Australia Day Races at Warwick Farm
Horses Tony McMahon
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Without doubt one of the most potent components which fuels the enthusiasm but sadly all too often unrealistic expectations of racehorse owners are that of dreams.
Regrettably, many dreams in horse racing which was founded on them are simply that – fantasy.
However, as the late Walt Disney - arguably the most successful dreamer of them all - once said: “All our dreams come true, if we have the courage to pursue them”.
That quote sits perfectly with Rockhampton owner-breeders Greg and Elaine Sturgiss and Springsure’s Paul and Barbara Wagner and indeed their dream did come true at Royal Randwick racecourse in Sydney on Anzac Day.
Horses Tony McMahon
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Subscriber only The Rockhampton Jockey Club is cementing its future as a major training centre in Queensland with the construction of two new blocks of stable barns at Callaghan Park racecourse. Each barn will contain 20 stables while two equine motorised walkers will be placed in close proximity for the exercising of horses occupying them. RJC CEO Tony Fenlon said work on the construction of the barns would commence forthwith. Funding of in the vicinity of $900,000 was provided by Racing Queensland. It is a case of accepting the funding for their construction as we look to consolidate the club s status as a major racing player and training centre in Queensland, Fenlon said.
Australia Day Races at Warwick Farm
Horses Tony McMahon
Premium Content
Subscriber only
Parochial Rockhampton racing followers will have to wait until next Wednesday for Marway’s much-awaited next Sydney start after he was scratched from his engagement at Canterbury Park on Friday night.
Marway, the 2019 Rockhampton Jockey Club Horse of the Year, was to run in a heat of the Sprint Challenge but because of drawing barrier 14 he was scratched from the race.
Instead, Marway is likely to start on the Randwick Kensington track next Wednesday.
Randwick trainer Mark Newnham has nominated Marway for the $50K BM 72 Handicap (1000m) and the sprinter has been handicapped on 60.5kg.
Trackwork starting time debate: Chris Waller wants later start by Ray Thomas Chris Waller says the racing industry needs to be very careful Image: NewsCorp
Hall of Fame trainer Chris Waller has joined the growing chorus for fundamental change in the racing industry by advocating for later starts to daily trackwork and improved conditions for stable staff.
Trainers around the nation have begun speaking out about the long hours endured by stable staff, an issue exacerbated by early morning trackwork and later finishes due to twilight and night race meetings.
Waller made a passionate and articulate argument for the sport to adopt more modern workplace practices or risk alienating a younger generation of potential workers.