The most disgraceful 'Grand Circuit' field in many a year, if of all time!

[Old Frank]

Have you guy's took a serious look at the field for the SA Cup this Saturday night?

What about the most pathetic 'Grand Circuit' field in many a year, if of all time?

This event is getting worse and worse each year and simply not worthy of 'Grand Circuit' status, irrespective of whether they have the appropriate prize money criteria.

Some of this lot were in claiming races within their last two (2) starts!

Easiest money Lance and Greg Sugars will ever pinch in a race!

Everyone's thoughts?


Race 7 SKY RACING SA CUP (GROUP 1) 8:52 PM

M0 Or Better. RBD. Prizemoney: $100,000 2645 METRES MOBILE START
[/URL]
21211 [URL="http://www.harness.org.au/ausbreed/reports/hraonline.htm"]OHOKA NEVADA NZ (http://www.harness.org.au/form.cfm?mc=GD140112&rc=GDM14011201) J D Kingston-Mayne Mark Billinger C30 M6

07465 OUR HILLVIEW GOLD NZ (http://www.harness.org.au/ausbreed/reports/hraonline.htm) (Em 1) G F Douglas Daryl Douglas C12 M4

22111 SMOKEN UP NZ (http://www.harness.org.au/ausbreed/reports/hraonline.htm) L J Justice Greg Sugars C48 M43

31023 JUKEBOX MUSIC (http://www.harness.org.au/ausbreed/reports/hraonline.htm) G F Douglas John Caldow C11 M3

s4213 FRANCO AMBASSADOR NZ (http://www.harness.org.au/ausbreed/reports/hraonline.htm) L M Harvey Leah Harvey C11 M3

13132 TI VOGLIOBENE (http://www.harness.org.au/ausbreed/reports/hraonline.htm) G R Norman Jock Dunlop C16 M7

Second Row ----------

31111 HEZA TRICK NZ (http://www.harness.org.au/ausbreed/reports/hraonline.htm) G F Douglas Daryl Douglas C12 M3

22111 FOURMOORE (http://www.harness.org.au/ausbreed/reports/hraonline.htm) A J Brown Ryan Hryhorec C17 M3

31s21 CULLENS LEGACY NZ (http://www.harness.org.au/ausbreed/reports/hraonline.htm) J D Kingston-Mayne Mark Billinger C21 M2

32434 THOMAS MAGUIRE NZ (http://www.harness.org.au/ausbreed/reports/hraonline.htm) N L Cavallaro Paul Cavallaro C8 M1

64328 IN THE FORCE NZ (http://www.harness.org.au/ausbreed/reports/hraonline.htm) J Carbone Paul Cavallaro ODM C15 M4

[David Summers]

Yes, just going through the runners , I can't remember a Grand Circuit race with so many really non-Grand Circuit grade runners.

Anyway , it is what it is , and there is nothing to be done for now. Good luck to all the connections. Most of us would dream of just having a runner in a Grand Circuit race , whether it really deserves to be in a race of this standard or not.

[G-Mac]

If they had a "Claimers Grand Circuit" this would be top shelf.

[Maorisidol]

Have you guy's took a serious look at the field for the SA Cup this Saturday night?

What about the most pathetic 'Grand Circuit' field in many a year, if of all time?

This event is getting worse and worse each year and simply not worthy of 'Grand Circuit' status, irrespective of whether they have the appropriate prize money criteria.

Some of this lot were in claiming races within their last two (2) starts!

Easiest money Lance and Greg Sugars will ever pinch in a race!

Everyone's thoughts?


Race 7 SKY RACING SA CUP (GROUP 1) 8:52 PM

M0 Or Better. RBD. Prizemoney: $100,000 2645 METRES MOBILE START

21211 OHOKA NEVADA NZ (http://www.harness.org.au/ausbreed/reports/hraonline.htm) J D Kingston-Mayne Mark Billinger C30 M6

07465 OUR HILLVIEW GOLD NZ (http://www.harness.org.au/ausbreed/reports/hraonline.htm) (Em 1) G F Douglas Daryl Douglas C12 M4

22111 SMOKEN UP NZ (http://www.harness.org.au/ausbreed/reports/hraonline.htm) L J Justice Greg Sugars C48 M43

31023 JUKEBOX MUSIC (http://www.harness.org.au/ausbreed/reports/hraonline.htm) G F Douglas John Caldow C11 M3

s4213 FRANCO AMBASSADOR NZ (http://www.harness.org.au/ausbreed/reports/hraonline.htm) L M Harvey Leah Harvey C11 M3

13132 TI VOGLIOBENE (http://www.harness.org.au/ausbreed/reports/hraonline.htm) G R Norman Jock Dunlop C16 M7

Second Row ----------

31111 HEZA TRICK NZ (http://www.harness.org.au/ausbreed/reports/hraonline.htm) G F Douglas Daryl Douglas C12 M3

22111 FOURMOORE (http://www.harness.org.au/ausbreed/reports/hraonline.htm) A J Brown Ryan Hryhorec C17 M3

31s21 CULLENS LEGACY NZ (http://www.harness.org.au/ausbreed/reports/hraonline.htm) J D Kingston-Mayne Mark Billinger C21 M2

32434 THOMAS MAGUIRE NZ (http://www.harness.org.au/ausbreed/reports/hraonline.htm) N L Cavallaro Paul Cavallaro C8 M1

64328 IN THE FORCE NZ (http://www.harness.org.au/ausbreed/reports/hraonline.htm) J Carbone Paul Cavallaro ODM C15 M4

Option 2. Dont drive all the way to SA for 2nd prize!!!
Go to Bendigo to try to win $50k.

Race 7 PETSTOCK BENDIGO PACING CUP (GROUP 2) 9:30 PM M0 Or Better. * Manual Field Selection. * This race is a leg of the Melton Saddlery Victorian Country Cup Championship.RBD. Prizemoney: $50,000 2650 METRES 2ND LEG DAILY DOUBLE, 4TH LEG QUADDIE, 5TH LEG BIG6 MOBILE
DECORATED JASPER P A Rowse Jodi Quinlan

AMADMANCOMESUNDONE C A Knowles David Murphy

OUR MALABAR NZ L J Justice Gavin Lang

SMUDGE BROMAC NZ D Aiken David Aiken

VILLAGEM L Miles Lisa Miles

SAMMY MAGUIRE NZ M Purdon Mark Purdon

MAKE MINE CULLEN G F Douglas Daryl Douglas

MEGA ALEXANDER P M Russo Kerryn Manning

CAPTAIN JOY S M Hunter Chris Alford

MISTER GRIZZLY T E Pullicino Tony Pullicino

COMPOSED (Em 1) D Aiken Chris Alford

THE SMILER NZ L J Justice Jason Hackett

[David Summers]

Well spotted Ash. Now that's what I would call something like a real Grand Circuit field.

[aussiebreno]

Tasmanian Cup anybody.

Edit: downgraded this year, still last years wasnt the best field either.

[David Summers]

Sadly SA and Tasmanian harness racing is being left behind the other states. I just don't know how owners in SA survive with average races at many meetings often carrying as little as $1500 total prizemoney.

It's good that there is a half decent meeting on Saturday , but really I think that the future of racing there is very bleak. This applies to thoroughbred racing as well. Really can't see how this decline can be reversed.

[Lucky Camilla"s Lovechild]

Have you guy's took a serious look at the field for the SA Cup this Saturday night?

What about the most pathetic 'Grand Circuit' field in many a year, if of all time?

This event is getting worse and worse each year and simply not worthy of 'Grand Circuit' status, irrespective of whether they have the appropriate prize money criteria.

Some of this lot were in claiming races within their last two (2) starts!

Easiest money Lance and Greg Sugars will ever pinch in a race!

Everyone's thoughts?


Race 7 SKY RACING SA CUP (GROUP 1) 8:52 PM

M0 Or Better. RBD. Prizemoney: $100,000 2645 METRES MOBILE START
[/URL]
21211 [URL="http://www.harness.org.au/ausbreed/reports/hraonline.htm"]OHOKA NEVADA NZ (http://www.harness.org.au/form.cfm?mc=GD140112&rc=GDM14011201) J D Kingston-Mayne Mark Billinger C30 M6

07465 OUR HILLVIEW GOLD NZ (http://www.harness.org.au/ausbreed/reports/hraonline.htm) (Em 1) G F Douglas Daryl Douglas C12 M4

22111 SMOKEN UP NZ (http://www.harness.org.au/ausbreed/reports/hraonline.htm) L J Justice Greg Sugars C48 M43

31023 JUKEBOX MUSIC (http://www.harness.org.au/ausbreed/reports/hraonline.htm) G F Douglas John Caldow C11 M3

s4213 FRANCO AMBASSADOR NZ (http://www.harness.org.au/ausbreed/reports/hraonline.htm) L M Harvey Leah Harvey C11 M3

13132 TI VOGLIOBENE (http://www.harness.org.au/ausbreed/reports/hraonline.htm) G R Norman Jock Dunlop C16 M7

Second Row ----------

31111 HEZA TRICK NZ (http://www.harness.org.au/ausbreed/reports/hraonline.htm) G F Douglas Daryl Douglas C12 M3

22111 FOURMOORE (http://www.harness.org.au/ausbreed/reports/hraonline.htm) A J Brown Ryan Hryhorec C17 M3

31s21 CULLENS LEGACY NZ (http://www.harness.org.au/ausbreed/reports/hraonline.htm) J D Kingston-Mayne Mark Billinger C21 M2

32434 THOMAS MAGUIRE NZ (http://www.harness.org.au/ausbreed/reports/hraonline.htm) N L Cavallaro Paul Cavallaro C8 M1

64328 IN THE FORCE NZ (http://www.harness.org.au/ausbreed/reports/hraonline.htm) J Carbone Paul Cavallaro ODM C15 M4

Real bad luck SA harness with not only the WA Pacing Cup, but the Bendigo Cup and the Hamilton Cup on Sunday as well. Would be nice 2nd prizemoney in SA though I would have thought!

[Messenger]

I have been away from the game for a few years but I thought there was only ever a few trainers like the Justices that chased the better SA races. As Ash has pointed out - it is probably just smart trainers avoiding the champ.

[Village Kid]

Sadly SA and Tasmanian harness racing is being left behind the other states. I just don't know how owners in SA survive with average races at many meetings often carrying as little as $1500 total prizemoney.

It's good that there is a half decent meeting on Saturday , but really I think that the future of racing there is very bleak. This applies to thoroughbred racing as well. Really can't see how this decline can be reversed.

SA Harness racing has been stagnant for 25 years - prizemoney has actually gone backwards in the case of feature races. The Oaks was worth $20K back in 1987, now worth $15K. The Cup leadup last week was worth $20K for many years, it's now worth $12,500. The SA Trotters Cup has gone from a $50K Group 1 Race won by the likes of La Coocaracha, National Interest (beating Knight Pistol off 80 metres) and True Roman to a $25K Group 3 race. The Pacing Cup has been $100K for as long as I can remember, and I've seen horses like Westburn Grant, Golden Reign, Courage Under Fire, Shakamaker etc beat crack fields. Now if it wasn't for Lance Justice religiously supporting the race it would be an Ohoka Nevada benefit. Conte De Cristo and Ohoka Nevada have singlehandedly kept the Free For All ranks alive in the past 5 years, 20-25 years ago the crop of FFA'ers included Whirley Dream, Tip Top Prince, Mike's Choice, Pappy McCoy, Yaracoola etc. They were prepared by the Sugars, the Justices the Websters of the training ranks...

Thoroughbred Racing has some hope, they're moving the Cup back to May, increased funds for the Goodwood and Derby up to $500K, and have condensed it into a 3 week showpiece of racing. Prizemoney for standard Saturday races is on the increase, theres a new state of the art training complex at Murray Bridge on the cards and Gawler racecourse has been completely redeveloped. On the other hand the Gawler Trotting track was closed when they realised the new Northern Expressway would bisect the home straight. That pretty much sums it up.

I'm sorry I've forgotten the question...

[Arnie]

Take the $1.04 if you can get it. It will be $1.00 and $1.00. Should be paying 80c for the dollar bet.

[Greg Hando]

I suppose another way of looking at it is that it is worth $100,000 and everyone is invited to take part.To me you would be better off racing there than Bendigo (as you will be against a much stronger field and harder to pick up a cheque .)

[aussiebreno]

Take the $1.04 if you can get it. It will be $1.00 and $1.00. Should be paying 80c for the dollar bet.
A) He's $1.10 with NSW TAB fixed odds.
B) Most markets don't allow for $1.00 win.
C) Lol @ 80c.

[Old Frank]

I suppose another way of looking at it is that it is worth $100,000 and everyone is invited to take part.To me you would be better off racing there than Bendigo (as you will be against a much stronger field and harder to pick up a cheque .)



To me, with the state of SA racing, why don't they have the race for only $30,000 and then divvy the $70,000 balance among their weekly metro races which they race for absolute peanuts. I'm sure their trainers who race and support their industry week in/week out would appreciate the extra earnings, not just a donation cheque as it appears to be for Lance and Smoken Up.

The week in/week out trainers, plus you might get some 2nd tier VIC horses is still a nice race to win, yet the $70,000 back into their bread and butter serves a far bigger purpose overall in my opinion.

[Toohard]

This one at Melton today is a much better race!!



Happy birthday mate!!

(sons a regular reader on the forum...)

[Harold Parker]

I've been overseas for a couple of years. What's the story with Lance Justice. The horse tested positive, lost the Interdominion but is free to continue training ? I've searched around, can't find anything in regards to a penalty ?

[aussiebreno]

I've been overseas for a couple of years. What's the story with Lance Justice. The horse tested positive, lost the Interdominion but is free to continue training ? I've searched around, can't find anything in regards to a penalty ?
Yes FFS a positive test doesn't mean a horse must retire on the spot (getting angry now)
Penalty was DQ from race and Justice has about $32K in fines. Is appealing I think.

[Harold Parker]

Why would the horse be retired ?

The biggest race there is in Harness Racing, the winner gets disqualified and the trainer gets no time for it and is appealing 32K in fines ?

It's a get out of free card. Take it and run.

[aussiebreno]

The same reason Raglan shouldnt be in the WA Cup..which is?

[Harold Parker]

Raglan shouldn't be in the WA Cup. Hypothetically speaking, if there was news this week that SU tested positive in the VIC Cup he would and should be an automatic scratch for the SA Cup.

If you're not cheating, you're not trying ?

[triplev123]

This one at Melton today is a much better race!!



Happy birthday mate!!

(sons a regular reader on the forum...)


[VVV] Happy Birthday Luke. Make sure your Dad springs for something good. Don't let him get away with socks & singlets and underpants this time around. I reckon an 11th Birthday's got to be worth an I-Pod or some such expensive piece of technology. ;)

[aussiebreno]

Raglan shouldn't be in the WA Cup. Hypothetically speaking, if there was news this week that SU tested positive in the VIC Cup he would and should be an automatic scratch for the SA Cup.

If you're not cheating, you're not trying ?
You've had 8 posts so I'm going to go ahead and presume this is the 8th time I've asked this to you. You have ignored me the previous 7 times but WHY should Raglan be disallowed to compete in the WA Cup? I don't want to hear Raglan is a cheat and shouldn't be in the WA Cup. I want to hear WHY you think that.
If the drug is out of a horses system by the time of its next race what disadvantage are its rivals at?
The ID positive for Smoken Up was announced just prior to the Len Smith Mile that Smoken Up ran in and won FYI.

[strong persuader]

You've had 8 posts so I'm going to go ahead and presume this is the 8th time I've asked this to you. You have ignored me the previous 7 times but WHY should Raglan be disallowed to compete in the WA Cup? I don't want to hear Raglan is a cheat and shouldn't be in the WA Cup. I want to hear WHY you think that.
If the drug is out of a horses system by the time of its next race what disadvantage are its rivals at?
The ID positive for Smoken Up was announced just prior to the Len Smith Mile that Smoken Up ran in and won FYI.
The question of whether or not the horse still has arsenic in his system doesn't even come into it. The horse has been found to return a positive swab whilst racing in NSW, a date for the hearing hasn't been set yet, the horse is stood down in NSW until the completion of that enquiry. Under the States agreements here in Australia, a disqualification or stand down in one state is usually applied in every state of Australia. I can't recall any examples of horses competing in one state whilst barred in another, but perhaps we may be enlightened by other posters.

[aussiebreno]

The question of whether or not the horse still has arsenic in his system doesn't even come into it. The horse has been found to return a positive swab whilst racing in NSW, a date for the hearing hasn't been set yet, the horse is stood down in NSW until the completion of that enquiry. Under the States agreements here in Australia, a disqualification or stand down in one state is usually applied in every state of Australia. I can't recall any examples of horses competing in one state whilst barred in another, but perhaps we may be enlightened by other posters.
Thankyou, for that.
A reason was all I was after and that's plenty good enough.

[Harold Parker]

I've only recently returned from the States so I can't speak for the Len Smith. If I were around I would of posted similarly.

"NSWHR has done their part, it's time for the Stewards in WA to do theirs."

I posted that about 5 hours ago.

[Toohard]

[VVV] Happy Birthday Luke. Make sure your Dad springs for something good. Don't let him get away with socks & singlets and underpants this time around. I reckon an 11th Birthday's got to be worth an I-Pod or some such expensive piece of technology. ;)

Gday Jaimie

U made his day!! Got home after his race last nite, logged in and he saw ya message! Many, many thanks! The lad had a huge day. Made all the betta via HRV staff. They put thing in racebook for him (see file attached) and just blew him away. Way, way too good them!!

No Ipods or the like but just told him bout 2nd half his present. We getting up early tomorrow AM and heading west.... to Globe Derby! He can cheer home Smoken Up but more importantly the Leigh Miles horse (Top Tamba) in the Derby. Mate he freeeeeked!!

Go Us !!!

Thanks gain triple...

[triplev123]

Nice present Paul.
Look up Dennis Lyle and Jon Kingston-Mayne when you're over there. Good blokes. Ring me and I'll give you their mobile numbers. Not sure if Dennis will be at the races but Jon will definitely be there. He has a few starters on the night including one in the big race against Smoken Up.

[Greg Hando]

Good to see someone as keen as your little bloke he's another one the industry will not lose i hope he has a good time in SA and safe travelling and have a great night .

[zipzap]

Look at the young bloke with his cheesy smile having a great time at the track, hope he had a great birthday Paul.

[triplev123]

He chokes me up a bit you know Paul, in a good way though. It's like looking back in time for me. The reason Nathan & I are involved with horses now is because our Dad & Grandfather & family friends used to take us to the track with them to watch their horses go around. If you take to liking something at an early age often it sticks & never leaves you. Even in my early 40's it does me no end of good to see young fellas his age so keen on the sport. I'm starting to understand what a buzz my Grandfather used to get and that my Dad gets from us being so interested in them too. Both my daughters love going to the races, I think the older one likes the horses more as a fashion accessory but the younger one loves them for what they are, race horse or broodmare, foal or clapped out gelding. I think that she'll stay involved with them as she grows up. For Industry to flourish well into the future I think as participants we all have an implied obligation to give our children and those of our friends some exposure to Harness Racing. Paul, what you're doing with Luke...mate, when we're all long gone and he's a really old bugger sitting on the veranda with a cup of tea and tartan rug over his knees, he'll periodically find himself thinking back over the years and guaranteed, he'll remember it all.

[Lucky Camilla"s Lovechild]

He chokes me up a bit you know Paul, in a good way though. It's like looking back in time for me. The reason Nathan & I are involved with horses now is because our Dad & Grandfather & family friends used to take us to the track with them to watch their horses go around. If you take to liking something at an early age often it sticks & never leaves you. Even in my early 40's it does me no end of good to see young fellas his age so keen on the sport. I'm starting to understand what a buzz my Grandfather used to get and that my Dad gets from us being so interested in them too. Both my daughters love going to the races, I think the older one likes the horses more as a fashion accessory but the younger one loves them for what they are, race horse or broodmare, foal or clapped out gelding. I think that she'll stay involved with them as she grows up. For Industry to flourish well into the future I think as participants we all have an implied obligation to give our children and those of our friends some exposure to Harness Racing. Paul, what you're doing with Luke...mate, when we're all long gone and he's a really old bugger sitting on the veranda with a cup of tea and tartan rug over his knees, he'll periodically find himself thinking back over the years and guaranteed, he'll remember it all.
Yup, Good post!

[triplev123]

Geeze...are you feeling Ok Leigh? :p

[triplev123]

No.

[Lucky Camilla"s Lovechild]

Geeze...are you feeling Ok Leigh? :p
Believe it or not, but sometimes I do smell what your steppin in. That 11 year old kid used to be me!

[Toohard]

He chokes me up a bit you know Paul, in a good way though. It's like looking back in time for me. The reason Nathan & I are involved with horses now is because our Dad & Grandfather & family friends used to take us to the track with them to watch their horses go around. If you take to liking something at an early age often it sticks & never leaves you. Even in my early 40's it does me no end of good to see young fellas his age so keen on the sport. I'm starting to understand what a buzz my Grandfather used to get and that my Dad gets from us being so interested in them too. Both my daughters love going to the races, I think the older one likes the horses more as a fashion accessory but the younger one loves them for what they are, race horse or broodmare, foal or clapped out gelding. I think that she'll stay involved with them as she grows up. For Industry to flourish well into the future I think as participants we all have an implied obligation to give our children and those of our friends some exposure to Harness Racing. Paul, what you're doing with Luke...mate, when we're all long gone and he's a really old bugger sitting on the veranda with a cup of tea and tartan rug over his knees, he'll periodically find himself thinking back over the years and guaranteed, he'll remember it all.


Was a bit apprehensive as we pulled out the driveway (late as usual) Saturday morning. Sons not the best traveller in a car if it's not for harness racing reasons. "Are we there yet?", etc, etc. Didn't think the fact he would spend most of the next 2 days sitting in one had sunk in on him. And I haven't driven a long trip like that for years so was a bit concerned how I'd go.

Got all the questions as we travelled on "Who was the best horse you ever saw?", "What was the best race?", "who was the best driver?" etc, etc. Got me recalling Pure Steel and Preux Cheveliar. Popular Alm and Gammalite. V.Knight in his heyday. Digging things out of me memory I thought long gone.

After few hours it kicked in, "NUMB-ARSE-ITITUS". He starting to get a little uncomfortable too. "Wanna turn back mate?" "No way dad. Keep going". The resultant pit stops slowed our progress a little. When we finally got there and found hotel it was a quick shower and find the track. Dunno who was more excited, me or son.

A long queue at the turnstiles!! Something I haven't seen at the trots for years!

Huge crowd there. Biggest for years they said. From the chatter in the queue, reckon most of them there to see Smoken Up.

Just before the big race the lights went out. Tipping they had so many things plugged into power points that hadn't be used for ages the system couldn't cope. Then they came on, then they went off. Over and over again. Each time they came on there was a mad rush of officials all getting into position and then a combined groan every time they went off. The track lights were still on so people were asking why they couldnt run the race. It was explained they couldn't get power to the photo finish camera. "What do they need that for?" people asked. "No one will get near Smoken Up".

A few people left but otherwise no one moved. Like us, they were there to see the champ.

The bloke doing the on course trackside commentary (Ray Fewings?) did a fantastic job keeping the crowd informed and entertaining them. He did a great job all night actually. During pre-race warm up, as each horse came down the straight he was explaining the different gear on horses, introducing the drivers, trainers, etc.

And Jimmy Jacques too. Now theres another great talent we are blessed with.

They got the band out (they were supposed to be playing for a while after the last). And the band played on while the lights were off. "Just like the band on the Titanic did" as the trackside commentator put it. Me numb arse starting aching even more when there was talk of the race being called off and re run next weekend.

The lights came on again. There was a countdown sort of as all expected them to go out again. But no, this time they stayed on. The crowd cheered when the first of the horses came back out on the track. In drib and drabs they arrived. But no Smoken Up. It was like he was paying them back for making him wait. Looking around and could see most eyes glued on the gate that leads onto the track and there was another cheer when he finally arrived.

A big cheer too when the race finally started. It was over by time they reached the winning post the first time as Smoken Up took the lead. But no one cared. Just like us, they were there to see a champion in all his glory. And they got what they came for.

Haven't laughed so hard for a long time on the long trip home. And me arse is still numb!

"What did people mean when they said we were silly for driving all that way for a horse race dad?".
"They just don't understand mate".
"How long would it take to drive to Perth for the Interdom dad?"

Come on numb arse, there's an adventure worth considering!!

[Lucky Camilla"s Lovechild]

Was a bit apprehensive as we pulled out the driveway (late as usual) Saturday morning. Sons not the best traveller in a car if it's not for harness racing reasons. "Are we there yet?", etc, etc. Didn't think the fact he would spend most of the next 2 days sitting in one had sunk in on him. And I haven't driven a long trip like that for years so was a bit concerned how I'd go.

Got all the questions as we travelled on "Who was the best horse you ever saw?", "What was the best race?", "who was the best driver?" etc, etc. Got me recalling Pure Steel and Preux Cheveliar. Popular Alm and Gammalite. V.Knight in his heyday. Digging things out of me memory I thought long gone.

After few hours it kicked in, "NUMB-ARSE-ITITUS". He starting to get a little uncomfortable too. "Wanna turn back mate?" "No way dad. Keep going". The resultant pit stops slowed our progress a little. When we finally got there and found hotel it was a quick shower and find the track. Dunno who was more excited, me or son.

A long queue at the turnstiles!! Something I haven't seen at the trots for years!

Huge crowd there. Biggest for years they said. From the chatter in the queue, reckon most of them there to see Smoken Up.

Just before the big race the lights went out. Tipping they had so many things plugged into power points that hadn't be used for ages the system couldn't cope. Then they came on, then they went off. Over and over again. Each time they came on there was a mad rush of officials all getting into position and then a combined groan every time they went off. The track lights were still on so people were asking why they couldnt run the race. It was explained they couldn't get power to the photo finish camera. "What do they need that for?" people asked. "No one will get near Smoken Up".

A few people left but otherwise no one moved. Like us, they were there to see the champ.

The bloke doing the on course trackside commentary (Ray Fewings?) did a fantastic job keeping the crowd informed and entertaining them. He did a great job all night actually. During pre-race warm up, as each horse came down the straight he was explaining the different gear on horses, introducing the drivers, trainers, etc.

And Jimmy Jacques too. Now theres another great talent we are blessed with.

They got the band out (they were supposed to be playing for a while after the last). And the band played on while the lights were off. "Just like the band on the Titanic did" as the trackside commentator put it. Me numb arse starting aching even more when there was talk of the race being called off and re run next weekend.

The lights came on again. There was a countdown sort of as all expected them to go out again. But no, this time they stayed on. The crowd cheered when the first of the horses came back out on the track. In drib and drabs they arrived. But no Smoken Up. It was like he was paying them back for making him wait. Looking around and could see most eyes glued on the gate that leads onto the track and there was another cheer when he finally arrived.

A big cheer too when the race finally started. It was over by time they reached the winning post the first time as Smoken Up took the lead. But no one cared. Just like us, they were there to see a champion in all his glory. And they got what they came for.

Haven't laughed so hard for a long time on the long trip home. And me arse is still numb!

"What did people mean when they said we were silly for driving all that way for a horse race dad?".
"They just don't understand mate".
"How long would it take to drive to Perth for the Interdom dad?"

Come on numb arse, there's an adventure worth considering!!
Paul, will you please adopt me?

[Chariots]

Too hard, congratulations on turning an extremely negative thread with a post that epitomizes the passion that underpins the harness racing industry.

[ARTOFFICIAL]

^^^^^ totally agree Chariots!!!! Those stories are awesome to read. The little bloke has the bug :-). Hope to go on those trips with my son when he is a little older. Great stuff!!

[doinmabest]

Awesome story......

[mightymo]

Was a bit apprehensive as we pulled out the driveway (late as usual) Saturday morning. Sons not the best traveller in a car if it's not for harness racing reasons. "Are we there yet?", etc, etc. Didn't think the fact he would spend most of the next 2 days sitting in one had sunk in on him. And I haven't driven a long trip like that for years so was a bit concerned how I'd go.

Got all the questions as we travelled on "Who was the best horse you ever saw?", "What was the best race?", "who was the best driver?" etc, etc. Got me recalling Pure Steel and Preux Cheveliar. Popular Alm and Gammalite. V.Knight in his heyday. Digging things out of me memory I thought long gone.

After few hours it kicked in, "NUMB-ARSE-ITITUS". He starting to get a little uncomfortable too. "Wanna turn back mate?" "No way dad. Keep going". The resultant pit stops slowed our progress a little. When we finally got there and found hotel it was a quick shower and find the track. Dunno who was more excited, me or son.

A long queue at the turnstiles!! Something I haven't seen at the trots for years!

Huge crowd there. Biggest for years they said. From the chatter in the queue, reckon most of them there to see Smoken Up.

Just before the big race the lights went out. Tipping they had so many things plugged into power points that hadn't be used for ages the system couldn't cope. Then they came on, then they went off. Over and over again. Each time they came on there was a mad rush of officials all getting into position and then a combined groan every time they went off. The track lights were still on so people were asking why they couldnt run the race. It was explained they couldn't get power to the photo finish camera. "What do they need that for?" people asked. "No one will get near Smoken Up".

A few people left but otherwise no one moved. Like us, they were there to see the champ.

The bloke doing the on course trackside commentary (Ray Fewings?) did a fantastic job keeping the crowd informed and entertaining them. He did a great job all night actually. During pre-race warm up, as each horse came down the straight he was explaining the different gear on horses, introducing the drivers, trainers, etc.

And Jimmy Jacques too. Now theres another great talent we are blessed with.

They got the band out (they were supposed to be playing for a while after the last). And the band played on while the lights were off. "Just like the band on the Titanic did" as the trackside commentator put it. Me numb arse starting aching even more when there was talk of the race being called off and re run next weekend.

The lights came on again. There was a countdown sort of as all expected them to go out again. But no, this time they stayed on. The crowd cheered when the first of the horses came back out on the track. In drib and drabs they arrived. But no Smoken Up. It was like he was paying them back for making him wait. Looking around and could see most eyes glued on the gate that leads onto the track and there was another cheer when he finally arrived.

A big cheer too when the race finally started. It was over by time they reached the winning post the first time as Smoken Up took the lead. But no one cared. Just like us, they were there to see a champion in all his glory. And they got what they came for.

Haven't laughed so hard for a long time on the long trip home. And me arse is still numb!

"What did people mean when they said we were silly for driving all that way for a horse race dad?".
"They just don't understand mate".
"How long would it take to drive to Perth for the Interdom dad?"

Come on numb arse, there's an adventure worth considering!!

If im lucky enough to get another Gr 1 competitor, I want your son in my corner!!! :):)

[David Summers]

Harvey , congrats on the win with Our Sixpence on Saturday night. What have you got planned for her next?

[mightymo]

Harvey , congrats on the win with Our Sixpence on Saturday night. What have you got planned for her next?

Thanks David. She went huge and really had no right to win after all the work she had done. We are aiming towards the Ladyship mile, but decided against running this week in the Teeny Teeny as she has had 2 very tough runs in a row. We will definitely be going in the Ranji Bill and Robin Dundee and try win a spot in the Ladyship. She will probably first run next week in the 12K mares race.