Olive off to a flying start

Submitted by byoung on Tue, 2018-10-30 11:36

Trainer Nick Olive has made a flying start to the 2018-19 Canberra racing season with nine winners in the capital at a strike rate of 28.1%.

He’s forged to a three win lead over last years Premiers Keith Dryden - Scott Collings, with Matt Dale three wins further back.

Rejuvenated Tony Campbell Cup winner Bring A Secret has led the Olive Canberra charge with two wins.

Six of the winners have come on the course proper at a strike rate of 35% and a profit on turnover for stable followers of 52%.

Melbourne Cup Mania

Submitted by byoung on Tue, 2018-10-30 16:36

A trip to Paris, Her Canberra gift packs to the first 500 people through the gates, happy hour drinks and racing action is all on offer for the upcoming TAB Melbourne Cup Race Day and more, promises the new Acting CEO Andrew Clark of the Canberra Racing Club, with a focus on spoiling the ladies for the race that stops the nation. 

Fell Swoop back on track for Melbourne

Submitted by byoung on Wed, 2018-10-24 09:49

Classy Canberra sprinter Fell Swoop will make his return to racing in Melbourne on Cup week.

The now seven-year-old Fell Swoop was last seen when running down the track in the Group 1 TJ Smith at Randwick and Dale says he’s benefitted greatly from the long break.

“His coat is much better and he’s as free-moving as I have seen him for some time, Dale says.  

“He’s jumped out and has won a Moruya barrier trial and is ready to go.

“There are two Listed races on the Tuesday and Thursday of Cup week that we have our eye on.

Todd Smart purchases half brother to Miss Vista

Submitted by byoung on Tue, 2018-10-16 11:41

Canberra trainer Todd Smart is “excited” with his purchase at yesterday’s Inglis 2yo ready to run sale at Warwick Farm.
 
Smart paid $62,500 for a Whittington colt out of Gee Trump who left the spectacularly marked Victorian flyer Miss Vista and Joe Cleary’s handy galloper Up Trumpz. 
 
Smart said the un-named colt is strong, athletic, and composed and from a good family.
 
“We had our eye on a number at the sale, but these were whittled down after seeing them on the day. 
 

Club farewells Peter Stubbs

Submitted by byoung on Tue, 2018-10-16 11:47

Written By: Don Mackay Media and Communications, Racing And Sports.  Image courtesty of Canberra Times.

One of the great champions of thoroughbred racing retires on Tuesday (16 October) after decades of service to the industry.

Peter Stubbs has served as CEO at the Canberra Racing Club in December 2006 after eight years as deputy CEO responsible for racing and corporate bookmaker operations.

Peter was born to racing, and brought a unique ground-up experience to his administration roles.

‘A Bushy From Hay’

Spunlago Can Deliver Fairytale In Tony Campbell Cup

Submitted by byoung on Wed, 2018-10-03 13:53

Outgoing Canberra Racing Club CEO Peter Stubbs will officiate at his final race meeting on Friday and it could be a fairytale ending for the respected administrator.

Stubbs is a part owner of Spunlago, who is trained at Albury by his brother Ron. The gelding presents as a leading chance in the feature TAB Federal Tony Campbell Memorial Cup (1400m).

Spunlago was formerly trained by Archie Alexander and spelled following his win in a BM 78 at Moonee Valley, beating the well-performed Sin To Win.

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.