Williams Wins Hobart Cup on Offenbach
- Monday, 11 February 2008 00:00
Craig Williams' put the disappointment of losing the mount on Miss Finland aside when he produced a gem of a frontrunning ride to win Monday's $400,000 Hobart Cup aboard Offenbach. Ballarat trainer Darren Weir said it was not planned for Offenbach, who drew barrier 12 in the 15-horse field, to lead.
But a daring Williams used his initiative when Offenbach jumped well.
Weir, who won the race in 2006 with True Courser and had the third placegetter Field Hunter last year, had some anxious moments in the early stages of the race.
"That wasn't the plan but that's why you put the good riders on," Weir said.
"I was worried when the field went past the post the first time, but when he got down the back he switched off beautifully. It was a working gallop really.
The $3.10 favourite was never threatened, scooting well clear on the home turn when the race was as good as over.
Offenbach scored by 5-1/4 lengths from fellow Ballarat-trained galloper Jacques Le Naif with Ista Kareem 1-1/4 lengths away third.
Williams, who had just one ride at Monday's feature meeting, said Weir wanted Offenbach to relax in running.
"He jumped well and he found himself in front and he relaxed really well," he said.
"The horse was prepared perfectly and he just dominated."
Williams said losing the ride on Miss Finland in Saturday's Australia Stakes was disappointing, but he just wanted to put it behind him and get on with the job.
"Not many jockeys have had such a long and successful association with a horse as I have had on her," he said.
"We've accomplished a lot and it's not over yet. I'm just not on her next time."
By Danehill out of Push A Venture, Offenbach cost $1 million as a yearling and was trained by David Hayes to win a Victoria Park maiden.
He was later bought cheaply by Jayco Caravan tycoon Gerry Ryan and Paul Heward and sent to Weir and gelded on his advice.
Since then the horse won seven of 12 starts.
Ryan, who bought out Coolmore Stud's interest in the horse, said Weir had thought in the early stages that he might make a jumper.
He said Weir had developed another of his horses, Virvacity, into a good jumper.
But after he ran fifth to Sarrera in the Warrnambool Cup (2350m) last May, form student Deane Lester recommended he target races such as the Hobart Cup.
Weir said Offenbach would stay at trainer David Brunton's Seven Mile Beach property to be prepared for the Group Three $300,000 Launceston Cup (2400m) on February 27.
Trainer Terry Kelly said Jacques Le Naif would stay on at the same property for the Launceston Cup, while Colin Little said Ista Kareem, also staying at Brunton's property, would do the same.
PICS - Fiona Tomlin.
Queen No Cause For Concern in Strutt
- Monday, 11 February 2008 00:00
Causeway Queen maintained her unbeaten record this preparation when she made it five straight wins in Monday's Strutt Stakes at Hobart after a brilliant ride by Danny Brereton. Caulfield trainer Tony Vasil described Brereton's effort to get the filly across from a wide position to sit second in running in the 2100m Listed event as perfect.
"Danny gave her a perfect ride. He's a modern day Kevin Mitchell," Vasil said of Brereton comparing him to the former Melbourne jockey.
Causeway Queen, raced by syndicator Harry Lawton and eight partners, will now press on to the Listed $150,000 Tasmanian Oaks (2100m) at Launceston on February 24 but first she will be flown home in the early hours of Tuesday.
"If she pulls up well I'd be tempted. Winning five in a row is no mean feat," Vasil said.
"She's such a relaxed filly, but she has never been in a race with such a slow tempo.
"She just dropped her head and raced like a professional.
"That is a good sign."
Causeway Queen ($1.80 fav) scored by a half-length from Hidden Wonder ($15) with Little with Little Allie ($6.60) three quarters of a length away third.
Vasil, who has now won the Listed race three times, has had plenty of success over the years in Tasmania winning two Launceston Cups, with Diamond Bases (1993) and Full Of Rhythm (2001), a Thousand Guineas and an Oaks.
He also had a second in a Hobart Cup with Under The Bridge (2005).
Vasil said he would return with another Lawton syndication, two-year-old Apprehend, who will run in the Listed $150,000 Gold Sovereign Stakes (1200m) at Launceston on Sunday.
The Hold That Tiger colt ran third to Hips Don't Lie in the Talindert Stakes (1100m) at Flemington last Saturday week.
Causeway Queen, who has won six of her 10 starts, boosted her broodmare value with Monday's win which was her first try in a black type race.
PICS - Quentin Lang.
Horses Found In Tassie With EI Symptoms
- Saturday, 13 October 2007 00:00
The statewide ban on all horse movements in Tasmania will stay in place following the discovery on Saturday of horses with equine flu-like symptoms on two properties in the state's northwest.
Authorities say an experienced vet has examined the horses and has reported mild symptoms that are consistent with equine influenza.
Blood samples and nasal swabs have been taken for testing at the Department of Primary Industries and Waters (DPIW) laboratories.
A Tasmanian government spokesman said the extension of the horse standstill means Sunday's racing and Monday's pacing are cancelled.
"All other horse events scheduled for at least the next few days will not be going ahead," the spokesman said.
DPIW's biosecurity general manager Alex Schaap said the extension of the horse standstill is a precaution that is absolutely necessary.
"We understand that the standstill is causing considerable inconvenience, but it would be irresponsible to lift it in the current circumstances," Mr Schaap said.
"It is most important that people do not move their horses off their properties until we are sure it is safe to do so.
"We will be reviewing the standstill as more information about the health of the new suspect cases becomes available."
Mr Schaap has urged all horse owners to keep checking the health of their horses and to report any signs of sickness immediately such as a rise in temperature, a hacking cough or nasal discharge.
Tasmania to date has not recorded any cases of EI.
Where are the Good Tasmanians?
- Monday, 11 February 2008 00:00
How bad are the Tasmanians?
A trifecta from Victoria's B Graders in today's rich Hobart Cup gave the locals yet another kick in the guts.
Offenbach, Jacques Le Naif and Ista Kareem ran the trifecta in the rich Cup.
A million dollar yearling purchase Offenbach, dumped from the Hayes stable, has given Ballarat horseman Darren Weir one of his biggest wins. Craig Williams rode the gelding from the front in his dominant victory.
Earlier in the day the Victorians also trifectaed the Oaks lead up, the Wrest Point Strutt Stakes (2100m).
In that event Causeway Queen beat Hidden Wonder and Little Alle.
It was the same on Saturday when Victorians dominated the Derby with the maiden performer Mega Boss winning the Tasmanian blue riband for Daniel Moor and Peter Morgan.
With the Launceston Cup, Magic Millions Classic and Tassie Oaks still to come the locals are hoping their luck can turn around.
If not watch the rush from the mainland next year.
Fears EI Has Spread To Tasmania
- Thursday, 11 October 2007 00:00
The vaccination program against equine influenza (EI) will be stepped up in NSW and Queensland over the next few days amid fears the disease has reached Tasmania.
A recreational horse in the far north west of the state is suspected of having the disease and all thoroughbred training has been halted.
The Australian Racing Board (ARB) said it appeared the horse had travelled to several shows around Tasmania and was now in isolation with results of tests expected to be known on Friday.
No horses have been permitted to enter Tasmania since August 25 leading to concerns it was transported by a human or on equipment.
Racing in Sydney and Brisbane has been halted due to EI in the metropolitan training centres with officials battling to get vaccinations out to those horses least at risk.
Confirmation of EI in horses at Barmedman in the state's south west has created a new red zone and raised concerns about the Riverina district close to the Victorian border.
There were fears the booster shots for horses who received their initial vaccinations the weekend before last would be delayed another two weeks but Racing NSW chief executive Peter V'Landys said the second doses would be rolled out over the next few days.
The plan to give the boosters 14 days later was called into question on Wednesday with some officials suggesting 28 days was the time frame, as per the manufacturer's advice.
"We are not going to risk a multi billion dollar industry," V'Landys said.
"Our advice is that for maximum immunity the booster should be given 14 days after the first vaccination.
"In low risk areas it can be given 28 days later.
"We want maximum immunity and minimal risk.
"We will be going ahead with Gosford, Wyong, Kembla and the pre-training centres and agistment farms."
The AUSVETPLAN which is in operation to handle the EI crisis says that in 2003 when the disease hit South Africa, an interval of two weeks between the first and second vaccines was used to produce the maximum immunity in the shortest time.
The racehorse population in Victoria, which is so far EI free, is gradually being inoculated in an attempt to protect the Melbourne spring carnival which generates more than $600 million to the state's economy.
The Sydney spring carnival was abandoned and racing is not expected to resume until December at the earliest.
Sydney's biggest training centre at Randwick was the first to go down with EI on August 30 but with most of those horses now recovered, movement to spelling farms began this week.
The decontamination of the Randwick stables is expected to be completed by November 15 when those horses on spelling farms which have been vaccinated will come into work to boost the racing population.
The horses which have recovered from EI will have immunity for approximately 12 months.
The Sydney autumn carnival has been tentatively scheduled for April, a month after its usual Easter date.
Little Chasing Third Hobart Cup Victory
- Sunday, 10 February 2008 00:00
Colin Little believes the chances of Ista Kareem giving him his third victory in the $400,000 Hobart Cup on Monday have been diminished by fine weather. The going was rated slow for Saturday's Tasmanian Derby meeting but the Caulfield trainer said he believed the track would be no worse than dead for the Cup.
"Unfortunately it's a nice fine day. We wanted a dreadful wet, wintry day," Little said.
"He's racing fairly, but the handicapper has been a bit tough on him."
Little won his first Hobart Cup with Palos Verdes, the dam of his 2007 Cox Plate winner El Segundo who is currently on the sidelines awaiting stem cell surgery for a tendon injury.
Last year he won the race with Blutigeroo who beat stablemate Rubijon.
Blutigeroo carried 57.5kg in the Group Three Cup (2200m) after receiving a 1kg penalty for winning over 2000m at Caulfield at his previous start under 57kg, also beating Rubijon in that race.
Ista Kareem ran fifth after racing wide behind $2.60 Hobart Cup favourite Offenbach in the equivalent Caulfield event last month, but has to carry topweight of 58.5kg.
The last horse to carry that weight or more to win the race was Knee High (59.5kg) in 1974.
"He has a kilo more than Blutigeroo carried last year. He's paid for his consistency last winter," Little said.
"He flew over at 1am on Friday and was unsettled for 24 hours. He's at David Brunton's and has been working on the beach."
"His last run was ordinary, but we're hoping for a fair bit of improvement over a bit more ground."
Danny Brereton, who rode Rubijon last year, will try to go one better aboard Ista Kareem.
Ista Kareem ran third in the 2006 Adelaide Cup when trained by Jeremy Gask who is now based in England.
He has won three of nine starts since joining the Little stable, over 1600m at Bendigo and over 2040m and 2500m at Moonee Valley.
He has also run two second placings including one to Hillston Exchange in the Listed Winter Championship Final (1600m) at Sandown.
But the seven-year-old hasn't been placed in four appearances this preparation.
Little rated the Darren Weir-trained Offenbach, to be ridden by dual Melbourne premiership winning jockey Craig Williams, as the horse to beat as he will carry 54kg - one kilo above the minimum.
"He may be slightly suspect at the trip, but he's weighted to win," he said.
Weir won the race with True Courser in 2006 and had last year's third placegetter Field Hunter.
A $1 million yearling who was later sold for as fraction of that price, Offenbach has been far more genuine since being belatedly gelded.
The Danehill five-year-old won a Class 2 Hcp (1620m) at Donald on Hobart Cup Day last year and has gone on to win five of his nine starts.
Craig Newitt will be after his third Hobart Cup success on the Mike Moroney-trained mare Lady Attire, a half-sister to 2002 Adelaide Cup winner The A Train, who has been placed at her past three starts at Moonee Valley, Caulfield and Flemington.
Newitt won on Zacielo in 2004 and True Courser.
Lunardi, prepared at Spreyton by David Cousins, and Charlie Goggin's dual Tasmanian St Leger winner Conquering are regarded as the best local hopes in the 15-horse field.
Lunardi is chasing a hat-trick following victories in the Devonport Cup (1800m) and the Ingham Jockey Club Cup (2100m) at Hobart last month.
PIC - Quentin Lang.
Tasmanian Jockeys to Ride Again
- Thursday, 09 August 2007 00:00
The interim offer and agreement follows intensive discussions on 7th August 2007 in Launceston. The Chairman of the Australian Jockeys Association (AJA), Ross Inglis, and the General Manager of the AJA, Des O'Keeffe, flew to Launceston and met with representatives of the TJA, namely Kevin Ring and Ken Moore. Also present was Ian Wakefield (AWU). They then met with representatives of the TTRC along with Michael Aird, the Minister for Racing and Steve Kons, Deputy Premier and Minister for Workplace Relations.
The interim agreement provides jockeys with an appropriate cover for injury, hospital and medical and like expenses, until the Government can consider its position with a view to amending the Workers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1998 (Tasmania) to cover jockeys whilst riding.
Ross Inglis indicated that it was imperative that this cover be in place by 30th November this year. This would bring jockeys riding in Tasmania into line with other states whereupon jockeys are covered under the relevant State Compensation schemes.
Ross thanked the representatives of the TTRC and in particular Mr. Rohan Mitchell, the CEO, and both Ministers for their support and cooperation. He also praised the efforts of local representatives, Kevin Ring and Ken Moore, and thanked the AWU for their support. There will be further meetings in August and September to monitor the progress in implementing the legislative changes.
Media Release - AJA
Mega Boss Gives Trainer His Biggest Win
- Saturday, 09 February 2008 00:00
Mega Boss, a maiden before Saturday, gave Kilmore trainer Peter Morgan the biggest win of his career when he took out the Group Three Tasmanian Derby at Hobart. Morgan's previous biggest victory in 10 years as a trainer after 30 years working as a stud manager was with Starpro who won the 2001 Duke Of Norfolk Stakes (3200m) at 40-1 at Flemington.
But that was the grey's last start as he soon after dropped dead after a track gallop at Kilmore.
Morgan bought Mega Boss for $70,000 for Melbourne pokies king Bruce Mathieson.
However Morgan said the gelding, by Peintre Celebre from the Defensive Play mare Mega Achiever, was not much good in his earlier days.
"Eight months ago he couldn't run out of sight on a dark night," Morgan said.
"A jockey who rode him in a trial said I wouldn't win a race with him.
"But he switched on and about a month ago I decided to run him in the Derby. You don't get the chance to run in many $200,000 races.
"It's just been time and patience with him."
Mega Boss had run second in two of his five starts before Saturday including when runner-up to Derby rival Arazamataz over 1800m at Sandown last month.
However he turned the tables on the Pat Carey-trained Arazamataz by 1-3/4 lengths with local Dream Pedlar a half-length away third.
The disappointment of the race was the favourite Tarpins who had the run of the race behind the leader Beaconsfield but couldn't go on when in the clear in the straight.
"He'd done well and we flew him down on Thursday," Morgan said of Mega Boss.
"The penny has dropped with him and if he continues to do well he could run in the South Australian Derby."
Mega Boss was ridden by Melbourne-based Daniel Moor, 23, who has now won four feature races in Tasmania including the 2006 Strutt Stakes and Tasmanian Oaks, on protest, on Darcenell and the 2006 Bow Mistress on Con's Amy.
His best win to date was aboard Astrodame in the Group Two WH Stocks at Moonee Valley.
Moor has been in good form since returning from a a three-week suspension for careless riding last month having ridden 10 winners.
"You have to be prepared to work hard and I ride work five mornings a week," said Moor who has been riding trackwork at Caulfield, Mornington and Cranbourne and even made a trip down to his old home town of Warrnambool to ride work while under suspension.
Moor believes Mega Boss has a good future as a stayer.
"He's well bred, by a good staying sire, and has a good temperament," he said.
"To win with the authority he did suggests he has a good future."
Mega Boss was the sixth Victorian-trained three-year-old to win the Tasmanian Derby in the last eight years.
Carey was happy with the effort of runner-up Arazamataz.
"He ran well. He had his chance. Luke (Currie) said he got a half-length in front and did well considering it was his first run at the trip," he said.
"I would've liked to have run him over the trip but there were no suitable races programmed for him."
PICS - Quentin Lang and Greg Irvine.
Tasmanian Racing Council Announces Proposal to Prevent Strike
- Tuesday, 31 July 2007 00:00
The Tasmanian Thoroughbred Racing Council (TTRC) today offered the Tasmanian Jockeys Association (TJA) an interim proposal from 1 August 2007 in an attempt to avert any potential strike action.
In a formal proposal sent to TJA Secretary Kevin Ring today the TTRC offered a number of initiatives for Tasmanian jockeys to ensure a satisfactory temporary solution can be resolved.
The TTRC offer included:-
- From 1 August 2007 until such time that Workers Compensation or its equivalent is implemented Tasmanian jockeys cease to contribute $5 per ride towards general insurance, the TTRC is prepared to cover the full amount.
- The TTRC will maintain its current commitment and continue to contribute $5 per ride into the Jockeys Trust Fund.
- The TTRC will provide a one off $180 subsidy to all licensed Tasmanian jockeys for the 07/08 season towards private health cover.
- From 1 August 2007 until such time that Workers Compensation or its equivalent is implemented the TTRC will continue maintain the current Private Accident policy with a maximum benefit of $1,000 per week policy.
- From 1 August 2007 until such time that Workers Compensation or its equivalent is implemented the TTRC in conjunction with TJA instigate a new process to meet current upfront costs not covered by medicare when a jockey is injured.
The offer clearly outlined the TTRC's continual commitment to gaining full Workers Compensation cover for Tasmanian jockeys.
TTRC CEO Rohan Mitchell said "The TTRC is fully aware of its duty of care towards Tasmanian jockeys. Today's offer signifies our commitment to Tasmanian jockeys, not only through the implementation of a satisfactory interim resolution but our continual dedication to ensure Workers Compensation or its equivalent is enacted for our licensed jockeys. This offer caters for all the TJA's requests within the current legal boundaries".
"The TTRC has financially supported the entire process, from the full costs associated with the Workers Compensation proposal to the additional assistance the TTRC is prepared to offer the jockeys from August 1. The TTRC have met all agreed timelines and expedited the process in all possible ways, we have met all agreed timelines and expect the jockeys to accept this interim offer with an understanding that the TTRC will continue to pursue the permanent solution with priority".
Media Release - TTRC
Little Alle Bound For Tasmania
- Sunday, 06 January 2008 00:00
Improving filly Little Alle is Tasmanian Oaks-bound following her tough effort to win over 1600 metres at Morphettville.
Ridden by Chad Lever and trained in Victoria by Terry and Karina O'Sullivan, Little Alle was caught three-wide in Saturday's race after drawing barrier eight in the nine-horse field.
But she raced to the front a long way out and easily held off her rivals to score by 1-1/2 lengths from Moment In Time with Planet Ice a half-neck away third.
"She'll run a mile-and-a-half (2400m) I reckon and she didn't have any favours," Terry O'Sullivan said.
"I'll take her to Tassie for the Oaks."
The Listed $150,000 Tasmanian Oaks (2100m) is run at Launceston on February 24.
Little Alle has raced six times for two wins and a second, her other victory coming on debut in a Manangatang maiden over 1175m last October.
Meanwhile stablemate Tails Of Triomphe will not go back to Tasmania after an unsuccessful campaign there last year.
The six-year-old showed he was back to his best form when he ran on strongly to finish runner-up to the highly promising four-year-old Gallopin in the Bagot Hcp (2500m) at Flemington on New Year's Day.
O'Sullivan said the gelding would instead be aimed at the Group Two Adelaide Cup (3200m) at Morphettville on March 10.
"He did a great job to run second in the Bagot as his rider Luke Nolen said he didn't appreciate the firm track," he said.
"He's had navicular problems and likes the sting out of the ground."
"He's not going to Tassie this year as we have the Adelaide Cup in mind for him.
"He didn't fire in Tassie last year but when we got him home we found he had a broken rib."
Tails Of Triomphe, who won the 2005 Group One South Australian Derby (2500m) by 2-1/4 lengths from 2007 Caulfield Cup runner-up Douro Valley, won a $100,000 event, beating subsequent Launceston Cup winner Hofmeister at Sandown in late January last year.
However he missed the start when eighth to Blutigeroo in the Hobart Cup (2200m) and was again slowly away when a well beaten sixth in the Launceston Cup (2400m).
The gelding was spelled after also failing in the Adelaide Cup when 10th to Gallic.
The O'Sullivan-trained El Guapo battled on well after leading to run second to Mrs Penny over 1050m at Morphettville, but his only runner at Sandown, Plan Ahead, had no luck in the rough-house New Gleam Hcp (1400m) when 12th to Spirited Halo.
After the race, the colt was found to have a laceration to the near foreleg.
Jade The Lady, prepared by John Symons and Sheila Laxon ran last but was found to have been galloped on and also suffered a laceration to the near foreleg.
Tasmanian Jockeys to Refuse to Ride from August 1
- Wednesday, 25 July 2007 00:00
The Tasmanian branch of the Australian Jockeys Association and its members have indicated that they will refuse to ride in Tasmania effective as of the 1st August this year.
This issue has arisen due to the inability of the Tasmanian racing authorities and the Tasmanian Government to resolve the longstanding issue concerning compensation coverage and indemnity for all hospital and medical and like expenses incurred by injured jockeys.
The AJA, its Tasmanian representatives the TJA, and the Australian Workers Union have been involved in discussions with representatives of the TTRC, Tote Tasmania and the State Government for eighteen months.
Tasmania is the only state that does not have a full and complete coverage for hospital medical and like expenses incurred bv jockeys who sustain injuries whilst riding Thoroughbred horses. Furthermore, in al other States jockeys are covered by State Workers Compensation Statutes. The only exception is the Northern Territory in that State there is a substantial and comprehensive cover offered to those riders who ride (periodically) in the NT and it includes full comprehensive cover of hospital medical and like expenses.
For some considerable time the Australian Jockeys Association has been concerned with the lack of adequate cover for its members in Tasmania and to a lesser extent in Western Australia. The issue in Western Australia relates to a lack of adequate compensation rather than medical and like expenses where there is in fact a full comprehensive cover. Unfortunately, jockeys who are injured in Western Australia receive weekly compensation payments that are less than 50% of what are paid in other States.
It is hoped that both the Tasmanian and Western Australian Governments will seek to remedy these unsatisfactory situations with urgency so that there is consistency and proper support for professional jockeys in this country.
Jockeys from other states have indicated they will not ride in either Western Australia or Tasmania until these issues are resolved. Irrespective of the stance taken by those jockeys, riders in Tasmania and Western Australia are not being treated fairly or given access to the rights that all other workers have under their relevant compensation schemes in other States.
Ross lnglis
Chairman Australian Jockeys Association
Media Release - AJA