Peter Hibberd, The Buloke Times

Due to the provisions of the track safety inspection policy, the last two races at the Elders Wycheproof Cup meeting were abandoned. Riders were concerned about a section of track. After remedial work was completed, stewards and a deputation of riders inspected the section concerned. A secret ballot was conducted with riders involved in races 6 and 7.

As the numbers of votes were in the affirmative, stewards ordered the remainder of the meeting to be abandoned at 4.41 p.m..

This was a sad finish to what had been a brilliant day for all on track.

President Kevin Thompson spoke to all the on-course patrons, thanking them for their attendance. He said safety was the major concern in the abandoment.

Once again it was the efforts of not only the committee, but the many volunteers who have worked tirelessly over many months that make this iconic race day one of the best in country Victoria.

My thought only on this subject – I know safety is paramount in this situation, but some jockeys complained after the first race, why ride in another four races before the dramatic decision?

I feel the club and all on track felt let down on this iconic raceday.

First win in “Oz”

England-based jockey, Connor Murtagh, only arrived in Australia three weeks ago on a 12-month working visa, and has based himself at Simon Zahra’s stable in Melbourne. At Wycheproof last Saturday at his first book of rides he rode his first winner in “Oz”, riding the Ben Brisbourne-trained Winchester Rifle.

Connor started his apprenticeship in 2017 under one of England’s better trainers in Richard Fahey. As with most jockeys finishing their apprenticeships they struggle for rides so he was advised to come to “Oz”. In the month previous to his arrival, he rode four winners.

Jim Bath

Jim was a former jockey who rode in the local area  in the 1960-70s era. He did his apprenticeship with Des Judd at Flemington. In 1965 he worked for the Mildura-based Castleman Stable, winning the Wyche Cup with Gallant Quest.

Finishing his race riding, he worked for trainers Tommy Hughes, Ernie Ewert and Bart Cummings. He has been associated with many good horses, the best, he said, being Beer Street and Hyperno.

Jim now lives in Kerang and attends all his local meetings, especially the Wyche Cup. When asked about the Wyche track he said the final bend was very tricky.

Results

Race one: Favourite punters got off to a good start with a very good ride by Paul Gatt on Derelict. Sitting behind the leaders, it approached the final bend and came through a gap to win narrowly, defeating Pinacle Rock and Son Of A Blonde.

Race two: Jaylah Kennedy is a very promising appren-tice lady jockey. Riding Our Perfect Train she led and controlled the pace, coming away to win by a 3¾ length margin defeating Harlem Nic and Tosen Snowfall.

Race three: Rose Hammond is another lady jockey who shows a lot of talent. Sitting behind the leaders riding Mangwanani, she came around the leaders to record a big win, defeating Vancouver Rain and River Rhine.

Race four: The Nathan Hobson stable provided the quinella with Frowned winning, and Toojay running second. The jockeys concerned were John Keating and Makisha Salter respectively. In third place was Dream Brother.

Race five: Connor Murtagh started his “Oz” career with his first win. He sat midfield till the final bend and came wide to record a narrow win, defeating More Money Please and Ladymane.

This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 7 November 2023.
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