Harness & Greyhounds - Perth Turf Talk

Early Pacing Cup Market Before Barrier Draw

Ridersonthestorm33 — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 06:24:10 +0000

Beaudinne Boaz $2.75
My Hard Copy $7.50
Devendra $8
Lovers Delight $10
John Of Arc $11
Waylade $15
Avonova $17
Run Oneover $21
Bettors Fire $26
Jason Rulz $26
Libertybelle Midfrew $26
Our Blackbird $41
Smokey The Bandit $41

Fremantle Cup Barrier Draw.

Ridersonthestorm33 — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 13:54:48 +0000

Barrier Draw for the time honoured Fremantle Cup.
1. Bettors Fire
2. Waylade
3. Joan Of Arc
4. Beaudinne Boaz
5. Lovers Delight
6. Run Oneover
7. Classic American
8. Jason Rulz
9. My Hard Copy
Back line
10. Devendra
11. Libertybelle Midfrew
12. Our Blackbird
Emergencies
13. Mach Alert
14. Smokey The Bandit

Power of Red

G-Mac — Tue, 05 Jan 2016 03:54:43 +0000

3yo Colt gunning for 6th win from 6 starts Saturday at Menangle. Has already won in 1.51.8 (home in 26.7 and 28.7 in the death seat)

Dam is Shoutaloud who threw one of my old favourites in Runaway Red (who won at the very last Harold Park meeting and was a reason I could absolutely load up on Karloo Mick in the last)

Very exciting type and from gate 1 will no doubt be too short to invest. Just look on and enjoy.

Bob Myers.

Rex — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 03:58:29 +0000

CASEY ISABELLA won at Northam last night and the ownership of the horse is interesting being down as R. Myers.

Surely this isn't the same Myers that served a considerable prison sentence over the organizing of an alleged assault of a racing steward many years ago is it?

Must be a mistake as surely the integrity board would not allow this.

GP- 8/1

VillageKid — Fri, 08 Jan 2016 02:27:12 +0000

Race 1- Im Riddick

Race 2- Machtu

Race 3- Phoenix Warrior

Race 4- Donegal Chokin

Race 5- Glenferrie Rustler

Race 6- Cyamach

Race 7- Beaudiene Boaz

Race 8- Tricky Styx

Race 9- Astra Boy

Race 10- Burning

Standardbred Yearling Sale Feb 21

JayJay — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 07:14:22 +0000

Some interesting figure from the catalogue as I work my way through it. Stallions represented show the following percentages, based on winners to foals over 3 years old bred in Australasia:

Somebeachsomewhere: 57% 57 winners from 100 foals, Christian Cullen: 53%, 999 from 1186. Mach Three: 52.7% 646 from 1226, Art Major: 51.9% 764 from 1472, Bettors Delight 50.9% 904 from 1775, Western Terror 47.2% 166 from 351, McArdle 45.6% 381 from 835. Interestingly Four Starzz Shark isn't even close to the above at 29.7% with 165 from 555. Elsu is 32.5% with 449 from 1381 just ahead of the best local based /bred Rich and Spoilt at 32.4% with 99 from 305.

Of course, in itself, it doesn't mean a lot and the quality of the winners is all important but I was a bit starstruck after the exploits of Lenny and Frith and was surprised at Four Starzz Shark. Anyway, the search goes on ...the catalogue appears to have much greater depth this year. Who knows, after inspections what might happen. If nothing else, discovered Lenny and Frith have common ancestry through 5th/6th dam Illinois and are bred on the same cross of Cams Fella out of the Albert Albert Abercrombie mare line.....from 2 of the most highly competitive breeding institutions in Australian Standardbred history ...Kevin Newbound and Bernie Kelly..

Emergencies.

Ridersonthestorm33 — Sun, 03 Jan 2016 02:45:48 +0000

Been a bit gun shy about emergencies and where they are starting from lately! This is what I reckon....if the emergencies are not considered good enough to be in the starting line up then they should be the two outside numbers and if there is a withdrawal they should come into the outside barrier..eg. 9, 10, 11, 12 depending on field size and all other horses move in one. Don't agree that because number one or five is scratched that the emergency should come into that draw. Number two and six should come in one and the rest follow suit all moving in one, and the emergency should be outside of the front row or back row dependant on field size no matter what number is scratched. That use to be the case I think ? Not sure why it has changed ? The best field is declared and emergencies are entitled to run but if gaining a start should come into the race from the hardest draw. Hope that makes sense!! :-B

GP- 1/1

VillageKid — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 04:29:10 +0000

Race 1- Earl Of Charity

Race 2- MyNamesKenny

Race 3- Soho Wonder

Race 4- Bettor Party

Race 5- Bronze Seeker

Race 6- Run Oneover

Race 7- Beaudiene Boaz

Race 8- Erskine Range

Race 9- Showstopper

Race 10- Sprinter

Village Kid Sprint

JayJay — Tue, 29 Dec 2015 12:30:49 +0000

Hall Snr runners draw 1 (Beaudiene Boaz), 2 (Run One Over) and 3 (Waylade) in the Sprint......and 5 (My Hard Copy) and 6 (Crusader Banner) .......and 8 (John Of Arc).......and 10 (Machtu) and 11 (Classic American). Yes, 2 and 10 are the 1st and 2nd emergencies but 6 out of 9 runners with Beaudiene in barrier 1 would give him a fair chance. Remarkable dominance from one stable. Gary Jnr named to drive 4 of them and Clinton named on the other 4.

Keeper of keys

Gilgamesh — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 10:58:29 +0000

I understand wanting to educate your horse, get it to settle which to an extent it looks like they have been able to do. Sometimes though you have to bite the bullet and use what the world has given you. This horse has gate speed and goes infinantly better on the pegs, they have given up multiple chances to get a fly at the start when drawn under the other speed over the last few months and thus I believe given up a good wad of prize money. Not talking through my pocket, have mentioned on the Sprint thread I was keen on Kenny tonight, just don't like seeing horses not driven to advantage. Hope the education process turns for connections, for mine he hasnt looked like even getting warm when restrained this time in.

If they want to lease him i'd love to have him.

Wayne Hill 6 from 6

Fastmoney — Mon, 28 Dec 2015 08:13:25 +0000

Wayne Hill has driven the first 6 winners at Victor Harbor.

On the fave in the last to drive the card.

Mt Gambier Race 4

JayJay — Tue, 29 Dec 2015 12:45:02 +0000

A lap and and a half dash over 1385m ....something different.....for R1-R3 horses. Winner (leader) went 1.54.8. Haven't seen short course harness races for a while.

Busso Trots Boxing Night

squid69 — Sat, 26 Dec 2015 10:41:10 +0000

Too tired to drive down tonight, but looking forward to watching on Sky. Should be a big crowd as usual

Mirthful Mac
Nobby's Beach Boy
Bolshevik
Three Bears
Telham Lane
Love Of The Chase
Everythingisawesum
Shattered Millions
Jax Or Better

L.B.Harper.

Rex — Wed, 23 Dec 2015 10:23:46 +0000

23 December 2015

RWWA Integrity Assurance Committee (IAC) –   Variance of Warning off conditions - Mr. L. B. Harper
In December 2013, following the issue of a ‘show cause’ notice and subsequent hearing the IAC resolved to exercise its powers under Section 44(1)(e) of the Act to issue Mr Lindsay Harper with a ‘warning off notice’ in accordance with Regulation 72 (1) of the RWWA Regulations.
Since the issuing of the warning off, Mr Harper has made a number of approaches to the IAC to have his status reviewed.
At the direction of the IAC, Mr Harper appeared before Stewards on 1 October 2015 with respect to his most recent application seeking a review.
At the interview before Stewards, Mr Harper put forward;  That his immediate future intentions were to have the ‘warning off’ lifted for reasons of family so that he could support his two sons involved in the industry  That he does not wish to apply for a licence at this time or own any horses  He assured Stewards he would respect the terms of any relaxation of ‘warning off’ and would not have any involvement with activities that were restricted to licensed persons  That his return to the race course would be as a member of the public only and that he would not enter areas restricted to licensed persons  That he has not offended in any way during his period of warning-off and has not incurred any criminal or other convictions
The Stewards advised the IAC that they did not object to consideration being given to the varying of the terms of the ‘warning-off’ on family grounds, however that any return from warning off should be a staged process.
Mr Harper, appeared before the IAC on the 24 November 2015 to personally address his application and provide such personal assurances as he was able to do so. At the hearing the Stewards reiterated their concerns with respect to a complete lifting of warning off and recommended that instead a variation in the restrictions that apply be considered subject to various conditions.
In considering his application the IAC took into account;  The views and opinions of the Stewards  That Mr Harper has effectively been excluded from the industry for a period of 11-years after initially being disqualified for five (5) years. Although this was due to his own actions that led to the period of disqualification being recommenced, with the additional 2-years of being warned off a considerable time had elapsed during which Mr Harper has not come to the attention of Racing or other authorities.  His personal assurance as made at the interview with the Stewards on 1 October 2015 and before the IAC on 24 November 2015.

 Numerous references made on his behalf from many prominent industry persons previously submitted.  That the IAC had when determining to issue the ‘warning off’ indicated that “Mr Harper’s warning off need not be permanent. In due course, with the passage of time and appropriate comfort that he is no longer the man who his record might indicate, the IAC is open to considering further application by Mr Harper for the lifting of his warning off.”  That without providing a limited opportunity for Mr Harper to demonstrate that his attendance on a race course may no longer be “prejudicial to the proper conduct or control of racing or any other lawful activity carried on at a race course (R72 – RWWA Regulation 2003)” it would otherwise be difficult for him to overcome the ‘warning off’
Whilst not without some reservation, the IAC were of the view that given the passage of time in particular and Mr Harper’s personal assurances, that he ought to be given a limited opportunity to demonstrate his limited participation in racing as a member of the public would not by prejudicial to the wider interests of the industry.
In this respect the IAC has resolved to vary the described restrictions that apply to a warned off person to give effect to the following.
1. Mr Harper is able to enter as a member of the public any racecourse or place under the control of a club or Controlling Body or other premises used for the purposes of the harness racing industry including those occupied by other licensed persons provided that when doing so he does not engage in any activity which can only lawfully be carried on under licence. 2. Mr Harper is not to associate with persons connected with the harness racing industry for purposes relating to the training, acquisition, driving, treatment, preparation or other aspects of harness racing. This includes but is not limited to, the handling, feeding or treatment of any horses or any contact with the horses beyond visual inspection. 3. Mr Harper is able only to associate with his sons for purposes relating to harness racing by offering verbal advice and assistance and is not to engage in any direct or ‘hands-on’ contact with their or anyone else’s horses.   4. Mr Harper is able to agist horses at his premises, provided that at no time are these to be in work or otherwise engaged for racing and that prior notice of any horses being placed there has been given to the Stewards. 5. Mr Harper is not to be registered as an owner of any horses or otherwise hold directly or indirectly any financial interest in any horse. 6. Mr Harper is not restricted with respect to wagering as a member of the public. 7. The remaining restrictions would continue to apply.
Further it is a condition that in the event that Mr Harper was found to have breached any of these restrictions, or otherwise committed any offences under the RWWA Rules of Racing that this decision of the IAC would immediately cease to apply and the full restrictions of warning-off would apply.
Following a period of not less than 6-months and on the provision that Mr Harper has adhered to the terms of the restrictions as described, the matter to be reviewed and further consideration be given to lifting the warning off in full.

A Kurious drive at Pinjarra

thefusillijerry — Mon, 07 Dec 2015 05:43:53 +0000

What about that drive in race 1 by Gary Hall Jnr! :)]

The fav gallops at the start and he continues to sit at the rear of the field despite showing an intention to lead at previous starts. Allows the fav to tack on and doesn't move a muscle until it moves around him to start its run. :-\"

GP 18/12

VillageKid — Fri, 18 Dec 2015 07:18:50 +0000

Race 1- Commander Chapel
Race 2- Captain Under Fire
Race 3- Lunar Tide
Race 4- Ima Connoisseur
Race 5- Red Salute
Race 6- Maggies Mystery
Race 7- The Bucket List
Race 8- Bettor Party
Race 9- Ohoka Squire
Race 10- Mary Catherine

Kalgoorlie Trots Easy Pickings

JayJay — Sat, 19 Dec 2015 14:43:46 +0000

There is some "easy" money to be made up at Kal..earlier in the season, it was Courtney Burch who was top of the pops but Aldo Cortopassi has got the crown at the moment, 4 winners tonight,one for Greg Kersley, treble last meet...and quite a few of these races are for $15k stakes against, with respect, very moderate opposition. Colin Brown up there tonight as well. Well worth the travelling for Aldo who probably has team based up there, killing the pig.

Racing Royalty Lenny And Frith

JayJay — Fri, 18 Dec 2015 17:16:52 +0000

This post is for pedigree tragics, so apologies in advance but someone might be a bit interested, so I'll post in hope. But I was doing some pedigree work for a mate who is keen to buy a Four Starrz Shark filly and I got deep into the background of both Lenny and Frith. I hadn't realised how much depth and how closely related they are...both are by Four Starzz Shark out of Albert Albert mares (son of the great Abercrombie)....no wonder both of them can run, their pedigrees are absolutely loaded with quality and both track back to the mare Illinois....who is the 6th dam of Lenny and the 5th dam of Frith, with the profound influence of Gay Reveller being the sire of Lenny's 3rd dam Mozambique and Frith's 4th dam Bernie's Sister. Basically, Lenny is a Kevin Newbound breed and Frith is a Bernie Kelly breed. What does all this mean? Well, Lenny's family boasts Gay Acres, dam of Special Garry 2.01.8, Classic Garry 1.55.2, Gallant Garry and Provocative 1.53.4...all champs in their own right...and there are literally dozens of star horses ...From his 1st dam Botswanna, half brothers and sisters include Led Suitcase 1.55.8, group 1 winner and $265k stake earner, Blissfull Boy 1.54.7, also a group 1 winner $224k, 2nd dam Lourenco Marques 2.02.2 descendants include Burling Game 1.58.6, Australian Oaks winner Newbold Penny 2.00.9, Penny Vee Jay 1.54.0, Penny Blackjack 1.55.5, Lord Marques 1.52.8, Pacific Charm 1.57.5, Grinformiss 1.52.2, 3rd Dam Mozambique (by Gay Reveller) has Eagles Blood (19 wins), Rambooka 1.57.5, Jilliby Spice, Jilliby Rose 2.02.0, dam of a 1.55.0 winner, and a host of unraced mares that have thrown over 40 high class winners, his 4th Dam Lucias First (2.23.0 winner...not a typo, 2.23.0) was the dam of Gay Acres 2.07.6, First Reveller 2.05.6, the classic mare Gay Debutante, unraced dam of 10 winners and then the 5th dam Lucia's Maid is the mother of Illinois, the 5th dam of Frith. I reckon Kevin Newbound was onto something that few breeders had an inkling of, a genius.
But Bernie Kelly was also a member of the breeders genius club. Frith's 1st Dam is Jackie Kelly 2.01.6 and her sisters/brothers include Jack Hall 1.59.8 16 wins, Jack rustler 1.56.8, Stenning 1.57.8 and Amber Bliss unraced dam of Falcon Bliss 2.03.7 and Jessica Amber 2.01.9. 2nd Dam Miss Paula 1.59.5, 22 wins, a group1 and Group 2 winner, is the dam of Paula Kelly 2.02.3, Lorna Kelly 1.57.4 12 wins and herself dam of 5 quality winners, Albert Kelly, 32 wins, 2 Group 1's, McCrae's Mate 1.51.8, 30 wins, Group 1 winner, Greg Kelly 1.56.4 17 wins from 18 starts, Garry Kelly 2.00.3 and Macca Kelly 1.57.5 14 wins. 3rd Dam Rich Sister produced 8 winners including Mister Paul 1.59.1, unraced Amber Spree, dam of Alotofwhite 1.59.1 and Sir Julian 1.56.1, Amy Kelly 2.04.2, dam of Hanover Kelly 1.56.6, Paula's Sister 2.03.2, dam of Tentolife 1.56.3 and Shezaterror 2.01.1, and Jay Bee Aitch 1.57.2. 4th Dam Bernies Sister (by Gay Reveller) produced 9 winners from 12 foals including Wee Sister 2.05.6, Paul's Chance 2.01.2 and Society Seeker 2.04.6. 5th Dam Illinois foaled in 1954 produced 11 winners from 13 to race including Bernie's Elect 2.05.4, Bernie Hanover 2.01.6 and Bernie Adios 2.04.4...those times being set over non sprint distances on smaller tracks.
So, the bottom line is that we had Racing Royalty in Perth thanks to the breeding genius of Kevin Newbound and Forest Lodge, and Bernie Kelly.
It is a line ball decision but I think Frith's pedigree wins the contest...just...on points...in having the stouter pedigree. But Lenny should make a grand sire and Frith should be a fantastic broodmare. I wonder if they nodded to each other in the birdcage the other night..."Evening Cuz, hope you have a safe trip".

Fernando Bale

SHOVHOG — Thu, 07 May 2015 20:54:32 +0000

Broke 29 seconds tonight and it's only a matter of time before it nails the track record set in 2011.

Is he as good as Brett Lee ?

GP Sunday 13/12- Inters & Golden Nugget

VillageKid — Sat, 12 Dec 2015 01:42:40 +0000

Race 1- Machtu

Race 2- Three Blind Mice

Race 3- Jason Rulz

Race 4- Our Jericho

Race 5- Beaudiene Boaz

Race 6- Devendra

Race 7- Frith

Race 8- Naughty Maravu

Race 9- Invasive

Race 10- Avalon Bromac

Perth Inters 1989 Jodies Babe

JayJay — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 01:21:34 +0000

This wonderful series took place in an era of domination from the Knight Stable....and of course the mighty Village Kid. Our Maestro was the defending champion, Sinbad Bay was the emerging star, Jodies Babe was a pretty good 3rd stringer. Vinny was a polarising figure...to some a colourful genius, to others brash, loud and over confident but he was a huge personality and having chosen Bag Limit over Our Maestro in the Sydney series final the year before, surely he would land that elusive title in Perth. Sinbad was almost unheard of when nominations came out but a win in the Golden Nugget in Perth and the Winfield Cup at Moonee Valley saw him jump from 89th ranking (of 93 entries) to series favourite ....and add in Riverlea Jack, Luxury Liner, Rowleyalla, Kylies Hero, Nikalong Shadow and local favourites Village Kid, Morgan James and Paavo...well, it had it all...and it delivered.
Night 1 heat winners over 1700m were Paavo over Morgan James and Rowleyella, Village Kid broke the track record in running 1.55.2 in downing Riverlea jack and Jodies Babe and Sinbad Bay was brilliant in beating local surprise packet My Current Account and Kylies Hero. Then, disaster, Sinbad Bay had injured his tendon and was scratched from th erest of the series. The weather was stinking hot and Our Maestro pulled up in a very bad way after his second round heat over 2100m and it looked like he to would be out. Jodies Babe backed up with a win over Luxury Liner and Voight, Village Kid made it 2 heat wins by beating Sir Reilly and Bronski Beat and Riverlea Jack jumped in favoritism by beating Rowleyalla and Kylies Hero. Our Maestro recovered from his distress and in the 3rd round of heats over 2500m, he defeated Paavo and Screaming Eagle, Village Kid made it an undefeated run through the heats (repeating what he had done at Albion Park in the 1986 series which of course, he won..what a horse he was) when defeating Jodies Babe and Luv You Perth and My Current Account booked his spot in the final after beating Nikalong Shadow and Luxury Liner.
When the draw came out (starting 10 across the front line on the now enlarged track) for the $420,000 final with Vinny choosing Our Maestro and 21 year old stable foreman Scott Stewart driving Jodies Babe, Village Kid faced a tough task from his wide gate. In front of a monstrous crowd, there was no room anywhere, Riverlea Jack had gate 10 and never really bothered to score up, diving right across the back of the field to the pole line. Our Maestro, an impressive bold type lead up, Village Kid was 4 wide early, then 3 wide, then into the breeze, Lindsay Froyland had My Current Account leaders back but he would be outclassed, Stewart had Jodies Babe one out one back in a commanding position and when you listen to George's call, it was pretty obvious that he had put the mocka on Paavo by backing him....he got all excited about Paavo being one out two back. Turning for home, Jodies loomed up, grabbed Our Maestro with Kylies Hero (Maurice McKendry) 3rd and Vinny still hadn't won an Inters. It was a perfect drive from Stewart and with Knight taking his own life in 1991, it would never happen. An 8th on Rockleigh Victory behind Thorate at Globe Derby Park would be his last drive in an inters final. Sadly for our George, Paavo faded to 9th whilst Village Kid ran a typically game 4th. Screaming Eagle won the consolation for Fred Kersley and it was a memorable series.

Tim Tetrick USA

Fastmoney — Tue, 08 Dec 2015 09:50:00 +0000

Last 5 drives in WA 5 winners.

One at $7 and one at $18.

Harness racing`s Moreira.

GP 11/12

VillageKid — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 01:16:52 +0000

Race 1- Tempest Cullen

Race 2- Gives Me Chills

Race 3- Maggies Mystery

Race 4- Jumbo Jet

Race 5- Phoenix Warrior

Race 6- The Bucket List

Race 7- My Good Deed

Race 8- Bounty Eyre

Race 9- Smokey The Bandit

Race 10- El Jacko

San Simeon

Fastmoney — Sat, 12 Dec 2015 05:43:49 +0000

Glittering career never forgotten

Steve Butler

December 12, 2015, 11:07 am

Somewhere out in the Byford bush lies the grave of a WA sporting
cult hero whose deeds remain alive in Australian records.

Another Inter Dominion pacing champion will be crowned after
tomorrow’s series grand final at Gloucester Park, but it is
unlikely the winner will be remembered quite like San Simeon.

It was 35 years ago today at Fremantle’s now defunct Richmond
Raceway that San Simeon set a record of 25 consecutive wins. He
compiled four more victories after that to leave a still-unbroken
mark of 29.

“I’ve had other champions and I’ve trained and driven a lot
of winners, but he was special because of what he was,” WA harness
racing veteran Lou Austin said yesterday.

Austin delivered “Leo” in a paddock right outside his bedroom
window in 1976. He broke the horse in and then trained and drove him
throughout a spectacular career that included the 1981 Inter
Dominion championship, which he described as “the ultimate”.

Ironically, it was in a heat of that series that his winning run
ended.

Austin was also there in Byford a decade ago when he made the
heartbreaking decision to put his frail 29-year-old mate down. He is
still too emotional to return to the site.

“I can’t go up the hill ... I saw him at the end and I don’t
want to see him like that,” he said.

Austin vividly recalled yesterday how San Simeon almost
immediately stood up after being foaled, but refused to mix with any
of the other 17 horses around him. Austin then knew he had something
special “the day I put hobbles on him”.

“Most youngsters tangle and fumble and do things until they
find their rhythm ... he walked on to the track like an old stager,”
he said. “Him and I just gelled, everywhere I went he wanted to be
where I was. It was a very personal relationship.”

San Simeon became a household sporting name across Australia at a
time when harness racing was at its peak.

He even had a port named after him, although Austin said his only
crate had been stolen out of his back shed.

He said the pressure that came with San Simeon’s winning streak
put him on the verge of a nervous breakdown and made him “impossible
to live with”.

He said he saw something similar in champion thoroughbred trainer
Peter Moody as legendary mare Black Caviar compiled her unbeaten
career of 25 wins.

“I reckon the day she retired was the day he took a deep breath
and said: ‘I’m glad that’s over’,” he said. “I would
have crawled over broken glass to get to a TV to watch her.”.

Austin, 70, admitted tomorrow’s trip to Gloucester Park for the
Inter Dominion final would be nostalgic.

He believed it was a fitting reward when San Simeon was inducted
last year intoThe West Australian Racing Industry Hall of
Fame.

Perth Inters 1996 Young Mister Charles

JayJay — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 13:24:58 +0000

The series they came from everywhere!!! And remembered for the unique sponsorship deal, when without a major sponsor, a $1000 raffle was held with 250 tickets and well known racing identity Ron Sayers' Ausdrill Company won the deal and then went about providing the best publicity possible. Well, maybe not the best as a well known Sex Shop also had a ticket in the draw...who knows where that would have ended up if they were drawn out. With a dearth of contenders from WA...Admirals Ecstasy and Norms Daughter probably the best, Sayers went out and bought star NZ 4YO Tabaret and gave him to Fred Kersley to train and there was all sorts of conjecture as to the "home state" status of lots of runners. Beefy T, was he NZ or WA in the hands of John Green, was Tabaret WA or NZ , same with the recent addition of Nippon Home to Kersley's stable though still owned by the Purdon Family in NZ, Ginger Man NZ, 4th in the Hunter Cup but now with local Ross Olivieri...and so on. There was Master Musician, Burlington Burtie, Desperate Comment and Lento all from NZ (no argument), there was multiple Grand Circuit race winner Sunshine Band from Queensland, a still developing Our Sir Vancelot and Tallowood Pursuit form Brian Hancock's NSW stable, South Australian Cup winner Young Mister Charles, star Victorian Lucky Camilla, USA imports Tibet and Ultra Jet, there was drama with Sunshine Band recording an excessive pre race TCO2 reading prior to its heat on the second night, Young Mister Charles almost missed the nominations, Norms Daughter was to be driven by the relatively inexperienced Kellie Kersley, there was Sunshine Bands driver Chris Gleeson under inquiry back home in NSW...the whole deal was a publicists dream.
Night 1 heats over 2100m saw Sunshine Band take first blood in just arriving in time to cut down FRK on Nippon Home with Oroton Hill (Phil Coulson) back in 3rd. Our Sir Vancelot downed Trevor Warwick's Admirals Ecstasy and Desperate Comment in heat 2 with Norms Daughter a cautious 4th and Young Mister Charles 5th, in spite of receiving a cut leg in the run.Lucky Camilla won the 3rd heat from the pole over Tallowood Pursuit and a fast closing Tabaret after Burlington Burtie broke when in 2nd.
Night 2 saw doubts over Young Mister Charles starting but being stabled at Len Pikes galloping stables in Rockingham ensured easy access to the sea and he was passed fit to run over the 2500m distance. Master Musician, after some expert farrier work, glided around to win heat 4 coming home in a slick 56.5 to easily counter Desperate Comment and Nippon Home. Young Mister Charles relished his pole draw to lead and win Heat 5 over Ginger Man (Chris Lewis) and Two Time Sunset (Colin Brown). An underdone Tibet improved to run 4th minus one of his 2 lugging poles and Admirals Ecstasy picked up more points running 5th. The final heat of night 2 was a sensation after Sunshine Band exceeded the 35 limit for TCO2 pre race. After a 25 minute delay to test the referee sample, which went 34.9, it was allowed to start and won from Shattering Class (Rod Chambers), Tabaret and Lucky Camilla. Understandably, there was heated debate about whether Alison Smith's horse should have been allowed to start but as Matt Skipper pointed out, the referee sample was under 35....just!!! Smith claimed the high reading (above the normal range of 28-32) was due to different water and feed in Perth...on inquiry, the Stewards went yeah, right, but there hands were tied ...the referee sample was under.
Night 3 over 2100m was a PBD based on stakes earned and Norms Daughter got a spot in the final by downing Our Sir Vancelot on the line with Shattering Class's 3rd placing being enough to make the final. Von Soky was 4th and Valley Champ 5th...neither came close to making the final. Heat 8 saw Sunshine Band run last...???...as Desperate Comment overcame Tabaret, Weona Brave, Tallowood Pursuit and Long Tan Glory and the final heat went to the brilliant Master Musician who came 4 wide in 1.56.5 to beat Scanio and Admirals Ecstasy. Ginger Man finished 4th and scrapped into the final. Lucky Camilla ran last and didn't.
In the final, Young Mister Charles flew from gate 6 to cross the field in a carefully planned Peter Morris drive. He then handed up to Sunshine Band as Norms Daughter breezed whilst Master Musician traveled in the 1 x 2 spot. Leaving the straight after the bell, there was a major scrimmage as Sunshine Band lugged out...Young Mister Charles momentarily broke and the chain reaction knocked out Tabaret, Tallowood and most particularly Our Sir Vancelot...he had better days ahead of him. As Norms Daughter tired, Morris, who was planning to stick to the fence and run up Sunshine Bands inside when he traditionally ran up the track in the straight, pulled out and sprinted brilliantly over Sunshine Band with Master Musician flying home for 3rd. Admirals Ecstasy was 4th, Norms daughter faded to a gallant 5th and Jayjays best bet of the night, Desperate Comment, ran 6th for Peter Jones and Cran Dalgety, thus continuing the rapidly developing theme of killing the chances of good horses in Interdominion Finals. Binshaw must have been some horse. Phil told me that Young Mister Charles was the best conditioned horse in the race, but why would I listen to him lol. It was a series that had everything after starting with very little....not even a sponsor....wouldn't the "Sexy Sadies Vibrators And Allied Sex Toys" 1996 Interdominion Championships have had a certain ring to it?? I can just see Ern Manea handing over the trophy....complete with batteries.

Interdominion Champship Final 13/12/15

Gray — Wed, 28 Oct 2015 08:34:47 +0000

Opening gates at 9 AM Sunday morn.

I will be there, with friends early in morning to take it all in.

I am a member, but will be mingling downstairs, and having a drink early no doubt.

Anyone like to catch up???

Its gonna be a great day.

Perth Inters 1982 Rhetts Law

JayJay — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 13:17:07 +0000

Never ever wishing to decry the importance of winning an Inter Dominion but with all respect, Rhetts Law isn't the greatest of champions in an Interdominion which aside from a clearly out of sorts Popular Alm was pretty ordinary by any standard. Aside from the fact that he finally gave Russell Roberts a long awaited win after the mighty Pure Steel was unable to land one, Rhetts Laws record is moderate at best and not in the same universe as Poppy. But win he did and Colin Warwick drove a copy book race and the rest is history.
Night 1 over 1900m saw Rhetts Law beat Jikk Adios and Christmas Adios in Heat 1, Brian Hancock's Willadios beat Neeron Boy (FRK) and Captain Elect (Sparksy Treasure) in heat 2 and then the 9YO Indian Chant, a tough and durable old gelding ousted Doug Pelhams Skiptar and the good mare Burrows for Colin Joss in heat 3. The 2275 heats on night 2 saw Mr Moriarty beat Sutos Pride and Lehigh Lad for Mike McCaffery, Rhetts Law made it 2 in a row in downing the 10 year old Sharach (Francis and Graham Taylor) and the George James trained/Gary James driven ex Victorian Ayr Rowan in the 2nd heat and Indian Chant doubled up in heat 3 beating Garry John and Via Vista, neither of whom would make the final. At this stage. Poppy hadn't run a place in his heats!!!
The 2625m heats on night 3 saw Jimmy Schrader win the first on Society Guy with Poppy 2nd and Rhetts Law 3rd, poopy doing enough to qualify. Mister Moriarty beat Doubter and Lehigh Lad in heat 2 and Indian Chant won the final heat.
There isn't a lot to say about the $160,000 final other than Rhetts Law ambled around in front. Poppy made a gallant challenge but was under pressure a long way but Lehigh Lad claimed 2nd for Cyril Caffyn, Poppy ran 3rd ahead of Ayr Rowan, Burrows, Doubter, Mr Moriarty, Skiptar, Indian Chant and Jikk Adios. Sharach won the consolation and that was that...not the most memorable of series...unless you owned Rhetts Law.

Perth Inters 1974 Hondo Grattan

JayJay — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 10:33:53 +0000

The 33rd running of the Inters in February 1974 created more headlines and drama than almost any held before. A stellar nomination list included 1973 victor Hondo Grattan, the growing legend Paleface Adios and his soon to become famous stablemate Just Too Good, Arthur Bray's star pacer Adios Victor, Welcome Advice, Victorian stars Royal Gaze and Bret Armagh, Yallara and Speedy Ben from Tasmania...all well known or about to become well known to WA enthusiasts through their frequent visits for the WA Pacing Cup....all up against a star WA nomination headed by Fred Kersley's James Eden and Local Product, Trevor Warwicks Yankee Rhythm, a couple of standout mares in Wee Cent for Lyle Lindau and Miss Dundee for Max Johnson, Jim Schrader's Park Royale, the war horse Sign Again and emerging star Haddock...the "best horse I ever sat behind" according to his trainer driver Laurie Robinson, and he sat behind plenty of quality horses. Forgotten by many was the night Haddock gave Royal Force a head start and a hiding at GP leading into the summer carnival. For me, this was the greatest assembly of talent I had ever seen but all that would be overshadowed by the race crash of all race crashes, positive swabs and the love/hate/love relationship between the crowd and Turnball and Hondo.
Night 1 heats over 2600m saw wins to the stylish Adios Victor over Bret Armagh and Haddock in heat 1, Just Too Good over Dillonson and Royal Gaze who was striking looking and going speed machine and Hondo Grattan, off 15 metres, won his only heat of the series when he downed Hi Foyle and Yallara in heat 3. A lot of very good horses failed to gain points that night...the big hitters had come to Perth.
On night 2 after a sweltering hot day, over 2400m, Haddock swamped Royal Gaze and Yankee Rhythm and his quote for the final shortened ...guilty as charged, some of it was mine. The mighty Paleface Adios came off 10m to beat Bold Jason and Shanagar and Just Too Good made it two heat wins in beating Sign Again and Miss Dundee. Hondo only ran 8th and the expert "drivers" in the crowd had a crack at Turnball.
The 3rd round of heats was over just 2000m and would favour front runners and Yallara saluted in heat 7 downing Yankee Rhythm and Miss Dundee, Local Product finally got good points in beating Wee Cent and Royal Gaze and Adios Victor got his second win in beating James Eden (too little too late) and '72 champion Welcome Advice. Hondo Grattan dead heated for 4th in his heat to scrape into the final by half a point!!!
The $50,000 final field of 10 all got away okay until turning into the home straight, Just Too Good crosed his legs, went apex over base and wiped out over half of the field including his stablemate Paleface Adios, Welcome Advice and Local Product and Haddock somehow stayed on his feet but trailed by a furlong, so much for my 33/1 bet of the year. Hondo Grattan wasn't called a bulldog for nothing and even with only 4 horses really in it, he held off Adios Victor and Bret Armagh and Royal Gaze, with Yallara 5th and Haddock who made up an unbelievable amount to finish 6th. Bret Armagh subsequently returned positive and was disqualified moving those behind him one place forward. The reception for Hondo was unbelievable....suddenly, all those who said Turnball couldn't drive, the horse was overated etc etc...well, they now almost adopted the little champ. And so they should have....geez, he was a war horse alright and went on to win many, many more high class races. For the record, Speedy Ben, who would later reside at GP with Les Poyser, and Park Royale won the consolations on the final night in front of a packed house. They wanted a night of action, and they got it, in spades.

Perth Inters 1967 Binshaw

JayJay — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 13:33:09 +0000

The 1967 series was the pinnacle of success for Phil Coulson and Binshaw at a time when crowds flocked to Gloucester Park. Coulson was the reigning Western Australian Sports Star of the Year, he had won the last 3 Pacing Cups with Hy Craft (L.J Robinson drove, Phil was on Lord Mina who ran 3rd), Lord Mina and Colour Glo and he was in the middle of an incredible run of 6 trainers and 5 reinsman's premierships. He had introduced a level of professionalism never seen before in the sport from his Herdsman Parade Stables and he was the dominant figure, not only with his own horses, but also as a freelance driver. The story of Binshaw, the first WA bred horse to win the inters is even more remarkable considering that a search back through his pedigree to 1910 reveals him to be the only feature race winner in his entire family...not bad for a horse bred by a couple of service station owners from the South West. He was having just his 7th start for Coulson on Grand Final night but had won his heat and final of the Christmas Gift leading into the series and a plan had been hatched. The series itself attracted the best ...the brilliant NZ mare Robin Dundee was the backmarker off 36 yards, there was Bon Adios a SA star, Waitaki Hanover and D.J Townley from NZ, Tongue Twister and Kevin Newman from NSW, Goulburn View from Victoria and a very strong contingent of local stars including Blue Pennant, Color Glo, Velocipede, Satanas and Paula Nelson. The opening night of heats went to Bon Adios, Binshaw and Goulbourn View with Binshaw easily the fastest of the trio with a 2.06.5 mile rate over the 13 furlongs. Binshaw had been sensationally backed pre-post and he just kept on shortening although he was at better than each way odds in his first heat. Night 2 saw Robin Dundee put in a superb display to win off the back mark over 14 furlongs, as Binshaw made it 2 in a row and crowd favorite, the grey Blue Pennant won for Lyle Lindau. Night 3 saw heat wins to Velocipede for Les Poyser, Goulburn View (Don Ducat) claimed his 2nd heat win in beating Binshaw who wasn't knocked about in running second and Color Glo made sure of a Grand Final start with a typically grinding win for Coulson, thus giving him 2 finalists. Everyone was talking about Binshaw winning the final, the pressure must have been enormous and a standing room only crowd crammed every vantage point for the $30,000 final. I remember watching with huge anticipation ..Phil had driven a couple of winners for our stable that year and I remember watching the best prepared horse I have ever seen parade and thinking "Yep, he is going to do it". I mean, you could see your face in his shiny coat, he looked superb. He was number 3, jumped well, took up a position behind the leader and then ended up 3 back in Indian File. There was a scrimmage after that knocking out Color Glo (Laurie Robinson), Tongue Twister and Blue Pennant and down the back straight the last time, Binshaw pulled out and took off. He gapped them, the official margin being "16 yards" but it was more than that, more like 5 lengths eased down (well, at least in my eyes) and the crowd went nuts. Joe Petricevich's game horse Coneeda chased him home with FRK on board and Goulburn View was 3rd with Robin Dundee 4th. There is a big painting of Binshaw and Phil in the members at Gloucester Park...with Herdsman Parade the back drop for him with his 4 white socks and Coulsons famous Gold and Blue Braces colours. It does him justice. Not a classic looking horse by any means with his big head but trained to the second and one of the best memories in my very fortunate life. I loved that horse and followed him right through his career whether it be with Phil, Ray Sweetman or Fred....all of them loved him, looked after him and trained him superbly and he raced on and on in spite of injury and if ever a horse deserved to have his ashes interned at the winning post at GP after living to the ripe age of 35, it is him. Remarkably, in 1989, he led the field out for the Inters Grand Final at Gloucester Park...22 years after winning it. I'm not kidding when I say there were grown man crying the night he won at his last start as a 14 year old in the Fremantle Members Mile...I was one of them.

Perth Inters 1962 James Scott

JayJay — Wed, 09 Dec 2015 10:35:47 +0000

The first inters series I ever attended was 1962 ....notable for lots of reasons....but dominated by a couple of Champions, notably James Scott and ace driver, the first man to drive 500 winners at Harold Park, the brilliant P.J (Perc) Hall. James Scotts achievements are often over shadowed by the drama surrounding another great champion, the unsurpassable Cardigan Bay, who was sensational late scratching from the final. But handicapped off 24 yards behind (Cardigan Bay was off 12 yards), James Scott won all 3 heats and the final in a dominating performance. I recall him as just perfection....flying over the ground with Perc leaning low in the cart. And he flew alright, setting times that were amazing for the day. On night 1 over 12 furlongs (everything was from the stand, no mobile), he won rating 2.04.75 whilst other heat winners Cardigan Bay (F.Wilkins NOT Peter Wolfenden) and Kolworth (Alan Woodworth) rated 2.06.0 and 2.06.4 respectively, both off 12 yrd handicaps. Night 2 over 13 furlongs and James Scott went 2.05.75 whilst Cardigan Bay rated 2.07.6. The other heat winner that night was Redwin. Night 3 over 16 furlongs saw him win again going 2.07.5, much faster than Lews Hope and King Capri (Frank Kersley...FRK's uncle). The real story leading into the final was Cardigan Bay who fell over at Ted Greigs stable injuring a hip so seriously that it was thought he may not race again....but he recovered under the great care of Ted, returning to win next years Inters at Wayville on that little saucer off a back mark, before going to America and becoming the first million dollar pacer with the immortal Stanley Dancer. Arthur Thornton, the trotting scribe for the Daily News actually yelled out "Stop the Presses" on the evening paper after receiving a tip off from Leo Keys about the incident. Arthur grabbed a photographer, scurried out to Cannington and landed the scoop of his career with a front page story on that evenings Daily News. It was a sensation.In the final worth $25,600 , James Scott made short work of them to win easily by 6 yards in track record time from the very well performed Lew's Hope with Les Marriot 10 yards back on Super Paddy. Bill Kersley was 4th on Paddy Boy, Phil Coulson 5th on Fred Kersley Snr trained Collaborate, Fred electing to drive King Capri who finished 9th.
James Scott was owned by Ray Fitzpatrick, a controversial figure from NSW who as an MP, was once jailed for 3 months by the Priveliges Committee of the NSW Parliament. He was a long time owner and supporter of Perc Hall, having paid 6000 pounds for James Scott from trainer Eric Harpley whose motto was "Everything is for sale". He had already won 21 races for Harpley but only one at Harold Park. James Scott then went on to win his first 6 starts at Harold Park and 21 further races including the 1960 Spring Final, The 1961 Lord Mayors Cup, The 1962 Summer Cup plus many FFA's and Invitations, often in record time. Ray Fitzpatrick didn't attend the Perth Series due to ill health. As an aside, Perc Hall's foreman at that series was the highly rated horseman Col Field who died from a snakebite in 2012 aged 81. Col accompanied James Scott, Lew's Hope and Cardigan Bay to America for the Yonkers International Series but James Scott contracted a virus (probably travel sickness as it is known today and didn't perform. Prior to going to the USA, James Scott time trialled in 1.59.2, just the 3rd horse in Australia to break 2 minutes. After his USA trip, he was retired to Stud at Young and was a very handy sire with U Scott blood through his sire Noble Scott and on his maternal side, his grand sire was Lawn Derby who went 1.59.4 back in the 30's, unhoppled!!!
He was great horse James Scott and is often forgotten but he commanded that series at Gloucester Park, even to the eye of a kid who knew very little except having an honours degree in picking up horse ****!!