” Shinn said.

“He’s proven that he’s up to city class so we know he can handle that which is a good sign.

“There is certainly plenty of scope about him and he’s a big strong fella. The mind has just got to catch up with his size and strength.

“It was a good win. They made him earn it, but he was very strong to the line.”

Kris Lees, who trains the horse for Goree Stud, said Front Sight will be a nice horse.

“He’s still a bit raw but I think he’s a nice horse in the making,” he said.

“The Godolphin horse pressured him a bit on the corner but when Blake moved on him, he let down really well.

“I think he is a nice horse over the winter who will continue to improve.”

Front Sight beat Zakat ($9), with Judicator ($12) from the Gerald Ryan stable, third.

Imported stayer Our Candidate ($1.26) brought up his first Australian victory taking out the 2100m HUCKEL EXCAVATIONS 4YO&UP CLASS 1 & MAIDEN by almost two lengths.

The four-year-old was having his third Australian start having previously recorded one win over 2400m.

Lees said while the horse had been a bit further back than expected in the run, due jumping awkwardly, it was good to see him finish strongly.

“Blake had him in a stalking position to take up the running whenever it suited. I probably thought he was going to win a little bit easier. He’s still got a bit to learn, he floated a bit late but that will bring his mind into it,” he said.

“He’s a nice horse going forward. He will continue to improve off today.”

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Consistent three-year-old Zoustar ($2.10) had to survive a protest before claiming the 1350m Benchmark 64 and bringing up Shinn’s treble.

The Zoustar gelding, who brought up his third win from just seven starts, was coming off a second at Hawkesbury on June 9.

Shinn led throughout, fighting off a late run by Zoustar to win by a half-length.

Jack Bruce, representing trainer Bjorn Baker, who also trained a double on the program, praised the ride by Shinn.

“It was a good ride, ten out of ten. He’s an honest horse but the ride won him the race.

“Blake tried to hold him together as long as he could which was good because pulled up stumps at Hawkesbury with 50 to go, so it was good to see him do that today.

“He’s big, tough, honest and consistent so it’s more money in the bank and another good win.

“He makes his own luck. He’s up on the pace always and he’s got a good kick. He carried 61 today but will go up in grade now so might get a bit of weight relief.”

Zoustar beat Quick Finance ($6.50) trained by Kevin Moses, with Smiling Manolito ($10) from the Waller stable third.

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In Lighten Me was welcomed back to the enclosure by a large number of excited owners after taking out the HUNTER2COAST EQUINE SALT THERAPY 3YO MAIDEN at her first start in almost 12 months.

The Star Witness filly had some niggling issues that resulted in trainer Gerald Ryan giving her a lengthy spell.

She returned to work and was impressive at two trials, with punters sending her out $2.20 second favourite.

Sustained support for the Godolphin filly Arboreal saw her firm into $2.10 favourite shortly before they jumped.

Tommy Berry, who kicked off a treble with the victory, took an early lead on In Lighten Me and held out the fast finishing Arboreal on the line.

Stable representative Sterling Alexiou said it hadn’t been ideal to lead but Berry had been left with no choice.

“It wasn’t the best way to ride her, but Tommy rode her like the best horse in the race and took bad luck out of the equation,” he said.

“Her previous form suggests she will get further in time, so it was a pretty good job first up off a fairly decent lay off.

“I thought the second horse had her covered about 50m out, so Tommy did a good job to get her over the line.”

Berry said his only option had been to lead.

“It wasn’t our preferred option, but it was either there or three wide, so I just took the bull by the horns and got to the front.

“We got a nice easy time mid-race but she’s going to be a better horse when she can follow the speed. When the second horse came at me late, she fought it off strongly.

“It was first up today, and she’s got plenty of improvement and it’s great to see a big bunch of owners here at the provincials.”

In Lighten Me won by a nose, with Freedom’s Fire ($16) from the Perry stable third.

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Berry brought up his treble in the last riding Press Review ($2.40) to victory in the 1600m GO ELECTRICAL BENCHMARK 64.

Trained by Chris Waller the consistent Street Cry mare brought up her third win from 12 starts.

Clare Heuston, representing the stable, said the four-year-old still has a lot to learn.

“It was a gutsy win today and she’s still doing a few things wrong,” she said.

“When Tommy got her out, she still had a fair bit to do but she showed determination and got the job done.

“I think she will get over more ground too.”

Berry agreed the mare was still green.

“She is still not sure what to do. She found the line well today and will be a nice horse next preparation.”

Press Review beat Auburn Boy ($6) trained by Robert and Luke Price, with Sawtell ($8) from the Brett Dodson stable third.

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Another favourite greeted the judge in the BLITZ HOMES MAIDEN over 1000m with the Bjorn Baker trained Perigord ($3.10) proving too strong for his opposition.

Resuming from a spell, the I Am Invincible gelding was placed at all four starts last preparation and had looked smart in two trials.

Jockey Jay Ford took a sit toward the rear, rounding the field on the turn and drawing away in the straight to win by a length and a half.

Jack Bruce, representing trainer Bjorn Baker, said gelding the three-year-old had made a difference.

“He still provides us with a few headaches. We would of liked to have seen him go forward today but he’s got a good turn of foot and it was nice to see him put it all together.

“I’d like to think he can get to town now.

“I thought it was quite a soft win in the end. Jay didn’t really test him because he had the race won around the 200m. It’s good to see, he’s still got a lot to work on but he’s improving all the time.

“Well done to the owner Mervyn Wood who has been very patient. He bred it and owns it himself so hopefully he’ll be winning more races.”

Ford said Perigord had the makings of a very nice horse.

“Jack said the stable had always liked him and he’d shown good ability but that he can let himself down at times.

“Obviously having him gelded and resuming him over a very short trip did the trick.

“It was quite a dominant victory and hopefully a sign of good things and he can go on with it this preparation.”

The Joe Pride trained Zem Factor ($3.50) was second, with Godolphin’s $3.10 equal favourite Caesura, third.

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Robbie Dolan earned plenty of praise after a rail hugging ride secured victory for Deliya ($10) in the 1600m RJAY’S INSTALLATIONS-WINDOWS & DOORS MAIDEN.

The Eurozone filly trained by John Sargent was narrowly beaten over the 1350m at Wyong last start but atoned for that beating race favourite Grand Eagle ($2), from the Allan Denham stable, with Discombe ($2.50) third.

It looked to be a race in two with Grand Eagle and Discombe fighting it out in the straight before Dolan grabbed a split along the rails securing a narrow win.

“He does his homework this boy and it’s paid off for him today,” Campbell Ashby, representing the stable, said.

“The track in the last few weeks hasn’t been suiting sweepers as well and he was the first to pick up on it. It’s won him the race.

“The plan was to sit a little bit handier.

“Last start when he rode her here, she flashed home and ran third. He stuck to the same plan today and got the job done.

“She’s grown and is getting her act together now and I think the owners are in for a lot of fun.”

Ashby said they would look for a similar provincial grade race for Deliya.

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June News 2019 – Wyong Race Club

June News 2019 - Wyong Race Club 1

DA Approval for new PolyTrack plans for Wyong

Central coast council has approved Wyong Race Club’s Development Application (DA) to build the new $4m Poly training track that will enhance Wyong’s reputation as one of the leading Provincial training venues in Australia.

WRC PolyTrack

The application was files in December and finally approved on May 22, 2019.

The club has met with Racing NSW to finalise project plans and funding support. It is expected that tenders for the civil works attached to the project will be called in the next few weeks with work to commence in the next couple of months. 

Construction of the new all-weather training track is expected to take around 8 months.
CEO David Jewell explained that the new track will be built inside the two existing sand tracks and work can be progressed with little or no interruption to the daily training programme for the more than 200 horses that are trained here in the early hours of the morning throughout the year.

“The Polytrack will complement our existing facilities and with the Club’s horse pool, two effective sand tracks and access to the course proper out training facilities will be amongst the best available at any track outside of the metropolitan area.”

Polytrack has recently installed new all-weather training tracks at Hawkesbury and Randwick and are currently building a new track at Kembla. The benefit of the Polytrack training surface is that it is very forgiving for the horses, it is dust free, very adaptable and requires minimal daily maintenance and does not require any irrigation. A special wax coating and imported synthetic fibres are mixed with the sand to provide a very consistent ‘cushioned’ surface for the horses to gallop over. Trainers at Hawkesbury and Randwick are very positive about the new training Polytacks available there. 

Jewell said that “before the new Polytrack can be put down the Club will need to construct the base, which will involve a significant amount of earthworks to raise the level of the track to minimise the risk of future flooding as well as providing for the approopriate cross falls and cambers (slope from the outside of the outside of the track down to the rail) to assist with drainage and the galloping action of the horses in training, particularly around the bends. The Polytrack is very free draining, meaning track work can be held on a safe surface despite heavy rain.
The new Wyong Polytrack will be just over 1600m in circumference and 6m wide.
Stage Two of the Club’s Track and Training Master plan provides for the relocation of the workshop to the old VRA building on Rose Street, with the existing workshop being converted for additional concourse stabling. The club is also in discussion with Racing NSW around building new stabling at Wyong in the future, including the replacement of some of the existing older stable blocks.

Women In Racing Luncheon

Keep Tuesday 24 September free in your diary for our exciting new inaugural Women in Racing luncheon on this day. 

The event will be hosted by Sky Racing’s Lizzie Jelfs and Wyong Race Club style ambassador Sam Woods.

A panel of prominent Women In Racing will talk about their involvement in this wonderful industry. There will be entertainment and prizes to be won and the promise of a wonderful day out at Wyong races. Plus, all sponsors and ticket purchasers will be invited to be the Club’s guest for the movie premiere on the evening of Monday 23 September at Events Cinema, Tuggerah of the new feature film Ride Like A Girl – the Melbourne Cup winning jacket Michelle Payne’s story which opens nationwide on Thursday that week. Bookings to the Womens in Racing luncheon and the movie premiere are sure to sell out quickly. Get together with your friends and book online through our website now or contact the office for more details.

New Owners & Training Viewing Hut

As part of the Club’s Track and Training Master planning the Club has built a new three level trainers and owners viewing hut at the gap – the area where the horses enter and exit the training tracks in  the morning.

WRC Viewing Hut

The Club employs a Track Work Supervisor, Pat Cass, who is on duty from 4am each morning to oversee the movement of horses on and off the training tracks and closely monitor track work, which is usually held in the dark, to ensure safety procedures are being followed and warn track users should a fall occur or a horse gets loose.

The new trainers hut includes a dedicated room at the top for the track supervisor, which provides him with an uninterrupted view across all of the training tracks.

Trainers can monitor track work from the middle floor room, which is nearly three times the size of the old trainers’ hut and as well as boasting reverse cycle air conditioning for these chilly early morning starts, there is a kitchenette for an early morning coffee or a quick breakfast. There is also an outside covered deck for trainers and owners to view track work that has been built just over one metre lower than the trainers’ lounge floor, ensuring that those people on the deck do not obscure the vision of people inside. The new Trainers’ hut cost around $120,000 and was finished in early June.

2020 Membership Renewals

Members should have received their 2020 Club membership renewal reminder in the mail recently. Your current Membership expires 30 July, 2019 with the new financial year beginning 1 July. 

Members can now renew online, just remember to include your existing membership number. Members can also pay at the administration office during normal business hours, on raceday at the Raceday Office or by phoning the Club. Membership enquiries should be directed to Kylie McAlister or email info@wyongraceclub.com.au.

Your $55.00 membership (unchanged) includes free gate entry and Members Stand access for all 22 race days in 2019/20, together with a host of other benefits including 10% discount on drink purchasers on all race days, discounts on hospitality packages, regular updates and invites to special events and reciprocal membership privileges at other race meetings.
Don’t forget about our upcoming popular Members’ Raceday on Tuesday 23 July.  No bookings are required. You are invited to join us on the top floor Murray Doyle Lounge for the afternoon. There are heaps of prizes to be won, guest interviews, complimentary afternoon tea will be provided and 30% discount applies for all drinks purchased on the day on production of your Membership card. Members Day is always a very popular and well attended event. We hope you will be able to join us on that day. 

2019 Wyong Gold Cup Carnival launched

The countdown is on for the rich 2019 Wyong Gold Cup carnival in the first week  of September.

Our flagship $160,000 Carlton Draught Wyong Gold Cup will be run on Friday 6 September headlining a high class meeting boasting $520,000 in prizemoney including the Listed $140,000 Winning Commercial Mona Lisa Stakes for the fillies and mares. 

Cup Day hospitality packages for the top floor Murray Doyle Members’ luncheon will again sell out quickly. Book online or contact the Club for more details. The Club is delighted to welcome back Carlton & United Breweries as our major commercial partner. CUB have recently signed a new five year agreement with the Club. Fashions on the Field will be back and raceday hospitality bookings for our Gold Cup silk lined Trackside Marquee will also be on sale.

The 2019 Cup carnival opens with a subtle change in our marketing approach with our popular Sunday 1 September “Ladies Day” event being rebranded as our Star 104.5 Spring Celebration raceday this year.

The change reflects that we are racing this year on the first day of Spring and of course that mean’s it is going to be Father’s Day and what could be better than treating your man to a day out at the races?  

As well as our Murray Doyle Members Spring Celebration Father’s Day luncheon package, the Club has an exciting and fun packed day planned in our “Hello Spring” Pavilion. Hosted by Sam Woods, there will be live musical entertainment between races with the Ben Woodham duo, as well as a special guest appearance by the very colourful Kara Zmatiq, who is widely acclaimed as Australia’s best singing Drag Queen. Kara has performed on stage and in Clubs throughout Australia after gaining fame on Australia’s Got Talent, where she wowed the judges. 

You can dress to impress for our Style On Stage segment in the Hello Spring Pavilion with some great prizes as well as a very entertaining afternoon at the races on offer on the Sunday. 

June News 2019 - Wyong Race Club 2

John Waghorn Elected Chairman

John Waghorn has replaced Garry Whitaker as the Wyong Race Club Chairman after Garry stepped down from the Board at the end of May.

John Waghorn

John has been an elected member of the Board since November 2014 and had previously served on the Newcastle Jockey Club committee. A successful owner and an enthusiastic punter, prior to his retirement from full time work in 2011, John had worked in senior management roles at a number of local councils for over 25 years. His qualifications include both an Economics Degree and a Graduate Diploma in Management. John’s expertise lies in corporate governance, risk management, strategic planning and financial management. These are all areas where he has made a substantial contribution as a Director to the management of Wyong Race Club over the past four and a half years.
Under the Club’s constitution the Board cannot appoint a casual replacement for Garry Whitaker without holding an election. The Board has decided to operate with the six directors for now and will look to hold an election for a new director at the Annual General Meeting later this year.

Electrical Supply Upgrade

After almost 12 months review and planning the Club is ready to proceed with plans to remove all of the overhead power poles and lines that run from alongside the administration building, through the stabling area to the workshop.
Racing NSW is generously assisting with funding support for this project that will cost around $500,000 to complete. The mains power will now be taken from the substation underground including boring below the course proper and training tracks, through the infield of the racecourse and back under the track at the gap area. A new substation will be built alongside the new trainers hut and power will be supplied individually to each stable and the other buildings. The upgrade will eliminate the risk of the power supply being lost to all of the stables in the event that the existing overhead lines and or the old power poles ever came down.

Commute resumes for Tracey Bartley at Wyong

Tracey Bartley is tipping a good preparation for his speedy filly Commute who resumes in Thursday’s Class 2 over the 1100m at Wyong.

The three-year-old by Denman had four starts in her first preparation, posting a win over the same distance at Wyong second up.

Two of her runs were metropolitan mid-week races where she was far from disgraced and she ran fourth at Kembla on a heavy 9 track on March 23 before spelling.

Bartley has her primed for a strong first up performance after she trialled well over the 1000m at Gosford on June 4.

“It’s a very tough race on paper but she is really well, and I think she will run really well,” he said.

“Her trial was good and I’m really happy with her. She is really all ready to go.”

Bartley said he didn’t want a heavy 10 track but with the right conditions she should be in the finish.

“She’s won at Wyong last preparation and I think she is a really handy filly.

“I’ve got no doubt she will win in town. It’s just about placing her.”

Bartley is also keen to see Equilibrium step out for the first time over 1600m since joining his stable.

The five-year-old gelding started his racing career in New Zealand and had a stint in Victoria before transferring to Bartley early this year.

He believes Equilibrium, who was a last start winner at Cessnock over 1570m, has ability and is keen to get him up over more ground.

“I’m looking forward to seeing him over the mile, especially around his home track,” Bartley said

“He’s raced over 2000m previously and I think we will see the best of him when he gets up around that distance.

“He needs the mile now and I think he will race well.

“He’s getting around the place like he owns it at the moment. He’s a very happy horse. I’m sure he will run very well.”

Rounding up his trio of runners is Sapphires Son on debut in the 1000m Maiden Plate.

The Pluck gelding, who has trialled twice, will be ridden by apprentice Stacey Metcalfe who recently transferred from Wagga to Allan Denham.

Metcalfe has ridden 69 winners to date including a metropolitan win and Sapphires Son will be her first race on her new home track.

“I’m looking forward to seeing Stacey ride him. He’s trialled nice enough, but he panics a bit in his trials, so we’ve put a cross over nose band on him, and hopefully that will straighten him out.

“These provincial maidens can be pretty tough, but we just thought on the home track he’ll get around there. It’s an educational run for him really and what he does he should improve on.”

The first of eight races at the club’s Give Me 5 For Kids Charity Raceday gets underway at midday.

 

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 12.00pm: RJAY’S INSTALLATIONS-WINDOWS & DOORS MAIDEN HANDICAP (1600m): 1 DISCOMBE, 2 Grand Eagle, 3 Dominica Rose, 4 Deliya.

Race 2 – 12.40pm: HUNTER2COAST EQUINE SALT THERAPY 3YO MAIDEN HANDICAP (1100m): 1 ARBOREAL, 2 Freedom’s Fire, 3 Rifles, 4 Veloraad.

Race 3 – 1.20PM: CASANOVA OYSTERS & SEAFOOD MAIDEN PLATE (1350m): 1 FRONT SIGHT, 2 Under The Pump, 3 Our Celtic Star, 4 Heimberg.

Race 4 – 1.55pm: BLITZ HOMES MAIDEN PLATE (1000m): 1 CAESURA, 2 Perigord, 3 Caribbean Kisses, 4 Zem Factor.

Race 5 – 2.35pm: HUCKEL EXCAVATIONS 4YO&UP CLASS 1 & MAIDEN PLATE (2100m): 1 OUR CANDIDATE, 2 Mushroom Rock, 3 Dreamfyre, 4 Nardini Song.

Race 6 – 3.10pm: CENTRAL COAST BULLDOGS MASTERS RUGBY LEAGUE CLASS 2 HANDICAP (1100m): 1 VERLAN, 2 Lashes, 3 Commute, 4 Sir Elton.

Race 7 – 3.45pm: GIVE ME 5 FOR KIDS CHARITY CUP BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1350m): 1 DOCTOR ZOUS, 2 Battle Cry, 3 Quick Finance, 4 Smiling Manolito.

Race 8 – 4.20pm: GO ELECTRICAL BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1600m): 1 AUBURN BOY, 2 Saving, 3 Press Review, 4 Equilibrium.

 

 

Christmas in July

Wyong Races Christmas in July

Christmas comes early this year! Capture the spirit of Christmas this winter by joining in on the fun at this year’s special Wyong Races Christmas in July event! The races will take place on Saturday 13th of July 2019 and everyone is welcome!

At Wyong Race Club, the fun never ends! This special event is designed to bring out the child in each and every one of us;  the perfect outing for families looking to celebrate winter in style, or groups that are keen to dress up and embrace Christmas at winter time. Celebrating Christmas only once a year is just not enough!

Tickets

The gates will open at 11am. Make sure that you arrive early to avoid a queue. You can purchase your tickets online, or at the Raceday Office. Children enter for free, so make a weekend out of it and bring the whole family with you!

Members can easily bring friends along by purchasing a members stand guest pass for only $10. Enjoy spectacular views of our beautiful course from the Paul Levick Stand.

Red hats, Christmas trees, decorated branches, colourful garlands, and good vibes, Wyong Race Club’s Christmas in July is all about bringing communities and families together. It’s a time of celebration and appreciation; an annual event filled with joy and laughter.

Party Pavilion Christmas in July Luncheon Package

The Party Pavillion Christmas in July Package will help you celebrate a cool Christmas in style. This fully themed party will take place in the Party Pavillion venue, which is perfectly located in front of the parade ring and winning post. Enjoy great food as you watch the horses cross the finish line.

Our Parade Ring Pavilion is the number one venue for the ultimate Christmas celebration. It will be beautifully decorated to inspire and capture the true spirit of Christmas; the perfect place to relax, enjoy the races and taste top-quality food. Larger groups and families are more than welcome!

By purchasing a Party Pavillion Christmas in July package, you’re granted full access to all of the day’s races. You also benefit from reserved seating and should you need anything, you will have an official racebook in hand.

Our divine Christmas-style buffet with dessert and a beer or wine will please even the most demanding of palates. Live entertainment and MC between races will keep the party going!

The Party Pavilion Christmas in July package is selling out faster than anticipated, so make sure you purchase yours now! Priced at just $100 for members and $110 for non-members.

Magic Millions Christmas in July Luncheon Package

The Magic Million Christmas in July package comes with a superb Christmas-style buffet luncheon with dessert at the spectacular Magic Millions VIP room. Enjoy stunning views of the track from the Member’s Stand entry.

Christmas is never complete without a little bit of magic. The Magic Millions VIP Room was renovated in 2016 and is designed to create a light and airy environment with wall-to-wall windows and abundant light. With plenty of room to accommodate hundreds of guests and many elaborate festive decorations, the Magic Millions VIP Room will be filled with life and activity on the second Saturday of July this year.

Let go and relax in an inviting and festive environment. The Magic Millions Christmas in July Package includes gate and Member’s Stand entry, racebook, and reserved seating for you and your guests or family. Aside from an exceptional Christmas buffet, you’ll also be able to purchase beer,

wine and soft drinks from the Magic Millions Bar.

An official race guide will keep you updated on what’s happening on the racecourse. You will also have access to the cash bar and TAB facilities to ensure that all your racing needs are met.

The Magic Millions Christmas in July Luncheon Packages are bound to sell out fast so make sure you reserve your table today! Priced at just $50 for members and $60 for non-members.
Book your tickets here!

Fun Activities for the Whole Family

What springs to mind when you hear the word Christmas? Family time? Fun? We want every family member to be able to enjoy their visit here at Wyong Race Club. Wyong Races Christmas in July is all about celebrating precious moments with the ones we love.

Children love our Jumping Castle. Entry is free for kids (under 18). Watch as they jump away for hours on end, complete with a huge smile on their face. Let them get creative by taking part in one of our free face painting sessions; another sure way to keep children busy and entertained!

If they get hungry from all the jumping and running, you can treat them to delicious snacks and nutritious meals available within our premises. A snack and a refreshing soft drink from our bar will keep their energy levels high for the rest of the afternoon!

Become a Sponsor

We only celebrate Christmas twice a year so make it count! For $1,650, you can become our sponsor and name a single supporting race on one of the feature racedays during the 2019-2020 season.

The name that you pick will be listed in daily newspapers and on all form guides. It will also be on Tab screens and on all SKY Racing productions.

Buying a sponsorship package automatically unlocks our exclusive VIP Luncheon Package for each one of your 10 guests. The superb seasonal buffet will consist of seafood, carvery, salads, vegetables and dessert (plus an exclusive 5-hour bar package).

Sponsorships at Wyong Race Club come with amazing advertising opportunities. Your logo will be displayed right here on our website, and you’ll be mentioned in our social media channels. You’ll also have the chance to enter the winner’s circle to meet and greet your race winners.

Learn more about the 2019-20 single race sponsorship opportunities, or secure naming rights to the whole day here!

Are you ready to experience Christmas like never before? Wyong Races Christmas in July is the perfect opportunity to embrace Christmas in a festive winter setting. With many exciting races to watch, two special Luncheon Packages to choose from, and plenty of on-site entertainment, this is a raceday that you just won’t want to miss!

Purchase your Luncheon Package for Wyong Races Christmas in July before tickets run out.
Click here to book now and reserve your seats!


Wyong’s Damien Lane gets great result with Oakfield Gettem

Wyong's Damien Lane gets great result with Oakfield Gettem 3

Damien Lane’s confidence in his filly Oakfield Gettem was warranted after the three-year-old scored an impressive win in the 1100m www.TAB.COM.AU Maiden Handicap.

Lane had predicted the filly would atone for her previous start at Gosford where she finished toward the rear of the field.

“I always knew she had ability and I think she could be pretty smart,” he said.

By Dream Ahead, Oakfield Gettem showed good gate speed to lead the small field from start to finish.

Jockey Tim Clarke rated the filly perfectly and she kicked away in the straight, fighting off challengers to win by more than a length.

“She was impressive today. We thought she’d do that at Gosford last start, but she knuckled down out of the gates and Grant Buckley said she frightened herself when that happened,” he said.

“She got her breathing out of whack, so we put the tongue tie on today.

“Timmy rode her really good. He got her to the front, rated her well and she showed a good kick.”

Lane said with time he expected the filly would get over more ground.

“I think she’s a filly with a bit of a future. When she learns to settle, she’s going to run 1200 to 1400m.

“It’s good to get a winner for Mr Mackenize, he puts a lot of horses into our stable.”

Oakfield Gettem ($10), raced by Bruce Mackenzie, defied a strong betting drift to beat the Godolphin runner Kattegat ($3.10), with Skillet ($4) from the Waller stable, third.

The filly has now had a win and second at Newcastle from three starts.

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It’s been a long time between winners for former champion jockey Malcolm Johnston, who finally broke a two-season drought to train Golden Creek to victory in the WRC MEMBERSHIP ONLY $55 4YO&UP Maiden.

It was the 2015/2016 season when Johnston last tasted success with two winners.

He trains a small team of horses from his Hawkesbury base, and relied on the services of his close friend jockey Corey Brown to pilot the four-year-old to victory.

Brown settled Golden Creek on the rails just behind the leaders before taking a gap on straightening and drawing away to score an impressive two and a half length win.

A $75,000 Magic Millions yearling purchase, Golden Creek has been racing consistently this preparation and was coming off a third at Hawkesbury on May 23.

Johnston, who was at the Wellington meeting with another runner, said it was the ideal race for Golden Creek and everything came together.

“His form has been pretty good of late and he ran into the right sort of maiden today.

“It was the perfect distance, a great ride by Corey and he just won. He was too good for them.

“Sometimes it happens like that which is great.”

Golden Creek beat the Perry trained High Flight ($4.40), with Dominica Rose ($3.70) from the Anthony Cummings stable, third.

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Brown made it a winning double when he partnered promising newcomer Pinvincible ($2.30) to victory in the 1350m WYONG JUNE 20 CG&E Class 2.

Trained by Tim Martin, the Pins gelding made the step up from maiden to class two in impressive style.

The three-year-old was sent out $2.30 favourite on the strength of his impressive Hawkesbury debut win on April 9.

Despite looking under pressure on the turn, the gelding responded to strong riding by Brown and pulled away on the line to win by more than a length.

Pinvincible was a $45,000 purchase from the New Zealand Select Yearling sales.

He looks to have a promising future on the strength of his first unblemished record after two starts.

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Debutant Spartan ($19) upset some of the more fancied runners to take out the 1350m DE BORTOLI WINES Maiden.

Trained by Gerald Ryan, the Olympic Glory two-year-old, hadn’t caught the eye in two recent trials, but responded to a good front running ride by James Innes Jnr to win by a long neck.

Ryan said despite the trials he had been confident the horse would run in the top three.

“I told the owners he’d be top three, and he proved me right,” he said.

“He wasn’t suited by the distance in his trials. He got back and ran on, but I knew he would be better over the 1350m.

“The plan today was to go forward and be up among the leaders and James rode him that way. We didn’t think there would be a lot of speed on and that’s the way it panned out.”

Ryan said Innes had ridden Spartan in his three trials, jump outs and track gallops.

“He can be a bit of a character and that’s why I wanted James on him today. He knows him well and rode to instructions.

“We gave $180,000 as a yearling and while he hasn’t grown a lot, I think he does have ability.

“The end goal is to get him up to around 1600m and that is where we will see him at his best.

“He isn’t city class yet, so I’ll look for another suitable provincial race.”

The outsider of the field, Under The Pump ($81) from the Perry stable, was second, with Deliya ($17) trained by John Sargent, third.

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Josh Parr proved why he is the punters favourite at Wyong with a clever ride securing victory for Killer Instinct in the 2100m OVER THE LINE RACING Class 1 & Maiden.

In what was a textbook Parr ride, he took off from near the rear of the field at around the 800m mark to put the Animal Kingdom filly in fifth spot just behind the leaders.

He took her to the front on straightening and was able to fight off a late challenge by Elaborate to secure a narrow victory.

Tom Charlton, representing the O’Shea stable, described Killer Instinct as a “progressive, staying filly.”

“She should be ready to make her mark in town now,” Charlton said.

“It was a good result of the team today. Josh rode her well.

“It was a pretty messy race and he had to make ground at a difficult time.”

Charlton said the filly, who was a $320,000 yearling, had suffered a setback following her Kembla run with cardiac arrythmia.

“Since then she has been really good. She was unlucky on that second start but the last two starts she has been really good.”

Parr agreed the filly had done a great job after he’d been forced to make two runs on her.

“It’s not easy for any class of horse to do that. I wasn’t happy with the horse I was following early and knew I had to do something about it around the 800m mark.

“Then I was able to sit off the leaders and make another run late in the race.

“She’s a progressive filly and really appreciated the distance.”

Elaborate ($4.80) from the Freedman stable was second, with the Waterhouse/Bott trained Elcano ($10), third.

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Apprentice Cejay Graham put on another good front running ride in the 1100m FAREWELL GARRY WHITAKER BENCHMARK 64 to secure victory for the Perry stable with Quick Nick ($11).

Graham, who recently transferred from Port Macquarie to the Snowden stable, brought up another provincial winner on the Choisir gelding.

She had partnered the three-year-old at his last start at Gosford when he finished last in a field of seven.

Nathan Perry, representing his father Paul, said it was a “peach of a ride,” by the young apprentice.

“Cejay rode him really well,” he said.

“She rated him well and got the job done. She let him come across and he gave a good kick and won well.

“He settled better today. She thought she dug him up too much at Gosford so didn’t do that today. It was a peach of a ride.”

It was the second Wyong win for Quick Nick in just over a month and Perry said they would have to look for another race for him on the track.

“He loves Wyong this fella,” he said.

Quick Nick, who brought up his fourth career win from 15 starts, beat the Lees trained Only Wanna Sing ($5), by a length and a half, with the $1.80 favourite Dame Kiri, trained by Allan Denham, a close third.

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A winning double to Jay Ford who took out the 1350m GREAT NORTHERN ON TAPE F&M Class 2 on Positive Peace ($11).

Ford sat just behind the leader throughout the race, taking the Stratum filly to the lead around the 100m mark, where she pushed on to score a tough win.

Trained by Bjorn Baker, Positive Peace, a $260,000 yearling, brought up her third win from six starts.

Stable foreman Jack Bruce was full of praise for the ride.

“It was a really good ride by Jay Ford to mark himself urgent and get to that position but then still conserve energy at stages and put her into the race at the right time,” Bruce said.

“It was a really well-judged ride and well deserved for this filly.”

Bruce said Positive Peace was an improving filly.

“She’s a filly that showed us a lot early but then had bad draws in her first couple of starts.

“She’s always needed time and Bjorn has done that with her which is good.

“She’s a well-bred filly that Steve Gillard brought for us so it’s good to get a win for him.”

The Tracey Bartley trained Joigney ($4.40), fought on strongly for second, with Press Review ($16) from the Waller stable, third.

Ford scored earlier in the day on the Brian Gentle trained Magic Town ($9.50), who took out the 1000m CANADIAN CLUB MAIDEN PLATE.

The Magnus gelding, trained at Orange, scored a tough debut win courtesy of a good ride by Jay Ford.

He settled the four-year-old gelding third and was able to run down the two leaders in the straight to score by a half-length.

Tell No Tales ($4.20), trained by Matthew Smith was a half-length behind in second, with Godolphin runner Caesura ($4), third.

Damien Lane hoping to be back in the winners’ circle at Wyong

Damien Lane is hoping for a strong finish to what has been a frustrating season for the Wyong based trainer.

Lane has saddled up 22 winners to date in 2018/2019, and while he looks set to beat last seasons total of 26 winners, things could have been a whole lot better with an ounce of luck.

“I’ve had nearly 40 seconds and if that would have been 30 wins and 30 placings it would have been a great season. That’s just luck in the draw and little things here and there but we’ll just keep ticking along and hopefully we can finish off strongly,” he said.

“We have a few more horses on our books, including some young ones which is exciting for the future.”

Lane has three runners at Thursday’s Winter Warm Up race day and believes they are all chances.

“I think they can all go well, and it would be great to another winner or two on the home track,” he said.

Lane would love to see Johnny Roo Boy greet the judge in the 1100m Benchmark 64 for long time owners the Hirsch family from Victoria.

His first winner Benny Blue Eyes in 2012 was for the late Jack and Eddie Hirsch and he went on to train Pirate Ben for them who has won eight races, including three metropolitan wins and a Taree Cup.

“They’ve been my longest owners and I’ve got eight of their horses in work at the moment,” Lane said. “They’ve been good to me and it’s always good to get a winner for them.

“Johnny Roo Boy is a bit older now and took a couple of runs to get fit, but his last run was really good. He drew wide and got caught wide for the trip. “Jason Collett rode him, and he thought had he drawn a gate he would have been right there in the finish. With the rain that’s come it will be even better because he likes a wet track and he’ll get a claim with Chris Williams.”

Lane also expects three-year-old Dream Ahead filly Oakfield Gettem to be a strong chance in the 1100m Maiden Plate.

Having just her third race start, the three-year-old was well beaten at Gosford last start but Lane said there were excuses.

“She went really well at her first start on debut at Newcastle and finished second,” he said.

“At Gosford she knuckled down out of the gates and Grant Buckley said she took fright when that happened, over raced and was left wanting at the finish.

“Going on her first start she’s will to be right in it. She’s been working well, and we’ve put a tongue tie on her, which won’t hurt her.”

“I accepted in the 1000m and 1100m but think the 1100m is an easier option, she’s drawn one and Tim Clark will ride her.”

Completing Lane’s trio of runners is former Darley galloper Cajun Music, who lines up in the 2100m Class 1 and Maiden.

The Bernadini gelding was purchased by a syndicate who previously raced Patinage with Lane and while he admits the three-year-old has been disappointing he’s not ready to throw in the towel.

“The boys bred with Patinage and she’s had a foal, and is in foal again,” he said. “They wanted something to play around with until her foals get to the races, so we bought this horse off Darley.

“He hasn’t lived up to expectations, but I haven’t given up on him because he needs to mature and get over a distance.

“He’s a horse that wants two miles, an out and out one batter, but I think getting up to 2100m will suit him and he should be able to run some sort of race.

“Serg (Lisnny) will ride him and he will suit the sting out of the ground too, so I give him a chance.”

 

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 12pm: WWW.TAB.COM.AU MAIDEN HANDICAP (1100m): 1 ALART THE PRESS, 2 Skillet, 3 Oakfield Gettem, 4 Miss Kokkinakis.

Race 2 – 12.35pm: CANADIAN CLUB MAIDEN PLATE (1000m): 1 CAESURA, 2 Magic Town, 3 Tell No Tales, 4 Brazen Saint.

Race 3 – 1.10pm: WRC MEMBERSHIP ONLY $55 4YO&UP MAIDEN HANDICAP (1600m): 1 HIGH FLIGHT, 2 Dominica Gold, 3 Golden Creek, 4 Braidwood Gold.

Race 4 – 1.50pm: DE BORTOLI WINES MAIDEN PLATE (1350m): 1 HIDDEN HILLS, 2 Heimberg, 3 I’m Kate, 4 Monterey Lad.

Race 5 – 2.25pm: OVER THE LINE RACING CLASS 1 & MAIDEN PLATE (2100m): 1 KILLER INSTINCT, 2 Our Candidate, 3 Prince Camelot, 4 Loves To Rock.

Race 6 – 3.05pm: FAREWELL WRC CHAIRMAN GARRY WHITAKER BM 64 HANDICAP (1100m): 1 ONLY WANNA SING, 2 Quick Nick, 3 Siege Warfare, 4 Dame Kiri.

Race 7 – 3.40pm: GREAT NORTHERN ON TAP F&M CLASS 2 HANDICAP (1350m): 1 BELLA DE VEGA, 2 Singing Sand, 3 Romantic Whisper, 4 Gloriosa.

Race 8 – 4.20pm: WYONG NEXT MEETING THURSDAY JUNE 20 CG&E CLASS 2 HANDICAP (1350m): 1 RULING SYMBOL, 2 Pinvincible, 3 Rheingua, 4 Bugalugs.