From rogue to Group 1 company
WHO would ever have thought the Darren Kolpin trained galloper Jester Halo would be racing in Group 1 company, which she will do in the $500,000 C.F. Orr Stakes at Caulfield tomorrow.
Especially when almost 12 months to the day, jockey Damian Thornton got off the mare after she had run fourth at Naracoorte after giving him a torrid ride.
Kolpin, the former track manager here at Mount Gambier and now in a similar role at Hamilton, then took her to Penola for a trial on February 26 and Thornton refused to get back on her.
Kolpin had three horses in the trial and Horsham jockey Christine Puls switched from one of those to Jester Halo.
As it turned out, Jester Halo won the trial quite easily and it has been a fairytale ride ever since.
Puls was in the saddle for her next two starts, winning at Terang and Warrnambool and has retained the ride at all nine starts since.
It is sometimes seen as a bold move to put a country jockey on when you head to the city, but Kolpin stuck by Puls and was rewarded with his first Melbourne winner when Jester Halo saluted in a $100,000 race at Caulfield almost a fortnight ago to win her sixth race at start number 13.
And, what a thrill for her Mount Gambier owners Rob and Christine Stutley, their son Mark and his wife Melanie.
They have been strong supporters of local racing for a long time and Jester Halo duly gave them their first Melbourne success.
Walters explains his departure
ONE of the main topics in racing circles of late has been in regards to Mount Gambier trainer Wayne Walters transferring his big team of horses to Sale in eastern Victoria.
Walters, who has the biggest stable in the Limestone Coast, has just returned to Mount Gambier from New Zealand and agreed to talk to The Border Watch this week to give his reasons for relocation.
He is leaving Mount Gambier bitter and disillusioned about the track reconstruction and the future of racing here, after 15 years as a trainer in this city.
“One load of horses have already gone and I am waiting on the availability of floats for the rest to go,” he said.
“The facilities at Sale are second to none and it will be at least 2-3 weeks before any of them will race over there as they are only half fit at present.”
When asked whether the move would be temporary until the reconstruction here is fully complete, Walters was adamant “no, it’s permanent”.
Walters said he felt not enough consideration was given to the needs of trainers with the current reconstruction.
“It is a shambles,” he said.
“The drains were supposed to be completed by December 27 and only three were done.”
“The trainers were originally allowed to use the main grass track until 8am, but at 6.58am one morning (they) were already out here working, with workers crossing the track while horses were being galloped.”
Mr Walters also suggested that the track would not be safe to work on this winter as there would be dips on the crossings.
His daughter/jockey Kate owns the property currently occupied by the Walters stable at the racecourse, and it is unknown at this stage what will happen to that.
So, will Kate and husband/trainer Kane Post be heading to Sale as well?
“We will see what happens once I’ve settled in and the dust has settled,” Walters said.
Following that discussion The Border Watch contacted the Mount Gambier Racing Club in fairness that they be given the right of reply.
President John Fartch and club manager Brett Watson were present at the meeting and both agreed the vast majority of local trainers are pleased with the way the reconstruction is going, even though it is an inconvenience.
Regarding consultation with trainers, two meetings have been held and emails have been sent to them to keep them up to date with what is going on and in regards to seeking reimbursement for travelling to Millicent for track work.
As far as times are concerned for use of the track by trainers and workers, Mr Fartch said both parties have been guilty of pushing the boundaries, which has now been resolved.
Basically, the reconstruction is going to schedule and, as is often the case, there have been a couple of little hiccups along the way.
Irrigating the course proper will commence next week (on time) and the steeplechase (inner) course is expected to reopen within two to three weeks.
A track inspection of the steeplechase course, with trainers invited to attend, will be held next Friday (February 16) and “the track will not be reopened unless it’s safe to ride on,” Watson stated.
Considering the issue with wet weather in previous years, overall the works are required to bring the track up to a standard which Mr Watson said would make it one of the best draining tracks in the country.
Achievements rewarded
MENTION the name Kelvin Burns around the Edenhope area and you will get a positive reaction from residents.
Especially in regards to local sport, the local show society and the Patyah CFA and it is the Edenhope Race Club that has benefited with his outstanding contribution over a significant number of years.
Burns has held every committee position at the club and is a life member.
On Australia Day, Burns was recognised for his community efforts and was presented with the 2018 West Wimmera Shire Council Citizen of the Year award.
Currently, Burns is the track manager of the Edenhope racecourse which will come to life early next month with the Edenhope cup meeting on Saturday, March 10.
Crowds on the increase
VERY good news for local harness racing with a significant rise in attendances at the past two meetings.
The crowd last Friday night for the Glencoe cup meeting was the biggest (except for Gold Cup night) for a couple of years.
It would have been more had the footballer’s relay gone ahead but, from eight clubs agreeing to the race four days prior to the meeting, it fizzled out to a non event on race morning.
Obviously our local football clubs did not want the keg of beer and associated prizes that went with the relay.
The club has not given up on the idea and is considering inviting soccer and baseball clubs to participate if and when it comes to fruition.
Caused an upset
NARACOORTE trainer Sue Murphy warmed up for her home town cup this weekend with a winner at Strathalbyn last Sunday.
Regular stable rider apprentice Victor Wong was aboard Hasta La Red ($24.90) which improved enormously at his third run this campaign to take out the 1600 metre class two.
And Naracoorte apprentice Justin Huxtable chalked up another winner at Murray Bridge on Wednesday on the Grant Young trained Snip Of Magic ($3.40 fav.) in the 900 metre BM 60 handicap.
