ODDS AND ENDS - not worth a thread but worth a post

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Originally Posted by NormanS

Race 3 Gloucester Park... http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-re...wa#GPM02011504
Does anyone know the form around this race? The race call expected him to launch and entering the back straight launch he did - 3rd quarter 28.4 went from last to 1st 4 wide. Awesome change of pace.

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He was classes above that lot last night Norman ($2- on Thursday was generous I thought) and the pressure Hall Jnr put on the leader early only enhanced his prospects. I think a better guide to his upcoming prospects could be gauged by the fast class race that followed last night. Tuxedo Tour went round fav in that race after two slashing performances his past 2 both against Heez On Fire. TT wasn't able to race in his desired manner on pace but still finished off strongly to be on the heals of the winner and runner up both of whom will be heading towards the upcoming two big cups. Im not sure either of the aforementioned will secure starts in those G1s but imo would certainly be very competitive in the consolations.

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Originally Posted by brent_L

He was classes above that lot last night Norman ($2- on Thursday was generous I thought) and the pressure Hall Jnr put on the leader early only enhanced his prospects. I think a better guide to his upcoming prospects could be gauged by the fast class race that followed last night. Tuxedo Tour went round fav in that race after two slashing performances his past 2 both against Heez On Fire. TT wasn't able to race in his desired manner on pace but still finished off strongly to be on the heals of the winner and runner up both of whom will be heading towards the upcoming two big cups. Im not sure either of the aforementioned will secure starts in those G1s but imo would certainly be very competitive in the consolations.

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Thanks for the response...
So a nice horse well placed by his trainer. Capable of winning a good race here and there through his high speed if it is run to suit.

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Originally Posted by brent_L

He was classes above that lot last night Norman ($2- on Thursday was generous I thought) and the pressure Hall Jnr put on the leader early only enhanced his prospects. I think a better guide to his upcoming prospects could be gauged by the fast class race that followed last night. Tuxedo Tour went round fav in that race after two slashing performances his past 2 both against Heez On Fire. TT wasn't able to race in his desired manner on pace but still finished off strongly to be on the heals of the winner and runner up both of whom will be heading towards the upcoming two big cups. Im not sure either of the aforementioned will secure starts in those G1s but imo would certainly be very competitive in the consolations.

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I couldn't have been more wrong Norman......they both got in. http://www.harness.org.au/fields.cfm?mc=GP090115
I was of the belief Avonnova was heading west? Anyone??

Mildura tonight - another meeting abandoned due to a mere half inch of rain

You gotta love the racing at Burnie on the 607m track

Like Melbourne without the grandstands all around. Here is a pic from Twitter


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B7DNC2QCEAAkR9i.jpg

Three Trafalgar trainers will be seeking to outperform one another in the fourth race at this Monday afternoon's Warragul harness racing meeting.
Chris Hunter, his son Glenn and Glenn's partner Tamie Frith all have starters engaged in the race.
Chris saddles up Feel The Rhythm from barrier one against Glenn's horse Shicka Sharka from gate five.
Tamie Frith trains and drives Bettor Biaggi which starts from barrier three.
Feel The Rhythm ran a good enough race on debut during the week to suggest it will be a chance again on Monday at start two.
Chris Hunter will be looking for a different driver in the race though as his son steers his own horse Shicka Sharka this week.
Bettor Biaggi is unlucky not to have won a race over it's short career so far and should be thereabouts in Monday's race.
Shicka Sharka showed good form with a victory before going for a spell and should improve on whatever it does in Monday's race.
Elsewhere it is a strong eight event card on Monday with a number of local horses engaged, especially in the first race, the Trotters Handicap.
Locally owned and trained three-year-old Bad Boy Cullen returns to racing with a good barrier draw in race three, while fellow Gippsland horse, veteran Melton Little Max, is chasing another Warragul win for trainer Allan Preston in race six after scoring at the Warragul meeting last month.
Fifteen year old pacer Mister Douglas is competing in the last race.
First event on Monday is at 1:28pm with free admission to the course for patrons.

Just wondering, stewards report from Globe Derby 10/01/15 there is an R. Sanders listed as a steward. Does S.A. have a steward by the same name or is this the R. Sanders from NSW? Not important just wondering?

http://www.harness.org.au/stewards-r...fm?mc=GD100115

Popular former Melbourne horseman Frank Hoban has died at age 90. Sons Shane and Gary followed their dad into the sport.


When I worked at HR Weekly over 10 years ago I interviewed Frank, a former boxer in his youth. At that stage he was the last trainer on the Gower Park track in Preston, and would jog his horse in the traffic down Murray Road every morning for pacework on the track. He always promised me a ride around the track (must have had a double jog cart) but I never did get there. There was a photo I saw some years ago of a horse parked at the traffic lights which was on the front of the Harness Racer - perhaps it was Frank driving.


One of the real characters of our sport who would have taken a lot of yarns with him. One of his best trotters was Bravado Vale (Kilmore Trotters Cup)

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Originally Posted by Amlin

Popular former Melbourne horseman Frank Hoban has died at age 90. Sons Shane and Gary followed their dad into the sport.


When I worked at HR Weekly over 10 years ago I interviewed Frank, a former boxer in his youth. At that stage he was the last trainer on the Gower Park track in Preston, and would jog his horse in the traffic down Murray Road every morning for pacework on the track. He always promised me a ride around the track (must have had a double jog cart) but I never did get there. There was a photo I saw some years ago of a horse parked at the traffic lights which was on the front of the Harness Racer - perhaps it was Frank driving.


One of the real characters of our sport who would have taken a lot of yarns with him. One of his best trotters was Bravado Vale (Kilmore Trotters Cup)

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The boys just won the 2yo at Geelong to honour dad

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Originally Posted by Amlin

Popular former Melbourne horseman Frank Hoban has died at age 90. Sons Shane and Gary followed their dad into the sport.


When I worked at HR Weekly over 10 years ago I interviewed Frank, a former boxer in his youth. At that stage he was the last trainer on the Gower Park track in Preston, and would jog his horse in the traffic down Murray Road every morning for pacework on the track. He always promised me a ride around the track (must have had a double jog cart) but I never did get there. There was a photo I saw some years ago of a horse parked at the traffic lights which was on the front of the Harness Racer - perhaps it was Frank driving.


One of the real characters of our sport who would have taken a lot of yarns with him. One of his best trotters was Bravado Vale (Kilmore Trotters Cup)

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Great to see Dancingwithsierra get the chocolates for the Hoban's after losing their father Frank recently.

It was a fantastic salute from driver Gary too......a peep to the heavens just before the post as well.

Condolences and congratulations to the Hobans. No doubt Frank's life will be celebrated with some entertaining memories.

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Originally Posted by Amlin

Popular former Melbourne horseman Frank Hoban has died at age 90. Sons Shane and Gary followed their dad into the sport.


When I worked at HR Weekly over 10 years ago I interviewed Frank, a former boxer in his youth. At that stage he was the last trainer on the Gower Park track in Preston, and would jog his horse in the traffic down Murray Road every morning for pacework on the track. He always promised me a ride around the track (must have had a double jog cart) but I never did get there. There was a photo I saw some years ago of a horse parked at the traffic lights which was on the front of the Harness Racer - perhaps it was Frank driving.


One of the real characters of our sport who would have taken a lot of yarns with him. One of his best trotters was Bravado Vale (Kilmore Trotters Cup)

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In keeping with celebrating the life of Frank Hoban.
Gower Park trials, of a Sunday morning, were a big part of my introduction to the sport. Way too young to have driven around the circuit 'laughs' but I can remember it having three corners rather than two bends, tighter than the Showgrounds. Many of the doyens of the sport including Gordon Rothacker, Phonse Hickey trialled there and young drivers like Ginger Gleeson developed their skills. I think Ging was a bit of a demon around Gower Park 'smiles'.
With the Northland Drive-in adjoining, the car parking for the horse floats and trucks along Gower St found it doubling as scabs alley for the more frugal young lad of a Friday night (obviously keeping their dosh for a dabble on the trots). And for those who doubt the intentions of a young lad, the hang on the car window speakers could be turned up over the fence :)

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Originally Posted by arlington

In keeping with celebrating the life of Frank Hoban.
Gower Park trials, of a Sunday morning, were a big part of my introduction to the sport. Way too young to have driven around the circuit 'laughs' but I can remember it having three corners rather than two bends, tighter than the Showgrounds. Many of the doyens of the sport including Gordon Rothacker, Phonse Hickey trialled there and young drivers like Ginger Gleeson developed their skills. I think Ging was a bit of a demon around Gower Park 'smiles'.
With the Northland Drive-in adjoining, the car parking for the horse floats and trucks along Gower St found it doubling as scabs alley for the more frugal young lad of a Friday night (obviously keeping their dosh for a dabble on the trots). And for those who doubt the intentions of a young lad, the hang on the car window speakers could be turned up over the fence :)

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Gower Park track looks like still there! Reckon used to be red scoria? Now called Blake Park by look of it. Drive In now a big shopping centre. Over to right where Bunnings is used to be Preston Hostel. Where I first ‘landed’ back in late 60’s as a young lad. Can remember waking up first morning seeing Drive In screen and think was a huge cricket sightscreen. Wasn’t there for long but can recall seeing horses going round one morning and wondering what was going on.

hahahah! Turning speakers up near fence worked at many Drive Ins!!

I was there about 3 years ago and took some photos. The track still there along with some distance markers and track use regulation signs and the tie up area. Track is like a square with rounded edges. How they ran fields of eight around it amazes me!

On the above pic the tie up and wash area is on the corner near the word Park, beside what is now the Northland Homemaker Centre.

Bad drives are a dime a dozen but I can't remember one as bad as R7 Mildura tonight for a while

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Originally Posted by brent_L

Bad drives are a dime a dozen but I can't remember one as bad as R7 Mildura tonight for a while

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Silly thing is Brent the horse that went from 1/1 to try to get to the death is a Mildura local Trainer Driver.
With a Cramp horse leading (2nd Fav) and a Cramp horse in the death seat (4th Fav), and you are $28.70 whats the real chance of you gettin the death?
Zero.

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Originally Posted by Toohard

Gower Park track looks like still there! Reckon used to be red scoria? Now called Blake Park by look of it. Drive In now a big shopping centre. Over to right where Bunnings is used to be Preston Hostel. Where I first ‘landed’ back in late 60’s as a young lad. Can remember waking up first morning seeing Drive In screen and think was a huge cricket sightscreen. Wasn’t there for long but can recall seeing horses going round one morning and wondering what was going on.

hahahah! Turning speakers up near fence worked at many Drive Ins!!

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You dared to venture over the creek into Heidelberg West Paul?! The red scoria might have been on the athletic track built as part of the Olympic Village for the '56 Melbourne Games, upper right corner in the pic.

Kyle, did you pick a vantage point to call the trials? Not sure if they called them. Don't think the late maestro Bruce Skeggs OAM called but would have graced being a long term Heidelberg Councillor and MLA for Ivanhoe. Can't remember any mobile starts...imagine getting up to release speed let alone hitting the first bend! How about, for a bit of nostalgia, Hunter Cup stand qualifiers head to Gower Park :eek:

I did more racing at the athletic track myself Wayne - your local knowledge makes me think we may have lived closed to each other at some point. As well as that I taught in West Heidelberg for 10yrs

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Originally Posted by Maorisidol

Silly thing is Brent the horse that went from 1/1 to try to get to the death is a Mildura local Trainer Driver.
With a Cramp horse leading (2nd Fav) and a Cramp horse in the death seat (4th Fav), and you are $28.70 whats the real chance of you gettin the death?
Zero.

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And the exact score out of ten I award for the drive.

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Originally Posted by Messenger

I did more racing at the athletic track myself Wayne - your local knowledge makes me think we may have lived closed to each other at some point. As well as that I taught in West Heidelberg for 10yrs

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Might be getting a bit of topic Kev so I'll bring up Bruce Skeggs OAM again. I take it he never got your vote :) Dips my lid, 10 years teaching in West Heidelberg! I knew a girl who did her student teaching rounds at Waterdale High. Lived out past 'borough but knew the ath's track well, mainly driving past but had a run around or two, Watsonia High School aths. Left the area in my mid 20's.

Anyone out there clued up on the D Graham situation in Brizzy?? He has just had all his horses SCR today......order of stewards.

Yes - a misunderstanding between on-course vet, stewards and Darrell meant that Darrell, who was looking out for the welfare of his horses, gave his horses a drink of water with molasses (bought from stewards)... this was done after consultation with the vet and steward at stables only for the broader steward team to declare it as giving his horses an unfair advantage and therefore ordering his horses scratched.

I understand that in every other normal part of Australia, allowing your horses to drink before a race (with or without molasses) is permitted. Seems QLD stewards are of a different view.

Darrell had one of mine in today (now scratched) and I am glad he did what he did - I would much prefer my horse have a drink and be scratched rather than dehydrate... just wish the stewards could have some common sense (and trust their on-course vets) a little more...

We move on...

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Originally Posted by Sofoulis

Yes - a misunderstanding between on-course vet, stewards and Darrell meant that Darrell, who was looking out for the welfare of his horses, gave his horses a drink of water with molasses (bought from stewards)... this was done after consultation with the vet and steward at stables only for the broader steward team to declare it as giving his horses an unfair advantage and therefore ordering his horses scratched.

I understand that in every other normal part of Australia, allowing your horses to drink before a race (with or without molasses) is permitted. Seems QLD stewards are of a different view.

Darrell had one of mine in today (now scratched) and I am glad he did what he did - I would much prefer my horse have a drink and be scratched rather than dehydrate... just wish the stewards could have some common sense (and trust their on-course vets) a little more...

We move on...

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Gday Adam. Are you serious?? You paying up to have your horse trained and race and they do that?

Maybe Darrells bucket was 50mm too wide.

Beggars belief!

Ha! Yeah, I did ask him to re-measure his bucket and to check that his shoe laces matched his underwear... he had all of that covered... but alas, he can lead a horse to water but if a steward doesn't allow it to drink.......

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Originally Posted by Sofoulis

Ha! Yeah, I did ask him to re-measure his bucket and to check that his shoe laces matched his underwear... he had all of that covered... but alas, he can lead a horse to water but if a steward doesn't allow it to drink.......

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Gobsmacked! Thought Ballarat Cup fiasco silliest thing I ever witnessed but Qld go one better. Feel for you.

What has happened to the results for races 3 & 6 at Kilmore tonight

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-re...I150115&ms=vic

A great sight later today (Friday) when Scottsdale races their once a year meeting on the TAB/SKY circuit on SKY2 from just after 5pm Melbourne time.


All stand start racing around a track which circles the local footy ground about 740 metres around with a straight of 80 metres. Apparently they get a big roll-up of people too. Another of those quaint little venues that have been a part of the sport forever on the Apple Isle.


Fields - http://www.harness.org.au/fields.cfm?mc=SC160115

https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/i...p_d3xhPnDsGpMw

Sadly just one race before abandoned

Is Anthony Robinson whipping the winner for 100m after the post?

http://www.harness.org.au/meeting-re...sa#GDM17011502

Jesus, The guy must be an Idiot, The horse has won the race so why keep hitting it.

Fair go gents. Think you'll find Anthony was trying to steer clear of the 450kg beast running uncontrollably up his backside.

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Originally Posted by Richard prior

Jesus, The guy must be an Idiot, The horse has won the race so why keep hitting it.

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Looked to me the horse started to pullup a bit early immediately before the line, he was reminding it to keep giving and run thru the line imo...

It's a real pet hate of mine Ash, I don't like seeing a horse getting flogged after going past the post or if it's well beaten before the line.

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Originally Posted by Maorisidol

Looked to me the horse started to pullup a bit early immediately before the line, he was reminding it to keep giving and run thru the line imo...

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Yeah I think you might be right Ash

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Originally Posted by Maorisidol

Looked to me the horse started to pullup a bit early immediately before the line, he was reminding it to keep giving and run thru the line imo...

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Probably right Ash, Maybe it was knocking off just before the line, A lot can do that that.

Quick mention to Avonnova, well done last night coming down from Qld and running a 1:52.8 wining the FFA at Menangle.

With so many pink colours going around it was bound to happen one day Kev, especially with that split coming and considering the posn of the horses when you had last called them. No matter to the owners - they owned both