Rod Fuller
Following a deluge of rain over the past few days and the promise of further heavy downpours on race day, Racing NSW Stewards had little alternative but to cancel the race meeting scheduled for Port Macquarie on Friday.
Around 100 millimetres of rain fell on the north coast circuit in the days preceding the program and hopes were totally dashed when a further 92 millimetres arrived over the past twenty four hours.
Mid North Coast Chief Steward, Jack Penfold, advised that the course proper was holding up well to the wet weather but the threat of further downpours of around 100 millimetres predicted together with the lack of suitable drying conditions prompted racing officials to cancel the program.
The club would like to thank Great Northern Super Crisp, De Bortoli Wines, John Oxley Motors, Tabcorp, ATM2HIRE, Trackside Photography, and Liz Irwin for their continued support.
One person who would have understood the trials and tribulations of racing was former committee man and local racing enthusiast, Peter Garlick, who was laid to rest earlier in the week.
The program was destined to be a tribute to his life with an opportunity for many friends to toast the popular identity’s influence on the north coast racing scene and this will be also delayed until the weather clears.
The nest scheduled fixture to be conducted by the club is on Saturday 27th March with the six race program highlighted by the Easter Cup.
Racing continues on Saturday 3rd April with the opportunity to support local hopes, Charmmebaby and Subtle Grey in their quest to share in the $500,000 prize money on offer in the Newhaven Park Country Championship Final at Randwick.
The rich event features horses that qualified in various country centres around the state and is one of the highlights on the first day of The Championships series in Sydney with all on the north coast encouraged to attend the local program to follow all the action.
Earlier Port Macquarie preview – Friday 19 March 2021
With impressive performances when previously in work and the benefit of a recent barrier trial, Racketeering is poised for a successful return to racing in the Vale Peter Garlick Class 2 Handicap at Port Macquarie on Friday.
Photo: Bradley Photography and John Tapp Racing
The Lisa Sheppard trained gelding burst onto the racing scene last year with a dominant victory at Grafton in May before handling the heavy track conditions when accounting for Frivolosophy at Coffs Harbour a fortnight later.
With the ability to handle the anticipated rain affected conditions and the benefit of a solid recent barrier trial performance behind the well credentialed campaigner, Plonka, there are plenty of positives around the chances of Racketeering for his next assignment.
Early indications are that the son of Dessert possesses above average ability and his chances are further enhanced with the engagement of Ben Looker for the ride.
Looker made the long journey to Coonamble on Tuesday for one mount and this proved successful when the prominent hoop came down the outside to score on Activation in the Newhaven Park Western District Country Championship Qualifier.
With an outstanding recent victory at Tamworth under his belt, Gumnuts looks set to provide the stiffest opposition with the former Victorian now under the care of astute Newcastle trainer, Jason Deamer, while Bay of Bengal is racing well enough to figure in the finish.
All at Port Macquarie were saddened by the news that long term director of the Port Macquarie Race Club, Peter Garlick, had passed away following illness and have perpetuated his memory by naming the final race on the program in his honour.
Peter was an affable character who worked with great passion and enthusiasm for the betterment of the sport in the district and raced many horses with success over the years, including Pomme Petite under the guidance of long-term training friend, Barry Ratcliff.
Following a recent training treble at the track, Nathan Doyle is set to continue his Port dominance with Dismissal and Muscadelle spearheading the stable chances.
Dismissal has been placed in two Taree runs since resuming from a spell and a solid fourth at the circuit a fortnight ago in heavy conditions behind Dunara indicates a forward showing is expected in the Maiden Handicap while Muscadelle should continue her winning ways in race seven.
Razano has a strong record in wet conditions and at his home circuit with the John Sprague trained mare spearheading the stable chances in race two while other hopes centre around Em Em D’Ar later in the day.
The track is currently rated in the heavy range and racing officials are hoping for a break in the weather to ensure the meeting is conducted on the best possible surface.
The Port race track continues to be a COVID-19 safe venue and it is important to follow all the procedures and guidelines applicable with everyone encouraged to download the Services NSW app prior to attending to make entry easier.
General admission tickets are available on race day and further details regarding tickets and seating arrangements in the Livermore Stand and Clydesdale Room are available by contacting the club on 02 6581 1964 or email on admin@portmacquarieraceclub.com.au.
Races on the program are named in honour of Great Northern Super Crisp, De Bortoli Wines, John Oxley Motors, Tabcorp, ATM2HIRE, Trackside Photography, and Liz Irwin with the club delighted to continue their great association with these fine supporters.
Punters who are unable to attend are still encouraged to follow all the action live from the Port meeting and the Albury Gold Cup day through the screens of Sky Racing and comprehensive wagering facilities continue to be provided by Tabcorp.
Selections
Race 1 –1.35pm GREAT NORTHERN SUPER CRISP MAIDEN HCP (1006 M)
2 Excelness, 1 Dirty or Dry, 11 Pollard
Race 2 – 2.10pm DE BORTOLI BENCHMARK 58 HCP (2012 M)
7 Razano, 5 Scorched Land, 3 Vinaceous
Race 3 – 2.45pm JOHN OXLEY MOTORS MAIDEN PLATE (1206 M)
1 Admiral Ash, 4 Midnight Rambler, 6 All a Lady
Race 4 – 3.20pmTAB VENUE MODE MAIDEN HCP (1506 M)
4 Dismissal, 2 Em Em D’Ar, 6 Cooreei Lass
Race 5 – 3.57pm ATM2HIRE CLASS 3 HCP (1506 M)
1 War Cat, 7 What’s Onemore, 5 Flying Mojo
Race 6 – 4.35pm TRACKSIDE PHOTOGRAPHY BM 66 HCP (1006 M)
9 September Girl, 2 Typhoon Bonny, 6 Hubble
Race 7 – 5.10pmLIZ IRWIN BENCHMARK 58 HCP (1206 METRES)
11 Muscadelle, 1 French Marine, 5 Euroworld
Race 8 – 5.50pm VALE PETER GARLICK CLASS 2 HCP (1106 M)
1 Racketeering, 3 Gumnuts, 9 Bay of Bengal
