HARNESS RACING WA MARCH/APRIL 2020

CAVIAR THE STAR OF FREMANTLE CUP

BONDS’ CONQUER PACING CUP IN MIGHTY WAY

LADIES OF PACING AWARDS LUNCHEON

FOR ALL YOUR WESTERN AUSTRALIAN INFORMATION Better your betting experience

Sky Racing Watch live racing

T&Cs apply. Sky Racing vision applies to all Aus. & NZ races. Race Replays applies to all Aus. races ex. VIC . Past the post and protest payouts only applies to Fixed Odds ‘Singles’ bets on Aus races. Call Gambling help on 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au. CONTENTS Better your Harness WA is a publication of Racing and Wagering WA (RWWA)

PUBLICATION DESIGNER: Michele Florent CONTRIBUTING WRITER: Michael Heaton, Tim Blee CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Scott Hamilton Media betting experience Photography by Jodie Hallows ALL ENQUIRIES: Kelly Sarich 02 EMAIL: [email protected]

PHONE: (08) 9445 5504 ADDRESS: 14 Hasler Road Osborne Park WA 6017 ONLINE: rwwa.com.au FACEBOOK: /racingandwageringwa TWITTER: @OfficialRWWA @RWWA_Harness

HARNESS RACING DEPARTMENT

HEAD OFFICE ADDRESS: 14 Hasler Road Osborne Park WA 6017 EMAIL: [email protected] OFFICE HOURS: 7.30am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday DRIVING MASTER: Trevor Warwick MOBILE: 0434 609 604 TRAINERS' CENTRE PH: (08) 9445 5267* FAX: (08) 9445 3056 24HR NOM SERVICE PH: (08) 9445 5268* * N.B. all incoming and outgoing calls are recorded 06 10

STEWARDS DEPARTMENT GENERAL MANAGER INTEGRITY Denis Borovica PHONE: (08) 9445 5427 CHIEF STEWARD Barbara Scott PHONE: (08) 9445 5176 FAX: (08) 9477 5215 EMAIL: [email protected] DEPUTY CHIEF STEWARD Rhys Chappell PHONE: (08) 9445 5177 FAX: (08) 9477 5215 COVER IMAGE: BONDS’ CONQUER PACING CUP IN MIGHTY WAY EMAIL: [email protected] SENIOR INVESTIGATOR: Geoff Johnson MOBILE: 0408 843 560

RWWA INTEGRITY RECORDED MESSAGE SERVICE: (08) 9445 5565 CAVIAR - THE STAR OF FREMANTLE CUP ...... 2 Sky Racing EMAIL: [email protected] BONDS’ CONQUER PACING CUP IN MIGHTY WAY...... 6 Watch live racing LICENSING & REGISTRATIONS LADIES OF PACING AWARDS LUNCHEON...... 10 ADDRESS: 14 Hasler Road COMMUNITY TAB ...... 14 Osborne Park WA 6017 EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: (08) 9445 5568 WILLIAMS HARNESS RACING CLUB 75 YEARS ...... 16 FAX: (08) 6314 4792 STEP BACK IN TIME1952 CARINVAL ...... 18 RACING AND WAGERING WA HEAD OFFICE ADDRESS: 14 Hasler Road 2020 FEATURE RACES ...... 22 Osborne Park WA 6017 PHONE: (08) 9445 5333 APG SALE RESULTS...... 24 FAX: (08) 9244 5914 EMAIL: [email protected] WEB: www.rwwa.com.au RACING POLICIES & GENERAL RACING INFORMATION ...... 25

STAKES EMAIL: [email protected]

1

T&Cs apply. Sky Racing vision applies to all Aus. & NZ races. Race Replays applies to all Aus. races ex. VIC thoroughbreds. Past the post and protest payouts only applies to Fixed Odds ‘Singles’ bets on Aus races. Call Gambling help on 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au. HWA CAVIAR The star of Fremantle Cup By Michael Heaton

Betterthancheddar five-year-old Caviar Star Hall Snr is no stranger to racing at the elite level, having upstaged more-fancied rivals to take out the trained in excess of 50 Group 1 winners in his illustrious $300,000 Retravision Fremantle Cup (2526m) at career to date, but it’s fair to say that his latest Fremantle Cup triumph came as somewhat of a surprise to the legendary Gloucester Park on January 10, extending Hall of horseman. Fame trainer Gary Hall Snr’s unrivalled record to nine wins in the time-honoured race. “Leading up to the carnival I didn’t think I’d have a in any of the good races, really,” Hall Snr said. The gelding went into the feature event in solid form after “I was trying to qualify Caviar Star, Ideal Liner, Herrick returning two second-place finishes and a win at his three Roosevelt and Speed Man. lead-up runs, however, he started on the fourth line of betting at $7.50 in a race comprising of five runners from “Speed Man had a hard run leading into it, then Herrick the strong stable of Greg and Skye Bond, as well as talented Roosevelt got into the Fremantle Cup but drew bad, and I pacers Shockwave and Bill Haley. actually thought he was probably a little bit better horse than what Caviar Star was at the time.

Image: Turnstiles to be installed at Gloucester Park

2 CAVIAR The star of Fremantle Cup

“But the thing about Caviar Star is he has real determination opportunity to work at Kevin Pizzuto’s stable in in and that’s what makes him so special. 2017 before relocating back to the west six months later.

“He’s got a never-say-die attitude and I think that’s what’s It was upon his return that he secured a job working for Hall held him in good stead. Snr and, now the stable’s foreman, he says he had always dreamed of driving a Group 1 winner but didn’t think it would “As far as ability goes, he’s only limited, but he’s as tough as be for his boss due to the dominance of WA’s leading driver any horse I’ve had.” and Hall Snr’s son, Gary Jnr. Despite having tasted success in the Fremantle Cup on eight “At the start I got told that I’d just be the stablehand and I previous occasions, as well as winning three Inter Dominions had to work my way up and I’d get more opportunities the and a record 11 WA Pacing Cups, Hall Snr appeared almost- more work I do,” McDonald said. unusually overjoyed following the win of Caviar Star. “I never thought I’d drive a Group 1 winner for Senior. He says the surprise factor made the even more enjoyable, as well as sharing the moment with a “He always has a few runners in those races, so I thought I relatively-new ownership group. might pick something up, but I definitely didn’t think I’d ever be on the best chance in the race of ours. “I was pretty chuffed to win it because I was thinking that I couldn’t possibly,” he said. “We might not always get along and we have our blues, but I have a lot of respect for him.” “I thought he was a rough hope, but that he’d need every bit of luck he could possibly get. McDonald drove Caviar Star in the gelding’s three last starts leading into the Fremantle Cup, however, as the stable’s “The owners have only come into my stable in the last second-string driver, he says he wasn’t confident of retaining couple of years, too, so it was great to see them have the drive in the Group 1 event. success in a race like that. “I wasn’t 100 per cent sure, because we had a couple of “It was a big thrill and we didn’t pay a lot for him, either. chances going into it and Junior hadn’t been offered the “I think he was about 60 grand landed in Perth from New drive on Shockwave yet,” he said. Zealand, so he was relatively cheap, really.” “It wasn’t until a week before the race where it was found Caviar Star’s driver, 25-year-old New Zealand-born Stuart out that he was offered the drive on Shockwave and was McDonald, crossed the ditch more than eight years ago and going to take it, then I was told I was getting the drive on has called home ever since. Caviar Star.

After previous stints with Perth trainers Greg Schofield and “After the draw I always thought I could win it from quite a Ross Olivieri, the former leading WA junior driver took up an few different positions, but I never got confident because I

3 HWA

just wasn’t sure what was going to happen with so many Bond “It was an awesome feeling, but then I had to drive in the next runners in the race. race which took the buzz away a bit, so all I could think of was, ‘I need to do that again’.” “But I knew how good the horse was going leading into the race and then I knew at the 600 how good he was travelling, Usually one to downplay his performances in the sulky, so it was just a matter of getting into the clear. McDonald was lauded by Hall Snr following the Fremantle Cup victory. “In running, all I had to worry about was the last 500 metres and if I was going to have to get lucky or be able to force my The trainer was quick to praise the under-rated way out somehow.” ability of his newest Group 1-winning driver.

McDonald was able to obtain a clear passage passing the “Stewy’s a pretty good driver,” Hall Snr said. 400-metre mark before pulling the plugs and looming “He stuck with Eloquent Mach all the way through his ominously approaching the home turn, however, race-leader preparation and I kept him on. Vampiro ($23) kicked clear entering the straight. “I think eventually he could make a driver of the top echelon.” Always up for a challenge, Caviar Star knuckled down to the task brilliantly, levelling up to the pacemaker at the 50-metre Reflecting back on a period of dominance that has seen him mark and pulling away late to snatch victory by a head. conqueror the pinnacles of Australasian pacing, Hall Snr is surprised with the way his own career has unfolded. Despite the small margin, however, McDonald ensured he salvaged the career-best moment by producing a celebratory He says the Fremantle Cup is one of many races that initially salute in the shadows of the post. eluded him, however, as history would tell, the best-in-the- west continues to re-write the record books each season. “I thought about it all Friday morning because I thought I could win the race, but I thought I wouldn’t be given the “I ran a hell of a lot of places in the Fremantle Cup before I chance to salute in my first Group 1 because it’ll probably be a could win one,” he said. really close race,” he laughed. “It took me a long time. “Then, half-way down the straight, I got really confident and “I ran second a couple of times and third a couple of times, thought, ‘yep, I’ll get it going’. then (Gary Hall) Junior seemed to be the change in my “Afterwards, I didn’t know how to feel. success in my Group 1 races, that’s for certain.

“I was surprised and happy, but it didn’t hit me straight away. “I could never have imagined that I’ve ended up with the record I’ve got. “It wasn’t until I finished my warm-down lap and saw all the owners and Senior celebrating and running up to me that I “I can’t believe it, really. thought, ‘okay, this is for real,’. “I remember just hoping that one day I could win a Fremantle Cup or a Pacing Cup or an Inter Dominion.”

4 Need support now? We’re here to help 24/7

Racing and Wagering WA in conjunction with PeopleSense has made available a free, independent and confidential mental health and wellbeing support service to Licenced Racing Trainers, Harness Drivers, Stable Hands, Stable Forepersons, Track Work Riders, Greyhound Attendants and Licenced Farriers/Riders Agents. Racing Assist offers 24 hour phone support and up to six free face-to-face counselling sessions run by trained professionals.

100% PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL 1300 307 912 racingassist.com.au

5 HWA

BONDS’ CONQUER PACING CUP IN MIGHTY WAY By Michael Heaton

After chasing an elusive Pacing Cup victory without success his grand final but outlined his class when sitting in the for many years, the powerhouse husband-and-wife breeze and proving too strong for his stablemate over the partnership of Greg and Skye Bond ticked the milestone concluding stages to score by a head. off their bucket lists in emphatic fashion when training the Reflecting back on the triumph, Greg Bond says although trifecta of the $450,000 Group 1 event on January 17. the gelding had a less-than-ideal lead-up to the race, he still The dynamite duo had a record seven runners engaged in maintained confidence in his ability on the night. the iconic feature, headed by race-favourite Galactic Star “We had to wait through a process with Mighty Conqueror’s ($4.20), but it was the progressive Mighty Conqueror ($5.50) sore foot,” Bond said. who took the honours from brave front-runner, Vampiro ($9), and evergreen 11-year-old, Our Jimmy Johnstone “We had to make some corrective shoeing and it was a bit ($7.50). of heart-in-mouth stuff at times going into it but, with our structure at home, we were still able to keep the work up to Mighty Conqueror, an American Ideal five-year-old, had him so he went into the race lacking no fitness. to overcome hoof bruising in the fortnight leading into

6 “We were fortunate enough to have the numbers this year, “Sometimes you feel like you just want it over with when which helped, and some with good ability.” they’re on the track, so it was a long lead up.

Galactic Star, a proven Inter Dominion heat and Group 2 Then, I don’t know if relief is the right word, but you feel like winner, was regarded as the Bonds’ number-one seed in the you’ve achieved something that you’ve been chasing. Pacing Cup after stable driver Ryan Warwick elected to drive “You think of all the behind-the-scenes work, not just by Skye the gelding in preference of its stablemates. and myself, but your staff, vets and all of that stuff, and that The previous week saw the seven-year-old gallop you plan for these races months out. approaching the home turn after copping interference and “You feel like it is a mission accomplished, rather than he subsequently finished at the tail of the field, however, his anything else. luck didn’t change in the Pacing Cup when being blocked at crucial stages. “A part of me would’ve liked to see Robbie Gartrell win, because he has a share in Vampiro and has been a great “I thought Galactic Star was probably our best chance with stable supporter but, other than that, I’m just happy to win clear running and, if he had’ve got clear running 300 out the race.” from home, I think he could’ve still won the race,” Bond said. Mighty Conqueror’s winning driver in the Pacing Cup, Dylan “It wouldn’t have been an easy decision for Ryan with the Egerton-Green, was introduced to the Bond camp through barrier draw, but I guess he went with the more proven horse his father-in-law and harness racing veteran, Colin Brown, as and, things didn’t work out for Galactic Star in that race, but a junior driver. he’s since proven his form to be not too bad.” The popular and well-respected 27-year-old took up an Asked to describe his feelings in the moments immediately opportunity to become the stable’s outright number-two before and after his Pacing Cup trifecta, Bond says he was driver to Warwick 18 months ago and has reaped the rewards filled with a range of emotions. ever since. “Before the race, the warm-up leading up to the race seemed “Colin used to drive for Greg and Skye a lot and he got me in like it took forever because you get to a point where all the there a bit when Greg had claiming drives,” Egerton-Green work is done,” he said. said.

7 HWA

Pacing Cup night proved to be even more fruitful for Egerton-Green when, three races after his Group 1 success, he led from go-to-whoa on a pacer he trains himself, Tyler “You feel like Brett. However, less than 24 hours after the best night of his career, it is a mission he says he was quickly brought back down to earth. “The day after the Pacing Cup I felt on top of the world, then I accomplished, went to Bunbury on the Saturday arvo and I don’t think I even ran a place,” he laughed. rather than “I got brought back to reality pretty quick. “But hopefully I can get some more opportunities to drive anything else" some nice horses in nice races now.” Bond, like many participants in the harness industry, speaks “Ryan was Greg’s number-one driver but, because Colin had highly of Egerton-Green on-and-off the track. slowed down a little bit, they were looking for someone who He says the young gun’s second Group 1 win in the space of would be happy to drive their second stringers when they 12 months is an appropriate result for the work he has put came up. into his craft.

“When they asked me, I jumped at it and it’s all just gone from “Dylan did a lot of driving for us when he had his claim,” Bond there. said.

“Ryan’s the number-one driver and gets the best drive on the “He’s always been held in high regard by both Skye and night but, with their horses, it’s whoever gets the best luck in myself, not just as a driver, but as a person as well. the run because they’re always a winning chance. “We got to the stage where the numbers were up and I spoke “They don’t send them around with no hope.” to him about 18 months ago about wanting him to be our It has been a whirlwind past nine months for Egerton-Green second string and asked how that would sit with him, and he after scoring his first Group 1 victory aboard the Brown- was very happy for the opportunity. trained Patrickthepiranha in the Westbred Colts & Geldings “He’s driven great and he’s a quality young man who’s a Classic (2130m) on June 21 before returning his 500th win in hard worker and gets on with the job, so winning the Cup is the sulky aboard Sarah Suvaljko’s Nowuseemesmile less than probably just reward for someone like him who has put the eight weeks later. effort it.”

Looking back on his recent accomplishments, Egerton- A clearly-delighted Bond took immense satisfaction from Green says achieving the milestones on his biggest adding his and his wife’s name to the WA Pacing Cup honour supporters’ horses have made the moments even more roll, however, he says it was back to business as always special. following the feature win.

“I did a lot of work with Patrickthepiranha, because I’d been “The Pacing Cup is the marquee race to win on the local working him, so it was really good to get my first Group 1 for calendar and we’ve completed that now, so it gave us the full someone so close to me and a horse I’d done a lot of work book,” he said. with,” he said. “We’ve won the Slipper, the Derby, the Oaks, the Nugget “Ryan was happy to drive Galactic Star in the Pacing Cup and and the Fremantle Cup, so that was probably the only one I’d driven Mighty Conqueror before, so they said I could drive missing out of the mantle-piece, so to speak. him. “But, 10 minutes after the race Skye was planning for next “It was always going to be tough because it’s such a great year, so you move on pretty quick. race and nothing ever gets given to anyone. “There’s always something on next week or next month “He had to do it the hard way and proved he was the best that you’ve got to prepare your horses for, so you’re always horse on the night. focusing on the next project.” “I wasn’t overly confident going into it, but I thought he’d run a really good race.”

8 MORE THAN A RACEHORSE

[email protected] @offthetrackwa /offthetrackwa offthetrackwa.com.au9

HWA

LADIES OF PACING AWARDS

Thursday 16 January Racing and Wagering Western Australia win a race against men when she landed the $5.60 chance (RWWA) announced the winners of the inaugural Ladies of San Lisa a winner at Bunbury at her first drive. Pacing Award at an event celebrating the many women who Ms Dixon has since been an avid supporter of women in work and thrive in the harness racing industry. racing and pacing, and has inspired many to take the leap The award highlighted women’s achievements in the and build a career for themselves in the industry. following categories; Leadership, Dedication to Harness Jeanine Diederich, the president of Western Australian Racing, Welfare and Administration. Standardbred Breeders Association (WASBA), took home the The 140 attendees saw pioneer Wendy Dixon win the Ladies Dedication to Harness Racing Award. of Pacing Leadership Award. Ms Dixon made her racetrack debut on 16 September 1978, becoming the first woman to

10 A strong and steadfast figure supporting WA harness Both winners were recognised for their exceptional skills, breeding and racing for many years, WASBA’s achievements positive attitude and achievements that had added value to under Ms Diederich’s leadership is a demonstration of her their respective clubs, and the wider industry. commitment and drive. RWWA General Manager Racing Charlotte Mills said she was Bayley Thomas was recognised for her outstanding proud to launch the first Ladies of Pacing Award on behalf of commitment to the care of retired Standardbreds, winning RWWA. the Ladies of Pacing Welfare Award. “We have an incredible female working both Going above and beyond to help trainers and owners find on and off the track in WA, and I believe it is important to new homes for their retired racehorses, Ms Thomas has celebrate their success and dedication.” worked hard from a very young age to ensure the right horse “The winners announced here this afternoon are driving is matched with the right home. change and creating new possibilities for the next generation, Two worthy winners took home a trophy for the Ladies and I am thrilled we could come together as an industry to of Pacing Administration Award; Executive Assistant at applaud and recognise them for their contribution,” she said. Gloucester Park Patricia Swallow and General Manager The Ladies of Pacing Award was held at Victory Lounge, Bunbury Trotting Club Julie Doble. Optus Stadium.

11 HWA

12 13 HWA

GivingTO THE back WA COMMUNITY

TEAM TEAL YOUNG RUGBY REFEREE WINS COMMUNITY TAB OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR Pinjarra Harness Racing Club and Community TAB have joined forces to raise funds for Team Teal at the annual Joondalup local Tyler Miller has been recognised as the Pinjarra Pacing Cup in March, benefitting ovarian cancer 2019 Official of the Year at the RAC SportWest Awards, awareness and research. Western Australia’s premier sports awards, which was held at Optus Stadium Thursday 13 February 2020. The Team Teal campaign is a partnership between WomenCan and the Harness Racing industry in Australia Over 500 people gathered at the awards to recognise and New Zealand, running annually during Ovarian Cancer excellence in sport and celebrate the achievements of WA Awareness Month. sportspeople throughout 2019. Community TAB is matching funds raised on Pinjarra Pacing Community TAB proudly presented the award of Cup Day up to $2,000, as well as donating $200 each time Community TAB Official of the Year to 25 year old rugby a race is won by a Team Teal rider until March 15, as the WA referee Tyler Miller, who kicked off her refereeing career at team sponsor. just 12 years old.

Image: Tyler Miller & Matthew Thomas Community TAB 14 Image: Tyler Miller & Matthew Thomas Community TAB 15 HWA WILLIAMS HARNESS RACING CLUB 75 years Celebration

Image: Turnstiles to be installed at Gloucester Park

16 Williams Harness Racing Club had their final WILLIAMS CUP DAY -16TH FEBRUARY 2020 meeting for 2019/2020 season on the 16th The club was founded in 1944 with the first race meeting February with the running of the Williams Cup held in February 1945. and the celebration of 75 years of racing in Williams. There was a memorabilia display with an extensive list of officer bearers and committee, and previous Williams Cup The first race meeting for the season was on Australia winners, a wooden springback spider and a handheld bell Day January 26th. At this meeting Mrs Helen Bunch was that had been used for many years as the bell lap. honoured for her service to the club. On race day the club used the bell in the Williams Cup, Helen joined the committee in 1991 and was secretary/ which was rung by Charles Cowcher who has been lap treasurer for 21 years and a further 4 years as Secretary and steward for 44 years. Charles and his wife Beryl have been years Celebration is still an active member on the committee. donating the trophy for the Williams Cup for over 10 years 75 Helen’s dedication to the club is amazing, seeing many On all race days the club has lucky book prizes, losing changes at the club and in the sport of harness racing. At betting ticket draws after each race and a members draw one point the Western Australia Trotting Association was for a meal voucher. On cup day this year there were free ice going to relocate Williams race meetings to Narrogin, Helen creams and face painting for the kids. and the committee members at the time joined with the For the second season the Wiliams Club offered a $500 local community and fought to keep racing at Williams. bonus to Owners and Trainers whose horse won a race at The day ended with a barbeque to celebrate Australia both race meetings. This bonus was won on cup day by Day with the Gloucester Park Harness Members and the Follow the Dragon community of Williams in attendance. Williams Harness Racing is a community event where community groups and businesses are involved.

Images: Extracts from old race books

17 HWA

- A Step Back In Time by Tim Blee - THE 1952 CARNIVAL PRELUDE TO THE 1953 INTERS

The unprecedented success of the 1950 Christmas Produce Stakes and been unplaced on only 1 occasion. Carnival, which saw NZ super star Single Direct stamp Floodlight, whose full sister Desmouth was destined for his superiority over a strong contingent of locals, marked harness racing immortality as the dam of the mighty the start of a flood of visiting stars to Gloucester Park in Halwes, already had an imposing record in addition to the 1950’s. Royal Shadow, a gallant runner up to Single his Interdominion placing at Harold Park, having already Direct in the Golden Jubilee Federation Cup of January won the 1952 AG Hunter Cup, just one of his eventual 36 1st, 1951 had one of his many highlights under lights victories across all Australian States with the exclusion of when successful in the following year’s version of WA’s Queensland. premier race for Pop and Max Johnson, but with the 1953 The first round of 12 heats of the Christmas Handicap Interdominion Series scheduled for Gloucester Park in got under way on Saturday December 6th, and with only February, the Christmas Carnival would see an early arrival heat winners qualifying for the 2,600 pound final, it was become the first horse ever to travel by air transport for a Kolect Again who drew first blood for Athol Robertson WA harness meeting. when he led all the way in defeating Trader (D.Martin) and The Tasmanian Champion Floodlight would be bought Don Thomas’s Hasty Nelson. Bob Pollock took a freelance to Perth 11 weeks early by his ace trainer driver Don drive on Rhoda’s Gift and cruised home an easy winner Cornish in an attempt to gain an edge in both fitness and over Kratsa Dan (W.Scott) and Retinue (Frank Kersley) in acclimatization, with Perth summers being traditionally a the second heat. In winning the 3rd heat of the night, Beau lot harsher than those back in Tasmania. Whilst other early Don advanced to a 2.11 mark, thus making him eligible for travelers such as Tennessee Sky and Pick On would also the WA Cup on January 1. After galloping out and losing arrive early in the middle of December, they travelled by ground at the start, driver Bill Foy took advantage of the the more traditional sea journey but arrived a little stiff and slow early pace to win easing up over Sandridge (Lorne sore from the long journey and they could not contest the Richter) and Beaudale (Ron Porter). Christmas Carnival. Floodlights 18 hour air journey from The December 13 round of heats saw the 7/4 favourite Sydney was a walk in the park compared to the journey by Red Hussar take out heat 4 for Fred Kersley with Trader sea. once again the runner up with Speedy Van in 3rd for Max Although light in condition as he stepped off the plane, Johnson but the slow mile rate 2.14 indicated it was one of master trainer Cornish quickly bought Floodlight to hand the weaker heats. Kratsa Dan rated 2.10 ¾ in easily winning and he was able to trial him into second place behind heat 5 over Fred Kersley’s Happy Mint with Telluride Kolect Again at Gloucester Park on December 14th prior (Harold Richter) back in 3rd, whilst visiting Interdominion to contesting a heat of the Christmas Handicap. Qualifying nominee Retinue franked his good form with a win in heat him for both the Christmas Handicap Final and the WA 6 for Frank Kersley over San Guy (Alan Woodworth) and Cup would see him have the opportunity to pick up good Wirradale (Max Johnson). However, the star of the night prizemoney prior to the beginning of the 19,000 pound was the recent import from New Zealand, Dillon Grattan. Interdominion Series on February 18. However, Floodlight, The son of Dillon Hall, though only contesting a minor 3rd in the previous year’s Interdominion Final at Harold race, would go on to be a standout sire in WA after arriving Park to the champion Avian Derby and Recovered, and on the same vessel that bought NZ Champion single Direct renowned throughout Australia, would have a rising local to Perth for the Christmas Carnival 2 years earlier. He star to deal with in the form of Bill Foy’s brilliant 4 year old recorded his 6th consecutive win after travelling 3 and 4 Beau Don, as well as perennial crowd favourite Kellett. wide for the first mile before scoring an emphatic victory. Beau Don had only started 14 times prior to the carnival The 700 pound Free For All that night was won by Norm but had won 11 times including the WA Derby and the Sires Duncan’s Game Globe, driven by Harold Richter, but it

18 was marred by a bad fall that resulted in the favourite British The final set of heats was contested on Boxing night and Machine being unfortunately euthanized post-race. the winners would have little time to recover in readiness for the Final the next evening. 5/4 favourite Happy Mint was The 3rd round of heats, Saturday December 20th, could successful in heat 10 over Kolfast and Telluride, Speedy Van well have been labelled “Raider Domination Night” with the scored as an even money favourite for Max Johnson over legendary sire producing 3 of the 7 winners (Steorra, Dainty Wilbourne (Jim Kinnear) and Prince Hall (Frank Kersley) in Patsy and Floodlight), whilst Scott’s Way, later to achieve heat 11, whilst Sandridge won the final heat for Lorne Richter fame as the sire of world record holder Dainty’s Daughter, accounting for Lily Girl (W.Read) and Remlap (R.Pollock). won his Qualifying Stakes as a 2/1 on favourite, posting a very Punters were of the view that provided Beau Don stepped pedestrian 2.15 mile rate. Heat 7 of the Christmas Handicap cleanly in the final, he may have too much speed for both went to Harry Moran’s Dainty Patsy who defeated Kolfast Floodlight and Rhoda’s Gift. (Frank Kersley) and Speedy Van (Max Johnson) and Hasty Nelson made amends in Heat 8 scoring a narrow win for Don However, there was to be a substantial twist as the tale of the Thomas over Happy Mint (Fred Kersley), with Trader running final unfolded, accompanied by great controversy. Trainer a third consecutive placing in the heats to be branded the Ray Williams sprung a late driving change on Kratsa Dan unluckiest contestant of the heats. The race of the night after regular driver W.V.Scott reported that under medical however was in heat 9 when Floodlight beat Kellett (also sired advice, he would “not be able to do full justice to Kratsa Dan” by Raider) in sensational circumstances, prevailing by a mere and ace driver Alan Woodworth was engaged. Kratsa Dan 3 inches after Kellett mixed its gait after heading Floodlight in was heavily supported into 4/1 second favourite behind the straight. Beaudale (Ron Porter) ran 3rd on a night when Beau Don (7/4), and rumours were rife that the Woodworth the course patrons where agog with the news that a serial Stable backers had invested heavily, in spite of denials from poisoner had killed Tasmanian champion Payray and his full both Stan (“I never invested a penny”) and Alan Woodworth. brother Herbray overnight in Launceston, by administering Kratsa Dan, in winning from the mark by 18 inches Strychnine to both h