Saddle up for the Tony Campbell Cup!

Submitted by byoung on Thu, 2018-09-27 12:46

Spring racing is heating up at Thoroughbred Park and one of the best days on the calendar is the TAB Federal Tony Campbell Memorial Cup and Students Race Day on Friday 5 October.  

The heavily competitive Rodger Bartholomew Fashions on the field competition will include plenty of prizes in the Mens and Ladies categories.  Registrations to enter the event are at the main stage on the day, strictly between 12:30pm and 2pm with the first heats underway at 3pm.  

Disturbance Likely At Cootamundra

Submitted by byoung on Wed, 2018-09-26 10:30

Former Kiwi Disturbance will likely run in Sunday’s 2018 Cootamundra Cup following his surprise victory in the $60,500, Dubbo Cup, 1600m.

The 5yo Team Joseph gelding got the run of the race at Dubbo with Matt Cahill in the saddle and came away to salute at $35.0.

Disturbance was having his fourth run for the Canberra stable and was third-up at Dubbo off a disappointing run on a BM 76 at Randwick-Kensington.

He’d raced well in good company in New Zealand, and prior to Dubbo had been settling back in his races. 

Olive ready for Spring

Submitted by byoung on Tue, 2018-09-25 11:25

Sizzling Belle Heads Olive Spring/Summer Charge

Canberra trainer Nick Olive is preparing a nice team of younger horses for spring and summer campaigns, headed by Black Opal Stakes runner-up Sizzling Belle.

Sizzling Belle was given a long spell in Queensland following a busy 2yo campaign and returned to Canberra in tip-top order, according to Olive.

“She’s being set for the $2 million Magic Millions three year old race on the Gold Coast in January,” he said.

Joseph, Jones & Jones Racing race day this Friday

Submitted by byoung on Tue, 2018-09-18 12:00

The Joseph-Jones Raceday is an institution on the Canberra racing calendar and will have its 2018 renewal on Friday.

Co-trainer Barbara Joseph kicked off the raceday some 20 years ago and it’s grown in size and stature ever since.

Each year at this time, 250 to 300 people gather in the function room at the Canberra race club for a day of racing and celebration.

Co-trainer Paul Jones says it’s the stable’s chance to thank it owners and supporters.

Ons Vier looking for a hat-trick this Friday

Submitted by byoung on Tue, 2018-09-18 16:08

Local trainer Joseph Ible’s current stable star, Ons Vier is looking for a hat-trick of wins at Canberra this Friday.

Ible was recommended to buyer Ben O’Brien, who has bought a bevy of vocal, first time owners with him and the mare, and has since proven her worth on the Acton track.  Her first start in Canberra since the partnership, was on the synthetic track, and just happened to be the TAB Federal, which gave Ible his second Federal win.

No rush with Highway winner Handle the Truth

Submitted by byoung on Wed, 2018-09-12 12:32

The Canberra-based Keith Dryden-Scott Collings training partnership is weighing up its options for last Saturday’s impressive TAB Highway Handicap winner Handle The Truth.

Handle The Truth was nominated for this Saturday’s Highway at Randwick but the stable has decided not to back him up.

He’s not turned three yet on birthdates and we want to look after him,” co-trainer Keith Dryden said.

“There is something a bit better for him down the track.

Final race for the season on Acton Track

Submitted by byoung on Tue, 2018-09-04 11:48

With the onset of spring, Friday August 7 will be the final meeting on the Acton synthetic surface for 2018.

On September 21, racing will revert to the course proper and Canberra Racing Club CEO Peter Stubbs says he expects it to be in good condition for the return.

“It’s had a full restoration; dethatching, recycle topdressing, seeding and fertilising, and will benefit further from some sun in the next few weeks,” he said.

Canberra hits the Highway

Submitted by TMA on Thu, 2018-08-30 17:04

Nine Canberra horses have been nominated for Saturday’s $75,000 TAB Highway Handicap at Randwick (1400m).

Racing NSW recently restored the eligibility of Canberra-trained horses to compete in Highway races.

However NSW country-trained horses benchmarked above 50 get first preference in the Highways, leaving any remaining spots for Canberra and other gallopers.

With the rail out 10m at Randwick on Saturday, the field limit for the Highway is 13 with four emergencies.

Almost Court springs into Spring

Submitted by TMA on Thu, 2018-08-30 17:05

Jones says Canberra Cup winner Almost Court will kick off his spring campaign in Saturday’s BM 94 Handicap (1400m) also at Randwick.

Almost Court shares the equal top benchmark (96) in the race and Jones says he’s ready to go.

“He’s had a nice jumpout and then galloped between races on the course proper in Canberra last Friday, with race-rider Christian Reith in the saddle.

“Christian was excited with the work. He’s believes he’s come back stronger and more balanced and gave him a great feel.”

Victorian Veteran Confirmed for Canberra Friday

Submitted by TMA on Tue, 2018-08-14 11:05

Victorian-trained Severn Road is a certain starter at Friday’s Canberra race meeting on the Acton synthetic surface.

The now 10 year old Severn Road is trained by Jamie Edwards at Emsley Lodge at Freshwater Creek, 15 minutes out of Geelong.  

Edwards said Severn Road is a “duffer” on the wet and enjoys synthetic surfaces.  

“He’s hit his mark in Victoria and is carrying a lot of weight — and is often competing against horses from leading city yards,” Edwards said.

“We thought Friday’s race looked a good option for him.