Quill, The Buloke Times
They say that a change is as good as a holiday, and it certainly was refreshing to visit Warracknabeal Turf Club for the race meeting initially scheduled for Donald on Saturday.
It was my first visit to this track and I was impressed by the warm welcome and hospitality, as well as the relaxed atmosphere at the slightly smaller facility. Though smaller in size than neighbouring Donald, the track was in exceptional condition, rated a good 4, and was a credit to track manager, Jake Jesse.
The sun shone warmly where it could, but there was intermittent cloud cover and a cool wind keeping the members of the crowd tucked into their warm jackets.
The Warracknabeal Lions Club barbecue helped people to warm up and it was so well attended, the hard-working Lions needed to restock on some supplies.
Results
The 1200 metre 3-year-old maiden opening race was sponsored by Warrack Motel. The Matt Laurie-trained Sutudamu, ridden by Will Gordon, gained the lead at the home turn to win by an impressive two-and-a-half lengths over the favourite, Lady Dumont, ridden by Tahlia Hope, and another well-supported runner, Over ‘N’ Out in third place.
The Emmetts John Deere maiden second race was delayed slightly after Trustthesheriff got stuck in the gates, resulting in a late scratching. Peter Hibberd’s tip, Powerbound, put in an impressive effort to prove him right. Coming from fourth position, jockey Robbie Downey looked for an opening around the home turn and, finding it, drew clear along the straight to take a comfortable length-and-a-half win for the Hayes stable. In second place, Fox Path, ridden by Will Gordon, and Happy Family just over a length behind in third.
The short race program of the day started the handicap races off early, with the third being the Pony Xpress-sponsored sprint. She’s The Sheriff jumped well and led the pack to the post, only to be overtaken at the very last in a photo finish. After a late run of interest, the favourite First Point took first placing for trainer Belinda Dunn and jockey Lachlan King. In second place, Penultimate One, ridden by Will Gordon, forcing the lead runner, She’s The Sherriff into third place.
The Bet 365 handicap race four over 2000 metres was dominated all the way by the Jamie Opperman-trained West Cliff, ridden by Melissa Julius, taking the win by half a length.
In second place was Savoie, ridden by Christine Puls . A couple of lengths behind was a photo for third and fourth placing, resulting with Spirit De Lune and Testa Life respectively.
The Vale Dean Holland tribute race was run over 1600 metres, resulting in a photo finish and an upset for favourite punters, with Bangerang Redback paying $18 for winning by a nose. It was a double on the day for jockey Will Gordon, this time riding for trainer Rhys Archard. A nose between them all, second place was claimed by King And King, ridden by Bob Beattie, with Dance Ready taking third place.
The Emmetts John Deere Warracknabeal BM64 handicap final race of the day, over 1200 metres was won by First Mate, trained and ridden by husband and wife team, Kylie Vella and Steven Vella respectively.
The front-runner, Karaka Lad, ridden by Robbie Downey, was put under pressure along the straight gaining second place; less than a length behind in third placing was Scenic Host.
Vale Dean Holland
In addition to the fifth race being named in the late Dean Holland’s honour, the Warracknabeal Turf Club also acknowledged his success at the track, winning two Warracknabeal Cups in 2018 and 2020, riding Kapaulenko and Rupture respectively (both Paul Preusker-trained horses).
On Sunday, July 10, 2016, Dean was elevated to elite status at the course when he rode the first four winners on the seven race program.
At the Donald track, where Dean tragically lost his life on April 24, he rode into first place a number of times. In 2019 he won the Donald Cup riding the locally-owned Beuna Veloz as well as numerous successful placings.
Although the racing community is still stung by the loss of the beloved jockey, I would like to acknowledge the Donald and District Racing Club and its staff for the care and professionalism shown in handling such devastating circumstances.
Emergency services and all those involved with responding to the incident acted quickly and efficiently, making those difficult decisions that no one ever wants to be faced with and they should be commended for their strength in the face of tragedy.
While I thoroughly enjoyed the visit and Warracknabeal’s amazing hospitality, racing resumes at Donald on June 17, and I for one, am looking forward to being there trackside in support of our club.
This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 9 May 2023.
