Women in Racing Panel Lineup Revealed

Women in Racing Panel Lineup Revealed 1

The all female panel for the 24 September, Women in Racing Raceday has been confirmed with the likes of Debbie Kepitis and Lizzie Jelfs who are among the biggest names in the racing industry. Just check out the lineup below.The panel discussion is a ticketed only event on Women in Racing Raceday and includes all entry ticketing, reserved seating, lunch and more.Visit our Women in Racing event page for full details.


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Sky Racing’s LIZZIE JELFS will interview guests throughout the afternoon and co-host the event. English born Racing expert Lizzie Jelfs is well known for her very popular WOMEN IN RACING television series on Sky and she has a wonderful eye for horses with her best from the parade ring selections on Saturday’s tipping the punters into lots of winners.


Women in Racing Panel Lineup Revealed 3As one of the part owners of world champion race mare Winx DEBBIE KEPITIS has been on an amazing ride over the last few years. Her love for racing, her enthusiasm and her great passion for our industry has made Debbie a household name here. Debbie and her owners endeared themselves to all of Australia by sharing their Winx experiences with us all.


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Channel Seven Sports and Racing reporter MICHELLE BISHOP is a long time Central Coast resident who travels throughout Australia in her frontline job for the Channel 7 network. As well as her State of Origin reporting duties and regular slot on the Sunrise breakfast show, Michelle has also documented the Winx story and covered the major Sydney racing carnivals.  From time to time she also pops down to watch track work here at Wyong as well.


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Racing NSW’s Media and Communications Executive JULIANNE HORSMAN wear many hats. Julianne has thousands of social media followers attending most Saturday race meetings as well as travelling to a lot of the major country and provincial racing carnivals. Julianne also helped establish Racing NSW’s very successful YPR (Young Professionals in Racing) providing unique and vibrant raceday events and new opportunities for young Sydney people to become more engaged with our industry.


Women in Racing Panel Lineup Revealed 6Women in Racing Panel Lineup Revealed 7Wyong is fortunate to have two of the more successful women trainers in Australia based right here with both KIM WAUGH and KRISTEN BUCHANAN featuring among the leading trainers in NSW. Kim Waugh’s growing stable and regular success in Sydney has seen her runners earn almost $2 million prizemoney this year. Kristen Buchanan is only a couple of wins behind Kim on the Wyong Trainer’s premiership and the pair are well clear of the boys. Kristen’s hands on approach and astute placement of her horses.


Women in Racing Panel Lineup Revealed 8

Wyong style ambassadors SAM and JORDI will delight you with their quirky, modern thinking and unique styling experience. They will have thousands of dollars in prizes to give away and will be share with you the latest tips with an onstage style makeover session.


Click to view the Women in Racing Raceday info

English import Succendam impressive in winning his Maiden at Wyong

English import Succendam has stamped himself as a future stayer storming home over the top of his opposition for a strong win at only his second start.

The Kim Waugh trained gelding was purchased for $40,000 as a yearling in England by former jockey Paul King, the head of Orbis Bloodstock’s Australian arm.

He debuted at Scone on July 22 finishing second to Call Me Mo, but Waugh said he was very unlucky on the day after being held up for a run on the turn.

“He really should have won at Scone and would have been two from two now,” Waugh said.

“We came her pretty confident today and he didn’t let us down.

“He is still very new and very green, but he is going to grow into a lovely horse. He has really come a long way this preparation. He’s really tall and leggy and acting like a real stayer.

“To do what he has done in his first two starts has been very impressive. We sort of knew Wyong wasn’t going to be the perfect track for him, but it fitted in to what we wanted to do. He overcame all that and was still looking around a bit but was good enough.”

Avdulla, who brought up a winning double with Succendam, said there was still plenty of improvement to come.

“He ran well. There was a bit more early speed than I thought, so I just grabbed hold of him and got him to switch off. From the 1200m he was too relaxed, I think it is just immaturity at the moment.

“At one stage I wasn’t sure I was going to get there and then when he hit the front around the bend, he got a bit lost. It was good win and there is plenty of upside there.”

Waugh said she might give the four-year-old one more start before putting him out for a spell.

The victory continues the good start Waugh has had with Orbis Bloodstock, with two wins and a second from three starters in less than a fortnight.

Succendam ($2.35eqfav) took out the 1600m RAPID CLEAN CENTRAL COAST MAIDEN by a half-length, from Elotrolado ($16) trained by Evan Holland, with Fast Talking ($11), from the Graham Brown stable, third.

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A lovely ride by in-form apprentice Sam Clenton gave Tracey Bartley a winning start to the season with Defeat ($5) taking out the 1100m H & H CATERING BM64.

The I Am Invincible gelding has been plagued by problems, but Bartley seems to have found the key with the four-year-old’s return to the winner’s circle.

“Sam put him on the spot, it was a great ride,” Bartley said.

“I really thought he needed the run today so it’s encouraging to see him win. He’s a big gross horse and he had two gallops this week and worked really good the second time.

“She put him right there and let the two leaders go. It was a nice run and he’s got plenty of improvement.

“He’s a nice horse but we’ve had plenty of trouble keeping him sound. It’s not his joints, it’s been his feet, or he’s torn a muscle over his hind quarter twice.

“Other than that, he’s a really nice horse and hopefully he can just keep going forward now.”

It was the second win from six starts for Defeat, a $150,000 yearling, who beat The Patrician ($5.50) from the Robert Pearse stable, with Coffs Harbour galloper I’m A Jet ($7.50) trained by Mick O’Neill, third.

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Tim Clark believes Bold And Wild could follow in the footsteps of his famous mother and get up to 2000m after his dominant win in the 1350m H & H GROUP 4YO&UP MAIDEN.

By Redoute’s Choice, the well-bred gelding was having only his third start and put six and a half lengths on his opposition.

Clark settled Bold And Wild midfield, before looming up on the turn and drawing away in the straight.

The four-year-old is out of Once We Wild, who took out the 2010 AJC Oaks, and is raced by the same connections including John Singleton.

Clark, who brought up a race to race double with the win, said Bold And Wild could well follow the same path as his mum.

“He’s a nice horse. He hadn’t a run for a long time the other day and has obviously made good improvement,” he said.

“He did everything right today.

“He’s out of an Oaks mare and I think he will get up to 2000m. He was too good for them.”

Steve McLean, representing trainer Bjorn Baker, said it was a big win.

“John Singleton and Strawberry Hill Farm are big supporters of the stable and have given us this well-bred gelding who looks like he might go on with it now.

“He put them away easily in the end and has shown us today what he’s been doing in trackwork. It’s good to get the duck off his back.”

Bold And Wild ($2.90) beat the $1.95 race favourite Prospero, from the Waterhouse/Bott stable, with Monterey Lad ($6.50), third.

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Martha Cave was full of praise for her husband Paul and jockey Grant Buckley after The Cartoonist ($10) upset some of the more favoured runners to win the 1600m FRESKO FRUIT CONDITIONAL BM70.

The Lucas Cranach gelding has strong staying genes, but Cave said they now realised he was more ideally suited to the 1600m.

“We tried him a couple of times over 1800m and it just didn’t work for one reason or another,” Cave said.

“His last win was at Nowra over a mile in a similar sort of race. He was fit and ready to run today and a mile really seems to be his distance.

“It was a great training effort by Paul and great to see him get to the line so well.

“He’s home bred, home reared and home broken. He’s a real family affair.”

Cave said Buckley had done a “great job” on The Cartoonist.

“He had him beautifully settled throughout the race and there was a good tempo on which suits him. He pulled him out on to the better going and it was terrific to see him finish like that.”

The Bjorn Baker trained Positive Peace ($4.80) was second, a head behind the winner, with Grant Allard’s $4.20 favourite Zoffany’s Lad, third.

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The Snowden trainer Sangita ($3.80fav) is headed back to metropolitan grade after an eye-catching first up win in the 1200m SOMERSBY GARDENS ESTATE CLASS 1.

Giving Tim Clark a winning treble, Sangita came from just off the speed to storm down the straight and win by more than a length.

Colum McCullogh, representing the stable, said it was a terrific return by the Sebring filly, an $800,00 yearling purchase.

“Everything went to plan today. Tim gave her a beautiful ride and it was nice to see her put her best foot forward first up,” he said.

“She looked like the winner at the top of the turn. Timmy stalked them the whole way and he obviously had a lot of horse under him.

“I was a little bit worried when he went out wide, but her fitness and ability shone through.

“Fingers crossed she will keep getting better. She is on her way back into the metropolitan grade now. Peter and Paul have done a great job with her and hopefully it’s all steam ahead from here.”

McCullogh said it was likely Sangita would head to a mid-week metro race.

The Evan Holland trainer Allez Rev ($4.80) was second, with Clarry Connors Kariba ($8), third.

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My Sweet Fish might be pint sized but the Shamus Award filly made short work of her opponents to take out the CARLTON DRAUGHT 3YO MAIDEN over 1350m.

Trained by John Sargent and ridden by Tim Clark, the $45,000 yearling purchase came from behind before being eased out on straightening and drawing away on the line to win by a length.

“It was a nice run,” Clark said. “They found a suitable race and she showed a nice turn of foot.

“There is not much of her but she’s a genuine filly and quickened up well. It was a nice effort.”

Shane Goodwin, said the filly was ‘only tiny’ but had a ton of speed.

“Last start she was four deep the entire trip with no luck at all. She really put them away today.

“I’d say John will just take her through her grades now.”

My Sweet Fish ($3), beat the $2.80 favourite Kuzco Lad, from the Waterhouse/Bott stable, with Divine Dream ($101) three lengths behind in third.

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An impressive debut win by the Richard and Michael Freedman trained Splendid Surprise ($1.65) taking out the DE BORTOLI 4YO&UP MAIDEN by four and a half lengths.

The Showcasing gelding, having only his third start, was given an armchair ride by Brenton Avdulla, maintaining the lead throughout the 1100m.

The four-year-old, out of an Exceed and Excel mare, had been placed on the metropolitan circuit at both his previous starts.

He was sent out short priced favourite and didn’t disappoint.

Benjamin Monnier, representing the Freedman stable, said it was an impressive win.

“We thought he would race well today, and he did,” he said.

“The track was a bit too firm when he raced at Warwick Farm. He likes a soft track, and this really suited him today.

“Getting back in distance to the 1100m was also good. He was a bit keen last start, and Brenton was able to lead him roll along in front today.

“We will see how he pulls up. It’s likely he could go back to town now, but Michael will make that decision.”

Splendid Surprise beat the Portelli trained Mikhail ($51), with Eighth Immortal ($6) from the Tim Martin stable, third.

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Another nice return by the Gerald Ryan trained Beaufort Park ($5.50) to take out the 1350m GOLDFISH BAR & KITCHEN BM 64.

It was a pick up ride for Andrew Gibbons, with Ryan praising the jockey with whom he has had a long association.

“Andrew has ridden a lot for me in the past, we go back a long, long way and when the opportunity arises, I like to get him on,” Ryan said.

“When Nash couldn’t make it, I got Andrew and he did a great job.”

Beaufort Park was a $2000 yearling but has already put together three wins from six starts and more than $43,000 in prizemoney.

“He’s a horse I’ve always had an opinion of,” Ryan said.

“He did a few things wrong last time in but since he’s been back in work, he’s doing most things right now.

“He’s come back a much nicer three-year-old.

“It was a great ride and Andrew had him in a perfect position.”

Beaufort Park is by Warhead, a horse trained by Ryan for the same owner Les Cowell.

In a close finish beat Kristen Buchanan’s $3.90 favourite Neruda, with Far North ($19) trained by Jeremy Everson, third.

New 2019/20 Racing season kicks off at Wyong this Friday

Kylie Gavenlock hopes to start the new racing season with a bang.

The Gosford based trainer has three runners entered for Friday’s H & H Group Race Day and believes all have genuine chances.

“We’ve had a pretty quiet season for various reasons, but I think the new season will be much bigger,” Gavenlock said.

“We have quite a few nice young ones coming through and they all look handy.

“It would be nice to start with a winner and I’m hoping one or more of the Wyong runners can do that.”

Gavenlock saddles up consistent filly Lightning Alley in the Class 1 over 1200m.

The Magic Albert three-year-old is resuming from a spell after putting together a win and three placings in her first preparation.

She looked to have returned to good order finishing second in a trial at Wyong on July 26.

“She had a lovely preparation first time in and trialled nicely last Friday,” Gavenlock said.

“I think she’s up to this class and possibly metropolitan a bit further down the track. The right day, the right race I think she could get away with a city win.

“She’ll probably end up getting 1400m, possibly a mile next year if she settles down a bit.

“I’m very happy with the way everything is going with her.”

Gavenlock is interested to see the progress of Little Nikkas, a new addition to the stable, in the 1100m Benchmark 64.

Previously trained in Queensland by Michael Kosta, the four-year-old mare has had a win and three placings from four starts.

“She had a couple of soundness issues, so the owners decided to send her down to me to have a go.

“I had a lot of luck with her brother, Nikkas ‘N’ A Twist. He won five out of 20 starts and was very progressive but he hurt himself badly one night and wasn’t able to race on.

“The mare trialled okay but in saying that I don’t thinks she’s a real sprint horse. We will step her up after this race, I think she will be like her brother. He got over a mile and we thought he’d get up to 2000m.

“At this stage everything is good with her and she has raced well first up previously.”

Gavenlock has a high opinion of Estroverto, who resumes in the 1100m 4YO & Up Maiden Plate.

“He’s a nice horse on his way. He’s will be better suited over 1300m to 1400m. He had a lovely trialled, went really well and drawing a nice barrier with him will help.”

Estroverto, a Pierro gelding raced by the Kolivos family, has been placed at Newcastle and Hawkesbury in his nine starts.

The Waugh stable is confident about the chances of Orbis Bloodstock three-year-old Succendam, who was runner up on debut at Scone over 1300m.

Waugh said the imported gelding had no luck in the Scone race and should have won. He looks well suited in the 1600m Maiden with Brenton Avdulla in the saddle.

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 12.30pm: DE BORTOLI 4YO&UP MAIDEN PLATE (1100m): 1 SPLENDID SURPRISE, 2 Estroverto, 3 Super Pins, 4 Mikhail.

Race 2 – 1.05pm: CARLTON DRAUGHT 3YO MAIDEN PLATE (1350m): 1 ANTARTIC OCEAN, 2 Kuzco Lad, 3 Manhattan Marvel, 4 Capitoline Lady.

Race 3 – 1.40pm: H & M GROUP 4YO&UP MAIDEN HANDICAP (1350m): 1 PROSPERO, 2 Bold and Wild, 3 Heir Presumptive, 4 Nijinska.

Race 4 – 2.20pm: RAPID CLEAN CENTRAL COAST MAIDEN HANDICAP (1350m): 1 SUCCENDAM, 2 War Deck, 3 Havana Storm, 4 Miss Kokkinakis.

Race 5 – 2.55pm: FRESKO FRUIT CONDITIONAL BENCHMARK 70 HANDICAP (1600m): 1 POSITIVE PEACE, 2 Clevanicc, 3 Hermosa Reward, 4 Balius.

Race 6 – 3.35pm: SOMERSBY GARDENS ESTATE CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1200m): 1 BATTLE CRY, 2 Segalas, 3 Reveal The Magic, 4 Lightning Ally.

Race 7 – 4.10pm: H&M CATERING BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1100m): 1 SOPHIELLA, 2 Little Nikkas, 3 Johnny Roo Boy, 4 Defeat.

Race 8 – 4.50pm: GOLDFISH BAR & KITCHEN BENCHMARK 64 HANDICAP (1350m): 1 ONE OF THE KIND, 2 The Outcast, 3 Neruda, 4 Star Of O’Reilly.

Wyong Gold Cup Launches in shades of Purple

Wyong Gold Cup Launches in shades of Purple 9
The Purple Gala – 2019

The 2019 Wyong Gold Cup Carnival launched in perfect style on Saturday 27 July 2019 with The Purple Gala. The event was a partner project for WRC, H&H Catering, Spark*d Events and Cancer Council NSW and was attended by 150 guests. Ticket sales, auction and raffles on the evening where leveraged to raise funds for the support of those affected by Cancer and Cancer research. DeBortoli Wines graciously committed their Down the Line range to the charity by donating $5 per bottle sold the cause.

Our Parade Ring Pavilion was adorned in perfect purple hues for the occasion by Spark*d Events who donated their services to set the scene for a magical evening.

Complimentary to the scene we had the pleasure of hosting Internationally acclaimed Country Music superstar Gina Jeffreys and husband Rod McCormack performing a selection of tracks from Gina’s upcoming new album ‘Beautiful Tangle’.

It was H&H Catering deserving the biggest credit during The Purple Gala however. Vying for yet another industry award, H&H delivered a flawless evening of food and beverage that was being judged in real time. A divine,and seemingly impossible to pull-off under pressure, menu with elements of sous vide Jewfish, braised oxtail croquettes and coconut mouse encased in a meringue spheres just to name a few. A sensational effort to say the least.

A stunning start to the Carnival season. We hope to see you at either raceday during the Carlton Draught Wyong Gold Carnival, September 1st and 6th 2019.

Wyong Gold Cup Launches in shades of Purple 10          Wyong Gold Cup Launches in shades of Purple 11       Wyong Gold Cup Launches in shades of Purple 12       Wyong Gold Cup Launches in shades of Purple 13

Orbis Bloodstock away to a flyer with the Waugh stable

Kim Waugh’s association with Orbis Bloodstock got off to a flying start with Street Scream’s eye-catching debut win over 1200m.

The Street Boss gelding is the stable’s second runner for the Hong Kong based Orbis and first winner for Waugh.

The company’s Australian operation is headed by former Wyong based jockey Paul King.

“Our first runner for them was at Scone yesterday and he finished second but should have won, so it could have been two from two,” an excited Waugh said.

“We are really pleased to get a winner for them. They’ve been very good supporters of mine. I’ve got a lot of horses for them and a lot of very nice ones, so it’s an exciting day.”

Waugh said there was added pressure because the owners had planned to take Street Scream to Hong Kong.

“The pressure was on because we talked them out of it, so I was desperate for him to win today.

“He’s a beautiful horse.

“We’ve got a really good opinion of him. Nash has come up a couple of times to ride him for us in trials but couldn’t ride him today, so we got the next best Brenton.

“He’s a strong horse, so we expect he could up around the mile.”

Street Scream, a $230,000 purchase at the Inglis Ready to Race sales, franked his unbeaten trial form with a dominant three length victory.

Avdulla was able to get a soft lead and held him together until straightening, when he sprinted away from his opposition.

He said Street Scream had “plenty of upside.”

“He’s a big baby. He’s built like a three-year-old with a yearling’s brain,” he said.

Street Scream was sent out $1.90 favourite in the TAB.COM.AU PROV & CTRY MAIDEN and beat the Brad Widdup trained Icebath ($2.50), with Hasty Heart, from the Ken Parker stable, a length and a quarter behind in third.

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It was another Tommy Berry masterclass at Wyong with the in-form jockey finishing the day with a treble.

Berry combined with the Waller and Godolphin stables to partner two promising maiden runners to victory and then rode the perfect ride on the locally trained Cliff’s Choice ($8.50) to bring up it’s second win for Wayne Seelin.

Berry’s treble gave him 14 wins for the season on the Wyong track, two behind Josh Parr.

Duporth gelding Cliff’s Choice took out the HONOURABLE JOHN BOOKS MEMORIAL CLASS 1 over 1350m by a length and a half, courtesy of a great front-running ride by Berry.

Coming off a second at Muswellbrook on July 1, Seelin said an unplanned freshen up helped secure victory for the three-year-old.

“He was supposed to run at Scone last week but there was an accident on the highway, and we couldn’t get to the track,” he said.

“I think he raced well fresh today and it was a super ride by Tommy.

“He had him exactly where he likes to run and got him to finish strongly. He’s a tough horse.

“We will probably spell him now because he’s been up for a while and has done a great job.”

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The Chris Waller trained Skillet ($1.35) gave Berry his first win of the day, with the filly scoring in convincing style to take out the 1350m CARLTON DRAUGHT MAIDEN by a half- length.

Tommy Berry replicated the ride of Ben Looker in the previous race, sitting well off the pace in the early stages.

He moved up to the small field just before the turn and made up good ground in the straight, holding off a strong challenge by the Godolphin galloper Tisane ($8).

Stable representative Adam Stewart said it was good to see the filly settle in the race.

“It was exactly the way Chris wanted her to be ridden today. He was confident if she settled, she would win,” he said.

“It will do a lot for her confidence, especially having to tough it out a bit toward the end.

“I think she will probably stick around the Provincials. The main thing was getting that win out of the way today.”

Skillet, coming off a fourth at Newcastle over 1400m, had been placed twice from five starts.

She beat Tisane, with Queen Zoffany ($18), two lengths behind in third.

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His second win came aboard Pandemic ($2fav), with Berry believing Godolphin have a handy horse following his dominant victory in the JOIN WYONG RACE CLUB NOW – 2YO Maiden over 1000m.

“He’s a lovely horse and he really helped me because he did everything right,” Berry said.

“He relaxed well, and I got to follow the second favourite in the race. He did all the hard work and my bloke just had to finish off, which he did nicely. “I think he will be a better horse over further next preparation.”

Kent Wade, representing the stable, agreed the Sepoy gelding looked to have a good future.

“We came here pretty confident going on his trial form and his work leading up to this was good.

“I think James will probably step him up a level now. He really hit the line well and came home in 33.7 which is pretty smart.”

Gerald Ryan’s filly Heart Of The Oak ($2.70) was second, with Courageous ($10) from the Bjorn Baker stable, third.

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Tracey Bartley will spell his in-form filly Joigny with the 2020 Provincial Championships in mind following her impressive win in the WYONG GOLD CUP DAY 6 SEPTEMBER Benchmark 64 over 1600m.

The Excelebration filly was sent out $2.10 favourite and courtesy of a great Grant Buckley ride, put paid to her opposition with a length and a half win.

Bartley believes the three-year-old has earnt a chance in the rich Provincial Championship series.

“She’s a very nice filly. She keeps taking that next step and it was another big step up again today and I thought Grant rode her beautifully, the pace was on, so she had the last crack at them.

“That’s her job done so she will go to the paddock now. We will save her for the Championships, she will be one of those horses for us.

“Onwards and upwards. We’ve got a nice filly and I thank the owners Kerry Chrysiliou for sending her to us, she came to us in really good order.”

Joigny is building an impressive resume, with eight starts for three wins and four minor placings.

She beat the Bjorn Baker’s Positive Peace ($9), with Sculptures ($26), trained by Craig Bermingham, a length behind in third.

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A great front running ride by Rachel King secured victory for Miss Invincible, who looked strong when resuming from a spell in the NSW PARLIAMENT FORMER MEMBER ASSOC. Class 2 over 1000m.

The I Am Invincible filly, trained by Bjorn Baker, is now headed for a metropolitan race, with the stable confident she is in for a good preparation.

Stable foreman Jack Bruce said there is still plenty of upside to the three-year-old.

“It was a good win. Just like her trial she jumped cleanly and was able to relax a little bit and then had some petrol left in her tank. She was really well ridden I thought, and she’s come back in good order,” Bruce said.

“She had them off the bit on the home corner which was nice to see. It’s just good to see her do the little things right and that’s what you want.

“She’s getting older now, she turns four soon, so hopefully we can get her back to town and keep winning.

“On the strength of that win, with just the one trial, there is plenty more improvement to come.

“Bjorn has her going really well this prep and hopefully she keeps going. “

Warren Gavenlock’s Hard Merchandise ($41) was second, two lengths behind the winner, with Nine’s Enough ($11) trained by Gabrielle Englebrecht, third.

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Country galloper Saintly Sunrise defied a betting drift to score a strong win in the KOOKINDAY WATERS STAY & PLAY 3YO Maiden over 1600m.

The three-year-old, trained at Coffs Harbour by Warren Gavenlock, was as short as $1.90 when betting opened and got out to $2.30 at start time.

Ben Looker gave the gelding a super ride, sitting back off the pace before tacking onto the field around the 500m mark, where he continued to make ground before pulling away in the final stages.

“What a great ride by Ben,” Gavenlock said.

“I was worried about the pace, but it went on early which really suited us in the end.

“My only concern was the rail was out, but they compressed around the 600m and the rest was history.

“Ben sat there and didn’t panic. He made up beautiful ground down the outside and was too good for them.”

Gavenlock said he believed the Dawn Approach gelding, who was a $240,000 yearling purchase, had ability.

“Peter Colley, who races a lot of horses with me, bought him off the previous owners.

“I think he’s got a bit of untapped ability. He proved the form good from his last start at Newcastle.

“I’ll see how he pulls up. There might be a nice mile, Class 2 race for him on Coffs Harbour Cup Day.”

The early leader Just Like Jessie ($21) held on for second, a half-length ahead of the Ken Lantry trained Hillandale ($15).

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A text-book ride by apprentice Samantha Clenton secured victory for Magnolia Power ($2.60fav) in the MAGIC MILLIONS 2YO SALE OCTOBER 15-16 BENCHMARK 64 over 1100m.

The Kris Lees trained three-year-old, raced by Power Thoroughbreds, brought up her second win from nine starts.

She was coming off a fourth at Randwick last start, where stable representative Cheree Marsham said there were excuses.

“She was trapped at a vital stage at her last start and couldn’t get clear running,” she said.

“Sammy gave her a good positive ride today and she got the job done.

“She settled her in a great spot and got her out when she needed to.

“She rides all her trackwork and knows the horse well.

“It is great to get a win for Power Thoroughbreds who have plenty of horses in the stable.”

Magnolia Power, a I Am Invincible filly, is likely to return to a metropolitan mid-week race.

Johnny Roo Boy ($9.50), trained locally by Damien Lane was second, with Gabrielle Englebrecht’s Mileage ($21), third.

Wyong’s Tracey Bartley looking to finish season on a winning note

The end of the racing season is looming and Tracey Bartley has set himself a goal to train another four winners before August 1.

Bartley had 22 wins in 2017/2018 and wants to ensure he can match or better that number in the current season.

He is hoping his progressive filly Joigny and the resuming Mr Plow, can provide him with two of those victories at Tuesday’s Wyong meeting.

“I trained 22 last season and I want to do at least the same, but time is running out,” Bartley said.

“I think Joigny is a real chance on Tuesday. She is going really well, and it looks like a good race for her.

“Mr Plow is first up and will be very hard to beat.”

Wyong hasn’t always been a happy hunting ground for Bartley, but he trained a double at the last meeting and now has five winners for the season on his home track.

Joigny and stable mate Moana Jewel both posted solid wins at Wyong’s July 13 meeting.

Joigny was impressive bringing up her second win in a 1600m Class 1, with a dominant three length victory over the Gerald Ryan trained favourite Fast Train.

She has been unplaced only once in seven starts.

Bartley had been toying with taking Joigny to Brisbane for a three-year-old 1800m race but has opted for a home track run before a likely spell.

“I wanted to step her up to something a bit further and was keen to get her up to Brisbane but at this stage the Wyong race looks like a good option.

“She’s a really nice filly and I’m very happy with her.

“She will spell after this and she should come back next time a nice staying mare.”

Joigny starts from barrier one in the 1600m Benchmark 64 and will be ridden by Grant Buckley.

Bartley is excited about the prospects of Mr Plow, who is resuming after a 12-month spell.

The Casino Prince gelding broke down in the hind leg after running in the Group 3 Rough Habit, at Doomben in May last year.

He looked to have returned in good form with a strong trial win over the 1000m at Gosford on July 11.

“There is still I chance I might hold him back for Kembla next Thursday but wherever he goes he will be very hard to beat,” Bartley said.

“He was racing well before he got injured and had won one and been placed three times from six starts.

“We just want him to win in town this preparation and get him through his grades.”

Mr Plow is in the 1350m Class 1 and will be ridden by Cejay Graham.

 

SELECTIONS:

 

Race 1 – 12.20pm: KOOINDAH WATERS STAY & PLAY 3YO MAIDEN (1600m): 1 OCEAN VILLA, 2 Crime Wave, 3 Hillandale, 4 Phylave.

Race 2 – 12.55pm: CARLTON DRAUGHT MAIDEN (1350m): 1SKILLET, 2 Avalaunche, 3 Pixel Perfect, 4 Oakfield Poet.

Race 3 – 1.35pm: JOIN WYONG RACE CLUB NOW – JUST $55 2YO MAIDEN (1000m): 1 PANDEMIC, 2 Coco Cuber, 3 Sangria, 4 Fulmina.

Race 4 – 2.10pm: TAB.COM.AU PROV & CTRY MAIDEN (1200m): 1 STREET SCREAM, 2 Icebath, 3 Beaurama, 4 Gus Lightning.

Race 5 – 2.50pm: NSW PARLIAMENT FORMER MEMBERS ASSOC. CLASS 2 (1000m): 1 HIBISCUS LADY, 2 Chicadilly, 3 Miss Powerbelle, 4 Miss Invincible.

Race 6 – 3.25pm: THE HONOURABLE JOHN BOOKS MEMORIAL CLASS 1 (1350m): 1 MR PLOW, 2 Couru, 3 Laila De Vega, 4 Flash Palace.

Race 7 – 4.05pm: WYONG GOLD CUP DAY 6 SEPTEMBER BENCHMARK 64 (1600m): 1 SOCIETY, 2 El Coyote, 3 Joigny, 4 Foxdown.

Race 8 – 4.40pm: MAGIC MILLIONS 2YO SALE OCTOBER 15-16 BENCHMARK 64 (1100m): 1 HILL OF GRANGE, 2 Mosuo, 3 Fearless Girl, 4 Starismo.

 

 

 

 

 

Wyong trainers clean up with 5 winners on their home track

Wyong trainers dominated their home meeting on Saturday winning five of the eight races.

Tracey Bartley led the way with a double while Damien Lane, Rodney Bailey and Louise Munce had one winner each.

Grant Buckley, the Sydney jockey who is always well supported by Wyong trainers, rode three of those winners.

Bartley won successive races, the Drew Chivas Memorial Class One (1600m) with Joigny and the Suzy McLelland Class Two (1350m) with Moana Jewel.

Both horses are now headed for city races next start, Joigny to Brisbane and Moana Jewel to Canterbury.

“There is a nice race for three-year-olds over 1800 metres in Brisbane in two weeks-time time that will suit Joigny,” Bartley said.

“Then she can go for a spell and should come back next time a nice staying mare.”

At her previous start Joigny ran a close second to Whiteley at Scone and Whiteley went on to win a Benchmark 66 at Wellington.

“Scone turned out to be a great form race,” Bartley said.

“She was wearing blinkers for the first time at Scone and I probably gave her a little bit too much work and she was a bit dour.

“I eased right back on her for this race and she will have an easy time leading up to the Brisbane race.”

Joigny raced away from the favourite Fast Train in the straight to win by almost three lengths to give Buckley the second of his three winners.

Earlier he won the first race for Lane and completed the program by winning the last for Munce.

Moana Jewel was a pick-up ride for Louise Day after Stacey Metcalfe was injured the day before in a fall at Scone.

“Louise rode her perfectly, she waited until the corner before making her move,” Bartley said.

The mare went on to win by two and a quarter-lengths from the favourite My Demetra.

Moana Jewel was bought in New Zealand and trained at Cranbourne to win a Pakenham maiden before being switched to John O’Shea at Randwick.

She had two trials for him before going to Bartley.

“She came to me in great condition from John’s and we have built on that,” Bartley said.

“It’s great to win a double anywhere but even better on your home track.”

***

Owner/breeder and former mayor of Port Stephens, Bruce Mackenzie loves the Dundeel breed and became even more enthusiastic about the stallion after one of his sons, Oakfield Target, dominated the Rollators Australia Maiden (1100m).

“I have another two at home by Dundeel out of the same mare, the mare is carrying one in her belly and she will go back to him this spring,” Mackenzie said.

The Damien Lane trained Oakfield Target, the first of Buckley’s treble, dominated the race from the outset.

He started the $2 favourite, pushed through along the rail to take the lead soon after the start, was given a breather mid-race then Buckley released the brakes passing the 600 metres.

The horse bounded away in the straight to win by five and a quarter-lengths with something in hand.

“He still has to learn to settle down but I think he is going to get further,” Lane said.

“Next preparation I hope he can get 1600 metres.”

Mackenzie is sure of it.

“His dam, Oakfield Beauty, won over 1400 metres at Rosehill,” he said.

***

A four-day back-up proved the right move when the Rodney Bailey trained Lohan Princess brought off something of an upset by breaking out of maiden class at her 24th start to win the Clean N Care Maiden (2100m).

Lohan Princess, ridden by Rachael Murray, came from last to poke up along the inside early then switched to the outside to sustain a long run.

“It wasn’t a pretty ride but we got there and she was strong on the line,” Murray said.

Murray had ridden Lohan Princess at her three previous starts for a fourth at Wyong and a third and a fifth at Newcastle.

That last start fifth was last Tuesday.

“I have been running her at Newcastle because of the long straight,” Bailey said.

“She pulled up well and I thought the small field here might suit her and decided she might as well go around.

“She should have won her maiden well before now but her racing pattern is against her because she gets so far back early.”

While Lohan Princess started at $8.50 the Anthony Cummings trained Classic Gaming started the $1.65 favourite but was in trouble before the turn and only battled on to run third.

***

Munce has always believed that Little Steiny was up to provincial class and after three placings in that grade from his last five starts he finally broke through to prove her right in winning the Kait And Bull Birthday Bash Class Two (1200m).

His career has been a mixture of provincial and country racing with a maiden win at Gosford and a class two win at Muswellbrook.

“We will be sticking to the provincials from now on because he would get too much weight in the country,” Munce said.

“The Wyong trainers have had a fabulous day and it is great to be part of it.

“It is always nice to win on your home track.”

There was a lot of merit in the win.

The horse was always wide and after hitting the lead in the straight fought on to hold off Polhampton and win in a tight photo finish.

***

James Cummings and Godolphin had to survive a lengthy protest hearing before the heavily backed Whispered (Keagan Latham) was declared the winner of the Citrus Clean Two-Year-Old Maiden (1350m).

Travis Wolfgram, who rode the Peter and Paul Snowden trained Oribella, lodged a protest alleging interference in the last 100 metres when Whispered bored out several horses.

The pair hit the line locked together with Whispered winning by a nose.

Despite Whispered moving out sharply the pair did not appear to touch.

Whispered, having only his second start after a fourth at Kembla Grange, was backed in from $7 to start the $3.20 favourite.

“The stable had always had an opinion of this colt but as you can see, he is still a baby and has a lot to learn,” spokesperson, Gillian Thompson, said.

However, Cummings and Godolphin failed in a photo finish in the following race when the Joe Pride trained Tereka (Andrew Gibbons) arrived late to win the M and K Eklund Transport Maiden (1350m).

Tereka grabbed the lead on the line to win by a nose from Cummings trained Parveen (Latham) which started the odds-on favourite.

Pride’s racing manager, Hayley Blythedevlin-Rorison, said it was unfortunate the filly had not won her maiden two starts back when she resumed for a fourth at Warwick Farm.

“She lost a plate and it upset her,” she said.

“She came back from a spell a much stronger filly and it is nice to get the maiden out of the way.”

Gibbons was impressed with the win.

“She is a nice horse but I think she will be even better on a bigger track,” Gibbons said.

Wolfgram waited until much later in the day to land a winner when the Craig Carmody trained Zeta’s Rocket won the second last race, the Ryan’s Metal Roofing Class One (1000m).

“The horse was previously trained by Cameron Crocket at Mudgee but the owners believed he was a provincial class horse and sent him to me,” Carmody said.

“The horse arrived in great order and while he is no world beater, he is an honest horse.

“Travis rode him exactly as I asked.”

Zeta’s Rocket, having his third start from a spell, was well backed from $13 to $9 and never left the issue in doubt, winning by one and a half lengths.

Smart Snowden filly My Demetra shooting for three in a row at Wyong

Peter Snowden believes he’s found the perfect race for his progressive filly My Demetra, who is shooting for her third successive win at Saturday’s Wyong Christmas In July race meeting.

The Camelot filly was pencilled in for her first city start in a BM 74 at Rosehill June 29, but the stable decided to scratch her due to the heavy conditions.

She now lines up in Saturday’s 1350m Class 2, with Mitchell Bell in the saddle.

Snowden believes Wyong will be ideal track for the three-year-old, who has put together back to back wins at Kembla over 1300m and 1400m.

“We felt she had warranted a start in city class but didn’t want her to go through the heavy going,” he said. “It will be a month between runs, but she has been working well on the track and the race looks ideal.”

My Demetra is raced by Jim Koureas, who also raced multiple Group 1 winner Defier.

The filly is having her sixth start, having placed second on debut at Kembla in January and resuming in June with the two Kembla victories.

She caught the eye with her last performance, drawing away to win by three and a half lengths.

“This looks like a nice race for her, but if it’s heavy or we get rain she won’t run. She races up on the speed so shouldn’t have any problems with Wyong.

“She’s going along well, and I think she’s a good winning chance.”

Snowden is also keen on the chances of his filly Oribella in the 1350m 2YO Maiden.

By Olympic Glory, Oribella is raced by Triple Crown Syndications who purchased her at the Magic Millions Yearling Sales for $85,000.

She had her first start at Scone over 1300m on June 24, finishing third.

“She’s coming off a good run at Scone,” Snowden said.

“It was an unlucky third actually, she should have finished a bit closer so she should fit in well.

“Wyong might not be the best track for her, she gets back a bit, but she got home really well at Scone and she will take good benefit from that run. “Her work has been good. I’d say a lot better since before she ran up there, so I think we should see her run better on Saturday.”

Oribella will be ridden by Travis Wolfgram.

The first of eight races gets underway at 11.49am.

 

SELECTIONS:

Race 1 – 11.49am: ROLLATORS AUSTRALIA MAIDEN HANDICAP (1100m): 1 OAKFIELD TARGET, 2 Shivkhani, 3 Royal Opera, 4 Stella Ardens.

Race 2 – 12.24pm: CLEAN N CARE MAIDEN PLATE (2100m): 1 CLASSIC GAMING, 2 Lucitor, 3 Castel Sant’angelo, 4 Arlington Magic.

Race 3 – 12.59pm: CITRUS CLEAN 2YO MAIDEN HANDICAP (1350m): 1 CAPTAIN STARDUST, 2 Oribella, Prince of Arragon, 4 Whispered.

Race 4 – 1.34pm: M&K EKLUND TRANSPORT MAIDEN PLATE (1350m): 1 PARVEEN, 2 Tereka, 3 Rubikat, 4 Royal Patriot.

Race 5 – 2.14pm: THE DREW CHIVAS MEMORIAL CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1600m): 1 FAST TRAIN, 2 Deliya, 3 Moana Jewel, 4 Joigny.

Race 6 – 2.54pm: SUZY MCLELLAND CLASS 2 HANDICAP (1350m): 1 MY DEMETRA, 2 Only Wanna Sing, 3 He’s Imposing, 4 Pride Of Darci.

Race 7 – 3.34pm: RYAN’S METAL ROOFING CLASS 1 HANDICAP (1000m): 1 REVEAL THE MAGIC, 2 Perigord, 3 Belvio, 4 Solera.

Race 8 – 4.14pm: KAIT & BULL BIRTHDAY BASH CLASS 2 HANDICAP (1200m): 1 GREAT DANGER, 2 Renalot, 3 Oxford Tycoon, Oxford Angel.

 

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.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

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.”

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

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.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

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.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

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.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

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.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

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.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

 

June News 2019 – Wyong Race Club

June News 2019 - Wyong Race Club 14

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 15

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.