In this Discussion
- Chariotsonfire December 2017
- curmudgeon December 2017
- Fastmoney December 2017
- JayJay December 2017
- Ridersonthestorm33 December 2017
- savethegame December 2017
- sonny December 2017
- VillageKid December 2017
Who's Online
0 Members & 41 Non Members
Perth Inter's Memories
Harness & Greyhounds
JayJay
7,630 posts
The first (and pretty vague) memories I have of the Interdominions were of Caduceus winning at Harold Park in 1960....probably because of his connection with Frank Kersley and also because Kiwi Dillon (who ran 6th in the final) was a household name in Perth at the time via his legendary trainer Pop Johnson and his ace driver in son Max.
However, young JayJay's interest began to peak (and has never waned) when the series returned to Gloucester Park in 1962. This series had it all ..champion horses, legendary reinsman, drama and massive crowds. Of course, the future behemoth of Harness Racing, Cardigan Bay, the first ever standardbred to win a million dollars in prizemoney, was the lead story after winning his heats on night 1 and 2, along with Perc Hall's great NSW champion James Scott. The presses at the Daily News were stopped one afternoon prior to the 3rd round of heats to enable famed trotting journalist Arthur Thornton, allegedly on a tip off from Leo Keys, to travel out to Cannington to file copy on a report that Cardigan Bay had been badly inured after escaping from his handlers at the old Cannington track. He (the horse, not Arthur) careered down Station street before falling and badly damaging his hip with concerns being expressed at the time that he may have to be put down. Of course, he was scratched from the remainder of the series leaving James Scott as the red hot favourite, a favouritism totally justified after James Scott won his 3rd and final heat and obliterated the field in the Grand Final rating an almost unheard of 2.4.6 from the stand over 13 furlongs in defeating Lew's Hope by 6 yards, with a further 12 yards back to 3rd placed Super Paddy (Les Marriott). A huge crowd packed the terraces to watch the brilliant James Scott take the win and there are many action shots of this great horse in full flight as he crossed the line. As a forerunner of things to come, 5th placing in the final went to former Tasmanian stallion Collaborate, a horse who would have a significant influence on the WA breeding industry. He was handled by a youthful Phillip Charles Coulson for trainer Fred Kersley Snr just as the former was about to embark on a sustained period of dominance in WA harness racing. The great aftermath story of that years series was Cardigan Bay's remarkable recovery from his career threatening injury via the great skill and patience of local trainer/driver Ted Greig, who nursed Cardigan Bay back to full health, ultimately paving the way for Cardy to claim the following seasons Interdominion in a remarkable performance form 24 yards behind around the saucer like SA Wayville track.
With many high profile WA horses contesting the subsequent series held away in the Eastern States and New Zealand,Bin Oro, Kiwi Dillon, Eaton Hall, Minton Hall to name just a few, interest in the 1967 series at Gloucester Park was at an all time high. Nominees included the champion NZ mare Robin Dundee, the almost reigning champ of Australian Harness Racing, the mighty Tasmanian Halwes, NSW star Tongue Twister, South Australian Bon Adios, Goulbourn View, Southern Song, Waitaki Hanover and a cavalcade of star reinsmen from across the dominion....Doody Townley, Bill Shinn, Robert Cameron, Don Ducat, Kevin Newman...all here in Perth to take on arguably one of the strongest contingent of Western Australian fast class horses and drivers in the nation. Kersley, Lindau, Coulson, Pollock, Poyser, Robinson and their respective charges Blue Pennant, Velocipede, Satanas, Color Glo, Coneeda, Paula Nelson and the young pretender, a lightly raced rising star named Binshaw, a striking bay horse with four white sox, something superstitious old horsemen shied away from. I recall going to the Tuesday night trials to watch the raiders prepare and getting bitten by the rather surly Robin Dundee as I foolishly tried to pat her...a trait she was apparently famous for but was unbeknown to me. I never tried it again. Public interest in the series was never higher.
After defeating the odds on Halwes in his first two qualifying heats, the punters who had taken the initial generous odds on offer for Binshaw winning the Grand Final were on very good terms with themselves.With all the stars qualifying for the Grand Final, it was standing room only, and very little of that on offer, as an estimated 35,000 spectators crammed every vantage point to watch Binshaw, prepared to the second and absolutely glowing in condition, romp away from Coneeda and Goulbourn View to a rapturous reception with Robin Dundee a gallant 4th from a 36 yard handicap. Binshaw gained the perfect run three back on the rail and when produced at the 2 furlong marker, he simply opened up the field to win easily by nearly 4 lengths ....the first WA bred, owned, trained and driven winner of an Interdominion Final. Such was the prestige afforded his win that Phil Coulson was announced the WA Sports Star of the Year for 1967. From that day on, Binshaw was, and still is my most favourite horse ever...not the best but just my favourite. It was a momentous win and one that still makes my very diminished hair stand on end.
(To be continued)
However, young JayJay's interest began to peak (and has never waned) when the series returned to Gloucester Park in 1962. This series had it all ..champion horses, legendary reinsman, drama and massive crowds. Of course, the future behemoth of Harness Racing, Cardigan Bay, the first ever standardbred to win a million dollars in prizemoney, was the lead story after winning his heats on night 1 and 2, along with Perc Hall's great NSW champion James Scott. The presses at the Daily News were stopped one afternoon prior to the 3rd round of heats to enable famed trotting journalist Arthur Thornton, allegedly on a tip off from Leo Keys, to travel out to Cannington to file copy on a report that Cardigan Bay had been badly inured after escaping from his handlers at the old Cannington track. He (the horse, not Arthur) careered down Station street before falling and badly damaging his hip with concerns being expressed at the time that he may have to be put down. Of course, he was scratched from the remainder of the series leaving James Scott as the red hot favourite, a favouritism totally justified after James Scott won his 3rd and final heat and obliterated the field in the Grand Final rating an almost unheard of 2.4.6 from the stand over 13 furlongs in defeating Lew's Hope by 6 yards, with a further 12 yards back to 3rd placed Super Paddy (Les Marriott). A huge crowd packed the terraces to watch the brilliant James Scott take the win and there are many action shots of this great horse in full flight as he crossed the line. As a forerunner of things to come, 5th placing in the final went to former Tasmanian stallion Collaborate, a horse who would have a significant influence on the WA breeding industry. He was handled by a youthful Phillip Charles Coulson for trainer Fred Kersley Snr just as the former was about to embark on a sustained period of dominance in WA harness racing. The great aftermath story of that years series was Cardigan Bay's remarkable recovery from his career threatening injury via the great skill and patience of local trainer/driver Ted Greig, who nursed Cardigan Bay back to full health, ultimately paving the way for Cardy to claim the following seasons Interdominion in a remarkable performance form 24 yards behind around the saucer like SA Wayville track.
With many high profile WA horses contesting the subsequent series held away in the Eastern States and New Zealand,Bin Oro, Kiwi Dillon, Eaton Hall, Minton Hall to name just a few, interest in the 1967 series at Gloucester Park was at an all time high. Nominees included the champion NZ mare Robin Dundee, the almost reigning champ of Australian Harness Racing, the mighty Tasmanian Halwes, NSW star Tongue Twister, South Australian Bon Adios, Goulbourn View, Southern Song, Waitaki Hanover and a cavalcade of star reinsmen from across the dominion....Doody Townley, Bill Shinn, Robert Cameron, Don Ducat, Kevin Newman...all here in Perth to take on arguably one of the strongest contingent of Western Australian fast class horses and drivers in the nation. Kersley, Lindau, Coulson, Pollock, Poyser, Robinson and their respective charges Blue Pennant, Velocipede, Satanas, Color Glo, Coneeda, Paula Nelson and the young pretender, a lightly raced rising star named Binshaw, a striking bay horse with four white sox, something superstitious old horsemen shied away from. I recall going to the Tuesday night trials to watch the raiders prepare and getting bitten by the rather surly Robin Dundee as I foolishly tried to pat her...a trait she was apparently famous for but was unbeknown to me. I never tried it again. Public interest in the series was never higher.
After defeating the odds on Halwes in his first two qualifying heats, the punters who had taken the initial generous odds on offer for Binshaw winning the Grand Final were on very good terms with themselves.With all the stars qualifying for the Grand Final, it was standing room only, and very little of that on offer, as an estimated 35,000 spectators crammed every vantage point to watch Binshaw, prepared to the second and absolutely glowing in condition, romp away from Coneeda and Goulbourn View to a rapturous reception with Robin Dundee a gallant 4th from a 36 yard handicap. Binshaw gained the perfect run three back on the rail and when produced at the 2 furlong marker, he simply opened up the field to win easily by nearly 4 lengths ....the first WA bred, owned, trained and driven winner of an Interdominion Final. Such was the prestige afforded his win that Phil Coulson was announced the WA Sports Star of the Year for 1967. From that day on, Binshaw was, and still is my most favourite horse ever...not the best but just my favourite. It was a momentous win and one that still makes my very diminished hair stand on end.
(To be continued)
+1 -1
Ridersonthestorm33, VillageKid, Bynder2017 likes this post.
Comments
VillageKid likes this post.
JayJay, Ridersonthestorm33, VillageKid, Thunderstruck likes this post.
Scr of course didn't mean scratched...but a front row draw from the standing start. That term slowly dissapeared...starting from scratch.
A warning bell and red lights are shown five minutes before closing of totalisator...good one.
The owner of the horse recording the fastest time will receive £500...classic.
Even though was already metres when started following...often say furlongs especially at the gallops. Even hear some apprentices still use the term - furlong - good to hear.
JayJay likes this post.
Hondo Grattan was the reigning champ and held legendary status as the "Bathurst Bulldog"...he even had songs written about him that made it to the charts. Having won at Harold Park the previous year, just prevailing over Royal Ascot, Glamour Chief and Just Too Good in typical never give up fashion, he was the star attraction for the Perth Series. Paleface Adios, Welcome Advice, Adios Victor, Just Too Good, Royal Gaze, Bret Armagh, Speedy Ben and Yallara meant there was no shortage of numbers and class traveling from the East and the excitement and public interest building was immense in the lead up. Heading WA's best hopes was that year's Pacing Cup winner Local Product, perennial favourites Miss Dundee, Shanagar, Wee Cent,Sign Again, Yankee Rhythm, Dillonson, Bangalore, Park Royale and Tanaka......and a smokey to emerge from left field, Laurie Robinson's terrific horse Admiral Way horse Haddock.
The qualifying racing was unbelievably competitive with many of the aforementioned stars only able to run occasional places in the heats but the final line up boasted a stellar field with Hondo aiming for two in a row.
Those present for the final, and I had a birds eye view as my late Dad was a WATA employee, will never forget the huge fall that occurred on the first turn, after Just Too Good crashed to the track, eliminating over half the field including Welcome Advice, Paleface Adios and Local Product, with others severely checked and effectively knocked out of the race. Brilliant heat winner Haddock (pauses, wipes away another tear...33/1 pre-post was available and taken) made up the best part of a furlong to trail home in 5th whilst Hondo slogged out another courageous win over the fast finishing Adios Victor with the 3rd placed Bret Armagh eventually disqualified after a positive swab. It was the days of heavy whip use, foot out of the cart was not particularly frowned upon and I wince when I watch the footage but Hondo was a true legend and nothing can be taken away from him. This Interdominion Championship had everything plus more and the huge crowd was left buzzing for hours after the finish. An unbelievable night with some on course enthusiasts getting out of punting jail courtesy of Park Royale landing the chockies for Jimmy Schrader with a great win in one of the consolations, defeating Bangalore and the aptly named Waitawhile Boy. We would indeed have to wait a while......until 1982...before the Inters returned to Gloucester Park. (to be continued).
VillageKid, Ridersonthestorm33, oldhendo likes this post.
VillageKid, JayJay, Ridersonthestorm33 likes this post.
I wonder if there is any footage out there of the 62 & 67 Perth Inters would love to see if there is?
Inside of ten metres think Welcome Advice started from.
VillageKid likes this post.
VillageKid likes this post.
Many previously unheralded horse had their moment in the spotlight at the 1982 series in Perth but all of them were walking in the shadow of the almost incomparable Popular Alm and his driver Vinny Knight, a promoters dream in terms of publicity. Poppy, although never comfortable around Gloucester Park won his heat on opening night and was immediately the talk of the town. Meanwhile, Rhetts Law went about his business winning 2 heats along with the veteran Indian Chant and Mike McCaffery's smart horse Mister Moriarty whilst Society Guy gave Jim Schrader a heat win and George James guided former Victorian Ayr Rowan into a final that aside from Poppy, probably lacked fire power. Roberts was confident that Rhetts Law would lead and win and so it eventuated as Colin Warwick fired him out, rated him perfectly and landed the money from Lehigh Lad with Poppy running a gallant but uncomfortable 3rd after galloping from the stand, ahead of Ayr Rowan and grand mare Burrows in 5th. Russell finally had his hands on an Interdominion Trophy with a horse vastly inferior to his champion Pure Steel and the fact that Rhetts Law would win little else of note in his career meant very little to the single minded bookmaker and Tavern owner. The crowd that night was ridiculous, cramming every available vantage point and they cheered home a very parochial win .on the back of a perfect George Grljusich call
VillageKid, Ridersonthestorm33 likes this post.
VillageKid likes this post.
VillageKid, JayJay, squid69 likes this post.
curmudgeon likes this post.
And so to Gloucester Park for the 1989 series, one that the Bob Knight stable would dominate but probably not with the horse they thought would win. I have cut and pasted a previous write up I did back in 2015 on this series:
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 thus concluding a
memorable series.
Ridersonthestorm33, VillageKid likes this post.
Only punter to have watched every race...but in two different places!
Ridersonthestorm33 likes this post.
The Kid from memory had a very hard run, should have and deserved to win easily..no favours done for him , they really drove hard to make it tough and Microfiche with a soft run caused an upset. A week later he beat Microfiche home by along way.
VillageKid likes this post.