Reed Disqualified From Both Codes

Sunday, 31 October 2010 03:37

Popular Western Australian dual-licensed trainer and driver Mark Reed has been disqualified by RWWA stewards for six months after an adjourned inquiry was completed on Thursday.

A pre-race blood sample taken from his leading stayer Gondorff before this year’s $156,000 Listed Kalgoorlie Cup (2300m) on September 18 had a TCO2 concentration level above the permitted 36 millimoles.

An elevated TC02 level reduces the onset of fatigue.

Gondorff, winner of the 2009 Kalgoorlie Cup, eventually finished sixth behind Sunrange but has since been disqualified from the event.

Reed, 30, has trained and driven with distinction in the harness industry for many years.

He drove Another Party to victory in the 2001 A.G Hunter Cup at Moonee Valley and this season has partnered Bonavista Bay to three Group 1 wins in the Golden Nugget, McInerney Ford 4YO Classic at Gloucester Park and in Victoria's Super Sires Series Final at Melton.

In his short training stint with thoroughbreds Reed has pulled off stakes success in the most unorthodox fashion.

Three-year-old filly Peach Tree won a three-year-old handicap at Belmont over 1300 metres from a 6 week freshen-up before the daughter of Bel Esprit – who had not previously raced over 1400 metres - finished second in the Listed Belmont Oaks (2000m) the following Saturday.

On July 17 a fortnight later, Peach Tree won the Listed Belmont Classic (2200m).

He then took four-year-old gelding Whipsaw from a Pinjarra maiden victory over 1600 metres to success in the Listed Bunbury Cup (2200m) at his next start.

Reed’s disqualification from both codes is effective immediately.

Scenic Fair Flies In Matchmaker

Saturday, 24 April 2010 10:14

Exciting mare Scenic Fair produced a brilliant turn of foot to score in the Matchmaker Classic (1400m) at Ascot today.

The Scenic mare sat three back the rails in the run and was held up momentarily on straightening before rider Shaun McGruddy got into the clear and released the brakes.

She did the rest, unwinding with an electric burst of speed to reel in getaway race leader Peach Tree.

The Mark Reed trained Peach Tree looked the winner at the 200m after putting three lengths on the rest of the field, but Scenic Fair wasn’t to be denied, proving too good in the finish.

That was Scenic Fair’s sixth win from 14 starts and she looks to have more than her fair share of ability for trainer Daniel Morton.

Race favourite Mocassin Bend had a lovely run behind the leader, but seems to have failed in her attempt to recapture last seasons brilliant form and only battled on to finish fifth.

What They Said:

“She had a soft run and really sprouted wings once she got clear in the straight.” - Shaun McGruddy.

Miller Falls Foul Of Stewards Again

Tuesday, 26 October 2010 01:23

Apprentice Duncan Miller will be on the sidelines for a lengthy period due to suspension once again after RWWA stewards found him guilty at an adjourned hearing yesterday.

Miller, 21, was outed for a month for his ride aboard Can Time in a $12,000 0 - 68 Handicap (2000m) at Pinjarra on October 17.

Can Time missed the start hopelessly and Miller displayed little urgency in the first 200 metres of the race to catch up to the field.

Miller pleaded not guilty to claims that he had ridden uncompetitvely as he claimed that the Sharon Taylor-trained galloper was denied a fair start as an official was holding her as the gates were opened.

Stewards acknowledged that although “his mount had commenced awkwardly and lost ground,” that Miller “unnecessarily eased his mount…when in the opinion of the Stewards it was reasonable and permissible to do so to ensure that his mount was given full opportunity to win or to obtain the best possible place in the field.”

Miller will be free to ride after November 21 meaning he won’t be able to ride in the Group 1 Carlton Draught Railway Stakes (1600m).

Last October Miller was suspended for a year – which was later reduced to nine months on appeal – for using a padded whip which had lead objects inserted into it.

Picture: Greg Irvine

WATC Derby - Final Field & Barriers

Tuesday, 20 April 2010 03:34

The final field and barriers have been released for this Saturday's Group One $500,000 Schweppes WATC Derby (2400m).

Neville Parnham holds the key to the race with his two runners God Has Spoken and Bridgestone.

God Has Spoken, who finished second in the Group 1 Kingston Town Classic (1800m) behind Sniper's Bullet last year, needs to bounce back after his fifth in the Schweppes Melvista Stakes (2200m) at Ascot a fortnight ago.

With four wins from 18 starts, God Has Spoken has accrued $448,000 in prizemoney. A victory would add considerable value to the colt by VRC Derby winner Blackfriars.

God Has Spoken has drawn barrier three while Bridgestone will start alongside in barrier four.

Interestingly, between 2003 and 2007, the winner of the WATC Derby finished either first or second in the Melvista Stakes which is a sound historical precedent for Brother Mak and Zentrate.

Last Saturday's Western Australian Oaks (2400m) winner Impressive Jeuney, is set to run on Saturday and will be looking to emulate the feats of Grand Journey who completed the double in 2008.

There are two interstate runners in the Derby. David Hayes will be represented by Catbird gelding Chartruex while Tony Noonan will be shooting for two Group 1 wins in consecutive weeks with Benconi starting from barrier 11.

Ascot (Saturday)

$400,000 Group 1 Schweppes WATC Derby (2400m)

Picture: Greg Irvine

King Kool Kat Rules In Hannan's

Wednesday, 15 September 2010 09:25

Perth's fairytale galloper King Kool Kat completed an unbeaten winter campaign in style when he scored a brilliant win in the $130,000 listed Hannan's Handicap (1400m) at Kalgoorlie today.

Despite being caught three deep during the early to middle stages of the race, the King Cugat gelding was able to race clear over the concluding stages for a comprehensive win.

The win was the sixth straight for King Kool Kat - who is fast becoming the most popular galloper in Western Australia.

"It's a dream - and it's come true," Glading said. "He did it the hard way."

"He did all the work and he was still good enough. It's just been amazing"

"There's a few people that need thanking - my track rider Tiarnna and my partner Alison who do all the work on the horse."

"They've done a great job and there's a few other people behind the scenes as well."

King Kool Kat is a life changing horse and Glading has been noticing plenty of changes over recent weeks.

"We walk the streets or go into the restaurants and people yell out to us and ask us how the horse is," Glading said.

"He goes to the track in the mornings and people come up and pat him - all the jockeys, track riders and strappers - they all come to see him."

"He is such a beautifully natured horse - he's almost become everyone else's horse."

Glading has trained the rejuvenated galloper for his whole career after purchasing him from the Emerald Thoroughbreds draft at the 2005 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale.

"He's actually quite a well bred horse. He's closely related to Octagonal. He's a plain looking horse so I got him cheap at $9,000."

"We've had him right from the word go and it's a great bunch of owners. I'm very pleased to be able to do it for them."

"It's been a great story the whole way through. He earned a bit when he was running the placings and obviously this campaign has been incredible."

King Kool Kat will head for a deserved spell after seeing his prizemoney soar to $372,945.

"He'll go the paddock now and get ready for the Perth Summer Carnival."

King Kool Kat is the 14th stakes winner for the Rivers End Stud based King Cugat - sire of stars including Group One winner Devil Moon.

Dam Affair en Or, a six time winning daughter of Dieu d'Or, is a half sister to Manang - runner-up to Magical Miss in the 2001 VRC Oaks.

King Kool Kat's third dam is a half sister to Eight Carat - the dam of five Group One winners including the champion Octagonal.

Emotional Win To Motion Pictures In Karrakatta Plate

Sunday, 18 April 2010 01:19

Motion Pictures trained by David Casey and brilliantly ridden by Troy Turner repelled the Victorian raider Miss Gai Flyer to gallantly win the $500,000 Go For 2 & 5 Karrakatta Plate (1200 metres) with another filly Absolute Pleasure back in third place.

David Casey faced a race against time when Motion Pictures contracted a virus but with the help of Ascot veterinarians they were able to get the daughter of Oratorio to the races in peak condition and her grinding win was full of merit.

The Victorian filly Miss Gai Flyer had been heavily supported and when she raced clear after racing outside of the speed throughout, the Karrakatta Plate looked destined to be heading across the Nullarbor.

Turner switched Motion Pictures into the clear and began the task of running down Miss Gai Flyer who attempted to hold out the late challenge but her gallant effort just came up short.

Absolute Pleasure had every chance in third position but her effort was full of merit and made it a clean sweep for the fairer sex in Western Australia’s main race for the juveniles.

The inexperienced Friday’s Girl was making late ground for fourth and Miss Condition was huge coming from back in the field after tracking wide throughout to be next in ahead of Big Josh the first male home and another to be seen flying home late in the race.

There was a sensation just as the field was to be released when the Fred Kersley trained Cristiano went berserk in the barriers, turning himself around in the stalls and he was eventually released and was deemed a late scratching.

Don Hammerquist from Northern Thoroughbreds owns Motion Pictures and purchased the Oratorio filly on the recommendation of Dave Casey who has been a huge fan of the stock of W.A’s latest boon sire.

The win was the second success for Troy Turner in the race, who won his first Karrakatta Plate back in 1995 on Daney Boy and the top jockey continues to have success in the major races on the local calendar.

What they said - “Thanks to Troy for a great ride. I have been a huge fan of Oratorio and this win gives me my biggest thrill.” - Dave Casey.

“I own a lot of winners in the bush but to come to Perth and win a race like the Karrakatta Plate is one of the biggest thrills of my racing career.” - Don Hammerquist.

“This is my second Karrakatta Plate win but it is by far my best. Thanks to everyone involved especially Dave Casey and Don.” - Troy Turner.

Barrier Blunder Causes No-Race At Belmont

Wednesday, 11 August 2010 11:13

Racegoers at Belmont on Wednesday couldn’t believe their eyes as a set a barrier stalls crashed through the outside rail in the home straight while a race was in progress.

The $17,500 Westspeed Stayers 0-68 Handicap (2100m) started at the top of the straight and commenced as per usual.

The field had just made their way into the back straight when the barrier stalls, that were being moved away from their starting position by the barrier operator, accidentally crashed the barriers and adjoining tractor through the outside perimeter fence.

As soon as the incident occurred on-course stewards quickly halted the race using the infield warning system.

“Unfortunately there was human error involved in today’s track incident, concerning the barriers in race four.” Perth Racing CEO Michael Heath said.

“The personnel involved are two of our most experienced track staff.

“The pressure in which they work under in these circumstances is intense and the margin for error is not great.

“I must commend the Track Management team in the manner they were able to manage the risk and present the track in safe condition in time for race five to jump on time.

“There will be a full internal review into today’s incident and measures will be taken to assure there will not be a reoccurrence in the future.” Heath added.

Nobody was injured in the incident and all horses were successfully restrained by their riders prior to the home turn, with the barriers covering a quarter of the outside section of the main straight.

A second set of barrier stalls were used for the remainder of the meeting and a false running rail was installed at the damaged section of the outside rail.

Impressive Jeuney All The Way In Oaks

Sunday, 18 April 2010 01:14

Bonny front running filly Impressive Jeuney made a one act affair of the $250,000 Group Three Burswood Entertainment Complex W.A. Oaks (2400m) with a dominant all the way win in the three-year-old fillies classic.

Impressive Jeuney ($1.80 fav) was rated to perfection in front by form rider Shaun O’Donnell and probably even went steadier than many expected.

Inside the 600 metres O’Donnell released the hand brake on Impressive Jeuney, and put a nice margin on the chasing pack headed by Tropical Fury and For Your Eyes Only.

Impressive Jeuney got stronger as the race went on and in the straight she bounded away from her rivals, displaying her dominance over her own age and sex over a journey.

McAuliffe and O’Donnell have made a successful team over the last 18 months, with several feature race wins around the state, but this there biggest, the Burswood Entertainment Complex W.A. Oaks meant a lot to the pair.

It will be a big week for McAuliffe and Impressive Racing who now need to decide whether they will back Impressive Jeuney up in seven days against the boys in the $500,000 Group 1 Schweppes WATC Derby (2400m).

Broccoletta stuck on well for the runner-up prize with the brave Tropical Fury battling on strongly to hold third.

Brilliant filly For Your Eyes Only was exposed at the longer journey, failing to relax early on in the event and having no kick at the finish.

What they said – “Mission accomplished! Shaun (O’Donnell) rated to perfection. She has done a job and I am pretty relieved. That will top her off for the Derby if we decide to go that way. I will not decide on a Derby start until race morning, if she is right she will run.” Winning trainer Darren Mc Auliffe said following the win.

“She’s a freak! Words can’t describe it. It is all about family and friends and they know who they are. I am so rapt to win this race.” Winning rider Shaun O’Donnell said following the win.

Chartreux Wins WATC Derby

Saturday, 24 April 2010 10:16

The Group One drain to the Eastern States continued at Ascot in the Group One $500,000 Schweppes WATC Derby, when the David Hayes trained Chartreux was simply too good for his rivals in Western Australia’s three year old classic.

David Hayes continued the family tradition by training his first WATC Derby winner and Brad Rawiller collected another Group 1 at the track where he rode his initial major success.

Bridgestone ran gallantly to finish second along with Brother Mak in third place while the unlucky God Has Spoken back in fourth.

Zentrate ran on into fifth and Smart Twister held on for sixth.

Rawiller showed his genuine liking for the Ascot track by positioning Charteux three back on the fence and then threading his way through the field to come with a perfectly timed run to win the Derby.

Gary Fennessy the travelling foreman for the Hayes stable was full of praise for his jockey and his horse, stating that Charteux would be a genuine contender during the Spring Carnival in Malbourne.

Rawiller has been Perth since Monday and was overjoyed when Charteux ($4.80) completed his final piece of fast work at Ascot last Tuesday.

“After that work I was supremely confident. He went super and the Melbourne form usually holds up strongly in Perth and once we drew barrier one I couldn’t see him being beaten.” Rawiller said.

Bridgestone had the perfect run throughout sitting just off the speed in the one out line and he came with a well timed run but couldn’t withstand the powerful Charteux finish.

Brother Mak was one spot further back tracking Bridgestone and joined in the battle at the 200 metres but couldn’t overhaul the leaders.

God Has Spoken was the unlucky runner with Steven Parnham being badly held up for clear running at the top of the straight and then switching back to the fence to find clear room.

The Oaks winner Impressive Jeuney may have gone to the well one too many times after setting a solid gallop which resulted in a high 2.27 time for the race she knocked up to finish out of the money.

Chartreux is owned by a powerful group of Victorian owners and Blue Sky Thoroughbreds which have horses racing in Perth and Sam Hayes a nephew of David and spokesman for the group, hinted that there would be more Hayes trained horses racing Perth in the next twelve months.

Mark Pilkington purchased Charteux for $70,000 at the 2008 Perth Magic Millions Classic Sale.

The three year old is by Catbird out of the Bonhomie mare French Resort and with today’s major win has stake money earnings climbed to $460,000 from four career wins.

What they said

“We brought him over here so we could qualify for the big races later this year in Melbourne. He will be a genuine contender as will the second and third placed horses if they go across.” - Gary Fennessy.

“It was like a working holiday to come across here to Perth and look after him. His work all week filled me with confidence and we had a great run throughout.” Brad Rawiller.

“That was a great ride from Brad. This is a fantastic thrill for the owners; you do not get a chance to win Group 1 races very often. He has graduated from a handicap horse to a Group horse as these stayers often do.” - Sam Hayes.

Brother Mak Stamps Derby Claims In Melvista

Saturday, 10 April 2010 10:56

Powerfully built Zabeel gelding Brother Mak showcased his WATC Derby potential with a comfortable win in the $75,000 Schweppes Melvista Stakes (2200m).

Bought for NZ$200,000 at the Karaka yearling sales in 2008, Brother Mak was given a perfect run by big-race jockey Patrick Carbery in the Listed feature.

Brother Mak ($3) settled back in the field, trailing race favourite God Has Spoken, with Four Floors and Smart Twister setting the early pace.

As God Has Spoken made his move out wide nearing the turn, Carbery switched to the inside and picked apart a run through the middle of the field.

Zentrate, who was allowed to settle around midfield, surged past Four Floors to the lead, but Brother Mak emerged from the pack and cruised to the front to win by a neck.

Four Floors battled away gallantly to hold on for third. Maiden galloper Campobello ran home strongly from back in the field for fourth, while God Has Spoken hit the line fairly under the topweight of 57kg to run fifth.

Brother Mak now looms as the biggest threat to Bridgestone in the $500,000 Schweppes WATC Derby (2400m) in a fortnight.

“He’s the real deal. Once he got out it as more a less all over. The Derby will be his real forte and I think he’ll be a real cups horse," trainer Wally Mitchell said.

“The penny’s just starting to drop with him. I thought he was doing it soft on the line," jockey Patrick Carbery said.