Racing Resumes at Hawkesbury after 10 week Rest

Racing at Hawkesbury will resume tomorrow after the club has endured an enforced rest after the two February 2010 race meetings being cancelled due to much needed heavy rain.

First is set down to commence at 12.40pm with eight strong races on the programme for punters to sort out a couple of winners.

Looking at the programme there does seamed to be a couple of decent bets on the programme with the first one being in the $16,000 Fillies Maiden handicap over 1000 metres with Randwick trainer Anthony Cummings holding a strong hand with his first starter Trilione (Lion – Al Terzo) who is coming off a brilliant barrier trial at Randwick February 22^nd and if she runs up to that trial she will be winning

Race five the 2yo maiden Handicap to be run over 1300 metres is a race full of quality and the three main chances in order are Circus Rock (David Payne) Parables (Peter Snowden) and Sasa (Tim Martin). All will willgo oto better races in the future, if their trials are any indication.

The one good thing on the programme looks to be the John Hawkes trained Maluckyday who is engaged in the 1600m Maiden Handicap. 

The $3.5 million Golden Slipper to be run on Easter Saturday April 3 for the first time in history is shaping up as a race with not too many chances considering that the Blue Diamond winner has never won the Golden Slipper and the form aprt from a couple are not up scratch.

A couple of weeks ago we reported on the excellent trial of Solar Charge and suggested that the $8 in early markets was over the odds and thanks to Soar Charge’s sensational win last Saturday we were right as she is now quoted at $4.60       

Early favourite Chance Bye is going into the slipper with five weeks between runs hardly a solid Slipper preparation.

Chance Bye was disappointing last start if you go times as she ran the first 600 metres two lengths slower than Winter King on the same day and then she can’t even get home quicker than Winter King for the final 600 metres.

Amber Waltz in my opinion who finished second to Chance Bye will find it very difficult also to win the Golden Slipper.

Solar Charge, Military Rose and Divorces are the three at this stage that appear to have to have the best hopes in then $3.5m Golden Slipper to be run on Easter Saturday 3^rd April 2010.

Looking for one at value I suggest you should be consider Divorces a Peter Snowden trained galloper who had no luck when resuming finishing fourth to Chance Bye after being slow out and then was tightened on the first turn and then had to change course at the 150m mark. This Saturday could be the day for Divorces.

John Thompson head trainer for Patinack Farm owner Nathan Tinkler has certainly increased his numbers since moving a part of their training establishment from Warwick farm to Hawkesbury early January 2010 with the Tinkler juggernaut well established at Hawkesbury now with 752 horses worked on the training tracks over the month of February 2010.

Talking to Nathan you get the feeling that the Patinack Farm horses are rally benefiting from the rural surroundings at Hawkesbury and don’t be surprised to see a big name Rosehill trainer arrive at the Hawkesbury course over the next six months.

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New South Wales Provincial Jockey and Trainer’s Premierships have some interesting names in the top five with the jockey’s premiership having Jon Grisedale in second placing on 26 wins two behind Hugh Bowman on 28.5 and the other surprise is that two apprentice jockey’s sit in equal third placing with Blake Spriggs on 25 wins and the Hawkesbury whiz kid Josh Adams also on 25 wins.

Josh never seams to be out of the winners circle and last Wednesday steered the Allan Denham trained galloper Dublette to victory in the 3yo Maiden Handicap 1000m at Wyong.

Bob and Wendy Lapointe have put their Muskoka Farm on the market for a reported price tag of $11m with Bob now nearing 70 and his Wendy, a veterinarian and a successful horse trainer planning to slow down the pace of their lives a little.

Muskoka Farm at Gunderman near Wisemans Ferry caters for 80 horses in full work and 180 including horses spelling.

Muskoka Farm is on the banks of the Hawkesbury River and 60km north west of Sydney, has a 2700m grass track with an 800m straight run, an artificial track, a 1000m sand track, 1000m wood shavings track, horse pool, walking machine, barriers, day yards, stabling and spelling paddocks – all managed by Tim and Adrienne Clark.

Hawkesbury Trainer Joan Pracey showed all and sundry just how good a trainer she is preparing her 8yo gelding Savage Sevens for a first up victory on Black Opal Day at Canberra last Sunday.

Josh Adams was the pilot on Savage Sevens $26 and Josh was able to push the gelding to a half head victory in the $40,000 Myer Fashions Camarena Handicap over 1000 metres defeating Louisianna Flyer $31 with Platinum Skye a further neck away in third placing.

Connections of Savage Sevens were greeted with a TAB dividend of $30.50 and don’t be surprised to see Savage sevens line up in the $70,000 BTW Communications Open Handicap 1200m on the 1^st May 2010 at the Hawkesbury Stand Alone Saturday Race Meeting.

Another Hawkesbury trainer to have trained half the programme at Bathurst last Friday was Garry Frazer with his galloper Mr Latar (Josh Adams) winning race two the Benchmark Handicap 2010m and following Mr Latar’s win the meeting was Abandoned due to poor Visibility.

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Hawkesbury to receive better coverage from New Sky Channel Stations

Hawkesbury Race Club as from April 2010 will benefit from the two new Sky Channel stations which will see coverage of all mounting yard parades from and comments and tips from Ron Duff icy.

Here is a brief rundown of the Channels;

Sky Racing 1 -- Wall to Wall coverage as is seen currently. International Racing that is currently seen on Sky One will be moved to Sky Two

Sky Racing 2 ----- All existing International content will be broadcast on Sky Racing 2, plus all additional domestic and international content will be broadcast on Sky 2. An extra 35 meetings not currently broadcast will be seen on Sky 2 made up of domestic and International. Where feasible, pre and post race coverage will appear on Sky 2 of domestic events being broadcast on Sky 1.

Barrier trial Publication THE MIDWEEKER covered the twenty trials held at Rosehill last Friday February 19 and highlighted three horses for punters to follow over the coming weeks.

Valens and Drumbeats were both given easy trials in heat six with Valens being let down in last 100 metres and ran on to be beaten a nose by Katsura with Drumbeats going to the line hard held in fourth placing.

Shannara 3yo filly trained by Peter Snowden won heat nineteen unextended and should have little trouble breaking her maiden status on the provincial circuit.

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Hawkesbury Race Club will be holding the largest national Turf Conference, Trade Expo and Race Day on Wednesday 14^th April and Thursday 15^th April 2010 to be held in the country.

Held over two big days, the combination of the National Turf Conference, Trade Expo and Race Day promises to be an informative and entertaining, “must-do” event for all involved in the Turf and Turf Care Industries;

Venue; Hawkesbury race Club, Clarendon (near Richmond RAAF – Sydney)

Turf Expo Day One -- Education Sessions and Tour

Wednesday 14th April 2010

9am – 10am   Conference Registration --- Hawkesbury Race Course

10.30am    Welcome address by Mr Lynn Davidson, President, Turf Producers           10.45              Australia and Official conference opening

11                   Turf Speakers

11.30              Turf Speakers

12.00     Buses depart Hawkesbury Race Club for Tour/Lunch at Panthers and    Golf/Lunch at Lynwood.

4.30                Buses return – Hawkesbury Race Club Motel/Sebel Motel

6pm                Pre Dinner Drinks – Corporate Function Centre

7pm     Conference Dinner – Hawkesbury Corporate Function Centre –                                            8pm                Guest Speaker –   ?????????   

Thursday 15th April 2010 – Field day and Hawkesbury Race Day – Free Entry to Race Meeting & Field Day

9.30         Working Displays commence

12.30       Race Day Function Hawkesbury Corporate Function Centre

6pm         Return to Hawkesbury Race Club Motel

Hawkesbury Future Relies Heavily on a Favorable Result from Corporate Bookmakers Case

Hawkesbury Race Club Limited directors are ready to make an application to Racing New South Wales for finance to fund their plans to lengthen the Home straight from 280 metres to 400 metres thus having a straight as long as Randwick and Rosehill.

Hawkesbury Race Club over the past two years has had tracks surveyed and plans draw up to lengthen the home straight and also install a all weather track on the inside of the course proper which would be the same size as the present course and used for training and as a race track when needed mainly in the winter months when tracks are in the range from slow 7 to a heavy 10.

Hawkesbury Race Club plans are rely heavily on the present court case between RacingNSW and the Corporate Bookmakers arguing whether Corporate Bookmakers should pay the Racing industry a fee of 1.5% for using their intellectual property to run their business.

RacingNSW will have at their disposal if they win the case an amount of $60m to implement a Racecourse Development Fund which would if approved fund the Hawkesbury Race Club’s track developments.

Racing NSW will also build six centers of Excellence in the provincial and country regions and also fund major upgrades to the Queen Elizabeth Stand at Randwick.

The Racing Industry has a whole will benefit greatly from a win in the courts by Racing New South Wales as Prizemoney will increase in the Metropolitan, Provincial and Country regions as soon as the monies are released.

Hawkesbury Race Club were asked to comment on the Racing New South Wales draft Strategic Plan and one of the points in their submission was the abolishing of track fees state wide with race clubs to be compensated out of new monies form the Corporate Bookmakers Fees.

All Race Tracks now charge track fees for the use of their training tracks and these fess are passed onto the trainers who then in turn dissect them and pass them on to their owners which creates the longest paper trail you could ever imagine.

Just imagine if their were no tracks fees in NSW, if that did not increase the horse population in NSW against other States who still charge tracks fees well I would be astounded.

One thing owners hate is seeing track fees on their monthly accounts and I am sure owners would move horse from interstate just to have no track fees on their monthly accounts.

RacingNSW must be congratulated on the success of the Benchmark and Programming System since its introduction in October2009.

Field sizes have increased and apprentice jockeys are receiving more rides due to the greater spread in weights and trainers are starting to realize their horses can win carrying the bigger weights and one trainer who is not afraid to nominate horses outside the Benchmark of the race is Gai Waterhouse.

Whilst on RacingNSW I must commend them on their new rewards club program instigated by Board member Kim Harding.

Racing NSW Rewards Club is a free rewards program launched by Racing NSW to reward Horse Racing fans for their participation in the NSW Horse Racing industry. Whether you are a horse owner or just enjoy attending the races, Racing NSW Rewards club will have something for you. With Racing NSW Rewards club you can;

·        Earn Reward points for nearly every dollar you spend within the industry

·        Transfer points to Racing Rewards club from most credit card loyalty programs

·        Use your Racing NSW Rewards club points for rewards, including buying a horse, service fee, club membership, training expenses, personal and travel rewards.

·        Access to inside information including tips and tools to punt better

Saturday’s $1m Blue Diamond Stakes1200m for 2yo’s to be run at Caulfield on Saturday does look likely to have only three winning hopes with the NSW galloper Beneteau $3.60 favourite and the one to beat along with Psychologist and Star Witness the other chances.

Beneteau’s performance at his only second race start to win the Blue Diamond Prelude a Group 3 race after having no clear run on straightening and colliding with another runner at the 225m and then to record the time of 1.01.86 for the 1100m stamped this galloper as a serious race horse and he will take some beating in Saturday’s $1m Blue Diamond Stakes 1200m.

Hawkesbury Jockey Tye Angland continues to go about his business of riding winners without much fanfare and the results just keep coming with Tye steering Alverta to victory in the Breeders Classic (G2) 1200m at Randwick last Saturday.

Alverta won the Hawkesbury Guineas back in 2007 and from then has gone from strength to strength winning eleven of her 33 starts and in doing so has amassed over $600,000 in prizemoney.

Tye had Alverta settled back in the field three wide with cover and trailed the favourite Madame Pedrille to the home turn where Tye took Alverta to the outside where she then was able to run down the early leader Montana Flyer and race away to score by one and a quarter lengths.

Don’t be surprised to see Alverta At Hawkesbury’s Stand Alone Saturday meeting on Mat 1^st contesting the $100,000 XXXX Rowley Mile 1600m.

Heavy Rains Force the Hawkesbury Race Meeting to be Abandoned

Following 80 mils of rain up to 9am Thursday Morning Racing NSW stewards had no alternative but to call off the Hawkesbury Race Meeting deeming the track unsafe for racing.

All was not lost as the Function supporting the Hawkesbury Living Cancer Trust went ahead with a staggering $35,000 being raised for an oncology ward to be set up in the Hawkesbury district so residents will no longer need to travel outside the Hawkesbury District for their Cancer Treatment.

Racing returns to Hawkesbury next Tuesday 16^th February 2010 with $128,000 in Prizemoney to be districted over the following race programme;

$16,000 Benchmark 75 Handicap 2000m

$16,000 Benchmark 70 Handicap 1300m

$16,000 Benchmark 60 Handicap 1000m

$16,000 Class One Handicap 1400m

$16,000 Maiden Plate 1300m

$16,000 Maiden Handicap 1500m

$16,000 Maiden Handicap 2000m

$16,000 3yo Maiden Plate 900m

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The 2010 Inglis Classic Yearling sale was a great result for a couple of Grose Wold Vendor’s in particular Wayne and Pauline Alchin and Ian and Linda Duckworth.

Wayne and Pauline’s stud Carramar Park sold 15 lots for an aggregate of $647,500 which included $130,000 for a Snitzel/Innocense filly, $80,000 for a Starcraft/Sprung filly and $65,000 for a Commands/Folly’s Magic filly.

Wayne and Pauline’s Stud Carramar Park was also received an award for the Best presented Yearlings and Grooms at the sale.

Ian and Linda Duckworth of Fairview Park Stud sold seven yearlings for an aggregate of $392,000 which included $100,000 for a Magic Albert/Kianben Colt.

Hawkesbury Trainers and Jockeys 2009/2010 Premiership is keenly contested at the present moment with Hawkesbury trainer Garry White leading the trainers premiership with seven wins one ahead of Peter Snowden and Guy Walter who are both on six wins with Bart Cummings and Gai Waterhouse another win away on 5.

Jockeys Premiership sees Josh Parr leading with six wins one ahead of Apprentice Nathan Berry, Jon Grisedale and Chris Munce all with five wins.

The NSW Provincial Jockey’s and Trainers Premiership is more clear cut with Hugh Bowman leading the Jockeys with 25 wins two ahead of Josh Parr on 23 wins and next is  Hawkesbury’s star apprentice Josh Adams on 22 wins a truly remarkable effort.

Last Tuesday week the MID WEEKER covered the Rosehill trials and highlighted three for punters to follow.

Two of the horses competed in the same 2yo trial with Hinchinbrook (Gerald Ryan) and Manahara (Gai Waterhouse) going across the line heat four with only a nose separating them. They ran the fastest time of the morning for the 900 metre trials and both have indicated in previous trials that they have above average ability.

Sweepstaking trained on the Gold Coast and a winner of his previous two starts in at Eagle Farm and Gold Coast, looked highly impressive in winning heat twelve and he should have little trouble in winning a city race in NSW.

Veteran Hawkesbury trainer Andy Shaw who is one of the nicest guys in the Thoroughbred Racing Industry was seen in the winners circle at Cessnock last Tuesday with his 9yo gelding Kadazan.

Eighty Two year old Shaw had some nervous moments until the judge semaphored the winners number as Kadazan $6 scored by the bearest of margins a half head over Grant Buckley’s mount Manipur $9 with the $2.80 favourite Controversy a further three and thee quarters of a length away in third placing.

Hawkesbury trainers Garry Frazer and Garry White were both seen in the winners circle at Bathurst last Sunday with Frazer producing Mr Latar (Josh Adams) to win the Benchmark 65 Handicap 1800m and White saddling up In The Cards (A.G.Robinson) to win the Fillies and Mares Maiden handicap 1200m.

Talking about Bathurst, last Sunday programmed at Bathurst was a thoroughbred race meeting and a Harness meeting on the same afternoon which surely is lack of consultation between the three codes.    

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Racing Returns to Hawkesbury Tomorrow

Following extensive track renovations being completed under the guidance of Turf Specialist Evergreen and a six week spell from racing will see the Hawkesbury Race Club course proper is in excellent condition for Hawkesbury’s first race meeting of 2010 which will be held tomorrow Thursday 4^th February.

Prizemoney of $128,000 is to be distributed over the eight race programme with the first race commencing at 1.15pm.

Tomorrow’s meeting is to raise funds for the Hawkesbury Living Cancer Trust awkesbury Living Cancer Trust Hawkesbury Living                   and the proceeds from the meeting will go towards a setting up an oncology ward in the Hawkesbury District, which will be a great benefit for Cancer suffers who will no longer need to travel outside the district for their treatment.

Now punters looking for winners on the day I would suggest you stick to trainers Peter Snowden and Guy Walter.

Peter has Anschluss engaged in the $16,000 Class two handicap 1400m and prior to going for a spell Anschluss was an impressive winner at Newcastle, with Snowden preparing Anschluss for a first up win with barrier trial hit out at Warwick Farm on Monday 25^th were he finished fourth to Bomber Murphy and went to the line under restraint.

Anschluss main danger could come the Guy Walter’s recent acquisition Falontino a New Zealand galloper who has finished second and third at his previous two in starts in New Zealand in higher grade than he is facing tomorrow.

The $16,000 Class One Handicap looks a match race between the Peter Snowden trained Keshi and the Matthew Dale trained Banana Smoothie both impressive last start winners and if I had to split them I would lean towards Banana Smoothie who recently won a Wagga Maiden by four and a half lengths.

Guy Walter has Gusrick engaged in the 1000m Maiden, a race that looks to be limited with chances and although Gusrick is resuming he did have city form last preparation and if repeats that form he will be too good for opposition tomorrow.    

Racing New South Wales have finalized Hawkesbury’s Stand Alone Saturday Race Meeting with the approved programme being;

$100,000 Blacktown Workers Hawkesbury Guineas (Listed) 1400m (3yos) Set Weights & Penalties – Colts & Geldings 55KG Fillies 53kgs

$100,000 Tooheys XXXX Hawkesbury Rowley Mile (Listed) 1600m

$100,000 Darley Crown (Listed) 1300m Fillies & Mares

$70,000 BTW Communications Open Handicap 1200m

$70,000 Blakes Marine Rating 85 Handicap 1400m

$70,000 Richmond Club Provincial Stayers Championship Final Benchmark Ratings 80 Handicap 2250m (Heats sponsored by Mitavite)

$70,000 Sweepstakes NMW Handicap 1200m

$70,000 Reavill Farm – Inglis Race Series 2yo Handicap 1200m (attached to the race is $50,000 Bonus (to Winner) if the winner was nominated for the $2,500,000 Inglis Race Series)

The Honour Roll for the (Listed) Hawkesbury Guineas 1400m is;

2009 Related

2008 Royal Discretion

2007 Alverta

2006 The Free Stater

Rowley Mile 1600m (Listed)

2009 Lyncean Academy

2008 Rabbuka

2007 Beauty Watch

2006 Fighting Fund

Darley Crown 1300m (Listed)

2009 Mary’s Grace

2008 Sung

2007 November Flight

2006 Barberton

Reavill Farm Inglis Race Series 1200m

2009 Kanzan

2008 Fravashi

2007 Royal Discretion

2006 Bomber Command

Don’t miss out on the excitement of The Hawkesbury Stand Alone Saturday 1^st May 2010

Pre-Purchase General Admission tickets for only $10, Members $15  -- 0245772263

Enjoy the day in class and comfort with our Entertainers Package;

Includes Admission, members’ access, racebook, reserved seating in air conditioned comfort, and an excellent luncheon including beverages all for $125 per person. Minimum booking is 8 guests.

Please email vivleggett@hrc.net.au or www.hawkesburyraceclub.com.au

Ph; 0418292184

With the Autumn Carnival fast approaching the recent Barrier trials held at Rosehill have seen trainers producing some of their big guns in preparation for the major Group Races over the upcoming autumn carnival.

Rosehill trainer Chris Waller saddled up Rangrangidoo in heat four and he made light work of his opposition winning the heat in easy fashion.

Warwick Farm trainer Matthew Smith produced his smart filly Hurtle Myrtle in heat eleven where she finished second to Perrequisite beaten just under a length and was under restraint down the home straight.

Last preparation Hurtle Myrtle finished second in the Flight Stakes, Furious Stakes and the Silver Shadow Stakes and going on her trial Hurtle Myrtle should open her stakes winning account this preparation.

Barrier Trial Publication THE MIDWEEKER covered the Warwick Farm barrier trials held on Monday 25^th January 2010 at which trainer John Thompson trailed 39 horses.

Stars of the Thompson Trialers were Point Pain, Moore and Run For Naara.

Run For Naara has the form on the board with wins over 1600m at Flemington and 2000m at Caulfield and going on her trial she will be a prominent player over the upcoming Autumn carnival.

Hawkesbury trainer Garry Frazer has recently traveled to the Magic Millions yearling sales and added a nice yearling to his stable having purchased a $180,000 Encosta De Lago colt whose mother is Stylish Bow a former city winner trained by Gai Waterhouse.

Garry returned from Queensland and went onto the Inglis Classic Sales adding another three yearlings amongst them a Fastnet Rock Colt which Garry paid $80,000 and a Secret Savings Filly $30,000 and a Beautiful Crown Colt $30,000.

Garry wasted little time recouping his outlay by landing a plunge at Canterbury last Thursday night with his galloper Scottish Border who was backed from $6 into $4.80 and dually landed the money thanks to a brilliant ride by Garry’s apprentice Josh Adams.

Hawkesbury’s longest serving Bookmaker Eric Conlon will turn 80 on the 22^nd February 2010 and the Hawkesbury Race Club will be honoring Eric by naming a race after him at their race meeting on Tuesday 16^th February 2010.

Eric is widely known amongst the bookmaker fraternity as the gentlemen of Bookmakers and he has been a wonderful contributor to the Hawkesbury Race Club over the past five decades.

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Hawkesbury Race Club Finish the Year with Huge Numbers Attending Christmas Functions.

Hawkesbury Race Club will wind up the 2009 racing season with another race meeting this Sunday 20^th December 2009 with in excess of 800 people booked into functions to enjoy the racecourse facilities for their annual Christmas parties.

Last Sunday saw over 700 patrons enjoy the function areas for their Christmas Parties and witness a very good seven race programme with the day having a happy ending after jockey Peter Wells had a heavy fall in race four and fortunately was able to walk away uninjured.

Punters kicked the day off well with Dancing Doll giving her rivals a galloping lesson in Westend Estate Wines Maiden Plate 1600m and justifying her $1.30 quote on the Tote.

Jockey Rodney Quinn had an armchair ride on Dancing Doll allowing the mare to coast to the line and score by three lengths from Gravitation with Tara Brave a further long neck away in third placing.

Hawkesbury trainer Wanda Ings had to wait until the last race for success with her 4yo mare Zafaaf who out slugged the Favourite Daad’s Overtime to take out the Wests Ashfield Leagues Class One Handicap run over 2000 metres.

Rosehill trainer Tim Martin and Jockey Jon Grisedale were the stars on the day with both gentlemen scoring a winning double.

Punters don’t forget Hawkesbury race again this Sunday with the first race commencing at 12.50pm

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Hawkesbury Race Club Directors, Staff and Trainers attended the funeral of Mervyn Alexander Smith last Friday at St Johns Church Wilberforce.

Mervyn was a former employee of the Hawkesbury Race Club Limited who had only recently retired 30^th June 2009 after 35 years of continuous employment at the Race Club with his services along with fellow employee Max Ridge being recognized at a special Directors Luncheon held on Thursday 22^nd October 2009

Merv and wife Monica have been an important part of Hawkesbury Race Club for well over three decades and Merv will be sadly missed by all staff members and other racing participants.

Merv unfortunately was too young 67 to leave this earth, but being the quite and good man he was, I am sure he will be well looked after in his next life.

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Corporate Bookmaker Sportsbet has once again dealt racing patrons in New South Wales another blow by having the court case adjourned over Racing NSW – imposed turnover fees until 5^th February 2010.

The Federal Court has ordered Sportsbet to pay costs to Racing NSW after Sportsbet made its fourth application for an adjournment of the proceedings in relation to turnover fees.

Its hard to fathom how Sportsbet would not be prepared to begin their case last week after Bookmaker Robbie Waterhouse declaring to all who wanted to listen that Racing NSW was 100/1 to win the case against the corporate bookmakers – I would certainly like to snap a little of the 100/1 up as in my opinion the odds should be the other way round or lets hope so for Racings participants sake.

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Seven barrier trail heats were held at Hawkesbury on Monday 7^th December 2009 with heat winners being;

Heat                      Winner                                    Trainer

One                       Hemony                                   Noel Mayfield-Smith

Two                      Catching Thieves                     Joan Pracey

Three                    Gold Souvenir                         Garry Frazer

Four                      Class of Clowns                     John Thompson

Five                      Triple Dalmary                       Steve Englebrecht

Six                        Often Elusive                        John Thompson

The opening heat was won by the Noel Mayfield-Smith trained Hemony who defeat On My Command and both gallopers appeared to have something in hand on the line and appear to have return in good order following a spell.

Hawkesbury trainer Tommy Wong looks to have a galloper with potential on his hands following the impressive trial of Happy Rocker who finished second to Gold Souvenir in heat three beaten a head, but at no stage was he given full rein down the home straight and went to the line with plenty up his sleeve.

Hawkesbury Apprentice jockey Josh Adams and senior rider Tye Angland are having a wonderful run of success lately with Josh riding a double at Kembla Grange last Saturday week and followed with another winning double at Gosford last Thursday aboard the Wade Slinkard trained galloper Hamburg $4.80 who defeated the heavily backed favourite Ermine $2.80 and Josh also won on Peyrolles $14.

Josh then traveled to Nowra last Friday for a win aboard Cajo Kellila $10 and then landed another winning double at Newcastle last Saturday with Morning Kookaburra $1.95 (Allan Scorse)and By Jeeves $4.40 (Paul Perry)

Also having success at Nowra was Noel Mayfield-Smith and Robbie Brewer who combined with Hurricane Mick $5 to take out the Class One Handicap over 12oo metres.

Tye upset a massive plunge on the Patinack galloper Metallurgical ($3.80 into $2.60) when he steered the Danny Williams trained Commandare $10 to victory in the 1000m maiden Handicap at Rosehill last Wednesday.

Tye was back in the winners’ circle the next day Gosford where he won the Kris Lees trained galloper Sailor Sam $2.20 much to the punters delight.

Angland showed last Saturday why he will make a permanent position in the top ten jockeys with a brilliant front running ride to land Scouting Wide a narrow winner of the $100,000 Christmas Cup 2400 metres at Rosehill last Saturday.    

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Following the running of the Panthers Hawkesbury Gold Cup meeting on 5^th November we suggested the form from the meeting would stand up and punters should take note of certain horses.

Horses that have progressed from the meeting are Girl Hussler, Lucy’s Cash, Yodalla, Star Ripper, Black Prince, Lyncean Academy, Rockwood, Tora Tora Tora and  Spinney with all these gallopers seen in the winners circle at their next start.

Star Ripper following his five and a half length victory at Hawkesbury won his next two starts in the city just as easy and is now favourite for the $125,000 Summer Cup 2400m.

Spinney & Tora Tora Tora both won cups at their next starts with Spinney winning the Gosford Cup and Tora Tora Tora winning the Mudgee Cup

Racing New South Wales will be one of the big losers with the announcement of the  resignation of Tabcorp Managing Director of Wagering Robert Nason who has over the past twelve months worked tirelessly with Racing New South Wales Chief executive Peter V’Landys in their fight against the Corporate Bookmakers refusing to pay the 1.5 % levy on turnover on New South Wales Racing.

Nason will take up an executive post at Telstra in 2010 with best wishes of Tabcorp supreme Elmer Funke Kupper.

Nason alongside V’Landys steered New South Wales racing through the difficult days of equine influenza.

Following the win last Saturday of the John O’Shea 2yo Amber Waltz punters and racing journalist’s were singing the praises of Ambers Waltz as a Slipper leading contender which surprises me when you analysis the race Ambers Waltz won with the opposition being legless and Border Rebel who also won one the day came home the last 600 metres 1.37 seconds faster than Amber Waltz which equates to 8.22 lengths.

If punters are looking for a horse from last Saturday’s racing to follow I suggest you write the name Marconi an unbeaten 3yo that ran 1000 metres in 56.79 at start number two which in my opinion is top shelf material.

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Last Wednesday’s race meeting at Hawkesbury saw punters deal a savage to bookmakers with five of the eight favourites winning and two second favourites also winning.

Kerrin McEvoy help punters off to flying start in the opening race steering the heavily backed Golden Heights $3.80 ($4.20 into $3.80) to an all the way victory in the Bez Corp Security Services Class Two Handicap run over 1200 metres.

Punters were back in the collecting queue in race three with the Paul Cave trained Tyronne Prince $3.30 who came from the back of the field to score by just under a length from Bellshasar $5.50 with Smokey Haze $6 a further half length away in third placing.

Punters then in race four through their weight behind the Gai Waterhouse trained Essence of Success $3.80 and as usual at Hawkesbury Gai did not let punters down with Essence of Success leading all the way to a relative easy win in the Welding Industries of Australia Fillies and Mares Maiden Plate defeating the Hawkesbury trained galloper Belrose (Like Hinton) by one and a half lengths with Fates a further long neck away in third placing.

Race five saw punters again collecting with the heavily backed Sleek Machine $3.20 ($4 into $3.20) score a comprehensive victory in the Buttsworth Industrial Supplies Maiden Plate run over 1000 metres.

Bookmakers finally received some relief in race six when the 20/1 shot Riebeek lead all way to take out the ADG Welding Supplies Benchmark 60 Handicap over 1000 metres.

Punters were back into the bookmaker’s bag when the good thing of the day Dealers saluted in race seven at the good odds of $2.25 ($2.60 into $2.25) as he did look a put in and take out proposition.

Jockey Kerrin McEvoy was the star of last Wednesday’s race meeting riding nearly half of the eight programme, with his winners being Golden Heights (John Hawkes), Sleek Machine (David Payne) and Dealers (Peter Snowden).

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Form from last Wednesday’s race meeting should be worth following as three horses showed above average ability.

Nauticat who finished second to Davala in the Class One Handicap 1400m received a glowing report from jockey Hugh Bowman who told connections on dismounting that they will have plenty of fun with Nauticat and he is sure o win plenty of races.

First starter from the Waterhouse yard Essence Of Success won like a very good horse and she is certain to win again.

The Hawkesbury Summer Cup winner Dealers also won with ridiculous ease and he should be able to go back to town for another city victory.

Hawkesbury Race Club Limited received a visit from the NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing at a recent race meetings and following that visit I must once again remind persons under the age of eighteen that they must be accompanied by a responsible Adult to be able to enter the Hawkesbury race course otherwise entry to racecourse will be refused.

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Following the running of the Panthers Hawkesbury Gold Cup meeting on 5^th November we suggested the form from the meeting would stand up and punters should take note of certain horses.

Horses that have progressed from the meeting are Girl Hussler, Lucy’s Cash, Yodalla, Star Ripper, Black Prince, Lyncean Academy, Rockwood and  Spinney with all these gallopers seen in the winners circle at their next start.

Star Ripper following his five and a half length victory at Hawkesbury won his next two starts in the city just as easy and is now favourite for the $125,000 Summer Cup 2400m.

Racing New South Wales will be one of the big losers with the announcement of the  resignation of Tabcorp Managing Director of Wagering Robert Nason who has over the past twelve months worked tirelessly with Racing New South Wales Chief executive Peter V’Landys in their fight against the Corporate Bookmakers refusing to pay the 1.5 % levy on turnover on New South Wales Racing.

Nason will take up an executive post at Telstra in 2010 with best wishes of Tabcorp supreme Elmer Funke Kupper.

Nason alongside V’Landys steered New South Wales racing through the difficult days of equine influenza.

The 2010 William Inglis Yearling sale Preview catalogue has a list of some very expensive yearlings for sale come Easter 6 – 8 April 2010.

Hawkesbury Race Club Sponsors Reavill Farm has some high quality yearlings for sale at the Easter sales which include;

Bay Colt Danzero – Citiscene

Bay colt Encost de Lago – Silken Song

Bay Colt Encosta de Lago – Sister Declan

Bay Colt – Fastnet rock – Passing Hope

Chestnut Colt Flying Spur – Coliape

Bay Filly Flying Spur - Readyforcatherine

Bay Colt Flying Spur – Purde

Chestnut Filly Hussonet – Cloister

Bay Colt Redoute’s Choice – Bourgeois

Brown Filly Redoute’s Choice – Piper Star

Redoute’s Choice – Urge to Merge

Brown Filly Redoute’s Choice - Volte

Chestnut Filly Stravinsky (USA) – Rich Haul

An Breeder with connection to Hawkesbury Race Club who have High Quality yearlings for sale at Easter sales is John Muir owner of Milburn Creek Stud and they have the following yearlings entered;

Bay filly Nadeem – Evana

Bay Colt Nadeem – Zaitoona

Chestnut Colt Rock of Gibraltar – Love Train

Dean Fleming’s Stud Tyreel Stud who are sponsors of the Hawkesbury Race Club with the Stud situated fifteen minutes from the Hawkesbury race Track at Agnes Banks has the following yearlings entered in the sale;

Bay Filly Redoute’s Choice – African Rain

Bay Filly Redoute’s Choice – Bramble Rose

Bay Filly Redoute’s Choice – Snowdrift

Brown Filly Redoute’s Choice – Tycoon Joy

Bay Filly Commands – How Funny

Hawkesbury Race Club Member and Sponsor Richard Johnston of Bylong Park has the following yearlings also entered for the Easter sales

Bay Colt Rock of Gibraltar (IRE) – Chestpeak

Bay Filly Rock of Gibraltar ( IRE) – Flying Dansino

Bay Colt Commands – Molly Dot Com

Hawkesbury Race Club Directors having been blessed with brilliant sunshine for their recent race meetings and last Thursday’s meeting was no exception.

The big news that came out of last Thursday’s race meeting was that Warwick Farm trainer John Thompson, private trainer for Nathan Tinkler of Patinack Farm has applied to Hawkesbury Race Club to set up a large training establishment at Hawkesbury within the next month and watch out for another large Warwick Farm trainer to be transferring to Hawkesbury within the next six months.

Metropolitan trainers dominated the seven race programme at Hawkesbury last Thursday with trainers Tim Martin, John Thompson, Guy Walter, Robert Pearce  and Pat Webster all training winners, but the major race  of the day The Albert O’Cass OAM Memorial Cup Benchmark 60 Handicap 1400m was won by country trainer Don Ryan with his 7yo galloper Bellshasar $9 who bobbed right on the line to score by a short half head from Nostril $4.20 with Silent Prayer 5.50 a further half head away in third placing.

Garry Whitefailed to continued his amazing winning trot at Hawkesbury having to settle for second placings with his gallopers Colonel Light and French Beret, but let me tell you French Beret was having his fourth career start as a 6yo and his run to finish second was exceptional and a win is not far away for this talented maiden galloper.

Punters looking for horses to follow from the meeting should take note of two horses who performed more like city performers than provincial at Hawkesbury last Thursday.

The Pat Webster trained Thankgodyou’rehere gave his rivals a galloping lesson in the Jenny Stanton Class Two Handicap run over 1200 metres and if this galloper does not win in town I will given the punt away.

First winner on the programme Jealous Guy won with plenty of authority and ran super time 58.04 for the 1000 metres and a repeat of that performance in town will see Jealous Guy getting away with a mid week restricted race.  

Readers of the column should be cash positive following the win of King Galahad at Canterbury last Wednesday, with bookmakers betting as much as 40/1 about King Galahad.

In last week’s column we suggested punters follow King Galahad after his excellent barrier trail at Rosehill on 30^th October 2009

Hawkesbury Race Club Directors Philip Chen and Greg Stevens along with their respective wives Melinda and Lyn race King Galahad in partnership with North Richmond Doctor Robert Sheahan along with his wife Jane and Hawkesbury Race Club member Anthony Carpenter and Wife Hanna.

Hawkesbury jockeys continue on their winning way with Tye Angland and Grant Buckley traveling to Canberra last Tuesday week and both jockey riding a winner.

Tye was first into in the winners circle aboard the Luke Pepper trained Beryl Babe $2.60 in the Class Two Handicap run over 1200 metres.

Grant had to wait until the last race for his victory in the Canberra Cup 1200m a Benchmark 65 Handicap where he steered the Robert Price galloper Moorings Royal to a comfortable victory.

Barrier Trial Publication THE MIDWEEKER has noted two horses Court and Rainbow Styling from Rosehill Trials held on Tuesday 10 November 2009 for punters to follow hopefully with an air of confidence.

Court’s trial had I will be winning first up written all over it when he ran on for a narrow but a impressive win in heat six. Court is a classy galloper having previously won the Doomben BTC Classic during the winter carnival and the Sapphire Stakes at Randwick during the autumn.

Hawkesbury Race Club Directors & members were saddened with the news that member Allan Knott had lost his courageous battle with cancer.

Allan funeral’s was held last Friday with a massive attendance paying their respect to a remarkable gentleman.

Allan spent 35 years in the police force and after being diagnosed with Lung cancer two and a half years ago and given only twelve months to live by doctors, Allan fought the battle for a remarkable two and a half years before the dreaded disease beat Allan.

Allan was a wonderful gifted sportsman having played first Cricket and Rugby League.

On behalf of the Directors and members of the Hawkesbury Race Club our sincere sympathy goes to Allan’s wife Rhonda and family.

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Hawkesbury’s arguably biggest day of the year has arrived with running of the $130,000 Panthers Hawkesbury Gold Cup (G3) and the $100,000 Yalumba Wines Listed Cup 1300m to be run at Hawkesbury tomorrow which is traditionally known as Ladies Day.

The club received 164 nominations for the meeting which is a near record for Ladies day and will assure Patrons of top class racing for the entire day.

The 2009 Panthers Hawkesbury Gold Cup field is outstanding with leading trainers Peter Snowden (Spinney), Guy Walter (Bernica), Graeme Rogerson (Illuminates), Ron Leemon ( Innings), Anne Marie Ruttley ( Syreon), Kim Waugh (Delago Star)  Chris Waller (Shadow Cabinet) along with local trainers Garry White (North Dakota, & Cullen Castle) and Wade Slinkard (Ausbred King) all supporting the race this feature race

The Cup Field for 2009 is;

Horse                       Trainer                                    Jockey                   Price

Bernicia                   Guy Walter                               Kathy O’Hara        4/1

Spinney                    Peter Snowden                        Josh Parr                  10/1                                       

Alverta                    Paul Messara                            Tye Angland           8/1

Illuminates              Graeme Rogerson                     Peter Wells              8/1                      

Ausbred King          Wade Slinkard                         Grant Buckley         25/1

Bacchanal Woman    Keith Dryden                          Kevin Sweeney           15/1

Cullen Castle            Garry White                                                              20/1

Delago Star                Kim Waugh                           Jay Ford                      15/1

Syreon                     Anne Marie Ruttley                  Peter Robl               5/1

 Keepin’ the Dream (NZ) Jim & Greg Lee               Chris Munce              10/1                                                            

North Dakota           Garry White                                                              10/1

Tora Tora Tora          Tom Mulholland                                                        33/1                 

Selecting the winner of the 2009 Panthers Hawkesbury Gold Cup is not an easy assignment as this is one of the most open Cup’s run over the last fifteen years which is the time Panthers has been associated with the Hawkesbury Race Club.

Many years ago a smart punter told me always back a horse the has been specifically set for a race and I reckon Guy Walter has had the Panthers Hawkesbury Gold Cup on Bernicia’s agenda for quite a while and on landing in Melbourne last Friday I had a friendly chat the General Manager of Darley Australia Henry Plumptree and he was very upbeat about the chances of Bernicia in tomorrow’s Panthers Hawkesbury Gold Cup 1600m.

Bernicia’s last start effort was full of merit finishing second to Messenger in the $100,000 Gosford Belle The Turf Stakes a listed race run over tomorrow’s distance 1600 metres

The $100,000 Yalumba Wines Listed Cup 1300m has drawn together a high quality field of open company gallopers at Hawkesbury tomorrow with leading trainers Gai Waterhouse (Rockwood) and Peter Snowden (Beaded ) along with Allan Denham (Youthful Jack) holding the key to this years race.

The 2009 Yalumba Wines Cup Field is;

Horse                                  Trainer                               Jockey                               Price

Youthful Jack                      Allan Denham                  Chris Munce                          7/2  

Black Prince                         Joseph Pride                    Peter Robl                              7/1

Rockwood                            Gai Waterhouse              Noel Callow                             9/2

Lyncean Academy               Guy Walter                      Kathy O’Hara                         7/1

Ego’s Dare                           Gerald Ryan                    Jay Ford                                   7/2

Beaded                                 Peter Snowden                  Josh Par                                   6/1

Royal Esprit                         John Hawkes                                                                    10/1

Hotel Casino                        Grahame Begg                  Tye Angland                            15/1

Allervite                              Gary Portelli                        Nathan Berry                          20/1

Buttido                                Steve Englebrecht               Tommy Berry                         15/1

The $100,000 Yalumba Wines Cup (Listed) looks a race with three definite winning chances on paper and rarely does Gai Waterhouse come to Hawkesbury on feature days and not go away with one of the main races and that’s the reason I’m tipping Rockwood to take out the Yalumba Wines Cup 1300 metres.

Rockwood has had one run since returning from a long spell and finished fourth to Absoluteyfabulous in the Newcastle Cameron back on September 17^th 2009.Rockwood’s form prior to going for a spell included a second in the Group One Toorak handicap run over the 1600 metres

Main dangers to Rockwood will be Youthful Jack and Beaded both gallopers coming out of city class races at their last start with Beaded being a winner at her last two city starts and Youthful Jack finishing a close up fourth and prior to that effort Youthful Jack did trial brilliantly.

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Punters looking for winners on the supporting programme tomorrow should stay on the Garry White bandwagon who has trained a winner at four of the last five Hawkesbury race Meetings and tomorrow he has last start Hawkesbury winner Shadow Minister engaged in the Benchmark 60 2000m handicap and he only has to run up to his last start winning performance at Hawkesbury where he defeated the John O’Shea trained galloper Bidthemobgooday quite comfortably over the 2000 metre journey to be winning tomorrow and will only have improved from last run.

John O’Shea has Ithinkso engaged in the 1200 metre fillies and mares race and if she runs up to her barrier trial performance when finishing third to Apparitions and at no stage was given full rein and improvement from that trail will see her winning tomorrow.

Following the sad passing of Hawkesbury Race Club Chairman Ted McCabe there became a casual vacancy on the Hawkesbury Race Club Board and following last week’s October monthly board meeting the Board of Directors unanimously agreed to invite Doctor Philip Chen onto the board to fill the casual vacancy in which Philip accepted the position and in his words regarded it as an Honour and a Privilege.

Philip will be a great asset for the Hawkesbury Race Club having owned race horses for 17 years including Group One gallopers Mt Bureaucrat and All Black Gold and more recently entered the breeding industry and currently have a broodmare band of six in New Zealand and Australia. Philip is also a member of the Australian Thoroughbred Breeders Club and currently has interests in several racehorses trained by Chris Waller.

Philip completed his secondary education in New Zealand and then attended the University of Sydney Medical School and Graduated in1985 with a bachelor of medicine and a bachelor of surgery – M.B.B.S.

How proud would Ted be if he only knew that his friendly doctor Phil Chen filled the vacancy on the Hawkesbury Race Club Board

Hawkesbury’s future Champion apprentice Josh Adams had a very successful day at Newcastle last Saturday riding a winning double and three second placegetters.

Josh’s first winner was the $11 priced galloper Baggio’s Penalty who scored a length victory in the 900 metre maiden Handicap. Josh second leg of his winning double was on the Anthony Mountney trained galloper Emulous $5.50 who scored a long neck win in the 2300 metre maiden plate.This kid is going to make head lines in the near future.

Looking at the early nominations for the Hawkesbury Race Meeting to be held tomorrow it does look like the punters should finish ahead of the local bookmakers.

The first horse punters should take note of is Elusive Lad who was narrowly beaten at Hawkesbury last start by Watch The Tele when resuming from a spell. With benefit of the first run under his belt Elusive lad should take plenty of catching in the Benchmark 65 race to be run over 1000 metres. Hardest for Elusive Lad to beat could be last start Hawkesbury winner Whiner who won over a 1000 metres at Hawkesbury last Sunday week, but in doing so run slower time than the race Elusive Lad ran in and was beaten half a neck in.

Main race on the day is the Benchmark 70 Ratings race to be run over 1300 metres and if Mokhoro  repeats his barrier trial performance at Rosehill on Tuesday 13^th October 2009 at the track tomorrow he should be something special to bet on at reasonable odds. In the trial Mokhoro was beaten less than three lengths by open company galloper Youthful Jack and if he runs up to that trial he will be winning tomorrow.

Hawkesbury trainer Wade Slinkard looks to a great chance of taking out the $16,000 Class Two Handicap 1800m with his consistent galloper Ausbred Gold who is a last winner over 2000m at Kembla on 10^th October 2009.Ausbred Gold a Universal Prince 4yo mare who is bred to be a staying type and last start at Kembla she showed she can handle all types of going by scoring a two length victory on a slow track and coming back 200 metres tomorrow will not be a worry. Hardest for Ausbred Gold to beat could be Grandma’s Fault who was beaten under three lengths at her previous behind Cool Dreamer on the Kensington track.

Eleven Barrier trials were held at Rosehill last Tuesday week and the MIDWEEKER was very bullish about the prospects of Bureaucratic, Ragnvald and Girl Hussler.

Bureaucratic is trained at Hawkesbury by David Seldon and was highly impressive in winning heat two of the trials under the guidance of jockey Robbie Brewer who was actually easing Bureaucratic up on the line, but still was able to win the trial by two lengths. Bureaucratic has now had two trials and should be ready to enter the winners circle.

The Peter Snowden trained Ragnvald was kept under a tight hold in heat five when finishing fifth to Freedom March and prior preparation was a Canterbury maiden winner.

The two main races on the Panthers Hawkesbury Gold Cup programme for Thursday 5^th November 2009 are shaping up to be full of interest for trainers as Allan Denham is aiming his smart galloper Youthful Jack towards the $100,000 Listed Yalumba Wines Cup 1300m following his impressive five lengths barrier trial win at Rosehill last Tuesday week and then a nice first up win at Rosehill last Saturday. Another smart horse to have trialled brilliantly at Rosehill was Theophorus and he is also being aimed at the Yalumba Wines Cup.

Peter Snowden ahs Spinney and Freedom March on the $130,000 Group 3 Panthers Hawkesbury Gold Cup 1600m path following both horses pleasing in their Rosehill trials.

Hawkesbury Trainer Tara Vigouroux tasted success at Wyong last Thursday with her 5yo gelding Opendor taking out the Class One Handicap run over 1350 metres.

Opendor’s win was special for Tara as the galloper is raced by Tara’s father Ken Quigley whom I am sure had something on Opendor at the good odds of $16.70 on the NSW TAB.

Ridden to perfection by leading female jockey Kathy O’Hara, Opendor put a gap on his rivals rounding the home turn and was then able to hang and score by half a length from the second placegetter and favourite Kaunda $3.30 with Handout $4.40 a further three quarters of a length away in third placing.

Opendor was one of Kathy’s four winners at Wyong last Thursday with the other winners being Rapauric $6.50, Stampeder $11 and Monte Grande at the luxury odds of $51.

Hawkesbury jockey Tye Angland is in for the biggest day of his short riding career on Saturday when he partners Black Piranha in the $3m Cox Plate to be run over 2040 metres at Moonee Valley.

Thanks to the stewards who were lenient towards Tye having shorten his recent suspension to allow him to ride in Saturday’s major race.

In the early betting Black Piranha is quoted at $15 and has a great chance of turning Tye into a superstar.

I thought the 3yo So You Think trained by Bart Cummings would prove the one to beat as he only has to carry 49.5 Kilo’s and will be ridden by big time jockey Glen Boss.

The hardest for So You Think to beat is Vision And Power and if Moonee Valley track is wet on Saturday his chances will only improve, other chances are Manhattan Rain Whobegotyou and of course Black Piranha.

Patrons Pay Tribute to Hawkesbury Race Club Chairman – Ted McCabe

Hawkesbury Race Club’s race meeting held last Thursday was dedicated to the memories of Chairman Ted McCabe who sadly passed away last Tuesday week following a long battle with the dreaded dease cancer.

Race patrons were sadden with the news of Ted’s passing and as one patron stated his name will remain with Hawkesbury Race Club History for eternity.

Ted up until his death on Tuesday 22^nd September 2009 was Chairman of the Hawkesbury Race Club for the past seventeen years and had served on the committee for the past twenty six years.

During Ted’s tenure as Chairman he oversaw many major projects being completed at the Hawkesbury Racecourse with the most recent being the building of the $5m Motel complex and previously was the mastermind behind the construction of the sand track and a grass training tracks at a combined cost of $4m.

The last project Ted saw finished was the construction of a new $250,000 lift for members which was warmly received by all members.

Over Ted’s seventeen years as Chairman only one year did the club fail to make a profit?

Born on the north coast of New South Wales, Ted moved to the Hawkesbury District very early in life and commenced employment with Hobartville Stud and moved onto Princess Farm where he spent 15 years before taking over the management of Belmont Park at North Richmond for the Ingham brothers Bob and Jack in 1983. Ted designed and built Belmont Park, the foremost spelling and breaking in property in New South Wales.

I have had the good fortunate to work along side Ted McCabe for the past 20 years as CEO of Hawkesbury Race Club and to say it was a privilege to meet such a wonderful man is an understatement as in my 20 years as CEO I had never heard a staff member ever complain about the Hawkesbury Race Club Chairman and it was completely opposite because all you would hear “what a lovely bloke Ted is”.

As one CEO reported in his letter of condolences Ted never changed; always friendly and positive. The latter also applied during his illness. Never once did you hear complain about the cards he was dealt and did every thing in his power to beat the illness – Truly a remarkable man.

I once read that it is important to be good at your profession or trade, but more importantly it is important to be a good person – Ted McCabe was both.

Patrons at last Thursday race meeting paid their respect to Ted with a minutes silence being held prior to the running of race seven and jockeys also paid their respect wearing black arm bands for the race.

Sadly Ted will be missed by many and he would have been pleased to know that at last Thursday race meeting Lyn Pate raised $40,000 for Cancer Research, sadly the research failed Ted.

Last Thursday meeting at Hawkesbury was a cracker with nine races held and punters investing in excess of $3m with the NSW TAB and on course bookmakers.

Highlight of the meeting was the performance of three winners who stamped their class and will go onto better races over the next month.

Joe Pride produced Skybound first up in the Tri-City Trucks (NSW) Pty Ltd Maiden Handicap over 1400 metres and what a performance it was from Skybound $2.45 who started from barrier thirteen, lumped 58kg’s and jockey Peter Robl made his intentions clear at the start driving the galloper straight to the lead and from then on it was all Skybound who went onto score by two and a half lengths from Sob Sister $10 with Ambitious Princess $3.50 a further one and a half lengths away in third placing.

Wyong trainer Brett Partelle also produced a first up runner in Inherited and she simply toyed with her opposition leading all the way to score by two and half lengths from Princess Conny $8.50 with Tregolo $7.50 a further nose away in third placing.

The third winner who also won impressively was Cerinthe a horse we suggested readers follow from the last meeting after finishing third to the smart galloper Single Entry.

Cerinthe opened in the ring at $2.80 and blew out to $9, but the betting fluctuations made no difference as Cerinthe took out the Sebel Resort & Spa Maiden Handicap run over 1000 metres and let me tell you there are many more wins in Cerinthe a Clarrie Conners trained galloper.

Hawkesbury trainer continued his good run at Hawkesbury with his galloper Colonel Light scoring an easy victory in the Rafton Family Lawyers Maiden Plate 1200 metres.

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Horses to follow from the meeting apart from the above three winners are Whiner a Patinack Farm galloper who was having his first race start a did a good job finishing second to the smart galloper Cerinthe and it won’t be long before Whiner breaks his maiden status.

Josh Adams gave a perfect riding exhibition on the Bede Murray trained Sarkosy who will improve greatly from his first up victory and there are city wins in store for this galloper.

Guy Walter trained galloper Sandberg finished second to Sarkosy and was getting home nicely over the last 200 metres and a win is not far away for Sandberg.

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Randwick held the first official heats of the 2yo trials last Monday week with nine heats being held and the Midweeker suggesting there are five early comers to follow.

The 2yo’s mentioned are Gallant Spur (Kevin Moses), Champagne Dynamite (Gerald Ryan), Mafia Miss (Grahame Begg), Much Much More (Chris Waller), Capital Raising (John Thompson) and Circus Rock (David Payne).

Champagne Dynamite produced the fastest time of the morning and should be winning early 2yo races.

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Thank god commonsense has prevailed with the new whip rules and now the jockeys have unlimited access to the use of the whip over the final 100 metres.

Jockeys will now have the discretion to use the whip as they like in the final 100m of a race after the Australian Racing Board last Wednesday bowed to united industry pressure over the controversial rules.

Hawkesbury race again on Sunday 11^th October 2009 which is the Wine, Food & Jazz Raceday with the stalls open for business at 11am

There is $112,000 in prizemoney to be distributed over the eight race programme which will commence at 12.50pm.

Internationally Acclaimed Female singer Charito will be performing trackside along with Zoo Superband and Suzanna Wellink.

On course patrons will be eligible to win $1000 Fuel voucher by writing their name on the back of a losing betting ticket and placing the tickets in barrels on course.

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Hawkesbury trainer Jeremy Wilson who recently moved to Hawkesbury from Goulburn has been suspended after failing to appear before stewards at an inquiry held at Hawkesbury last Thursday.

Trainer Jeremy Wilson didn’t arrive at the Hawkesbury hearing into substances found at his stables during two separate inspections.

Wilson’s license to train has been suspended until he appears before stewards.

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Jockey’s Walk out after Race Four

Hawkesbury Race Meeting last Thursday came to a sudden holt when jockey’s held a meeting behind closed doors to discuss the Australian Racing Board’s decision not to alter the new whip rules and unanimously agreed after the corresponding meeting in Melbourne held at Ballarat was called off to call the Hawkesbury race meeting off leaving race goers with little to do but adjourn to the bar.

In the jockey’s Defence they only want minor changes to the rule and surely now that commonsense will prevail so that no more race meetings are lost.

The new whip rules – Australian Rule of Racing 137 (A) were introduced on August 1. They state that – Other than on one occasion in the last 200m when the whip may be used in three consecutive strides, the whip shall not be used in consecutive strides other than in a slapping motion down the shoulder or alternatively in a backward manner. A jockey shall not use the whip more than five times before the last 200m of a race.

Of the four races held Guy Walter trained a winning double and Marc Conners and Bart Cummings training the other two winners on the four race programme.

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Three horses who contested the $16,000 Chalker Accountants Pty Ltd Maiden Plate for 3yo’s are definitely worth following and they are Prince of Hearts (Garry Portelli), Cerinthe (C.Conners) and Single Entry (M.Conners).

The winner of the race was Single Entry who scored a brilliant one and three quarters of a length win over Prince of Heats and both of these horses will go onto town and make their presence felt.

Bart Cummings produced a smart galloper in the shape of Halleys (Redoute’s Choice – Our Evening Star) who had little trouble in disposing of the opposition in the Action Insurances Brokers Class One Handicap run over 1500 metres and more wins are store for this 4yo mare.

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Form the Hawkesbury race meeting held on the 20^th August 2009 has certainly been worth taking notice of as horses from the meeting have filled minor placings town or at other provincial meetings.

The race meeting seen Motivation finish second to Vain Shadow and then go to Warwick Farm and win, Flying Spin finished third to Spirit of Destiny and then went onto win at the Wyong Cup carnival and Maxim ran third to Kapu Star and then won at Canterbury.

Hawkesbury trainers certainly showed their liking for the Bathurst Race Course last Friday where they trained three winners with Tara Vigouroux starting the winning trot with Cierto Segura $5 winning the 1200m Maiden Plate followed by Noel Mayfield-Smith with Yodalla $8 and Warwick Hailes completed the winning treble with Magic Avon $3.40 a narrow winner of the Pat and Val Tilston Class One Handicap run over 1200 metres.

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New South Wales Jockeys Premiership for the 2009/10 racing season has exposed a young kid Blake Spriggs going places as he is currently sitting second on the premiership on 18 wins nine behind leader Corey Brown and Hawkesbury jockey grant Buckley is currently sitting in fourth position on 13 wins.

What a month of racing we have coming up in October 2009 with TAB Sportsbet  now betting on the Epsom Handicap run Saturday 3^rd October, Metropolitan Handicap 3^rd Oct, Spring Champion Stakes 3^rd Oct, Cox Plate 24^th Oct, Caulfield Cup 17^th Oct and the Melbourne Cup to be run on Tuesday 3^rd November 2009.

Looking at the early markets and reviewing the latest form I am starting to warm to Peter Snowden trained Drumbeats in the Epsom Handicap 1600m who should be going into the race at his third start this preparation and if you witness his first up second to Patronyme at Randwick last Saturday week which had written all over the run let me get to Randwick over 1600 metres and I will show you how good a race horse I really am.

The Bart Cummings trained So You Think looks like a future super star and the Champion Stakes looks made to order for this promising 3yo and don’t be surprised if So You Think is mentioned come Cox Plate day at Moonee Valley 24^th October 2009.

Peter Snowden has a habit of starting the Champion Stakes winner over the Newcastle Cup Carnival and I see he has the smart 3yo Euphemism nominated so keep an eye on him at Newcastle today.

Another horse that has been specially set for the Cox Plate 2000m is Black Piranha and he would only need to repeat his autumn form to have an undeniable chance in this years Cox Plate.

Hawkesbury Race Day Patrons are reminded that the Panthers Hawkesbury Gold Cup/ Ladies Day race meeting is fast approaching and will be held on Thursday 5^th November 2009.

Hawkesbury Race Directors are pleased to be once again associated with Myer who are the Major sponsors of the Fashions On The Field competition which is held on Oaks Day Thursday 5^th November 2009 in conjunction with the running of the $130,000 Panthers Hawkesbury Gold Cup 1600mand the $100,000 Yalumba Wines Cup 1300m.

This year there will be three categories for the Myer Fashions on the Field competition with over $20,000 worth of prizes to be won. The tree categories are;

Myer Best Dressed Lady

Myer Best Dressed Contemporary

Myer Best Hat

Every Lady entering the Myer Fashions on the Field Competition dressed appropriately for the occasion will receive a complimentary glass of Yalumba NV Angus Brut and Gift from Skin Fitness.

Initial and Final Judging will be conducted on the lawn trackside at 3.00pm.

Major sponsors on the day are Panthers, Yalumba Wines, MYER Penrith, Skin Fitness skincare and body therapies, BTW Communications, Hawkesbury Gazette and Courier and www.tab.com.au

For all your Corporate Bookings for Ladies Day contact Vivienne Leggett 0418292184

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Punter Love Good Tracks & Trainers Love Dead Tracks

For the past decade bookmaker Robbie Waterhouse has been showing me statistics that prove punters will increase their wagering amount on good tracks ( which punters prefer) and decrease their wagering amounts on dead to slow tracks (which trainers prefer).

Looking at the Hawkesbury Statistics there is no doubt that punters love betting on good track to fast tracks which in turn upsets the trainer as they like tracks to have a cushion and state that the ideal track is a dead 4.

Hawkesbury Race Club will Endeavour to cater for both parties with tracks being prepared the day before at a dead 4 and aiming for an upgrade on race day to a good 3.

Punters and owners are the two biggest customers racing has and it is all administrators’ reasonability to recognize these two bodies and prepare the right surfaces for punters to bet and hopefully grow the TAB turnover which in turn benefits all racing participants which also include trainers, jockeys, strappers, Farriers, transport companies and many others.

Over the past month there has been many a debate on suspension of jockeys for overuse of the padded whip and latest jockey too suffer was Daniel Ganderton last Saturday week who was suspended and fined for the overuse of the whip on Deer Valley and I am sure if Ganderton had rode Deer Valley within the new whip rules he would have finished second and many punters are asking should he the race been  taken off Deer Valley and given to the second placegetter Melito who was ridden within the rules.

Rosehill held thirteen barrier trials last Friday week with the MIDWEEKER suggesting punters keep the eye out for the following three horses.

Drumbeats from the Peter Snowden stables who has not started since winning at Flemington last November and should be all the better for his hit out when finishing third to Gangitano in heat three beaten just over two lengths.

Another Peter Snowden trained galloper Serenissima went to the post unextended to finish second to Teivovo in heat six and at her last start prior to gong for a spell finished third in the Listed P.J.Bell handicap.

Hawkesbury race again on Thursday 10^th September 2009 with $128,000 in prizemoney to be distributed over the following race programme and trainers are reminded that nominations for the meeting close on Friday 4^th September 2009 at 11am.

$16,000 Rating 71 Handicap 1400m

$16,000 Class One Handicap 1000m

$16,000 Class One Handicap 1500m F & M

$16,000 Class One Handicap 1500 C & G

$16,000 Maiden Plate for 4yo & Upwards 1000m

$16,000 Maiden Handicap F & M 1300m

$16,000 Maiden Handicap C & G 1300m

$16,000 Maiden Plate 3yo Set Weights 1000m

Trainers are reminded that Bench Mark Programming and Handicapping will be introduced from 1^st October 2009.

To assist trainers understand the new system their will seminars conducted at Randwick Monday 31/8 at 11am, Newcastle 3.30pm 31/8, Kembla Tuesday 1/9 at 9.30am, Warwick Farm 1/9 at 1pm and Rosehill 3.30pm on Tuesday 1/9

Racing NSW Chief Executive Peter V’Landys and Vice Chairman Alan Bell will be attendance to explain the new Bench Mark Programming and Handicapping.

Peter V’Landys explained that after consulting extensively with the industry, Racing NSW will replace the ratings system of programming and handicapping with a revolutionary and innovative system.

Ratings will be superseded by a published BENCHMARK that denotes the weight each horse will carry at its next start, with each BENCHMARK point equaling half a kilogram.

The BENCHMARK systems increases options for every horse as it can be nominated for more races on each program, and then the connections can decide which race to contest after assessing its weight and competitiveness.

For example in a BENCHMARK race of 80 a horse with a BENCHMARK of 80 (with no allowances) will carry 58kg. A horse with a BENCHMARK of 86 (with no allowances) can be entered for the race and will carry 61kg i.e. 6 BENCHMARK points equals 3kg. Alternatively a horse with a BENCHMARK of 77 will carry 56.5 i.e. 3 BENCHMARK points equals 1,5kg.

A filly or mare is given a 2kg allowance. Accordingly a mare with a 76 BENCHMARK will carry 54kg

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The Australian Jockey Club Chairman Ron Finemore in his quarterly news letter to members announced among many other matters that to achieve a balanced 2009/2010 budget costs in the coming year have been reduced by $8.5m and including in that $8.5m was prizemoney plus staffing levels restructured.

Mr. Finemore reported that the Stage 1 Master plan works are progressing well and the opening of the new bus way/ pedestrian plaza on Alison Road and the new Race Day Stall Complex is schedule for Spring Carnival 2009.

Also reported was that the AJC and STC have recently gained NSW Racing Minister Kevin Greene’s agreement to establish a joint review team, called the Merger Benefits Team (MBT) to report to him by the end of November 2009 on a range of important industry matters that will impact racing into the future. This came on the back of the Ernst & Young merger feasibility report that was followed by the LEK report commissioned by the Clubs which identified only a possible $3.3 million in direct merger related benefits(as compared to the like for like benefits of $14. million from the Ernst Young report).

Current acting CEO Darren Pearce is amongst the 100 applications received for the new AJC CEO position and the Chairman Ron Finemore stating in his news letter that the board are very happy with Darren Pearce’s performance as Acting CEO which makes you think Pearce is shoe in for the AJC CEO position.

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Hawkesbury Jockeys Grant Buckley and Tye Angland have started the new racing season on a winning note with Grant riding a winning double Sutton Mist (Mark Griffiths) and Plandice (Kim Waugh) at Muswellbrook last Monday week, followed by four winners Excellent Point (K.Moses), Casa Boy & Jollica (C. Conners),Grande Attack ( G.Ryan) at Kembla Grange last Saturday

Tye continued his successful association with Tim Martin steering Street Lover to victory at Canterbury last Tuesday week.

Young apprentice Josh Adams returned to the saddled last week following a suspension and he was soon backing in the winners circle at Nowra last Sunday steering home a winning double courtesy of Tabourie Tiger (Bede Murray) and Peyrolles (Anthony Olsen).

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Too Many race Meetings affects Tomorrow’s Meeting

Over the past seven days the provincial and metropolitan race clubs have held meetings at Wyong on Thursday 13^th August 2009, Newcastle Sat 15/8, Rosehill Sat 15/8, Gosford Tues 18/8, Randwick Wed 19/8 and now Hawkesbury tomorrow which is the main reason for the smaller than usual fields sizes in the Class races at tomorrow’s Hawkesbury race meeting. But in saying all that Hawkesbury still has a reasonable eight race programme with the first race commencing at 12.50 pm.

Hawkesbury trainer Garry White should continue enjoying his recent success at Hawkesbury having trained a winning double at the previous two Hawkesbury race meetings and with his charges Shadow Miss, Vain Shadow, Autumn Royal, In The Cards, Grand Impression, Shadow Minister and Colour Purple nominated for tomorrow’s, I think its only a formality that White will be appearing in the winners circle again tomorrow.

Garry’s main chance of victory looks to be Colour Purple who at his only start finished an unlucky third to his stable mate Vain Shadow at the Hawkesbury Race Meeting held on the 6^th August 2009 beaten just over two lengths.

Tomorrow Colour Purple will be stepping up to 1300 metres from the 1000 metres at his first race start which should be ideal and with even share of luck in running Colour Purple should prove too good for his opposition.

Colour Purple’s main danger will come from the Chilli Bite (David Payne) and Natai Beach (Chris Waller).

Two other White runners Shadow Miss and Vain Shadow looked to undeniable chances in their respective races.

The good thing on the programme looks to be in the $16,000 Class One Handicap 1400 metres courtesy of the Greg Hickman trained Definite Choice who was a last start winner at Rosehill and dropping back to Provincial grade to morrow this 3yo colt does look perfectly placed.

Randwick trainer John O’Shea has Cavities engaged in the $16,000 maiden plate over 1400 metres and he only has to run up to his last start second to She’s A Rock at the 6^th August 2009 meeting to go one better tomorrow.        

Hawkesbury race Club held nine barrier trial heats last Monday week with the heat winners being;

Heat                  Winner                                      Trainer

One                   Hood                                         Guy Walter

Two                  Bipartisan                                  Warwick Hailes

Three                Sob Sister                                  Noel Mayfield-Smith

Four                  Delago Bolt                               Gary Portelli

Five                  Dane Fontaine                            Guy Walter

Six                    Anything                                    Mark DeMonFort

Seven               Whenever                                   Guy Walter

Eight                Annapannaa                               Noel Mayfield-Smith

Nine                 Indicted                                      Noel Mayfield-Smith

One horse horse that caught the eye from the trials came out of the same heat four in the shape of Delago Bolt.

Delago Bolt winner of the Canberra Black Opal Stakes 2yo certainly looks to have return in good following his easy win in heat four where he defeated Monte Leo who was seen running home along the rails without much pressure being applied by the jockey.

Randwick also held a set of barrier trial on last Friday week which saw the appearance of the following big guns Rock Kingdom, More Joyous, Handsupfordetroit, Racing To Win, Recoup De Fortune, More Than Great, Manhattan Rain, Glowlamp, and Fist Of Fury.

Barrier trial Publication THE MIDWEEKER highlighted the following horses to follow from the trials – More Joyous, Manhattan Rain, Handsupfordetroit, More Than Great, and Recoup De Fortune.

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Good news for Hawkesbury trainers, punters and owners as from last Monday 10^th August 2009 all Hawkesbury barrier trials will now be shown on TVN at 7.30pm on the day the trials are held.

Future barrier trial dates are;

Monday 14^th September 2009 – Reply 7.30pm

Monday 26^th October 2009 – Reply 7.30pm

Monday 16^th November 2009 -- Reply 7.30pm

The Racing industry was in shock last week with the sudden death of former Hawkesbury trainer Pat Quinn.

Pat, 63, who had recently undergone  a hip operation, suffered serious injuries at the pre-race stalls at the Canterbury race meeting last Wednesday week when he was attending to his runner Insensitive.

Pat was rushed to St George Hospital but sadly passed away in transit.

Pat is survived by Wife Gail, daughter Tracey and sons Marc and Craig.

During his training days at Hawkesbury Pat prepared the brilliant sprinter Legal Agent who took out the Hawkesbury Horse of the Year in 1997.

Other top notch gallopers prepared by Quinn were Go Mod, Top Charger, Star Dragon, and Silk And Money.

The racing industry’s feelings were echo by his good mate Peter Snowden who had to wipe the tears from his eyes to say that Pat was a great horseman, a terrific bloke and a real family man. Peter went on to say this is tragedy, it is very upsetting, but the only thing is he died doing something he loved.

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Hawkesbury Trainers Having a Wonderful Run

Hawkesbury trainers Garry White and Vic Bates tasted city success last Wednesday at Randwick on the Kensington track with White preparing Cullen Castle for a victory and Vic saddling up Monte Leo for a narrow victory.

Over the final two months of the 2008/09 racing season Hawkesbury trainers have certainly had their share of success.

Starting from the last Hawkesbury race meeting the list of a few trainers having success are as follows;

Karen Outtrim – Diatistic won at Hawkesbury 19/7 and at Goulburn 3/7

Garry Whitewon with Underthetuscansun and North Dakota at Hawkesbury 19/7

Garry Frazer   -- Hawkesbury 19/7 Sylvan Way, Wave The dollar 9/7and Flaxmill Road 9/5

Noel Mayfield-Smith – Ready To Reign Randwick 8/7 and also at Kembla 16/5 along with Broadway Queen, Foxy Flyer Warwick Farm 17/6

Steve Moore – Crikey Jack Hawkesbury 9/7

Vic Bates – Bathurst Monte Rocket 17/7, Monte Leo – Rosehill 20/5

Wayne Andrews – Orange 19/6 Forever Grateful

Doreen Slinkard – Kembla 13/6 Billet & Ausbred Rose Orange 19/6

MurrayWilson – Synchronicity – Hawkesbury 9/7

Bernie Kelly– Cry Baby Orange 19/6

Robert Brooke – Just Like Zac winning at Wellington 14/6 & Mudgee 5/7

Michael Vella – Naval Prince Orange 19/6

David Seldon – Crafty Trader 3/7

Tara Vigouroux – Biscay Star – Hawkesbury 21/5

Terry Croft – Gudge – Hawkesbury 21/5

Wanda Ings – Halfametreshort – Rosehill 20/5

Racing New South Wales are consulting race clubs with a draft copy of a set of minimum standards for the conduct of races and race meetings along with minimum standards for racecourse maintenance.

In accordance with the provisions of the Thoroughbred Racing Act 1996, Racing NSW has determined Minimum Standards to be met by all NSW racecourse venue Operators (Clubs).

Minimum Standards are designed to benefit welfare; prolong racing careers; establish ideal conditions for competitive racing and make racing more accessible, enjoyable and rewarding for all.

If a club fails to, or cannot meet, a minimum Standard it must;

• Immediately notify Racing NSW of that Failure;

• Investigate the cause and take all reasonable steps to rectify that failure

• Provide Racing NSW with a report identifying the cause of the failure and the steps taken to remedy that failure;

Racing NSW now has strong powers if Club’s failed to meet Minimum Standards and included in them are;

• Suspension of affected Services at the Venue

• Reduction in Club funding from the Distribution

• Transfer of race meetings to other Clubs or Venues

Cancellation or suspension of club license

Form from the Hawkesbury July  Race Meetings should stand up at the tomorrow’s Gosford meeting with recent placegetters Remolino, In Lighten and Aspire all looking to drop in grade and appear to have great winning hopes especially Aspire who was beaten by the Peter Snowden trained galloper Brasileira who will have little trouble winning in the City at her next start.

Hawkesbury Race Club Director has his handy galloper Forever Grateful also engaged at Gosford in the Ratings 71 Handicap to be run over 1600 metres and Forever Grateful does look perfectly placed.

Hawkesbury Jockeys Grant Buckley and Tye Angland continue on their winning way with both jockeys riding winners at Goulburn last Friday and stepping up to city racing on the following Saturday and both jockeys once again were seen in the winners circle.

Tye combined with Warwick Farm trainer Clarrie Conners to take out the 1200 metre maiden plate at Goulburn with the Redoute’s Choice 2yo Fantasising who had little trouble in disposing of his opposition.

Grant was successful on the Kerry Parker trained galloper Sanisidro who scored a short half head victory in the Class One Handicap run over 1400 metres.

Both jockey then headed off to Randwick the next day for more success with Tye much to the bookmakers delight steered Artistic Rock to victory in the Sir Dapper Handicap 1600m at the big odds of 50/1.

Grant who has enjoyed a wonderful association with Warwick Farm trainer Greg Hickman  and they combined at Randwick to take out the Our Maizcay Handicap 1800m with the consistent mare Allaboutus who was specked in the betting $6 into $5.50.

Barrier trial Publication THE MIDWEEKER spotted four horses for punters to follow from the Rosehill Trials held Tuesday 21^st July 2009.

Hawkesbury trainer Andrew Shaw looks to have pretty smart galloper on his hands in the shape of That’s Cricket who looked impressive in winning heat four of the trials in easy fashion and at the same time ran quick time.

Peter Snowden produced Lohnro’s half brother Eighto in heat three who previous campaign won a Geelong Maiden and going on his impressive trial win last Tuesday week I think you will see this galloper winning at Warwick Farm on Friday 31^st July 2009 and possibly giving Peter the Sydney trainers premiership.

Rosehill trainer David Payne has had great success with his 2yo’s this season and at the Rosehill trials he produced two more smart gallopers Prerequisite and Kimberley Kid both highlighted by the MID WEEKER as horses to follow.

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