...with Robyn Kelly SprintThe thrill of being part of Spring Racing Racing in Australia at Race five was also won by one of my own the moment is just tremendous. To watch the horse horses. This time the grey called The that you train or own come flying down a racecourse Roman Rodent. Six hundred metre races are always home straight is an absolute adrenalin rush. a good race for a Sprint Trainer who wishes to run a Where do we go to experience this feeling? Thoroughbred. As anybody in the business knows, Well, it’s all happening down in Victoria, from one end it takes a pretty smart Thoroughbred to catch the Ebony & Jade Dixon, daughters of Sprint Racings most of the Garden State to the other. Quarter Horses in Sprint Races and this horse is as successful Ron Dixon, bravely standing at Port smart as you will get. Albert while a dirt bike rider performs tricks above them The VRQHA began the season with a training day at the historical Camperdown Racecourse in Western The final race of the day was won by Bymyside who Victoria. This was a hugely successful day with the backed up beautifully to win this race for Tony Smith future of Sprint Racing looking mighty healthy with from Wirlinga in New South Wales. a great line up of young Quarter Horses having their first hit out of the starting gates. Camperdown is right Panmure is just getting bigger and, if possible, better in the heart of the Thoroughbred industry and this every year. day gave all of the spectators (yes spectators at our training day) a great view of the power and speed of Over Easter the picturesque Gippsland town of Port these magnificent animals. Albert hosted the VRQHA at their annual fair. This was a great place to go, although it took us foreever to The McVilly Timber Panmure Races and Country Fair get there, it was certainly worth the drive. This Owners - Marcus Benjamin & Jack Kelly with their horse was next on the calendar late in February. This is the event is also known as the “Mini Moomba” and racing named after them - Marbenjack day where every trainer wants to win a race. Huge on the Port Albert Racetrack was a great experience. crowds, endless tents and marquees, sponsors being Winning trainers were Ian McKenzie and Tony Smith. well looked after, helicopters giving joyrides and Security Guards looking after the all important trophies Sprint Racing is becoming a real family sport with and cheques. trainers, owners, jockeys and their families all coming together to enjoy a days racing. Sitting around the The winners at this year’s Panmure meeting were: camp fire with our horses and fellow trainers the night Ampra Jedda, trained by Adrian Ireland. This horse is before racing is a great way to enjoy our sport and a by the champion Instant Reaction. healthy environment for our children. The future of our sport is in good hands. Bymyside, the Australian Champion trained by Tony Smith won the second race in style. Another healthy sign regarding Sprint Racing is the With bloodlines going back to the legends Easy Dozen fact that horses are actually being sold at the track. and Femme Fatale, the future of sprint racing is looking The big event of the day was the Warrnambool Cheese Four Sprint Racing horses have been sold recently. If healthy with these two colts and Butter Factory Panmure Cup. This race was also some of the members of the VRQHA had a dollar for won by Tony Smith with the super giant Tacka who every time somebody called us up telling us about needs no introduction to Sprint Racing fans. a great Sprint horse for sale, we would all be rolling tell people that they are for sale, put them on the track around in money. So here is some advice. The against our horses and show them to people. You Race four was won by Win D Marbenjack having his Victorian Racing Quarter Horse Association is REALLY never know how much loose change people roaming first race. Goose as we call him is trained by myself moving. If you wish to sell your well bred horses, that around the Sprint Racing tracks have in their pockets. and is the spitting image of his father Totanka Yotanka. are sitting in the paddock getting older don’t ring and From recent sales I would say quite a lot!

Ampra Jedda trained by Adrian Ireland Winner of the 600m challenge. Tony Smith with Warrnambool cheese And winning the Class 1-2 at Panmure The Roman Rodent trained by Robyn Kelly Butter Factory Panmure Cup winner Tacka. THE VRQHA PROUDLY ANNOUNCE The 2005 3 year old Australian 22nd May, 2005

* $3,000 prize money * Prestigious gold belt buckles for trainer, owner and Jockey * Inscribed Derby Jacket

Enquiries to President: John Honeyman on 03 5281 3343 or mobile 0407 813 343 email: [email protected]

Australian Quarter Horse News - April 2005 29