Cassidy's Singapore Licence Extended

Thursday, 08 August 2002 00:00

Larry Cassidy, who won the Emirates Singapore Derby last month has his local Singapore permit extended from 16 August 2002 to 16 February 2003.

The 32-year-old Kiwi ace has to date saluted 18 times and finished 22 times in the minor placings.

Media Release - Singapore Turf Club

Beadman Wins George Moore Medal By a Nose

Thursday, 08 August 2002 00:00

Jockey Darren Beadman tonight won the coveted NSW TRB ‘George Moore Medal’ at the NSWROA’s Night of Champions Awards Night at Randwick.

Beadman collected the medal – an award for riding excellence – in front of a large audience of distinguished guests and racing participants.

The award is judged on a 3-2-1 basis by racing officials and senior media representatives throughout the season, and Beadman took out the medal with 39.5 votes – just 1.5 votes in advance of Corey Brown.

"This is tremendous to be recognised in this way and I have to thank the owners and trainers who have shown their faith in me throughout the year," Beadman said.

"Corey (Brown) and I staged a great fight over the latter few weeks of the season and I’m a great believer that strong competition can raise both participants to a new level - which certainly happened with me."

Record-breaking trainer Gai Waterhouse claimed the ‘T.J. Smith Medal’ for winning the Sydney Trainers Premiership. Gai prepared an incredible 230.5 winners in NSW for the 2001-02 season - the highest figure in history.

The leading apprentice’s award - the ‘Theo Green Medal’ - was taken out by Robbie Brewer who guided home a total of 45 winners, with 23 winners in the city arena.

"This is obviously the greatest moment of my career and I hope I can continue to learn and improve, as I’d love to win the ‘George Moore’ in a few years time!" Robbie declared.

Further details on the awards follow.

RACING NSW AWARDS

George Moore Medal - (Darren Beadman)

This medal is presented for riding excellence during the season.

A panel of judges made up of NSW TRB (Ray Murrihy, Kim Kelly – prior to leaving for Hong Kong - & Mark Webbey) and senior media representatives (Caryl Williamson, Ray Thomas, Craig Young, Darren Prendergast & John Schell) awards points at each metropolitan (Saturday & Public Holiday) meeting.

• Darren Beadman finished the season with 39.5 votes
• 2^nd – Corey Brown (38 votes)
• 3^rd – Chris Munce (32 votes)
• 4^th – Lenny Beasley (27 votes)
• 5^th – Rodney Quinn (23 votes)
• 6^th – Glen Boss (20 votes)
• 7^th – Jim Cassidy (18 votes)
• 8^th – Justin Sheehan (14 votes)
• 9^th – Danny Beasley, Darryl McLellan (13 votes)

Darren Beadman rode 162.5 NSW winners for the season (104.5 in metro area)

He finished the season with 11 trebles and 24 doubles for a 20.1% strike rate (809 rides)

Major wins:

• Surround Stakes
(Hosannah)
• Summer Cup
(Majestically)
• Lord Mayors Cup
(Grampians)
• Birthday Card Stakes
(Hot Riff)
• Pago Pago Stakes
(Planchet)
• Epona Stakes
(Ilze)

Season Highlight:

"I would have to say teaming up with Thorn Park – he’s really something special and will go all the way to the major league."

Tommy Smith Medal - (Gai Waterhouse)

Presented to the winner of the Sydney Trainers’ Premiership.

• Gai finished the season with 230.5 NSW winners - a new record - (137 in the metro)
• 2^nd John Hawkes with 168 NSW winners (115 in metro)
• 3^rd Graeme Rogerson 97 NSW winners (37 in metro

Major winners:

• Canterbury Guineas, Rosehill Guineas
(Carnegie Express)
• Flight Stakes, Tea Rose Stakes, Apollo Stakes, Silver Shadow Stakes
(Ha Ha)
• The Metropolitan
(Dress Circle)
• Hill Stakes
(Mulan Princess)
• Phar Lap Stakes
(Arlington Road)
• Premiere Stakes, Shannon Quality
(On Type)
• Up & Coming Stakes
(Newquay)
• T.J. Smith Stakes
(Phoenix Park)

Season Highlight:

"There have been many highlights but one which stands out is winning Dad’s race (the T.J. Smith Stakes at Randwick) with Phoenix Park."

Theo Green Medal - (Robbie Brewer)

Presented to the winner of the Sydney Apprentice Jockeys’ Premiership.

• Robbie finished the season with 45 NSW winners (23 in the metro)
• 2^nd Scott Pollard 42 NSW winners (20 in metro)
• 3^rd Nathan Cumberland 24 NSW winners (9 in metro)

• Finished the season with a 6.7% strike rate from 664 rides

Metropolitan Winners included:

• Madison
• He’s On Fire
• Royal Purler
• Our Eeyore
• Trillion Delight

Season Highlight:

"Booting clear at the top of the Randwick rise to win on Madison – knowing the Apprentices’ Title was in the bag!"

PICS - Quentin Lang.

Media Release - NSW TRB

Jocks to Lose Their Locks for Charity

Thursday, 08 August 2002 00:00

Melbourne’s leading jockeys Darren Gauci, Damien Oliver, Brett Prebble, Kerrin McEvoy, Peter Mertens, Stephen Baster and Greg Childs will have their heads shaved at the Moonee Valley Racing Club tomorrow to raise money for the Bluey Day Appeal.

The jockeys will be supervised by the legendary Roy Higgins, with trainer Wayne Hawkes agreeing to have his head shaved if bids reach over $5,000.

Proceeds will go to the Bluey Day Fundraiser on Saturday August 10. Bluey Day provides much needed funds to over 10 cancer related projects being run by the Royal Children’s Hospital. The headshave campaign originated in Horsham in 1995 when Senior Constable Karl David decided to raise money for children living with cancer by shaving of his hair. As children often lose their hair during chemotherapy, he thought it might boost their morale to see bald policemen. This concept continued to evolve to what it is today.

Moonee Valley will be open to the general public with a free sausage sizzle being held for a gold coin donation on the day. A Memorabilia Auction will also take place, with several items having been donated by champion jockeys and trainers.

The event will take place from 2.30pm onwards.

What: Jockeys shave their hair off for Bluey Day Appeal
When: Friday August 9, 2.30pm
Where : Moonee Valley Racing Club

Media Release - Racing Victoria

Racing Museum and Hall of Fame Appoints Director

Thursday, 08 August 2002 00:00

The committee of the Australian Racing Museum and the Australian Racing Hall of Fame were pleased to announce yesterday that Joe McGrath has been appointed Director – Australian Racing Museum and Australian Racing Hall of Fame.

McGrath, 37, has worked for 14½ years with the Victoria Racing Club and more recently Racing Victoria and comes well qualified for the position. As Racing Victoria’s Publishing/Publications Manager, McGrath has been responsible for the development of a viable industry publishing unit, servicing industry personnel predominantly in Victoria. He has been most notably instrumental in the success of the industry publication, Inside Racing, taking it from an industry cost to a profitable publication in its own right. He was editor of that publication for 13 years.

McGrath comes to the position not only with relevant business experience, but also an impressive academic background. With a Masters in International Business Management, Graduate Diploma in Business Management and Bachelor of Arts majoring in Recreation, McGrath has much to offer the position.

In accepting the appointment, McGrath was enthusiastic about what lay ahead for the Australian Racing Museum and the Australian Racing Hall of Fame.

"I believe it is a very exciting time to be joining a body which is, in many ways, an untapped resource up to now.

"It has great potential for growth and with several exciting plans already formulated, the Australian Racing Museum and Australian Racing Hall of Fame will establish a renewed presence and importance within the Australian Racing Industry.

"I look forward to the challenges ahead and driving what will be significant change for both the Museum and Hall of Fame," McGrath stated.

McGrath comes from a diverse racing background with his father, Brian (dec) a leading rails bookmaker in the 1960s and early 70s; mother Kath a leading thoroughbred breeder who raced or bred such notable performers as Bellition, The Judge, Victoria Peak, Red Rebecca, Jackson Square, Bicentenary, Yorick, Slightly Pink and Voltage Peak; and brother Jim, a prominent commentator for the BBC, London and Hotspur for the Daily Telegraph, London.

"While it is with some sorrow that I leave Racing Victoria, I am delighted to be still connected with the racing industry and will only further enhance existing relationships with industry personnel.

"I am delighted with the outcome," McGrath added.

Australian Racing Museum and Australian Racing Hall of Fame Chairman, Mr Ian MacDonald was delighted with the appointment.

Mr MacDonald stated:

"Joe’s appointment as Director of the Australian Racing Museum and Australian Racing Hall of Fame will take these organizations to a new and exciting level within not only the Victorian Racing Industry but also the Racing Industry Australia wide."

McGrath will take up his appointment on Monday, 16^th September.

Media Release - Racing Victoria