text: « previous next » Print Search Pages: 1 ... 6 7 8 9 10 ... 12 Go Down Author Topic: Trot Tactics Denis Smith (Read 371479 times) 0 Members and 2 Guests are viewing this topic. Arsenal VIP Club Group 1 User 194 Posts: 15979 « 2017-Jun-18, 03:40 PM Reply #175 » TROT TACTICS 17/06/2017.. The Queensland Winter Carnival of Harness racing is up and running, with the four major Redcliffe features, conducted on June 2nd and June 9th. On the first night, the Garrards, $100,000 Yearling Sale Final, which went to Gold Reactor,was prepared by juvenile specialist, Kylie Rasmussen, with Chris Petroff in the sulky. The support event was The Redcliffe Derby, which fell to Paternity Suit, trained and driven by Grant Dixon. The second night saw the running of the Redcliffe Gold Cup, won by Kept under Wraps (Adam Sanderson for Vicki Rasmussen) supported by The Redcliffe Oaks which went the way of Eleniark, giving Grant Dixon a clean sweep of the peninsula 3yo Classics. The Albion Park segment of the Carnival kicks off on July 1, with four "black type events including the Premiers Cup at $30,000, ramping up to the $50,000 Garrards Sunshine Sprint and the $75,000 Queensland Oaks on july 8th. The carnival comes to a climax the following Saturday, July 15th with two divisions of the 2yo triad Finals at $100,000 apiece, and The Blacks A Fake set at $200,000. all up there will have been $746,929 up for grabs. Meanwhile, on today's home front, we have Kilcoy on the grass. Proving ever more popular with the upper Brisbane Valley crowd, the dual code (three trots and seven gallops) meeting looks set to provide a great day's racing. The only "downer" in the deal is the policy of trots on first, followed by the thoroughbreds. Obviously, an alternating mix is the "beau ideal", but somewhere some in the fog of logistical reasoning is the answer which escapes most of us. In an exercise which will please harness history buffs,the Harness Racing South Australia Board are delighted to announce that the Trots are returning to the Wayville Showgrounds on Friday 27 Otober 2017. This will be the first race meeting at Wayville meeting since 1973.Home to the South Australian harness racing from 1925 to 1973, the Wayville Track was described as racing in a coliseum. Especially during the 1950s and 60s, crowds flocked to the track in the halcyon days of the sport with names such as Webster, Holberton, Messenger and Shinn being household names.Wayville was also the scene of some of harness racing greatest ever moments including the 1963 Inter Dominion won by New Zealand champion Cardigan Bay before a record crowd of 45,000 people. Cardigan Bay was the first harness horse in the world to win $1 million in prize money. With Wayvilles proximity to the city and excellent public transport options, the HRSA Board is expecting a massive crowd in attendance with a great night of racing and entertainment with a back to the 70s retro theme. On the controversial matter of the future of whips, Harness Racing Australia chairman Geoff Want said progress had been made but safety issues meant the move away from whips would not be complete by September 1st. Instead there will be changes to strengthen whip rules to help with the transition."This is likely to mean that only an extremely limited wrist action will be allowed in racing. That would make the use of the whip in Australian harness racing among the most controlled in the world, and we will impose some of the heaviest penalties for misuse." If such teeth were written into the rule, and were indeed applied across the board, it would go a long way towards building public confidence in the harness approach to animal cruelty issues. Last week, the topic of external revenue streams for harness via the development of the Albion Park, and just who would have the say as to what shape that project should take, was "big news". If external income IS the way to go then surely the battle for ownership must still be raging, as the need for income from some direction has not, and will not go away. However all the fire seems to have been extinguished. This is sad, as any discussion, whether based on "the moral high ground", or any other foundation is more helpful than silence to the hobbyists who will be left behind with the ruins of harness, while the high rollers relocate. Don't forget Ebert's Horse and Gear Sale at Marburg Showground next Sunday June 25th at 9.00am.. Race horses and broodmares are wanted, so don't miss the chance. Details from Darren Ebert .. 0410 668 176.. The leader board is doing it tough this week with Trevor Lambourn top trainer landing two winners while Kelli Dawson stood front and centre with three winning efforts in the sulky. Most pleasing, was Calvert Hot Shot at Redcliffe Thursday, showing that Ray Cross is clawing his way back to prominence after setbacks. Scott Rains was in the bike. Resultsville.. Redcliffe 09/06.. Bella Rippin (Kelli Dawson for Jamie Donovan).. Kept Under Wraps (Adam Sanderson for Vicki Rasmussen).. Seven Rippin Aces (Kelli Dawson for Jamie Donovan).. Albion Park 10/06.. Feel The Courage (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. I'm Born To Rule (Gary Whitaker for Kenny Rattray).. Marburg 10/06.. Action Girl (Trent Dawson).. Jack Hammer (Trevor Lambourn).. The Endeavour (Nathan Dawson for John McMullen).. My Wingman (Nathan Dawson for Ricky Gordon).. Albion Park 13/06.. With Authority (Narissa McMullen for John McMullen).. Smiling Armada (Chris Petroff for Trevor Lambourn).. Destreos (Kelli Dawson for Kenny Rattray)..Redcliffe 14/06.. Its All Go (Matt Elkins).. Calvert Hot Shot (Scott Rains for Ray Cross).. # Logged Arsenal VIP Club Group 1 User 194 Posts: 15979 « 2017-Jun-25, 08:13 PM Reply #176 » "TROT TACTICS" 24/06/2017.. The first round of infrastructure grants for country race clubs has been decided with Racing Queensland distributing just short of $700,000. Marburg was the happy recipient of a sum designated for maintenance of the track surface, which, barring bizarre weather episodes, should keep us up and running fast for some time to come. Given that people like to plan their leisure activities well ahead, we need to remind you that our next race meeting will be held on Saturday July 8th. Come and join us, we promise exciting racing and a value packed day out. The Fast Work Horse Supplies "pick the card" jackpot has hit the $1,100 mark, and surely someone must get skilful and lucky soon. Don't forget, there is only one jackpot and it must be split if there are multiple winners. However, where do you get the chance at a free $100 bet with the bookie for a lucky gate draw. The "Funny Money" bookie will be back in action due to patron pressure and we give you the betting ammunition for free. Win a heap and turn it into fancy goods at the auction after the last race.. For those participants looking to update their harness, tomorrow, Sunday 25/06 is the day, Marburg show grounds is the place, and start time is 9.00am. Darren Ebert will auction a large quantity of pre-owned harness. Canteen and Bar will be in full swing. Bring your money with you!! New face, Amajorjo, could be a winter carnival "smokey". The lightly raced but richly talented pacer has joined the stables of Chantal Turpin and Pete McMullen recently and is ready to race following some quiet trials.His latest public workout came on Tuesday at Albion Park when he finished 7th behind the likes of Frankie Rocks, Hughie Green and Smooth Showgirl among others in a time of 1:56.0, with McMullen not asking too much. Amorjojo has been absent from the racetrack since appearing at Globe Derby in April last year. The son of Art Major and Jolaura (Echelon)has won 16 races,7 seconds and 5 thirds from 52 starts while banking more than $116,000 in stakes. Watch this space!In an effort to broaden the base of the driver's pyramid in Victoria,the Association of Victorian Country Harness Racing Clubs, Harness Racing Training Centre Bendigo and Harness Racing Victoria have run 23 concession drivers series races this season.The series, restricted to drivers who are yet to win 25 races, culminates at Bendigo on Tuesday night with a 10-horse C1 class event, and appears to have done a good job in providing opportunity for those not attached to large successful stables.There have been 195 horses contest the series and Tuesday night will see one lucky trainer who has been involved in the races drawn randomly for a $2000 cash prize. From a turnover point of view these races have produced the following encouraging statistics: 41% of favourites have won at an average price of $1.97. 50% of winners have come from barriers 4, 5 or 6. 27% of winners have led. It seems that Harness Racing Victoria, in the course of its' efforts to provide encouragement for interested people to enter the sport at a realistic and achievable level, have demonstrated that such a policy is acceptable to the average punter. Such a growth oriented policy would sit well in Queensland, if WE are, in fact, focussed on expansion rather than contraction in the Sunshine State!! Resultsville.. Albion Park 16/06.. Charms On A Roll (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. Raesawinner (Chris Petroff for Ron Sallis).. Albion Park 17/06.. Montcalm (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. Flaming Hero (Matt Elkins for Greg Elkins).. Croft Bay (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. Bull Market (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. Our Dainty Lady (Darrell Graham) .. Albion Park 20/06.. Subtle Advice (Nathan Dawson for Don Hancock).. Timmo time (Adam Sanderson for Shawn Grimsey).. Ferdinand (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. Corey ODonohue (Narissa McMullen for Ron Sallis).. Bettabe Perfect (Pete for Chantal Turpin).. Redcliffe 21/06.. Fiery Bluechip (Danielle McMullen for John McMullen).. Stayintowntonight (Gary Whitaker for Bill Crosby).. Tarin Kowt (Narissa McMullen for Ron Sallis).. Kalinda (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. Cheers Kathy (Brittany Graham for Darrell Graham).. Redcliffe 22/06.. Chocolate Handful (Dan Russell for Gavin Crone).. My Wingman (Nathan Dawson for Ricky Gordon).. Ashleys Angel (Gary Whitaker for Darren Hooper).. Xtraordinary Lombo (Nathan Dawson for Mitchell Dawson).. Ruato Bay (Scott Rains for Ron Sallis).. Some leader board this week. A complete rout of the opposition by team Turpin-McMullen. Chantal Turpin served up seven winners, and Pete McMullen had the pleasure of driving them. A re-run of the English Gallops in the late 1700s... Eclipse first, and the rest nowhere!! Most pleasing effort, Chocolate Handful at Redcliffe on Thursday, with Daniel Russell helping Gavin Crone to demonstrate that patience is a virtue. # Logged Arsenal VIP Club Group 1 User 194 Posts: 15979 « 2017-Jul-02, 08:03 PM Reply #177 » "TROT TACTICS" 01/07/2017.. High profile New Zealand trainer/driver, Mark Jones', Winter Carnival aspirations suffered a blow when high class mare, Rocker Band, went to join millionaire pacer Bling It On as a patient at Gatton University . (Chris Barsby continues). "After arriving last week and joining her stablemates Delightful Memphis and Kowhai Monarch, the Mark Jones trained mare was struck down by acute case of travel sickness and was rushed to Gatton for further treatment."She was very crook when she arrived and Scott Miller, (host trainer) was rather concerned. After his vet checked her over, he recommended we send her to Gatton. Since being there she has stabilised but we may have found another issue with an abscess in her back region and it may require an operation." Mark Jones said. Rocker Band was being considered for a number of features in the coming weeks, open class events plus the $20,000 Fleur De Lil Ladyship Stakes on July 8.The Rocknroll Hanover mare, a daughter of New Zealand Cup winner, Mainland Banner, finished a luckless third in the Gr.3 $31,800 Frith Stakes at TABCORP Park, Menangle on June 17.The proven Group One winner is raced by Gold Coast businessman Greg Brodie, of Courage Under Fire fame and has enjoyed little luck on Australian soil this campaign "It's disappointing but her health is the most important thing because she is so valuable as a broodmare, she's a great racemare while her pedigree is as good as anything in this part of the world."I was looking at a number of features with her in Brisbane but the focus is getting her back to full health."I can't thank Scott enough for the effort he went to last week, he went above and beyond and basically saved her. I'm forever thankful to him for that." Jones continued. Don't forget that Marburg races next Saturday, July 8th. Pick the card comp has jackpotted to $1100, Monster raffle, $100 gate entry betting voucher and a valuable piece of locally crafted jewelry will head the Funny Money auction after the last race. Best Burgers, lowest bar prices and a new winter gourmet delight on the hot menu makes it a day not to miss. Adults $5, Pensioners and Students $3 and Racebooks $3. Just be there! Equality of the sexes was hammered home last Saturday night with three female drivers taking out half of the ten race program. Doubles to Madi Dux and Trista Dixon with Isobel Ross scoring in the opening event. What was an exclusively male world half a century ago has become the land of opportunity for the girls. We have come a long way from suffragette Emily Davison throwing herself to her death under the King's horse Anmer in the English Derby of 1913 in the quest for women's votes. One for the good news basket was the announcement that Racing Queensland (RQ) will enhance returns to racing industry participants in 2017/18 by increasing prize money. RQ CEO Dr Eliot Forbes said commercial decisions made by the new RQ Board have led to better than forecast financial results allowing for the budget increase next year.RQ has a strategic goal over the next three years to boost prize money in a sustainable manner and to continue to invest in significant infrastructure projects across all three codes, while working with clubs to improve attendance and commercial returns.From a harness racing perspective, with a $505,000 slice of the pie, Redcliffes Wednesday and Thursday programs will be increased with the eight race programs to consist of five races at $4,450 and three races at $3,450.Additionally an extra 2YO QBRED Breeders Series has been added which will culminate with two $25,000 finals, one for colts and geldings and one for fillies and the QBRED win bonus scheme will be enhanced with 4YOs now eligible for a $2,500 bonus for their first 4YO win (this is in addition to the existing $7,500 on offer for eligible horses first 2YO win and 3YO win). With the July program already published, there will be some additional money for that month, with the schedule above, kicking in from August 1st. From an overall training and driving perspective, some weeks are a feast and some weeks a famine across the greater Ipswich footprint. It looked like the latter last week with local trainers and drivers having input to one or both disciplines for no less than 25 winners spread across 6 meetings. The leader board, while containing no unfamiliar names, produced a change with Nathan Dawson logging six wins in the sulky with Pete McMullen close up on five. Chantal Turpin made sure that the Patrick Estate stable maintained its current form, leading in five winners for the week. Most pleasing were Steve Bunz with Change The Nation, and Rob Gorman for Trevor Lambourn scoring with Just Leave.. ResultvilleAlbion Park 23/06..One Last Roll (Narissa McMullen for Mark Rees).. Heavens Hint (Nathan Dawson for Stewie Dickson).. Wicked Time (Adam Sanderson for Vicki Rasmussen).. Shareapassion (Pete McMullenfor Chantal Turpin).. Bull Market (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. Albion Park 24/06.. Annika Magic (Matt Elkins for Kerry Smith).. Rory Mach (Darrell Graham).. Miss Irish Rose (Adam Sanderson for Ian Gurney).. Mattgregor (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. Redcliffe 26/06.. Magnussen (Lachie Manzelmann for Brittany Graham).. Ima Sea Storm (Nathan Dawson for Graeme White).. Change the Nation (Nathan Dawson for Steve Bunz).. My Change Of Heart (Nathan Dawson for Ricky Gordon).. Just Leave (Rob Gorman for Trevor Lambourn).. Albion Park 27/06.. Northern Muscle (Denis Smith).. Bettabe Perfect Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. How We Roll (Gary Whitaker for Bill Crosby).. I'm Born To Rule (Gary Whitaker for Kenny Rattray).. Redcliffe 28/06.. Kalinda (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. My Wingman (Nathan Dawson for Ricky Gordon).. Corey William (Nathan Dawson for Peter Greig).. Redcliffe 29/06.. Slippery Jade (Gary Whitaker for Bill Crosby).. Doolittle Dandy (Leonard Cain for Ricky Hart).. Bob Gage (Gary Whitaker for Ron Sallis).. I'm Johnny Jet (Darrell Graham).. # Logged Arsenal VIP Club Group 1 User 194 Posts: 15979 « 2017-Jul-09, 09:23 PM Reply #178 » "TROT TACTICS" 08/07/2017.. We have told you all about today's Marburg trot meeting in the last two issues. Now it is your turn to rock up and share in the fun and excitement. $1,100 is the "pick the card" jackpot The "funny money "man is back in action, with a big ticket item for the auction after the last race. Trials at 11.00am and the first race on the card kicks off at 12.15pm.. Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate came out on the side of Greyhounds and Harness last week when he called for a dual code facility, "PARKLANDS 2", to be built in the northern area of the Coast. He is, of course, smack on the money, and to clone what was by a long way the best complex in Australia, and the only "trust" in Queensland to run consistently in profit, is to take a giant leap in the forward direction for the minor codes in Queensland. Tate has written to Racing Queensland on the matter. The rest of us are waiting for a positive response, and will be horrified and disgusted if it is not forthcoming.This week we have yet another proposal designed to cure the ills which beset harness racing, not only in Queensland, but, seemingly, Australia wide. A call was made for submissions from interested, and in some cases, concerned parties. Every proposal and comment received was debated as a part of a National Handicapping Meeting in Melbourne last month and was evaluated against commonly agreed programming philosophies and measurements to provide: Competitive Racing; Attractive wagering propositions; Racing opportunities for all ages, classes, abilities and gaits; Full, balanced fields; Prizemoney returns/spread for as many owners as possible; and Encourage racetrack longevity. Following robust debate, HRA was tasked with the design and testing of a prizemoney based Points Ratings system, in conjunction to considering and analysing the continued development of RWWAs proposed Win Only Conditioned System on a National Scale.Subsequently, HRA have developed a Ratings Based Handicapping System (RBHS) which assigns points to a horses lifetime performances according to prizemoney bands and its finishing position.Having read the foregoing statement, this writer recommends that you examine the full document on the Australian Harness Racing site, under "Industry News". Please don't hesitate to contact "TROT TACTICS" with your views at <firstname.lastname@example.com>.. Vicki Leonard works on a thoroughbred stud in NSW. She has been studying part time. In the course of the study program, a discussion was held on the subject of the students full time jobs. The following questions arose. What do you do with the slow horses?How long do you think until thoroughbred horse racing is banned like greyhound racing? How many horses die racing each year?Their questions stemmed from genuine perplexity about why I would work in such a controversial, antiquated industry.My classmates, comprised of a well-educated, gender and culturally diverse mix of under-35s, simply had little to no knowledge of horse racing. When pressed on their reasons why, it was because they had limited interaction with the sport; it rarely hit their radar. Vicki's first stop was iSentia, a media monitoring company who have detailed access to traditional and social media content. iSentia completed an analysis to determine the attitude of young Australians toward horse racing, during the 2016 Spring Carnival when maximum attention was on the sport. iSentia found that Australias horse racing industry is in perception crisis and its future is under threat. Were losing our audience. Our supporter base is getting older every year, and the number of Australians who percieve racing negatively is increasing. Young Australians up to 35 years old either have no opinion about the sport, or if they do, its more likely to be negative than positive. A lot of their concerns relate to animal welfare. Despite being the biggest Facebook users, 18 to 34 year olds were the least engaged least on horse racing topics. 47.5% of horse racing social media content during the period was unfavourable in tone, while 28.7% was favourable and 23.8% neutral. In total there were 248,000 mentions of horse racing in association with animal cruelty. Users aged 1824 had the highest proportion of interactions on negative posts about animal cruelty. Savage competition for top spots on the leader board this week with Narissa McMullen logging five wins on the driver's sheet to nose out Nathan Dawson and Gary Whitaker on four apiece. Lower numbers but hard fought among the trainers with Chantal Turpin, Greg Elkins and John McMullen finishing tied at two winners each. Most pleasing was Taleah McMullen landing Stonebridge Royal a winner for Ryan Veivers. Resultsville. Albion Park 30/06.. Tygar (Nathan Dawson for Joe Taafe)..None Bettor (Nathan Dawson for Donny Smith).. Lansbury (Clint Sneddon for Frank Bennett).. Its Bettor Me (Narissa McMullen for Steven Cini).. Sicilian Slumber (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. Wicked Time (Adam Sanderson for Vicki Rasmussen).. Crowning Glory (Matt Elkins for Greg Elkins).. Albion Park 01/07.. Drive The Dream (Darrell Graham).. The Shady One (Trevor Lambourn).. Albion Park 04/07.. Northern Muscle (Denis Smith).. Franco Salisbury (Narissa McMullen for Christina Monte).. Feel the Reign (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. Redcliffe o5/07.. Royal Taz (Narissa McMullen for John McMullen).. Stayintowntonight (Gary Whitaker for Bill Crosby).. Karloo Mac (Pete McMullen for Josh Moore).. Cryptic Chance (Justin Elkins for Greg Elkins).. Celtic Cruza (Gary whitaker for Donny Smith).. Redcliffe 06/07.. Likes To Rock (Gary Whitaker for Vic Frost).. Comekissmequick (Matt Elkins for Kevin Joiner).. Sophies Pride (Nathan Dawson for Errol O'Shea).. Stonebridge Regal (Taleah McMullen for Ryan Veivers).. Jimmy Nga (Gary Whitaker for Lacey Hinze).. Black Belt (Narissa McMullen for Ron Sallis).. We Can Only Hope (Nathan Dawson for Warren Hinze).. Flashing Good Time (Narissa McMullen for John McMullen).. # Logged Arsenal VIP Club Group 1 User 194 Posts: 15979 « 2017-Jul-16, 08:01 PM Reply #179 » "TROT TACTICS".. 15/07/2017. The following is taken from an RQ Media post on the Australian harness website. Marburg is coming of age! It seems the Elkins family of Calvert, have found another smart horse, with Jax Navaro running a blistering time to take Race 4 and set a new course record at Marburg on Saturday afternoon.The five-year-old gelding by American Ideal out of Thorninmyside held off Win Or Die and Hannahs freedom to score over the 1850m in 1min 58.4sec.The previous record belonged to another Elkins stable star in the recently retired mare Purple Royale.Matt Elkins said: We have sorted him out now, and he is a real nice horse.Jax Navaro next steps out on Thursday (July 13) in Race 7 at Redcliffe. Matt retains the ride for his father Greg, and the pair will start from gate two. Another noted winner was the four-year-old stallion Newmerella Sharkie for Max and Brett Towns.Plagued by injury as a young horse, the lightly raced stallion has stepped out twice at Marburg for a win and a second.Out of the Perfect Art mare Dream Affect, the well put together Newmerella Sharkie is a half-brother to Towns handy pacer, Newmerella Fella. It was an exercise in patience for "Team Towns" which looks set to pay off handsomely in the years to come.Saturday proved a picture-perfect day for patrons and competitors at Marburg, following Fridays rain which threatened to hamper the meeting.The MPA committee would like to thank track curator Ron Knack, who worked tirelessly on Friday and Saturday morning to ensure that the meeting could proceed, a Marburg Pacing Association spokesperson said. "Knackie" is one of those gifted blokes who can turn his hand to anything and make a success of it, and the MPA is lucky to have him. The Pick the Card competition has jackpotted again, with $1150 up for grabs at the August 5 meeting. When you come to our race meeting on August 5th check out the fresh paint and repairs on some of the structures. The MPA was lucky enough to secure a crew of people seriously looking to expand their skills on their way back into the work force. These young men and women were under the banner of "Skills Alliance" which is contracted to the government funded enterprise "Skilling Queenslanders For Work". Thanks to the instruction and supervision supplied by licenced builder, Jared Wolff, the team completed a number of renovation jobs to a high standard. The MPA takes this opportunity to thank all the team for their efforts and also MPA committee member, Gradan McCoombes whose painting experience ensured that what went on, will stay on! It will be like the English classic TV show, "The last night of the Proms", when the curtain rises tonight at Albion Park. Six feature events will round out the Winter Carnival of 2017 with a total of $517,740 up for grabs. Jewel in the Queensland harness crown is "The Blacks A Fake" carrying a hefty $200,540. This race first saw the light of day in 1969, when it was the "Queensland Ten Thousand" , a standing start handicap over 2530 metres, and was won by Billy Adios (Kevin Newman (NSW). It suffered the first of numerous name changes in 1975 when it became the "Clive Uhr Championship" and Queensland pacing's adopted son, Paleface Adios, got the big end of $40,000. The last identity shuffle came in 2015 when tradition was broken, with the major portion of the prize staying here at home thanks to Our Hi Jinx trained by Ian Gurney at Chambers Flat.The Queensland Pacing Championship" then disappeared, after which the BAF assumed its current title. A modest leader board this week with Nathan Dawson out in front in the sulky, saluting on four occasions, while Ron Sallis and Darrell Graham tied the trainers department on two winners apiece. Most pleased owner was Colin Knox, whose patience with Enriques Me Dad (Lola Weidemann for Jay Edmunds) was rewarded at Redcliffe on Thursday Resultsville Albion Park 07/07..Raesawinner (Nathan Dawson for Ron Sallis).. Magnussen (Lachie Manzelmann for Brittany Graham).. Western Jewels (Adam Sanderson for Shawn Grimsey).. Albion Park 08/07.. Polished Rocks (Danielle McMullen for Steve Cini).. Zac Mac (Danielle McMullen for Darren Hooper).. Gidup Spanish Red (Nathan Dawson for Donny Smith).. Mr Mayfly (Gary Whitaker for Brad Connelly).. Marburg 07/08.. Highcloud Lass (Denis Smith).. Buddy Babcock (Dale Chalk for Nikki Chalk).. Razen Trouble (Adam Richardson for Darrell Graham).. Jax Navarro (Matt Elkins for Greg Elkins).. Mister Elegant (Clint Sneddon for Scott Williams).. Newmerella Sharkie (Brett Towns for Max Towns).. Albion Park 11/07.. Bettor Be Lucky (Adam Sanderson for Shannon Price).. Lancelot Bromac (Nathan Dawson for Stewie Dickson),.. Only In Rome (Trent Dawson).. Corey Odonohue (Narissa McMullen for Ron Sallis).. Redcliffe 12/07.. Chattanooga Choo Choo (Lachie Manzelmann for Darrell Graham).. Smiling Armada (Rob Gorman for Trevor Lambourn).. the Black Flash (Nathan Dawson for Donny Smith).. Redcliffe 13/07.. The Restauranteur (Adam Richardson).. Enriques Me Dad (Lola Weidemann for Colin Knox).. Jax Navarro (Matt Elkins for Greg Elkins).. # Logged Arsenal VIP Club Group 1 User 194 Posts: 15979 « 2017-Jul-23, 09:34 PM Reply #180 » "TROT TACTICS" 22/07/2017.. The lines of battle are being drawn up between the Albion Park Harness Racing Club and racing control body, Racing Queensland. Like most wars, it is a dispute over territory, that territory being the Albion Park harness and dog racing complex. Like all such disputes, there will be artillery in the form of barristers and solicitors, the ammunition will be words both, verbal and written, and there will be several referees. The time frame at this point is anybody's guess. The ultimate cost, like all wars, will be staggering. The end bearers of that cost will be the harness racing participants in general, and the hobbyists in particular. To a degree, the greyhounds will also experience negatives from a financial aspect. Albion Park, has fired the first shot with a full page advertisement in last Saturday's Courier Mail and the Brisbane City Council has made that shot more effective by rejecting RQ's current development application which does not include a racing facility. From the Sunday Mail 16/07. In rejecting the application on Friday 14/07, BCC planning Chairman, Julian Simmonds said "the entire Queensland racing fraternity needs to speak as one voice on the future of Albion Park". The only way that racing participants will come up with a majority decision will be if the practice of full disclosure applies. At this point, "Joe Average" harness participant, does not know who owns Albion Park, much less the actual benefits which might accrue from this current power struggle. We wait for the Minister and the Premier to supply this particular information. On a different, but apparently equally taboo subject, that of whips, another gathering was held last week in NSW under the auspices of HRNSW. The following is taken from an interview with John Dumesny, CEO of that august body, who believes that the road forward is tightening the way the whip is used, rather than an overall ban."We have to be aware of the public and community standards about the whip and its use," Dumesny said. "The whip itself is not cruel, it is the way it is used that can be seen to be cruel."The drivers see it as a safety and integrity issue for the sport, and it is important to wagering and punters' confidence. We need to modify the rules to move with community expectations, but at the same time maintain safety and integrity concerns. A whip convention last week, with drivers, trainers and administrators from every state attending, worked towards a set of rules acceptable to all.Dumesny said consistency was the most important factor in whip rules, so they could be applied across every meeting in Australia."We have told HRA that the whip will be continued ... in NSW, but we don't want to get to the stage where there are different rules in different states.""What we are looking towards is what is called a wrist-only method of using the whip," Dumesny said. "We held the convention last week, where there was a consensus that we need to work on the whip rules."It was a very good discussion from everyone involved from around the country. In the afternoon session the drivers got in a gig and showed their whip action as it is now, and how they would see it under changes to the rules."We feel we have the support of the other states and continue to work with them, and there will be another meeting this week to get the right outcomes."The main thing we want to work towards is something that is easily understandable and ENFORCED by stewards." The sad part of all this, is that for all the positive vibes coming from this move by NSW, none of the more vociferous supporters of cruelty free racing in the Sunshine State, would have been aware of this particular convention, much less be invited to contribute to the discussion. Racing administrators, and a number of key participants in Qld need to be reminded of the old axiom that "decency",is only indecency's conspiracy of silence!! The late Tony Price was often the source of accurate comment. At a Botra meeting some years back, the "Big Fella" stated that Queensland was the easiest State for a horse to win $100,000. A quick check of stats for Darrell Graham's cash cow, Montana Falcon, indicate that lifetime earnings from 163 starts, stand at $209,995. The super impressive factor here is that MF is still assessed at M0. Talk about well managed!!A nice spread on the leader board this week with Tess Neaves, Chantal Turpin, and Trevor Lambourn leading in two winners apiece while Nathan Dawson and Gary Whitaker shared driving honours posting thee winners each. Most pleasing was Tess Neaves' double at Albion Park Thursday.Resultsville.. Albion Park 14/07.. Threo (Chantal Turpin).. Heavens Hint (Nathan Dawson for Stewie Dickson).. Lighting Colony (Gary Whitaker for Donny Smith).. Nolonga Your Choice (Trevor Lambourn).. Ashton K (Gary Whitaker for Trevor Lambourn).. Village Cruiser (Adam Richardson for Dave Russell).. Albion Park 15/07.. nil... Albion Park 18/07.. Tygar (Adam Sanderson for Joe Taafe).. Destreos (Kelli Dawson for Kenny Rattray).. I'm The Golden Child (Dean Cernovskis for Megan Cockburn).. Montana Falcon (Adam Sanderson for Darrell Graham)..Redcliffe 19/07.. Weedons Express (Taleah McMullen for John McMullen).. Cheers Kathy (Brittany Graham for Darrell Graham).. Slippery Jade (Gary Whitaker for Bill Crosby).. Mach Torque (Chantal Turpin).. Albion Park 20/07.. Princess Jessica (Nathan Dawson for Doug Lee).. Hammerhoff (Nathan Dawson for Narissa McMullen).. Riverleigh Jeff (Steve Doherty for Tess Neaves).. Call Me Yours (Steve Doherty for Tess Neaves).. Gallymont Sport (Trent Dawson).. Surface To Air (Greg Elkins).. # Logged Arsenal VIP Club Group 1 User 194 Posts: 15979 « 2017-Jul-30, 10:07 PM Reply #181 » "TROT TACTICS" 29/07/2017.. For the forward planners, Marburg races next Saturday, August 5th. I know it's not an easy task, requiring not only judgement but a fair slab of luck, but the "Pick the Card" jackpot now stands as a nice bet at $1150 to $3, with the entry form in the race book. if you got really lucky, you could snag the gate prize of $100 to bet with the bookie. Raffles, Funny Money Bookie, its all there with burgers and beers at budget prices. Top country trotting on a sunny winter afternoon. Gates open 10.00am. $5 adults, students, pensioners and race books $3.. At last, the burning question has been answered. In a comprehensive interview with race caller David Fowler, the CEO of Racing Queensland, Dr. Eliot Forbes, has revealed that RQ is indeed the owner of the Albion Park complex. That one key factor may enable participants to better understand the thought processes on which major decisions are taken in formulating RQ's much publicised "20 year" infrastructure plan. Any decisions made on the future of Albion Park will obviously be aimed at putting the complex on an enduring "cash cow" footing. The demographic suitability exercise for population growth, both people and racing animals, conducted earlier this year by Deloitte Services, strongly recommended the southern and WESTERN (greater Ipswich footprint) growth corridors, as sites for a greyhound and trotting track in each area. Dr Forbes made it crystal clear that any income derived from an RQ development of Albion Park would be spent over all RQ's infrastructure needs, stressing that the end result, while a step in the right direction, would not deliver a vast fortune, but be a reliable anchor for the codes. Dr Forbes then stated that overall, the last financial year 2016/17 had provided a positive result on turnover figures (Queensland product) Gallops were up by 12.8%, and Dogs, which we understand were already in profit, were better by 8.4%. Sadly, harness performed poorly, with Qld product down by 4.5% on the 15/16 term. Obviously, we in harness are not doing it right. Our leaders have to examine all the wagering focussed initiatives applied to harness in the last 20 years to determine where we went wrong. From the infrastructure project viewpoint, we could do a lot worse than double up on Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate's proposition. Build one complex in each corridor to the specification of the original Parklands(tracks both sides of a walk through grandstand) but to include a one turn dog track as well. Further, it should be required that the tenant clubs agree to conduct a MAJORITY OF DUAL CODE MEETINGS!! Veteran trainer, Calvert based Ray Cross, has demonstrated yet again that patience and perseverance can bring rewards. Cross and his wife Janelle, have been campaigning three trotters in the Deep South for some weeks now. They were rewarded at Ballarat last Wednesday night, when Honey Please registered a nice win in the 2yo Trot at the juicy odds of $36.90 (UBET). Anthony Butt had the reins, and drove a cool, ground saving race, with the filly running on strongly to score narrowly but well. It was vintage Ray Cross, who has never lost faith in his current crop of young trotters. Someone Singing capped off a good night by snagging 4th money in the next race. It's that lower Brisbane Valley effect again on the leader board with Darrell Graham (Fernvale) producing four winners in the trainer's column, and Nathan Dawson (Glamorganvale) posting four victories in the sulky. Most pleasing this week was under rated trainer/driver Gary Litzow, getting Playnserious home at Redcliffe last Wednesday night. Resultsville Redcliffe 21/07.. Sicilian Slumber (Danny Gatt-Bouquet for Chantal Turpin).. Bet I'm Special (Adam Sanderson for Shannon Price).. Bettor Than Special (Adam Sanderson for Shannon Price).. One Last Roll (Cassy Owen for Mark Rees).. Albion Park 22/07.. Bettabe Perfect (Chantal Turpin).. Corey ODonohue (Trent Dawson for Ron Sallis).. Gympie 22/07.. Buddy Babcock (Nikki Chalk).. My Ultimate Fella (Darrell Graham).. Mafuta Vautin (Darrell Graham).. Albion Park 25/07.. Torque feels Good (Chantal Turpin).. Ivanov (Gary Whitaker for Brad Connelly).. I'm Johnny Jet (Brittany Graham for Darrell Graham).. Red Luck (Brittany Graham for Darrell Graham).. Redcliffe 26/07.. The Black flash (Nathan Dawson for Donny Smith).. Playnserious (Gary Lizow).. Kaanapali (Taleah McMullen for John McMullen).. Redcliffe 27/07.. Ashi Jet Sun (Kelli Dawson for Ray Law).. Real Social (Gary Whitaker for Steve Bunz).. Grande Uomo (Nathan Dawson for John McMullen).. Elzboy (Nathan Dawson for Steve Towns).. Annas Best (Nathan Dawson for John McMullen).. Red Rocker (Scott Rains for Ricky Gordon).. # Logged Arsenal VIP Club Group 1 User 194 Posts: 15979 « 2017-Aug-06, 10:25 PM Reply #182 » "TROT TACTICS" 02/08/2017.. Let's hope it's the promised sunny day with the warm conditions. What better day for a trip to the Marburg trots. Catch the action close up on the 700 metre show ground circuit. Country trotting at its best, with the "pick the card" jackpot standing at $1150 and lucky gate prize of $100 free bet with our bookie to cater for those who like a punt. For the fun lovers who still like a flutter, there is a multi prize raffle, The "Funny Money" bookie and associated auction after the last. Team this up with the best food and beverage prices ever and you have an exciting and budget conscious family day out. Adults $5, Pensioners and Students $3, Race Books $3. Don't miss it!! Publicity and recognition in harness racing are strange things. Some avoid it, some court it, and others, no matter what they do, never seem to get it. Sometimes, onlookers wonder why this third category exists and ponder the reasons for such a situation. Meanwhile, a number of highly competent trainers soldier on, their week in, week out efforts, raising not so much as a ripple. Steven Cini, born in 1966 and learning his trade from his late father, the charismatic Lou Cini, was first licenced in the 1984/85 season. If just numbers were all that told the story his start was impressive, having only three runners in his first two years, all of which were successful. Time has rolled on since then. Steven's team has slowly and steadily increased in numbers. No acknowledged stars, but a succession fit pacers carried the black jacket, white sleeves and red maltese cross to regular cheques. The lifetime stats some 32 years on, are now impressive. Starters 11,498, winners 1337, seconds 1371, and thirds 1329, with the bank balance at $2,830,273 and the all important "return per starter" sitting at $246.15. The graph is upward and steep these days, with the season now drawing to a close, showing figures of 377 runners, and income of $336,916, Every time a Steve Cini horse goes round, from a statistical perspective, $893.67 jumps in. "All the world loves a winner" True enough, but this writer stopped reading a high profile Trots publication years ago, on the grounds that anyone reading it as their source of information, could be excused for assuming that, Australia wide, there were probably no more than twenty people training and driving light harness horses. At that time, this country boasted something in the order of 8,000 licencees. Who the vast majority were, and what they achieved,we were never told! Steve Cini falls in that category. He kicks goals every week, but the selectors don't want to know. Fans of the traditional, diagonal gaited trotter, might want to find a Sky Channel screen from 11.30am tomorrow. It is the annual celebration of the trotter, "Redwood Day" at Maryborough in Victoria.There will even be a special events train, carrying 200 fans to the track. This additional crowd boost will only further ensure the success of the 32nd staging of the carnival, which started in 1985, featuring the Group 1 Seelite Windows & Doors $50,000 Redwood Classic for 2yo's at 2.44pm on this Sunday of Sundays, followed by the $75,000 Group 1 Seelite Windows & Doors Victoria Trotters Derby at 3.54pm. Neither Feature carries a fortune in prize money by today's standards, but the prestige conveyed by a win in either event is "a pearl without price." Calvert based Ray Cross will have last start Ballarat winner, Honey Please engaged in Race 2, and we wish him the best. Consistency is the key word on the board this week, again, the lower Brisbane Valley to the fore, with Darrell Graham (Fernvale) notching six winners for the week, including a Saturday night treble. Just a stones throw away at Glamorganvale, Nathan Dawson rang up five winning drives to edge out his cousin, Narissa McMullen on four. All three stars posted trebles. Most pleasing was Adam Richardson steering Franco Totem to an easy win on Wednesday night at Redcliffe. Resultsville .. Albion Park 28/07.. Illdoitwhenimready (Chantal Turpin).. None Bettor (Nathan Dawson for Donny Smith).. Tuesdays Fella (Nathan Dawson for Trevor Lambourn).. Vande Velde (Nathan Dawson for Jason Mackrill).. Wattlebank Flyer (Hayden Barnes for Chantal Turpin).. Albion Park 29/07.. Montana Falcon (Adam Sanderson for Darrell Graham).. Culley Backy (Adam Sanderson for Darrell Graham).. Broadway Playboy (Adam Sanderson for Darrell Graham).. Albion Park 01/08.. Northern Muscle (Denis Smith).. Fakerocknroll (Gary Whitaker for Bill Crosby).. Corey ODonohue (Narissa McMullen for Ron Sallis).. Magnussen (Lachie Manzelmann for Darrell Graham).. Oceans Predator (Matt Elkins for Greg Elkins).. Redcliffe 02/08.. Gidup Spanish Red (Nathan Dawson for Donny Smith).. Ima Top Tycoon (Nathan Dawson for Ryan Veivers).. My Ultimate Falcon (Lachie Manzelmann for Darrell Graham).. Franco Totem (Adam Richardson for Darrell Graham).. Redcliffe 03/08.. Turbo Tufftalk (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. Diamantina Devil (Narissa McMullen for Ryan Veivers).. Coast Warning (Narissa McMullen).. The Endeavour (Narissa McMullen for John McMullen).. Ruato Bay (Chris Petroff for Ron Sallis).. # Logged Arsenal VIP Club Group 1 User 194 Posts: 15979 « 2017-Aug-13, 06:02 PM Reply #183 » "TROT TACTICS".. 12/08/2017.. On the odd occasion we will hear of a winner described as "an omen bet", followed by "we should have been on that".. One such opportunity may have gone begging in the last race on day one of the Redwood Carnival, yesterday week at Maryborough in Victoria. Maybe no planets were aligned at the time, but here is the list of related factors. The race name OLYMPUS FEEDS AUSTRALASIA TROT. The runner in question, FATouche (my capitals), dam of FATouche was UR WHATU EAT. A $14.60 winner went begging because us mugs did not do our form in sufficient depth. Drat it!! It is now quite a long time since arrests were made in South East Queensland harness, related to alleged "race fixing" practices. As is normal, the unusual event was followed by a flood of rumour, innuendo, and perhaps invention. At this point, with little information released by QRIC, the whole episode appears bogged down in the legal process, as certain statutory requirements must be met to ensure, among other things, that the principles of "natural justice" are satisfied. It seems that both harness racing and QRIC would benefit by a modification of the Rules Of Harness Racing (Qld) to include time limits for matters to be dealt with. The presumption of innocence, and the granting of continuing "stays of proceedings ", do nothing for the trainer or driver who applies their skills in strict accordance with the rules. He or she is compelled to compete against participants who may or may not have an advantage of one type or another. Those honest people deserve at least the same level of protection, as is afforded under the "presumption of innocence" to those whom the Integrity suspects may not be so! If you would like a balanced view of the above proceedings you could read ace race caller David Fowler's blog at <www.horseracingonly.com.au>.. Fowler's points are well made. Australian representative, Shane Graham, is headed across the international date line to Canada, will be going round in the first leg of the 2017 World Driving Championship, set for Sunday, August 13 at Century Downs in Balzac, Alberta. All legs of the WDC will be televised live on Sky Racing, starting tomorrow morning Australian time.Eleven of the top harness racing drivers from around the globe will compete in the first of five legs. Drivers will earn points based on their finishing position and the top point-earner will be declared the 2017 World Driving Champion and win $25,000 in prize money.The defending champion, New Zealands Dexter Dunn, represents the International Trotting Association. The World Driving Championship will also consist of the following top-ranked international competitors: Shane Graham of Australia; Gerhard Mayr of Austria; Ric Depuydt of Belgium; James MacDonald of Canada; Mika Forss of Finland; Noel Baldacchino of Malta; Mark Purdon of New Zealand; Eirik Hoitomt of Norway; Bjorn Goop of Sweden; and Marcus Miller of the United States.The Century Downs leg consists of five races, with the WDC races slated for Races 4-8. Each race will feature 11-horse fields. Nathan Dawson reigned supreme as driver on the leader board with seven wins, including trebles at Albion Park Tuesday and Recliffe Thursday. Training laurels were spread thin with Darrell Graham and John McMullen dead heating on just two winners apiece. Most pleasing was Adam Richardson, re-inventing himself after a stint back home in Wagga NSW with three winning drives. Resultsville.. Albion Park 04/08..With Authority (Narissa McMullen for John McMullen).. Alpha Styx (Adam Sanderson for Colin Frisby).. Blazing VC (Rob Gorman for Ray Jenkins).. Franco Totem (Adam Sanderson for Darrell Graham).. Charms On A Roll (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. Albion Parl 05/08.. Royal Jacquard (Nathan Dawson for Greg Elkins).. Marburg 05/08.. Ole Sun (Nathan Dawson for Mal Charlton).. Zenmach (Paul Matis).. Machbino (Gary Whitaker for Tess Neaves).. It's All Go (Nathan Dawson for Matt Elkins).. Domestic Art Hayden Barnes for Wayne Davis).. Albion Park 08/08.. Lavros Segil (Narissa McMullen for Brad Connelly).. Glenferrie Baby (Trent Dawson).. Culley Backy (Adam Sanderson for Darrell Graham).. Redcliffe 09/08.. Royal Taz (Narissa McMullen for John McMullen).. Tarin Kowt (Nathan Dawson for Ron Sallis).. The Restauranteur (Adam Richardson).. The Harlem Hammer (Gary Whitaker for Doug Lee).. Living Grand (Hayden Barnes for Steven Furey).. Digby Diva (Mathew Neilson for Jason Carkeet).. Redcliffe 10/08.. Vanto Hanover (Nathan Dawson for Aileen smith).. Fon Ideal (Adam Richardson for Donny Smith).. Handy bonus (Nathan Dawson for Terry Hancock).. Merrylands Miss (Rob Gorman for Neil Coy).. No Confession (Adam Richardson for Tayla Gillespie).. Smiling Armada (Anthony Gorman for Trevour Lambourn).. Ketut (Nathan Dawson for Donny Smith).. The Shady One (Rob Gorman for Trevor Lambourn).. # Logged Arsenal VIP Club Group 1 User 194 Posts: 15979 « 2017-Aug-20, 02:22 PM Reply #184 » TROT TACTICS" 19/08/2017.. A distant early warning. Marburg races two Saturdays hence, September 2nd. The pick the card jackpot hits $1200. Mark the calendar, with details next week. Thanks to the wonderful benefits of modern technology, afficianados of the light harness sport have been able to follow the progress of the World professional Driving Championship, currently being held in Canada. Australian rep, Queenslander Shane Graham finished the first round of heats in fourth place, but, as is the case in these competitions, the draw for horse power is all important, and, if your luck is not right up there, you won't be getting too many points. In round three the negative trend continued until the last of four heats. Sky Racing's Greg Hayes, "our man in Canada", brings us up to speed. "Aussie Shane Graham saluted in his final drive at Georgian Downs on Tuesday night. Queensland reinsman Shane Graham has breathed life back into his World Driving Championship campaign in the final heat on night three at Georgian Downs. The Canadian track will be one Graham remembers for the rest of his life as Hetties Honey, a 7-year old mare scored narrowly on the 1000 metres circuit in Ontario and shot the Aussie back into fourth spot overall.The Georgian Downs meeting was meant to be a successful one for Graham. With a strong book of drives and several good draws it looked to be his chance to open up his winning account. However it turned into a nightmare early as he finished 6th, 8th, 10th and 6th in the first four heats of the night.In heat five Hetties Honey was down in grade and connections told Graham he could be aggressive in the early stages if he wanted to be".They basically left it up to me but said if I wanted to use her up early she would still fight on pretty strongly at the end, Graham said.I tried to cross early but was caught outside Marcus (Miller driving Waikiki Hanover) but when Mika (Forss) charged to the chair I got some pretty good cover. I got going before the bend and got to the leader on the turn and then held on up the straight. The mare was pretty tired but she fought on well.Graham admitted it had been a tough night up until his victory. The overall standings after 14 of the 22 heats.. 1st James MacDonald CANADA 144 points.. 2nd Mika Forss FINLAND 130 points.. 3rd Marcus Miller USA 123.5 points.. 4th SHANE GRAHAM AUSTRALIA 97 points.. 5th Dexter Dunn NEW ZEALAND 93 points.. 6th Noel Baldacchino MALTA 90 points.. 7th Eirik Hoitomt NORWAY 89.5 points.. 8th Bjorn Goop SWEDEN 86 points.. 9th Gerhard Mayr AUSTRIA 83 points.. 10th Mark Purdon NEW ZEALAND 69 points.. 11th Rik Depuydt BELGIUM 68 points... Sadly, for those people who expected a definitive rule on whip use to be in place by September 1st, time has beaten Harness Racing Australia in its endeavour to find common ground on which all State administrations and sport/industry bodies can reach agreement. The current rule will apply in the Sunshine State and will be stringently policed until further decisions are taken. There seems to be a trend in modern society, possibly related to our fascination with Information Technology, to take any process and complicate it to the "nth" degree. The following is a classic and no doubt well intentioned example! Leading harness form analyst Darren Clayton has applauded Racing Queenslands recent initiative to provide individual horse sectional times on its website.Clayton, who writes form previews for Queensland meetings on www.harness.org.au said the data would be a major boost for punters, and could help lift betting turnover. Punters and participants alike will be the major beneficiaries of enhanced sectional data including individual 400m and 800m splits - at Queensland (Redcliffe and Albion Park) TAB meetings. Form students will also see how wide their runner was at key moments, and how many metres that runner gained during the final 800m with easy-to-read graphics. Clayton said the data would provide punters like him with the statistical back up to make better-informed decisions. Its a fantastic tool to use when assessing form, he said. By being able to actually see the figures, it gives you a better idea of how lucky or unlucky a horse may have been in a particular run. It gives you statistical back up as to what you thought you saw yourself. When you see a horse really rattle home, youre able to look at the sectional times and you might see theyre not that flattering. If the times were strong and its made good ground, you know its probably racing well and needs a bit of luck. From the point of view of the people we should be courting as customers, the recreational punters, when they see a horse rattle home this week, they should be confident that the horse in question will, at its next and subsequent appearances, be racing in the same class against horses of similar ability. When this is the case, the recreational punter will not have too many factors to take into account when deciding to bet or not. We must not continue to treat every customer as if they were "professionals" with three, four or five hours to spend "doing the form" on every meeting. If we continue on these "scientific" lines, the turnover graph will steepen its downward curve! The leader board stays firmly focussed on the lower Brisbane Valley, with the end of the rainbow in Darrell Graham's yard at Fernvale. Darrell led the trainers with five winners and Adam Sanderson dominated the driving ranks, chasing home seven successful steeds. Most pleasing, Rob Gorman's driving double for Trevor Lambourn at Albion Park last Tuesday.Resultsville .. Albion Park 11/04.. Franco Totem (Adam Sanderson for Darrell Graham).. Alpha Styx (Adam Sanderson for Colin Frisby).. Broadway Playboy (Adam Sanderson for Darrell Graham).. Comply Or Die (Narissa McMullen for Ron Sallis).. Cotton Cold Candy (Steven Doherty for Jason Carkeet).. Mr Mayfly (Gary Whitaker for Brad Connelly).. Albion Park 12/08.. Mafuta Vautin (Darrell Graham).. I'm Johnny Jet (Brittany Graham for Darrell Graham).. Ultimate Art (Adam Sanderson for Shannon Price).. Fiery Blue Chip (Danielle McMullen for John McMullen).. Private Bronski (Pete McMullen for Tahn Camillieri).. Albion Park 15/08.. My Ultimate Fella (Adam Sanderson for Darrell Graham).. Geronimo Beau (Trent Dawson).. Justatic (Pete McMullen for Jason Mackrill).. The Shady One (Rob Gorman for Trevor Lambourn).. Smiling Armada (Rob Gorman for Trevor Lambourn).. Redcliffe 16/08.. Zenmach (Paul Matis).. Long Road To Fame (Adam Sanderson).. Always A Jewel (Adam Sanderson for Shawn Grimsey).. Redcliffe 17/08.. Fon Ideal (Adam Richardson for Donny Smith).. Coast Warning (Narissa McMullen).. Ashi Jet Sun (Kelli Dawson for Ray Law).. Soi Cowboy (Narissa McMullen for John McMullen).. Riverleigh William (Hayden Barnes for Josh Moore).. # Logged Arsenal VIP Club Group 1 User 194 Posts: 15979 « 2017-Sep-03, 06:09 PM Reply #185 » "TROT TACTICS" 02/09/2017.. Spring is well and truly upon us, so a day in the near country side is a good way to celebrate. Head for the Marburg Showground and enjoy an action packed afternoon of close up trotting on the 700 metre circuit. The best of Burgers, the cheapest Bar prices, a "pick the card" share jackpot now sitting at $1200, a lucky gate prize of $100 free bet with strong bookmaker, Stephen Anthony, and a monster, multi-prize raffle are all part of the show. The "funny money" bookie will be operating. Cash your winnings at the fancy goods auction after the last race. Gates open at 11.00am, followed by trials with the first race at 1.00pm. Adults $5, Members and Pensioners $3 with the all important Race Book $3. It's a value plus outing. Don't miss it.BRISBANE greyhounds boss Luke Gatehouse is positive about the direction of greyhound racing in Queensland amid speculation surrounding the future of the sport at Albion Park. Greyhound racing currently takes place inside the harness track at Albion Park, a site which has been home to racing for 120 years. Gatehouse re-inforced the Brisbane Greyhound Racing Club support of Racing Queenslands proposal and says the Club has no fears for the future of the sport in the area. If the other tracks dont happen then the Albion Park development wont happen I am highly confident of that, Gatehouse told Australian Racing Greyhound. We have made it very clear to Racing Queensland that the new facility needs to be built prior to any moving out of Albion Park on our behalf. We run 210 race meetings a year we have got to have somewhere to go before we leave.Gatehouse refuted claims made by Albion Park Harness Racing Club spokesperson Kevin Seymour in the Courier Mail where he claimed the Club was the rightful owner of the track not Racing Queensland. Gatehouse says the Harness Club never had ownership of the land and have no control over what is built on the site. Albion Park is owned by Racing Queensland so any proposed development of Albion Park needs to be approved by the owner of the property. The Harness Club have never owned the site it was originally owned by the Brisbane Amateur Turf Club, then the government owned the land and it was administered by the Albion Park Trust. When it was given by the government to the industry the titles were with the Queensland Greyhound Racing Authority and the Queensland Harness Racing Board. The Albion Park Harness Club and the Brisbane Greyhound Racing Club have never owned the site we are just an occupant of that site. For anyone to suggest the Albion Park Harness Club owned the site prior to the amalgamation is fundamentally incorrect. The following press release on Wednesday August 30 from Racing Queensland just about says it all. In an effort to meet the needs of the modern racing fan and engage the next generation of punter, Racing Queensland (RQ) and the Albion Park Harness Racing Club (APHRC) will trial a new 1119m one lap race at Tuesday meetings from September.The exciting new format will be known as the Triple-One-Nine Torpedo presented by Kevin and Kay Seymour, with eight speedy types to tear around the track in little more than one minute.RQ General Manager of Racing Simon Stout said the races, featuring a minor rule tweak, would add an additional element of excitement to sprints.A maximum of eight horses will start in each race, he said.Seven horses will begin from the front row, with one horse effectively floating in the back row. That horse will be able to follow any runner it likes from the beginning.The races aim to offer more variety to distance ranges in the harness code, which currently races over 1660m, 2138m, 2647m, 2680m and 3157m at Albion Park. The races will be trialled over a three-month period, beginning on Tuesday, 5 September 2017. This is the third resurrection of this particular racing format. It failed spectacularly on the first two occasions. One wonders what will get it over the line this time. Perhaps it answers the question of the disappearance of the second trotters race on the Tuesday program. Given that the great driver of spectator interest in trotting/harness racing is its visual impact, it seems foolish to limit the duration of the spectacle to the point where it resembles a greyhound event on wheels!! Team McMullen/Turpin with a clean sweep of the leader board this week. Pete McMullen drove eight winners while Chantal Turpin trained five. A further eight winners came from Gary Whitaker and Trent Dawson who each found the line on four occasions. Most pleasing was Justin Pascoe, with Pure Madness breaking through at Albion Park on Sunday 27/08.. Resultsville Redcliffe 25.08.. Fon Ideal (Adam Richardson for Donny Smith).. My Mojo (Pete McMullen for Jason Carkeet).. Albion Park 26/08.. Franco Totem (Darrell Graham).. Real Social (Gary Whitaker for Steve Bunz).. I'm The Golden Child (Pete McMullen for Megan Cockburn).. Sicilian Slumber (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. Overlap (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. Justabitnoisy (Pete McMullen for Doug Lee).. Albion Park 27/08.. Pure Madness (Justin Pascoe).. The Caringbah Kid (Trent Dawson).. Gold Chester (Darrell Graham).. My Ultimate Hell (Hayden Barnes for Wayne Davis).. Ilikemillie (Trent Dawson for Melissa Gillies).. Surface To Air (Greg Elkins).. Albion Park 29/08.. Justabit Like Mum (Gary Whitaker for Doug Lee).. Got The Goods (Trent Dawson).. Feelingforamiracle (Trent Dawson for Geoff Dawson).. Real Social (Gary Whitaker for Steve Bunz).. Munroe (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. Redcliffe 30/08.. Ashleys Angel (Gary whitaker for Bianca Hooper).. Circle Line (Anthony Gorman for Ron Wells).. Ima Top Tycoon (Taleah McMullen for Ryan Veivers).. Mahalo (Pete McMullen for Peter Greig).. Milly Bromac (Trent Moffat for Steve Bunz).. Redcliffe 31/08..My Secret Torque (Shane Graham for Chantal Turpin).. Blessed Is The Boy (Narissa McMullen for John McMullen).. My Mojo (Hayden Barnes for Jason Carkeet).. Riverboat Prince (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. # Logged Arsenal VIP Club Group 1 User 194 Posts: 15979 « 2017-Sep-10, 03:24 PM Reply #186 » "TROT TACTICS" 09/09/2017.. "When the going gets tough, the tough get going".. That particular quote could be applied to any of the harness participants who could truly be classified as "hobbyists". A harness hobbyist could well be defined as "a person who indulges in the sport, not in the expectation of fame or riches in any great measure, but for a deep seated love of the pacer or trotter and the manner in which man, woman, horse and harness combine to race for the win". Shane Parrish is 51 years of age, lives at Plainland, and works locally at Ghercke's Grain and Transport. He has held a licence to train and drive since the 1991/92 season, and from then till now has started 450 runners, for 26 wins and 70 placings, close enough to a cheque for every 4.5 runners. Shane, like many of us, has a resume which shows long gaps between trips to the winner's circle. His view is that it's "all part of the game, you have to hang in there until things go right." He left out the bit about the dogged determination he would have had to call on, given that when Cruisin Carl got the bikkies at Albion Park last Saturday night, it was 16 years and 7 months since Speed Gypsy (winner of 11 races all up) rang up number one at headquarters. Shane's most recent winner had been Shorty Noonan in the 2011/12 season and, in the last term, he started 25 runners for 5 placings. Shane Parrish is very very happy with the start Cruisin Carl has given him to the 2017/18 season, and he hopes the run of luck lasts. He took the opportunity to praise driver Lachie Manzelmann, describing him as a good driver, possessed of a level head, and very loyal. It is a measure of Shane Parrish that he has hung in there and lined up to compete in an era when the needs of the hobbyist trainer have been, at best, ignored, and at worst, actively militated against!! It was "old home week" at Redcliffe on Thursday when Lauren Jones returned from Western Australia to drive a double for the family stable. Owned by mum Jodie and trained by dad Peter, Real Knuckey, a gelded son of Real Desire and Rubys For Me bolted in by a massive 24metres while Fui Fui ( 8yo gelding,John Street North and Trouble Chaton) had only a half head advantage. Peter Jones, while elated by the double, was equally stoked by the fact that the two pacers are the entire Jones stable. Regardless of margin, winners are grinners, and $1,778 jumped in in each case. Understandably the "family Jones" were celebrating on Thursday night, so you will get the full story of Lauren's flying visit next week. To give you an idea of the impact on Queensland harness racing which is generated in the greater Ipswich footprint, this last week, including Marburg, no less than six meetings were run, comprising a total of 49 individual races. In our results section we publish the winners which were trained in the footprint and those driven by drivers residing in the district. Of the 49 races contested from Friday 01/09 to Thursday 07/09, no less than 31 had the Ipswich connection. This is a fairly regular 60% result, and makes the following excerpt from this months PACE magazine not only alarming, but insulting!! "INFRASTRUCTURE ISSUE".. BOTRA will maintain its advisory role in relation to the development of a harness racing precinct in the southern corridor, and a "TRAINING FACILITY IN THE WESTERN CORRIDOR", as well as its continued support for the Albion Park club's alternate proposal for the retention of Albion Park as harness racing's metropolitan venue. In all, BOTRA is after a better infrastructure deal for harness racing where no funds of any substance have been committed in the last 35 years.. An easy win on the training side of the leader board this week with Chantal Turpin out in front on seven with John McMullen and Darrell Graham tied in second at four apiece. Sulky sitting was also a dead heat with Narissa McMullen and Adam Sanderson on four each. Most pleasing this week were Team Jones with the family double at Redcliffe Thursday, Uncle Paul for David Rodger with Adam Richardson in the bike, I'm Isabella for Russell Kajewski and Leonard Cain, and Buddy Babcock with Nikki Chalk swamping the field at Marburg. Resultsville Albion Park 01/09.. Mike Titan (Chantal Turpin).. Slippery Jade (Gary Whitaker for Bill Crosby).. Charms On A Roll (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. The Endeavour (Narissa McMullen for John McMullen).. Feel The Courage (Chantal Turpin).. Albion Park 02/09.. Watch Pulp Fiction (Chantal Turpin).. Bettorthanspecial (Adam Sanderson for Shannon Price).. Clarkey (Brittany Graham for Ian Gurney).. Diesel Shannon (Pete for Chantal Turpin).. Cheers Kathy (Darrell Graham).. Cruisin Carl (Lachie Manzelmann for Shane Parrish).. Broadway Playboy (Adam Sanderson for Brittany Graham).. Senitas Success (Adam Sanderson for Wayne Graham).. Marburg 02/09.. Norahs Fling (Gary Whitaker for Denis Smith).. Buddy Babcock (Nikki Chalk).. Boadieas Fury (Adam Richardson for Darrell Graham).. Sir Semper Fidelis (Paul Matis).. Albion Park 05/09.. Trevs No Angel (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. Shareapassion (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. Murano (Narissa McMullen)... Redcliffe 06/09.. Long Road To Fame (Adam Sanderson).. Weedons Express (Taleah McMullen for John McMullen).. Annas Best (Narissa McMullen for John McMullen).. Uncle Paul (Adam Richardson for David Rodger).. Sir Semper Fidelis (Paul Matis).. Andiamo El Ferrari (Narissa McMullen for John McMullen).. Redcliffe 07/09.. I'm Isabella (Leonard Cain for Russell Kajewski).. Master Montana (Darrell Graham).. Real Knucky (Lauren Jones for Peter Jones).. Fui Fui (Lauren Jones for Peter Jones).. Razen Trouble (Brittany Graham for Darrell Graham).. # Logged Arsenal VIP Club Group 1 User 194 Posts: 15979 « 2017-Sep-17, 05:06 PM Reply #187 » "TROT TACTICS" 16/09/2017.. Switching on the lights at Albion Park on the seventh of September 1968 propelled Queensland trotting into the big time. Like all opening meetings some one has to drive the first winner. On this occasion the honour fell to Sammy Zammit who guided the nuggety chestnut, Curly Adios, to an 8 yard victory over Harleray (Kanga Smith). Sammy, a native of Gozo, an island 8 miles from Malta, came with his father Tony to this country in 1949 as an assisted migrant aged 14, to live with his uncle ,George Zammit, at Eastern Creek. George was a horse and cattle dealer who raced trotters with a number of trainers . With no English, but a will to work, Sammy was soon employed at Penfolds winery. Six months later the lad found work at home as Tony and George had bought a slaughter yard. Sammy's progression to harness was automatic and by 1954, he had unearthed his first good one in Frisco Sky. When this writer first saw S. Zammit in action he was a regular at Harold Park, racing Broken Change and Appy Apps. When working horses at Castle Hill Showground we would see the Zammit delivery truck go past with the two pacers painted on the sides in the white with purple sleeves and maltese cross. They were proud of their involvement in the light harness sport. 1964 saw the Zammits in Brisbane, based at Redcliffe, and into harness full time. With them came a team of four pacers, Garrison Gold, Jocks Wonder, Rocky Armagh and Chamcoon. One success led to another and ,as the game grew, so did team Zammit to the point where SZ and his offsider, the soon to be famous Jimmy O'Sullivan, were working 25 horses. At this time New Zealand breeding entrepreneur Noel Simpson entered on the scene and provided that all important Curly Adios. Meanwhile John McMullen senior placed a number of horses in the camp. 1973 saw another shift, this time to /deception /bay and another training complex was constructed, but the sons were not as passionate about trotting, preferring to train and race greyhounds. Sammy Zammit retired from the sulky in 1979, and, seeing change as inevitable, subdivided his property and constructed a greyhound trial track which he later donated to the local Council. It is named Zammit Oval. A unit on the Gold Coast was the logical next step. Where is this story headed. Sammy Zammit 82, passed away last week and his funeral was held yesterday. He was a shining example of the typical post war Mediterranean migrant, who integrated, worked hard and deservedly made good. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him!! Yesterday's one qualifying trial at Albion Park was set down to be run from the "angled mobile barrier". This interesting innovation provides for the arms of the barrier to be slanted across the line of travel of the starting vehicle. The usual format is that the outer extremity of the arm is in advance of the inner, with the intention of compensating for the additional distance covered by outside runners on their journey towards the rail or "one out" running lines. The vehicle concerned has been parked in the back straight shed for perhaps 18 years, consigned there because a number of drivers expressed fears that a potential hazard could result from too many horses contesting the lead coming into the first turn. It is hard to imagine that the same potential does not exist today. However, we are told that the dinosaur is, at this point, aimed at the 1119m Torpedo Stakes races. So there you have it, the resurrection of two very doubtful concepts. Maybe this time two wrongs will make a right.With the end of the 2016/17 racing season just two weeks behind us, a look at some vital statistics is appropriate. This week we will check out the seven drivers who saluted on more than 100 occasions over the term. (1) Shane Graham: Starts 1055- wins 185- 2nds 158- 3rds 132- 4ths 129 and prize money earned $1,200,903.. (2) Grant Dixon: 997- 172- 138- 126- 111- bank $1,157,581.. (3) Mathew Neilson: 853- 140- 136- 99- 82- bank $804,887.. (4) Pete McMullen: 817- 129- 96- 92- 89- bank $742,842.. (5) Nathan Dawson: 1038- 120- 113- 118- 111- bank $523,620.. (6) Gary Whitaker: 1,129- 107- 114- 106- 120- bank $584,662.. (7) Narissa McMullen: 1025- 105- 125- 126- 113- bank $625,806.. As you will see, four of the Centurions came from the greater Ipswich footprint, and, more particularly, from the lower Brisbane Valley.Given that 34 races were run this week past and 22 winners, (65%) had an Ipswich connection, either trained and/or driven, it reinforces the view expressed last week that to consider a "training facility" in the western growth corridor, rather than a Parklands type dual code racing complex, falls far short of verifiable requirements and reasonable expectations!! The leader board shows us Brittany Graham out front in the sulky, chasing home 4 winners for the week while Trevor Lambourn and Darrell Graham tied for training honours at three wins apiece. Most pleasing, Newmerrella Sharkie at Albion Park Tuesday. Patience pays off. Resultsville Albion Park.. 08/09.. Jack Hammer (Trevor Lambourn).. Gangster Boy (Taleah McMullen for Ryan Veivers).. Oliver Winkle (Lachie Manzelmann for Errol Cain).. Hereiam (Adam Sanderson for Wayne Graham).. Croft Bay (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. Albion Park 09/09.. Montana Falcon (Brittany Graham for Darrell Graham).. Major Montana (Brittany Graham for Darrell Graham).. Albion Park 12/09.. Newmerella Sharkie (Brett Towns for Max Towns).. Living Grand (Hayden Barnes for Steven Fury).. Fire And Ice (Matt Elkins for Vic Frost).. The Shady One (Chris Petroff for Trevor Lambourn).. With Authority (Pete McMullen for John McMullen).. Summertime Lizzie (Adam Sanderson for Shane Graham).. Smiling Armada (Chris Petroff for Trevor Lambourn).. Redcliffe 13/09.. My Ultimate Fella (Brittany Graham for Darrell Graham).. Blissfulinfidelity (Matt Elkins for Mal Charlton).. My Secret Torque (Hayden Barnes for Chantal Turpin).. Redcliffe 14/09.. Rocky Carrington (Darrell Graham).. Duffy Bromac (Graeme Harris for Francis Weston).. Pure Madness (Justin Pascoe).. Go Ahead Makemyday (Brittany Graham for Brett Cargill).. Buddy Babcock (Nikki Chalk).. # Logged Arsenal VIP Club Group 1 User 194 Posts: 15979 « 2017-Oct-01, 08:17 PM Reply #188 » "TROT TACTICS" 30/09/2017.. Having given last season's most successful drivers an airing two weeks back, it is fitting that we should now tell how local trainers fared at the elite level. Not surprisingly, the four trainers who finished in the State's top ten, are not spread throughout the greater Ipswich footprint. Rather, they are clumped together at the epicentre of "Ipswich Trot", the lower Brisbane Valley. Third placed was Chantal Turpin (Patrick Estate) with stats of 935 starters for 125 winners, 93 seconds, 96 thirds, and 93 fourths. In the bank, an impressive $771,892. Fifth overall ,Darrell Graham. (Fernvale) with 782 runners for 106 -- 96 -- 97 -- 83. Bank $602,558.. Sixth, John McMullen.( Glamorganvale) Sent round 922 for 68 -- 89 -- 79 -- 101. Bank, $313,247. Eighth, Ron Sallis. (Wanora) Presented on 474 occasions, resulting in 52 -- 50 -- 63 -- 57. Bank $257,400. The total prize earnings for the four stables was a hefty $1,945,097.. A very impressive performance by all concerned, rendered even more so by the writer's vivid memories of a time when Ipswich regulars thought that a winner at Rocklea was about as good as it was likely to get. Question of the week. When is a mile rate not a mile rate? Answer. When it is published as an extrapolation of a gross time recorded over a distance less than a mile. Such times find their way into sales catalogues via the listing of broodmare's progeny. This published statement of performance could perhaps be viewed in law as at best misleading!! Harness Racing Australia should attach a clear note of explanation to form lines, or ban the use of the term mile rate, in regards to such performances. The "Octoberfest" theme of the Harriott Memorial trot meeting at Marburg on Sunday October 22, gained more traction this week with the news that yet another "boutique" Brewery has come on board for the big day. Newstead Brewing, based at Newstead and Milton, joins Brews Brothers of Woollongabba and Four Brothers Brewery from Toowoomba. For those who like a cold refreshing beer on a warm/hot spring day, this is a golden opportunity to widen your taste experience. Beers, Ales,Lagers, and varied grain brews are the order of the day. Just be there and enjoy!! A fresh face on the driver's side of the leader board this week as Brittany Graham shared honours with Pete McMullen on four wins apiece, Darrell graham stood out as top trainer, also on four wins. Most pleasing. I'm Angus Mattgregor for Mitchell Dawson and Fui Fui for Peter Jones. You have to get winners. There is no joy in being "cannon fodder" for the big guys, as "the powers that be", seem not to care or realise. Well done fellas!! Resultsville.. Albion Park 22/09.. With Authority (PeteMcmullen for John McMullen).. My Ultimate Fella Brittany Graham for Darrell Graham).. Master Montana (Brittany Graham for Darrell Graham).. Shareapassion (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. Albion Park 23/09.. Threo (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. The Shady One (Trevor Lambourn).. Alta Surreal (Narissa McMullen for Steve Cini).. Secret Smile (Danielle McMullen for Ryan Veivers).. Releven Dream (Pete McMullen for Shane Graham).. Albion Park 26/09.. Gangster Boy (Danielle McMullen for Ryan Veivers).. Good Time Stride (Rob Gorman).. American highlights (Trent Dawson).. Redcliffe 27/09.. Win Or Die (Nathan Dawson for Gary Vernon).. Fui Fui (Gary Whitaker for Peter Jones).. Circle Line (Anthony Gorman for Ron Wells).. Oscars Glory (Narissa McMullen for John McMullen).. Arbit Major (Gary Whitaker for Brad Connelly).. Matt Belford (Rob Gorman for Murray Thomas).. Redcliffe 28/09.. I'm Angus Mattgregor (Nathan Dawson for Mitchell Dawson).. Rocky Carrington (Brittany Graham for Darrell Graham).. I'm Johnny Jet (Brittany Graham for Darrell Graham).. # Logged Arsenal VIP Club Group 1 User 194 Posts: 15979 « 2017-Oct-08, 09:21 PM Reply #189 » "TROT TACTICS".. 07/10.2017.. Purga's newest addition to the training ranks, Steven Bunz, has made a foray to Menangle (NSW) in the past few weeks with pleasing results. Heading the team was flagship Real Social. The gelded son of Real Desire and Socialiser started on three occasions at Menangle for two wins netting $17,100 while posting a "PB" of 1-52.4.. SB has returned home and started horses at Redcliffe on Wednesday and yesterday at Albion Park. Real Social has remained in the care of Shane and Lauren triton,and appeared at Melton last night in an $18,000 event, the long term view being a run in the Smoken Up Sprint. The 5yo returns home to spell at the end of this month. Making hay while the sun shone, Bunz claimed Sir Regal Delight at Menangle on September 19th and got the big end of the purse at Penrith nine days later!! Sunday, October 22 will be soon upon us. Get yourselves set for a great day of country trotting. The "pick the card" jackpot now stands at $1250. there will be two lucky gate draws of a $100 bet with the bookies. Craft stalls and interactive displays, an air-brush artist, and "Pat a pacer" for kids and adults alike. Gates open 11.00am."TURNOVER" in Queensland trotting's pari-mutuel operation is the total sum of punter's cash which comes into the coffers of UBET on any given race or race meeting. A number of percentage deductions based on bet type (win/place and various "exotics", quinella trifecta etc) plus betting tax, trim the appropriate pools down to the figures on which the final dividends to punters are calculated. The trimmings provide income for the UBET shareholders, normal business overheads, and revenue to be distributed to the three codes of animal racing. It follows, that an increase in turnover provides a better return for all parties concerned, other than punters. Unfortunately for the latter, the tote's share is in the bank before the race starts, and, for practical purposes, in a jurisdiction which allows for a "money back" dividend on extremely short priced commodities, the tote, like a poker machine, takes no risk! There are two schools of thought as to the composition of a race as an attractive, and therefore lucrative betting medium from a turnover perspective. School "A" believes that two formulae are workable. (1) 12 runners, and every one a realistic chance. (2) 12 runners and only one realistic chance.. School "B", which existed when this writer was a boy, took the view that a field of 12 runners should contain 3 winning chances and 1 other, which, as shown by its consistent form line, could be expected to be running on strongly at the right end for the each way punters. The remaining 8 could be eliminated from calculations. "B"'s supporters claimed that by reducing the realistic chances to 4, punters felt more able to make an accurate choice more often, and this confidence drove the betting. Currently our leaders are pursuing plan "A", and our fields and barrier draws are assembled in the main by computer. No doubt there are many retired ( not through age but inability to pick winners) and potential punters out there, who might be attracted back to the fold if we were to resurrect plan "B". As always, when an opinion such as above is expressed, someone can explode the hypothesis. The C7 and better on Saturday night is an 8 horse event. The 5,6 and 7 horses have career earnings totalling $2,055,005.. The remaining five runners have amassed $660,733 between them. On paper, picking the "first four" looks relatively easy. See how you go! A new face on the driver's side of the leader board this week with Lachie Manzelmann head and head with Pete McMullen on three wins apiece, while Chantal Turpin maintained her momentum, leading in four winners for the term. Most pleasing, Danny Gatt- Bouquet partnering Ballator Thor at Redcliffe. Resultsville .. Albion Park 29/09.. Ann Mattgregor (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. Northern Muscle (Denis Smith).. My Ultimate Fella Brittany Graham for Darell Graham).. Major Kiwi (Hayden Barnes for Jack butler).. Albion Park.. 30/09.. Watch pulp Fiction (Chantal turpin).. Franco Totem (Adam Richardson for Darell Graham).. Written In Red (Hayden Barnes for Jack Butler).. Franco Salisbury (Narissa McMullen for Steve Cini).. Ashleys Angel (Gary Whitaker for Darren Hooper).. Mattgregor (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. Albion Park.. 03/10.. Wattlebank Flyer (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. Django Mach (Narissa McMullen).. Donny Jones (Rob Gorman for Ron Wells).. Oliver Winkle (Lachie Manzelmann for Errol Cain).. Redcliffe 04/10.. Ruato Bay (Lachie Manzelmann for Ron Sallis).. Ima Top Tycoon (Danielle McMullen for Ryan Veivers)..Pandoras Diamond (Nathan Dawson for Mitchell Dawson).. Countdown (Nathan Dawson for Greg Franklin).. Rubys Bad Boy (Lachie Manzelmann for Darrell Graham).. Miraclesdoappen (Kelli Dawson for Ray Law).. Redcliffe 05/10.. Playnserious (Gary Litzow).. Zeros Shout (Matt Elkins for Mal Charlton).. Merrylands Miss (Rob Gorman for Neil Coy).. Ballator Thor (Danny Gatt-Bouquet for John McMullen).. # Logged Arsenal VIP Club Group 1 User 194 Posts: 15979 « 2017-Oct-15, 07:49 PM Reply #190 » "TROT TACTICS" 14/10/2017.. Just eight sleeps to Oktoberfest/Harriott Memorial race day, Sunday 22/10/2017. It's shaping up to be even bigger than the Easter Sunday Fun Day with a "combo" of family fun, exciting racing, boutique beers, craft stalls , monster raffle, lucky gate prizes and the $1250 "pick the card" jackpot operating on the last six races. Also a close up for those interested in the nuts and bolts side of harness racing there will be a gearing up demonstration with an opportunity for kids and adults to "pat a pacer", and the introduction of the "Costin Shoe", a new development in the world of plastic "shock lessening" horse shoes. Gates open 11.00am. Adults $5 and Pensioners/Students $3. A press release similar to this from HRNSW is probably what the struggling participants of Queensland harness would like for a Christmas present. "IN a positive move for harness racing in the Riverina the first sod was turned at the site of the new Wagga track at Cartwrights Hill today.The New South Wales Minister for Racing Paul Toole was in attendance alongside Harness Racing NSW Chairman Chris Edwards and his fellow Board Members for the significant milestone.The journey has been a lengthy one from when we first called for expressions of interest in a Riverina Super Centre back in 2006, Edwards said.But now that we are finally at this stage, it is pleasing to know that in a years time we will have completed a strategy to install 1000m tracks in all the regions Hunter, Western and Southern.What is really positive for Wagga is that what we have learned from the other projects has been enhanced, corrected or improved with this last instalment.The long-awaited project will see a 1070m race track constructed with a width of 20m to accommodate 10 horses starting off the front row, if required".{"There will be a camber of 10 degrees on the 110m radius turns to assist with equine welfare, driver safety and to enhance the speed performance of the horses as well as a sprint lane to provide all horses a competitive opportunity.Alongside the track, public facilities similar to those at Bathurst will be constructed as well as race stalls that can accommodate for 140 horses, including a designated area for mini trot participants. Harness Racing NSWs long term vision for the property is to also include a training centre".} While we up here realise that our financial position is nothing like that of New South Wales, there is little incentive for anyone other than 15 or so trainers and drivers to renew or take out a licence in Queensland. The grand design of an "elite sport", touted so often in the first decade of this millenium has failed dismally and it is time for a complete "shakeout" and a rebuild of the foundations of the sport. Nothing less is likely to save us! In the good news department, Racing Queensland's Annual Report indicates a financial turnaround of $19.6 million on the previous year's $21.8 million loss. This has contained losses for the 2016/17 financial year to a manageable $2.2 million. When we cross the line from red to black, perhaps harness will get the rebuild mentioned above. A new look to the leader board with a hard fought contest among the trainers. Trevor Lambourn rose to the top with a trio of successes with four other mentors hot on his heels at two apiece. Rising star reinsman, Nathan Dawson, dominated in the sulky, saluting on six occasions. Most pleasing was Peter Jones's training double at Redcliffe. Shades of his Rockhampton days! The last two weeks have seen the greater Ipswich footprint still at better than 50% success rate, 57% and 53% of the weeks winners. Resultsville.. Albion Park 06/10.. Tuesdays Fella (Nathan Dawson for Trevor Lambourn).. Gangster Boy (Danielle McMullen for Ryan Veivers).. Fon Ideal Adam Richardson for Donny Smith).. Culley Backy (Nathan Dawson for Darrell Graham).. Bull Market (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. Albion Park 07/10.. The Shady One (Matt Elkins for Trevor Lambourn).. Polished Rocks (Danielle McMullen for Steve Cini).. Albion Park 10/10.. Jack Hammer (Matt Elkins for Trevor Lambourn).. Feel The Courage (Hayden Barnes for Chantal Turpin).. Newmerrella Fella (Brett Towns for MaxTowns).. Subtle Delight (Nathan Dawson for Terry Hancock).. Redcliffe 11/10.. Fui Fui (Gary Whitaker for Peter Jones).. Ruato Bay (Lachie Manzelmann for Ron Sallis).. Zenmach (Paul Matis).. Swaffham Water (Narissa McMullen for John McMullen).. Countdown (Nathan Dawson for Greg Franklin).. Vanto Hanover (Nathan Dawson for Aileen Smith).. Real Knuckey (Hayden Barnes for Peter Jones).. Leoryan (Narissa McMullen for John McMullen).. Redcliffe 12/10.. Theresachance (Nathan Dawson for Graham White).. Master Montana (Darrell Graham).. Sams a Champ (Hayden Barnes for Jack Butler).. Mister Elegant (Gary Whitaker for Scott Williams).. # Logged Arsenal VIP Club Group 1 User 194 Posts: 15979 « 2017-Oct-22, 10:05 PM Reply #191 » "TROT TACTICS" 21/10/2017.. Let's hope that the weather is kind tomorrow for Oktoberfest/ Harriott Memorial Day at Marburg. Gates open 11.00am, Adults $5, Students, Pensioners and Members $3, Kids under 16 FREE. Boutique Beers, German sausage and sauerkraut with 9 races. Two bookies, a pick six jackpot of $1250, two by $100 bets for gate prizes, plus funny money, a monster raffle, mini-trotters, tug-o-war, craft stalls, the launch of the "Costin" polyurethane shoe and a harness demo. Get close up and friendly with a happy pacer. Supervised jumping castle and other diversions. Ring 0408 352 478 after 2,00pm Saturday for a weather update.Along with the exceptional 9 event program set down for tomorrow there are additional "sweeteners" of stallion services on two of the races. The HARRIOTT MEMORIAL carries a service to the popular trotting stallion, GREAT SUCCESS, already the sire of Sparkling Success ($126,000), Al Bundy NZ ($115,000), Edge Hill ($110,000) and Trouble Rieu NZ ($86,000). The service donor, Michael Taylor, of Taylor World Travel, was a personal friend and stable client of the late Graham Harriott, and he comes on board today in very tangible fashion. The Eldarin Park Open Pace prize is enhanced by a service to THE WRATH OF PAN USA. A son of the super sire, ABERCROMBIE, The Wrath Of Pan went round on 74 occasions for 17 wins, 10 seconds and 7 thirds, banking $534,175 off a best time of 1-50.6. His best performers here, include Dynamite Dude ($215,548), Waste Of Time ($116,598), Wrath Of Rosie TR ($112,513),Pete Of Pan ($85,715) and Jordangarry ($88,379), with average earnings per starter of $25,307. Mary Helen Pearce gets our thanks for adding real value to our day Publicity is the oil which keeps a trainer's wheels rolling, on the principle that you are only as good as your last performance. It was therefore galling to see two year Queensland based Real Social described as a "Sydneysider" after he lit up Tabcorp Park Melton for the second time in as many weeks.Trained for his Victorian tilt by Shane and Lauren Tritton, the five-year-old Real Desire/Socialiser gelding had pundits eyes wide and mouth agape after a 1:51.9 win from a widest back-row draw in the Alabar Pace.Real Social had put the writing on the wall two weeks back at Menangle NSW with a similarly impressive performance while still in the hands of Purga based Steve Bunz, and was in 120% race condition when handed on to team Tritton. Real Social will have a brief let-up and then be aimed at the Miracle Mile. Just to occupy connections in the interim, there have been big figure nibbles from the US of A. It was a skinny week for "Team Ipswich", connecting with just 35% of the 38 races run. Two winners got you everything, with Chantal Turpin the only one to achieve that modest figure in the training sector. Driving honours went three ways. Nathan Dawson, Narissa McMullen and Pete McMullen, all grandchildren of Beryl Dawson, posting the magic pair. Most pleasing was Taleah McMullen, only local to salute at Albion Park Tuesday. Resultsville Albion Park 13/10.. Spud (Chris Petroff for Jay Edmunds).. Albion Park 14/10.. Withalotofluck (Nathan dawson for Steve Cini).. Culley Backy (Nathan Dawson for Darell Graham).. Franco Salisbury (Narissa McMullen for Steve Cini).. Ilikemillie (Trent Dawson for Melissa Gillies).. Watch Pulp Fiction (Chantal Turpin).. Mattgregor (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. Albion Park 17/10.. Gangster Boy (Taleah McMullen for John McMullen).. Redcliffe 18/10.. Countdown (Nathan Dawson for Greg Franklin).. Justatic (Pete McMullen for Jason Mackrill).. Horace Foxeley (Narissa McMullen for Tahn Cammillieri ).. Redcliffe 19/10.. Leo The Lion (Trent Moffat for Tess Neaves).. Miraclesdoappen (Kelli Dawson for Ray Law).. # Logged Arsenal VIP Club Group 1 User 194 Posts: 15979 « 2017-Oct-29, 07:31 PM Reply #192 » "TROT TACTICS" 28/10/2017.. Sadly, the best laid plans of mice, men and harness club committees, go astray from time to time. Heavy rain at Marburg show ground last Saturday, indicated that the wisest course for the Marburg Pacing Association, was to postpone the Octoberfest/ Harriott Memorial, which was scheduled for the next day. Happily, a suitable date was found on Sunday 12th of November and the plans are all back in place for then. Fresh nominations will be required, but preference will be given to horses which were drawn in the original fields. More joy, the scheduled meeting for November will follow the next Saturday November 18th. An added sweetener will be again a "heats at Marburg--Final at Albion Park" event which gives extra earning opportunity to the Marburg faithful. Updates will follow. In the history department, we often hear people talk in glowing terms of "Rocklea" and bemoaning it's loss to the sport. What was so special about Rocklea ?, you might ask. Firstly, it was run in a hobbyist timeslot (Saturday afternoon), it was a standing start only track which allowed for correct and visible handicapping, and due to it's small dimensions required drivers to hone and apply their skills at all times ,and trainers to present with truly "tractable" horses. The "Rock" was a great spectacle for the betting public, and also a venue which gave good earning opportunity to the hobbyist type horse. I have in front of me as I type, a copy of the 1990/91 Annual Report of the Metropolitan Harness Racing Club (Rocklea). In that seasonal financial year September 1st 1990 to August 31 1991 the Club distributed $611,170.00 in prize money. Much credit for the success story must go to the then Secretary, John Houlson, who was able " through his business expertise and promotions, turn your Club around from the pre-85 loss situation, to a Club prepared for and able to handle hard times, and a Club which is profitable". Don't ask what happened to John Houlson. Suffice to say, that there is a school of thought that Houlson's blatant display of business acumen was too much for some of his peers and other highly placed folk. When he should have been conducting tutorials for his less talented brethren, he was declared "persona non grata" in Queensland Harness. You wonder sometimes!!QUEENSLANDERS Shane Graham and Mathew Neilson are on a mission to return the Australian title to its rightful place. Graham and Neilson will head to Tasmania on Saturday to contest the Australian Drivers Championship in Hobart that evening.This will mark the fourth edition of the series, with reinsmen from the Sunshine State winning two of three crowns.Peter McMullen secured the inaugural running at Globe Derby in 2014, with Grant Dixon emulating the feat in Launceston the following season. Mathew and I will be out to bring the title back where it belongs, Graham said. Itll come down to a lot of luck, but hopefully that will be on our side so we can return the title to his rightful place.Graham, who recently represented Australia in the World Drivers Championship in Canada, has contest the ADC twice, with a third in 2015 his best result.He finished midfield in Adelaide last year.I dont seem to enjoy much luck in these kinds of series so hopefully itll be a bit better this time, Graham said. A lot of it comes down to luck, getting the right draws and the right horses.Although it is competitive, overall its a lot of fun.Neilson will make his second appearance in the Championship, ironically as a replacement for a suspended Grant Dixon on both occasions!Neilsons previous attempt saw him finish towards the bottom of the table as McMullen earned the glory.Ive never been to Tassie and Im looking forward to getting there, Neilson said. Not a lot went my way in South Australia two years ago, so hopefully it will be different this time.It will be great competing against some of the best drivers from around the country. Ill be doing my best and well see how it goes. The leader board this week dominated by Team Turpin/McMullen Chantal Tupin training five winners and Pete McMullen successful in the sulky on seven occasions. Happy results were Soldier Of Fortune's 27 metre demolition job for Karen Schulz. Kelsey Schulz's improving third with Lisa's Lawyer, and Lachie Manzelmann's first driving treble. All at Redcliffe Thursday. Ipswich influence, 21 from 40 races run this week. An extra for the mailing list.. MARBURG PACING ASSOCIATION AGM.. SATURDAY NOVEMBER 4TH AT SHOWGROUNDS 9.30--10.00AM-- AFTER TRIALS. RING 0408 352 478 OR 0412 995 889.. Resultsville Albion Park 20/10.. Ernie Barasso (Pete McMullen for Nick Pugliese).. Wheres The Spirit (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. Raesawinner (Nikki Chalk for Tess Neaves)... Albion Park 21/10.. Wee Jimmy (Hayden Barnes for Mark Rees).. Kash (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. Levi Jade (Pete McMullen for John McMullen).. Threo (Hayden Barnes for Chantal Turpin).. Bull Market (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. Albion Park 24/10.. Ashi Jetsun (Kelli Dawson for Ray Law).. With Authority (Pete McMullen for John McMullen).. Amajorjo (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. Redcliffe 25/10.. Top Flight Cruize (Michael Tenardi).. Real Knuckey (Hayden Barnes for Peter Jones).. Hot Rod Heaven (Adam Richardson for Tayla Gillespie)..No Confession (Adam Richardson for Tayla Gillespie)...Redcliffe 26/10.. Magnussen (Lachie Manzelmann for Adam Richardson).. Horace Foxley (Narissa McMullen for Tahn Camilleri).. Soldier Of fortune (Lachie Manzelmann for Karen Schulz).. Sir Semper Fidelis (Lachie manzelmann for Paul Matis).. Mohegan Sun (Narissa McMullen for Ron Sallis).. Havetogetawaymore (Al Barnes).. # Logged Arsenal VIP Club Group 1 User 194 Posts: 15979 « 2017-Nov-05, 08:30 PM Reply #193 » "TROT TACTICS" 04/11/2017.. Start the countdown again as the MPA heads up to take two of the postponed "Oktoberfest/ Harriott Memorial" race meeting. Now scheduled for Sunday November 12th, with a projected nine race program, the event will be the "Summerfest/Harriott Memorial". All the same attractions, two bookies plus "funny money", two $100 lucky gate draws, $1250 "pick the last six winners" comp, monster raffle, craft beers from three boutique breweries with german sausage and sauerkraut to complement the lager and ale. Tug-O-War, a harnessing demonstration, the introduction of the "Costin Plastic" horse shoe, craft stalls, jumping castle and other attractions for the kids. Gates open 11.00am. Adults $5 .Pensioners. Members, Students and Race Books, all $3. The investigative arm of the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission has struck again. This time it is high profile harness media personality, Marshall Dobson, who has been arrested and bailed to face Court at a date to be set. The charges are "money laundering" through a fictitious betting account and the sums are believed to run into the millions. Dobson was at one time a popular choice as on-track Master of Ceremonies at major harness Carnivals. A number of people might just not feel so secure in the light of the preceding events. However, a larger group will perhaps be encouraged to stay in the harness game a bit longer in the hope that the tide is turning for the better. And, maybe, just maybe, there will be a smidgin more confidence for Joe and Jo-Anne Average-Punter, that they will get a fairer run for their money. As the old English proverb says, "The mills of Justice grind slow, but they grind most exceedingly fine". Hopefully, on the way through, they will get ALL the cheats!! With the election just a few weeks away, harness punters and harness participants want to hear that a commitment to iron tight control, and a punter friendly race format, will be the aim of all major parties!! The Turpin/McMullen stable are heading south this Thursday with exciting five-year-old Mattgregor who will start at TABCORP Park, Menangle this Saturday night.Unbeaten in both starts this campaign, Mattgregor will head to Melton the following week for the Gr.2 $75,000 4 & 5yo Championship.Hell start this week at Menangle and that should top him off for the feature the following week, hes in great order and enjoys the surroundings at Menangle.Hes come through his trial last week in good shape and were happy with the way he is right now.Mattgregor won an Albion Park 1660m trial last Tuesday (October 24) in 1:54.9 while finishing off in 26.9 seconds.The Rob Roy Mattgregor gelding has won 12 from 24 to date. While the above is cause for joy, it is balanced by the news that stable star, Watch Pulp Fiction, sustained a tendon injury at his most recent start and will be on the receiving end of sophisticated vet treatment for some time. See, it is not always "beer and skittles" in the world of harness racing, quite often the downs outweigh the ups!! The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) has released advice on caring for racing animals in extreme heat. With Summer almost upon us, its a good time to be able to provide this advice through the Commissions extreme heat policy which sets out the key principles for caring for racing animals in hot weather, Commissioner Ross Barnett said. The policy defines the measures to be taken in hot weather when temperatures rise above 35°C including the allocation of extra staff and other resources to race meetings to ensure the health, safety and well-being of all racing animals. The advice includes two fact sheets to assist with preventing and treating heat stress in horses and greyhounds as the two species respond to heat in different ways. The QRICs extreme heat policy and associated fact sheets can be viewed at < https://www.qric.qld.gov.au/veterinary-services-animal-welfare/heat-policy-and-factsheets/ >.. Sisters in in-law on the leader board this week with Chantal Turpin top trainer, leading in four winners and Narissa McMullen driving for he same result in the sulky. Most pleasing is the continued success of ex- Sand Groper ,Michael Tenardi, with Top Flight Cruize at Recliffe. Resultsville Albion Park 27/10.. Call Me Yours (Steven Doherty for Tess Neaves).. Fon Ideal (Adam Richardson) for Donny Smith).. Comply Or Die (Narissa McMullen for Ron Sallis).. Albion Park 28/10.. Flaming Hero (Matt Elkins for Greg Elkins).. Bettabe Perfect (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. Always My Mate (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. Wattlebank Flyer (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. Village Witch (Narissa McMullen for Steve Cini).. Royal Counsel (Darrell Graham).. Albion Park 31/10.. Only In Rome (Isobel Ross for Trent Dawson).. Timmo Time (Adam Sanderson for Shawn Grimsey).. Redcliffe 01/11.. Real Knuckey (Hayden Barnes for Peter Jones).. Royal counsel (Adam Sanderson for Darrell Graham).. Heez Perfect (Gary Litzow).. Summer Money (Adam Richardson for Tayla Gillespie).. Summer Money (Adam Richardson for Tayla Gillespie).. Cocoa Cheval (Narissa McMullen for Ron Sallis).. Top Flight Cruize (Michael Tenardi).. Luv You Grazaella (Nathan Dawson for Merv Hieronymus).. Redcliffe 02/11.. The Restauranteur (Adam Richardson for Lee Storie).. Lynchman (Narissa McMullen for John McMullen).. Zenmach (Paul Matis).. Master Montana (Brittany Graham for Darrell Graham).. The Lunchbox Bully (Hayden Barnes for Chantal Turpin).. Magnussen (Lachie Manzelmann for Adam Richardson).. # Logged Arsenal VIP Club Group 1 User 194 Posts: 15979 « 2017-Nov-13, 08:17 AM Reply #194 » .TROT TACTICS".. 11/11/2017.. Fingers crossed for a fine day tomorrow, for take two of the Summerfest / Harriott Memorial race meeting at Marburg Showground. A full card of nine races with the first run at 12.00 noon and the last at 4.00pm ensures a great afternoon's racing for harness fans on the up close and spectacular Marburg circuit. There are plenty of additional features with three "Boutique Breweries" in attendance, two bookies, two lucky gate draws of $100 betting vouchers, monster multi prize raffle, the "pick six" jackpot of $1250 run on races...to..., and the "funny money " bookie where you can bet up big and take your stash to the fancy goods auction after the last race. All the usual Marburg country tucker plus kranske and brattwurst to enjoy with the craft beers. Craft stalls, jumping castle for the kids, mini-trotter races,interactive harnessing demo for adults and kids alike (get to pat a pacer) and the introduction of the "Costin Horseshoe", demonstrating the latest development in shock reduction for your horse. Thee will be a tug-o-war contest featuring local strong men, and air brush artist "Bec" will be showing her talents. Gates open at 11.00am. Adults $5, Pensioners and Members $3 kids under 16 free and the all important race book is $3.It's a great family day out, and it is all at rock bottom prices. Don't miss it!!! Just around the corner is the 2017 Inter-dominion Series, scheduled to commence on November 24th at Perth's Gloucester Park. The final ratings have been issued, and, as usual, the first 36 horses listed contain the cream of Australasian Free For All pacing talent. The top six are , Lazarus (Mark Purdon NZ), Lennytheshark (David Aiken Vic), Chicago Bull (Garry Hall Snr WA), Our Dream About Me (Mark Purdon NZ), Have Faith In Me (Mark Purdon NZ) and Tiger Tara (Kevin Pizzuto NSW). Between them the half dozen heroes have earned a massive $9,339,275.. Sadly, there are no Queensland Contenders this year. Coming into the big event on top form , is Lennytheshark, to be driven by Chris Alford. 'The Shark' took out the Yarra Valley Pacing Cup last Thursday over the 2650 metres from a mobile start. Running to the lead after 600 metres, the son of Four Starzzz Shark and the Albert Albert mare Botswana, held off My Field Marshal (Anthony Butt for Tim Butt) by 3.9 metres, taking a staggering 5 seconds from the track record, while rating 1-55.4 and producing a final 800 metres in 54.2seconds. If you place all your faith in times, that performance has it all!! The leader board firmly fixed in the lower Brisbane Valley with Darell Graham back on top in the training department leading in five winners for the week, while Narissa McMullen , Nathan Dawson and Adam Sanderson, all managed three winning drives for the same term. Most pleasing, Nikki Chalk's double at Gympie, and the one we missed last week, when Tayla Gillespie trained a double at Redcliffe. Ipswich factor 27 from 49 races won =55%.. Resultsville Albion Park 03/11.. Spud (Chris Petroff for Jay Edmonds).. Bull Market (Danielle McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. Horace Foxley (Narissa McMullen for Tahn Camillieri).. Ima Top Tycoon (Danielle McMullen forRyan Veivers).. Albion Park 04/11.. Remember Them (Nathan Dawson for Greg Franklin).. Montana falcon (Brittany Graham for Darrell Graham).. Annika Magic (Matt Elkins for Kerry Smith).. Village Witch (Narissa McMullen for Steve Cini).. I'm Johnny Jet (Brittany Graham for Darell Graham).. Glenferrie Boss (Chris Petroff for Trevor Lambourn).. Yankee Strutter (Kelli Dawson for Max Towns).. Ultimate Art (Adam Sanderson for Shannon Price).. Gympie 07/11.. Sakoy (Kevin Annetts).. Buddy Babcock (Nikki Chalk).. Leo The Lion (Nikki Chalk for Tess Neaves).. Redcliffe 07/11.. Irresistable Gabby (Matt Elkins for Ross Fletcher).. Somepartysomewhere (Nathan Dawson for Greg Franklin).. Shadow Pass (Adam Sanderson for Darrell Graham).. The Next Star (Adam Sanderson for Brittany Graham).. Redcliffe 08/11.. Royal Counsel (Darrell Graham).. Sir Semper Fidelis (Lachie Manzelmann for Paul Matis).. The Formula One (Nathan Dawson for Aileen Smith).. Black Belt (Narissa McMullen for Ron Sallis).. Altana Blue (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. Redcliffe09/11.. Come Out and Play (Gary Whitaker for Damian Shaw).. Master Montana (Lachie Manzelmann for Darrell Graham).. Theresachance (Nathan Dawson for Graham White).. # Logged Arsenal VIP Club Group 1 User 194 Posts: 15979 « 2017-Nov-23, 04:31 PM Reply #195 » "TROT TACTICS" 18/11/2017.. Hot on the heels of a very successful Summerfest/ Harriott Memorial meeting last Sunday, the merry folk of Marburg have another serve of harness for you today. Seven races this time, and the chance of some one taking home the "pick the card" jackpot where $3 can get you $1300. Gate prize of $100 free bet with bookie Stephen Anthony, plus the "funny money" deal where you bet with no money then use your bogus dollars in the auction after the last race. Best of burgers, cheapest beverage, great raffle and all this for $5 Adults, Members and Pensioners $3, with kids under 16 free. Gates open 10.30am trials commence at 11,00am and Race one goes at 12.00 noon. Don't miss it!! THE ELECTION. No one ,taking a fair and balanced view of the two horse codes in Queensland, could say that the bulk of participants, be they punters, owners, trainers or drivers, would be comfortable with their future prospects. Both major parties are trying to buy votes in the country areas with promised injections of funds around the $70 million over four years. Intending voters, and that should be all of us, should think hard about what is on offer. Election promises are easily made, and just as easily broken. What we should be hearing is a commitment to splitting the three codes, if only to ensure that each code's achievements or short comings are easily identifiable, and a return to stricter government control. We do not want Ministers of Racing claiming that they have appointed people to run racing and that dissidents should take their complaints back to those people. Such action is no better than that of Pontius Pilate!The following press release is about as sad as it gets. Where is racing in Queensland headed when QRIC stewards of whatever code, cannot go about their duty without risking assault. There are many in the horse codes who resent the high cost of QRIC, incurred in its bid to provide a clean product in all facets of racing from paddock to track. They will be even more upset when we have to provide police protection to stewards when they enter a licencee's premises. 14 November 2017 ."Two Queensland Racing Integrity Commission stewards are recovering after they were allegedly assaulted during a stable inspection at Toowoomba this morning. The stewards, from the Commissions Integrity Regulation Unit, were conducting an inspection at a Toowoomba property when they were approached by an industry participant. It is alleged the man, who is known to the stewards, sprayed an unknown liquid into the eyes of both of them. Its further alleged that he then stole the keys from a Queensland Racing Integrity Commission vehicle and drove off in his own vehicle. Both stewards were transported by Queensland Ambulance for medical treatment. Detectives from the Queensland Racing Crime Squad are investigating the incident with the assistance of Toowoomba police. A 73-year-old Pittsworth man is wanted for questioning". Queensland Racing Integrity Commissioner Ross Barnett said the stewards were acting within their lawful responsibilities when they were subjected to an unprovoked attack. Its very fortunate that neither of the officers has suffered any long term damage as a result of what occurred yesterday but having engine degreaser sprayed directly into their face and eyes was a very concerning incident, Commissioner Barnett said. I should stress that this is very unusual within the racing industry and most participants treat stewards with respect. We of course will not condone any assault on any of our staff and when anything like this happens we will ensure that the people responsible are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, Commissioner Barnett said. Nothing remarkable on the leader board this week. Darrell Graham was top trainer with five winners, while he shared driving honours with Pete McMullen and Nathan Dawson at three apiece. Resultsville.. Albion park 10/11..Geronimo Beau (Trent Dawson).. Horace Foxley (Narissa McMullen for Tahn Cammilieri).. Timmo Time (Adam Sanderson for Shawn Grimsey).. Albion Park 11/11.. Moonlight Eyre (Danielle McMullen for John McMullen).. Rubys Bad Boy (Darrell Graham).. Charms On A Roll (Pete for Chantal Turpin).. Marburg 12/11.. Grizzly Montana (Darrell Graham).. Shadow Pass (Darrell Graham).. Inciter (Matt Elkins for Greg Elkins).. Bubbaloobah (Dan Russell).. Soldier Of Fortune (Lachie Manzelmann for Karen Schulz).. Daenerys Stormborn (Adam Sanderson).. Proficient (Chris Petroff for Trevor Lambourn).. Riverleigh Jeff (Gary Whitaker for Tess Neaves).. Playnserious (Gary Litzow).. Albion Park 14/11.. Spud (Chris Petroff for Jay Edmunds).. The Caringbah Kid (Trent Dawson).. Trevs No Angel (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. Redcliffe 15/11.. Black Belt (Madi Dux for Ron Sallis).. Flashing Good Time (Danielle McMullen for John McMullen).. Rubys Bad Boy (Lachie Manzelmann for Darrell Graham).. One Last Roll (Taleah McMullen for Narissa McMullen).. Somepartysomewhere (Nathan Dawson for Greg Franklin).. Redcliffe 16/11.. Beef City Blaze (Nathan Dawson for Peter Greig).. Heavens Hint (Nathan Dawson for Stewie Dickson).. Tarin Kowt (Pete McMullen for Ron Sallis).. The Next Star (Brittany Graham for Darrell Graham).. # Logged Arsenal VIP Club Group 1 User 194 Posts: 15979 « 2017-Nov-26, 09:59 PM Reply #196 » "TROT TACTICS" 25/11/2017.. As mentioned last week, today is the day that all eligible citizens of Queensland get the opportunity to exercise their democratic right to elect a government. If racing is an important part of your life, then think hard before you caste your vote. At this point in time, as you would be aware, racing in both horse codes is in need of a shake out. A return to the separate codes of administration model would be a step in the right direction, while a strong message that the "begging bowl" mentality, which has blighted harness racing at the Club level for the last 25 years, is no longer on the table. It should be evident to administrators, at Control body and Club committee level, that we must build on course attendance. 1,000 patrons through the gate at $5 gives a club $500 per race to bolster distributed prize money and $1,000 to spend advertising next weeks meeting, in the hope that 6 months down the road the fan base is 1250 people! Harness has two options. Build a better product, or go out backwards. It is "crunch time"!! The Marburg Pacing Association has a double serve of responsibility today. The Annual General Meeting will take place after the unofficial trials, at approx. 10.00am. The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission has suspended the license of Mathew Neilson, arguably Brisbane's most talented Harness driver, following his arrest for match (race) fixing. The Commission is empowered to immediately suspend any license where a Harness code participant is charged with a serious criminal offence. The Commission has taken this action because it has a duty to ensure the integrity of the racing industry, Commissioner Ross Barnett said. The 35-year-old Neilson is also a Harness trainer and his training license has also been suspended. Neilson has 28-days to submit a written request for a show cause hearing to outline why he should be allowed to keep his licenses. If that does not occur, his licenses will continue to be suspended until further notice or until the licenses are cancelled. For the record, Mathew Neilson's lifetime stats are as follows. Drives 14,140 -- Wins 2,048 -- Placings3,696 -- and the horses driven have earned $9,786,834. If Neilson is found guilty, the control body will no doubt follow the precedent set in Barty Cockburn's case, drawing a line under a stellar career!As has been said many times before, there is something special about the lower Brisbane Valley and harness racing. Saturday night , the end of the rainbow was firmly fixed in Fernvale.Despite early setbacks, rising star Brittany Graham remained patient and produced her winning hand in the final leg to take the inaugural Lady Drivers Invitational at Albion Park on Saturday. The 24-year-old upstaged 11 of the most talented women in Australian racing to clinch the title in the sixth and final heat. Forced to sit on the sidelines in the opening event due to a scratching, Graham kept herself within striking distance of the lead by snaring crucial points on place getters, the unfancied Corporal Luna ($36.60), Constantly Sideways,and Living Grand ($28.70) in the second, fourth and fifth legs.Graham held an ace up her sleeve in the series finale, where she was engaged to drive the Mark Dux-trained Covert Beauty ($1.40fav).Despite early pressure, Graham forced her way to the front and never surrendered it, taking the race, the title, and a trip to Hamilton Island thanks to series sponsors, The Seymour Group. The rainbow didn't fade, with BG driving a double later in the program for dad, Darrell. Some night for the ladies!!Never mind about the lower Brisbane Valley, the Graham Family are using the leader board for a house sign this week. Father Darrell, leading trainer, posting five wins and daughter Brittany top driver, first home on four occasions. Most pleasing, Maretti for Phil Mitchell, with Rob Gorman in the sulky. Ipswich factor 24/49.. Resultsville.. Albion Park 17/11.. Leoryan (Danielle McMullen for John McMullen).. Maretti (Rob Gorman for Phil Mitchell).. Albion Park 18/11.. The Charging Moa (Narissa McMullen for Shane Graham).. Cheval Zeppenology (Danielle McMullen for Jason Carkeet).. Covert Beauty (Brittany Graham for Mark Dux).. Montana Falcon (Brittany Graham for Darrell Graham).. Rocky Carrington (Brittany Graham for Darrell Graham).. Marburg 18/11.. Shadow Pass (Brittany Graham for Darrell Graham).. Skylahain (Matt Elkins for Greg Elkins).. Circle Line (Matt Elkins for Ron Wells).. Albion Park 21/11.. Royal Counsel (Adam Richardson for Darrell Graham).. Jackaroo Bromac (Pete McMullen for Shane Graham).. Jack Hammer (Matt Elkins for Trevor Lambourn).. Subtle Delight (Nathan Dawson for Terry Hancock).. Redcliffe 22/11.. Luvu Grazaella (Nathan Dawson for MervHieronymus).. My Mojo (Danielle McMullen for Jason Carkeet).. Rocky Carrington (Lachie Manzelmann for Darrell Graham).. Santastic Princess (Adam Richardson for Tayla Gillespie).. Redcliffe 23/11.. Daenerys Stormborn (Shane Graham for Adam Sanderson).. Latin Beats (Nathan Dawson for Aileen Smith).. Long Road To Fame (Shane Graham for Adam Sanderson).. Weedons Express (Taleah McMullen for John McMullen).. Come Out and Play (Gary Whitaker for Damian Shaw).. The Harlem Hammer (GaryWhitaker for Doug Lee).. # Logged Arsenal VIP Club Group 1 User 194 Posts: 15979 « 2017-Dec-03, 10:00 PM Reply #197 » "TROT TACTICS"..02/12/2017.. An encouraging sign that harness still has some "hands on" appeal, outside of family involvement, was the commencement of rising rodeo star, Renee Quinn, at Steve Bunz's Purga based stable in the last two weeks. Ipswich resident Quinn and her 13 yo quarter horse gelding Duke have recently competed in the National Rodeo Finals under 18 Junior Barrel Race, a three round series held at Maryborough on November 11th, Toowoomba on November 17th and the final round at Caboolture on November 25th. RQ and Duke came to the final round in 7th place for the overall yearly standings, and running 2nd in the current competition. After an unplanned slip, 5th was the result, with yearly mark unmoved at 7th and the NRF event 3rd. At this point, Renee is seriously considering harness as a career path. Young, enthusiastic, with evident horse skills RQ looks a potential asset. If humans were horses, she would have a head start with a name like Quinn. Think about it. Young Quinn, 1975 Inter-dominion Grand Final and Miracle Mile $752,587, and, I'm Themightyquinn, 17 majors including 3 inter-dominions for $4,567,456. Who knows what's in a name!! With a strong possibility of Labour being able to govern in its own right, it is good to see courier Mail racing scribe, Nathan Exelby, dividing up the $70 million election package offered to fund country galloping clubs over the next four years at $15 million per year plus an extra $10 million for infrastructure....(CM Monday 27/11). Country Clubs are to expect $6 million this financial year,$5million in 2018/19 and $4 million in 2019/20. Mr Exelby writes that the "industry" is in line for $55 million over the next four years. To Joe Average, who is expected to be suitably impressed by these figures, and to remember the ALP's generosity to racing in Queensland when next we go to the polls, there is insufficient detail by a long way. How is the largesse to be spent, who are the primary recipients and what are the time lines for projects. These are things which Joe Average wants, and needs to know! No doubt a number of participants in the two "minor" codes would be even more grateful if the ALP was to take the one piece of LNP platform which had any appeal, and return to the "separate codes" form of administration. Harness in Queensland is in the process re-invention through the efforts of QRIC to remove the undesirable elements from the light harness sport. Surely, it should then have a better than even chance in the wagering market place, by presenting as an uncorrupted individual product with a reliable and stable form line, where appointed harness administrators can be judged on their performances!! So there you have it, upward and on for harness in 2018. With the unpredictability of the weather likely to be a big factor in the fortunes of trotting at this time, it might be prudent to abandon our fixation with fast mile rates in favour of a track surface and profile which handles heavy rain. People in harness have short memories, but the now defunct and sorely missed Parklands circuit, with its metal dust surface and moderate banking, withstood the worst. It was often and correctly said, "the more it rains, the faster it gets". We need "all weather" tracks, and we need them now!! Darrell Graham joined on the trainer's side of the leader board by Trevor Lambourn, both mentors leading in three winners for the week. In the sulky sitting department, Adam Richardson was dominant, putting up a big four for the term. Most pleasing, has to be Adam R. Always underrated, this week Adam had the cattle and made no bones about it! Resultsville Albion Park 24/11..Somepartysomewhere (Nathan Dawson for Greg Franklin).. Stirling William (Nathan Dawson for Shawn Grimsey).. Gotta Glow (Adam Richardson for Darrell Graham).. Albion Park 25/11.. Withalotofluck (Danielle McMullen for Steven Cini).. Glenferrie Boss (Chris Petroff for Trevor Lambourn).. Jack Hammer (Matt Elkins for Trevor Lambourn).. Secret Smile (Danielle McMullen for Ryan Veivers).. Nui Toc Tien (Chris Petroff for Trevor Lambourn).. Circle Line (Matt Elkins for Ron Wells).. Albion Park 28/11.. Northern Muscle (Denis Smith).. Rory Mach (Adam Richardson for Darrell Graham).. Cheers Kathy (Adam Richardson for Darrell Graham).. My Lady Linda (Adam Richardson for Lee Storie).. Hard to Hear (Trent Dawson).. Redcliffe 29/11.. abandoned.. Redcliffe 30/11.. Tascott Lady (Taleah McMullen for John McMullen).. Hot Dogma (Gary Whitaker forRoss Fletcher).. Punters Delight (Narissa McMullen for Ron Sallis).. Bob Gage (Chris Petroff for Ron Sallis).. # Logged Arsenal VIP Club Group 1 User 194 Posts: 15979 « 2017-Dec-11, 06:22 PM Reply #198 » "TROT TACTICS" 09/12/2017.. A reminder to start the day. Marburg races next Saturday 16/12. The jackpot for Peter Steele's "pick six", is now $1350 with all the traditional Marburg features of $100 free bet on the entry ticket, the best burgers etc and the cheapest bar prices at any sporting event. Santa Claus, lollies and a jumping castle for the kids plus the "funny money " bookie. There you have it, great country trotting!! Gates open 10.00am, Adults $5 , Members and Pensioners $3, Race books $3.. A 69-year-old Redcliffe man, now named as former high profile trainer, Stuart Hunter, has been charged with match (race) fixing offences for allegedly affecting the outcome of harness races in Queensland and South Australia.The former harness racing participant has also been charged with fraud and two counts of receiving tainted property. Police allege the man affected the outcome of harness races at Albion Park in Queensland and at Globe Derby Park in South Australia. Its also alleged the man facilitated the fraudulent purchase of harness racing horses whilst disqualified from all involvement in racing. The man has an extensive disciplinary history which includes a 20 month disqualification for his involvement in the practice of stomach-tubing a horse at Goulburn in New South Wales, Commissioner Ross Barnett said. That disqualification period has recently ended but hes also previously been disqualified for 12 months in 2014 for presenting a horse to race at Albion Park while affected by prohibited substances. Disqualification from any state applies nationally and means a person cannot associate with harness racing participants; enter a racecourse or any place under the control of a club or Controlling Body. It also means they cannot race, lease, train, drive or nominate a horse; participate in the harness code; or bet on any Australian harness race. Hunter, who has not applied to renew his harness industry licence, is the fourth person to be charged with match-fixing offences as a result of an investigation by Racing Crime Squad (RCS) detectives working in conjunction with stewards from the Queensland Racing Integrity Commissions Integrity Regulation Unit. Hunter has now been released on bail to appear in the Redcliffe Magistrates Court on 8 January, 2018. While our standardbred horse pool is predominantly composed of hoppled pacers, no one with even a smidgin of historical harness knowledge to their credit, would deny that the natural, diagonal gaited trotter, is the common ancestor. Strangely, in Australia, the trotter, after he had blazed the trail for today's racing product to develop, met with considerable prejudice from a number of State Control Bodies. Had it not been for Victoria and South Australia, the squaregaiter would, like the "Tasmanian Tiger", be extinct. Thankfully, in Queensland, the gait was not barred, and trotters sometimes raced against the pacers, occasionally with success. Trainers such as Ray Cross, and Noel Price ventured south with horses bred by Dave O'Sullivan at Upper Yarraman by his stallion Scottish Note which was well known for his dual gaited progeny. Thanks in a great part to the efforts both practical and monetary by the late Jim McNeil, trotters got off the ground in 1998, as a separate entity in Queensland. The pool has mainly been fuelled by "going" imports from inter-state and New Zealand, and the gait often appears to be tolerated rather than encouraged. This situation, however, has not stopped a handful of people from trying to breed better trotters. One of the stalwarts has been Kathryn McLachlan from Purga, who has bred perhaps 13 in all, of which 7 have won and 2 are 3yo and are as yet untried. While SiknSun and Solar Sling were sold on as maidens, ex-pat kiwi trainer , Frank Bennett, was able to win a race with each of them. Of the five retained in the home team at this point, all are winners, and are, Katy Kosmos, 2 wins for $5,373, Justa Fling 13 wins for $36,107, Norahs Fling, 3 wins for $7,750, High Cloud Lass, 5 wins for $35,609, and Northern Muscle, 6 wins for $27.105.. The current total stands at $111,854. KB McLachlan has retired from breeding, but it seems likely at this point that the squaregaiters will defray costs and provide enjoyment for some years to come. Good for Kathryn McLachlan and good for the game!! A tight contest on the driver's board with Danielle McMullen ,Adam Sanderson, and Nathan Dawson all tied on four wins apiece. It took just one less winner for Chantal Turpin to claim top trainer for the week. Most pleasing effort was Decapria, repaying Greg Minns' infinite patience at Redcliffe on Thursday. Resultsville Albion Park 01/12.. Opononis Bliss (Chantal Turpin).. Albion Park 02/12.. Always My Mate (Chantal Turpin).. Lancelot Bromac (Danielle McMullen for Stewie Dickson).. Bettor Than special (Adam Sanderson for Shannon Price).. Moonlight Eyre (Danielle McMullen for John McMullen).. Karloo Mac (Trent Dawson for Than Camillieri).. Northern Muscle (Denis Smith).. Albion Park 05/12.. Statement Made (Adam Sanderson for Shannon Price).. Bet I'm Special (Danielle McMullen for Shannon Price).. Mohegan Sun (Chris Petroff for Ron Sallis).. Redcliffe 06/12.. Calcavado (Chris Petroff for Ron Sallis).. Summer Money (Adam Richardson for Tayla Gillespie).. Countdown (Nathan Dawson for Greg Franklin).. Georgia Grace (Adam Sanderson for Shawn Grimsey).. Village Treasure (Danielle McMullen for John McMullen).. Always A Jewel (Adam Sanderson for Shawn Grimsey).. Redcliffe 07/12.. Norahas Fling (Adam Richardson For Denis Smith).. Heavens Hurricane (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. Skylarhain (Nathan Dawson for Greg Elkins).. Decapria (Nathan Dawson for Greg Minns).. Heavens Hint (Nathan Dawson for Stewie Dickson).. Our Buscemi (Gary Whitaker for Bianca Hooper).. Master Montana (Darrell Graham).. # Logged Arsenal VIP Club Group 1 User 194 Posts: 15979 « 2017-Dec-17, 12:33 PM Reply #199 » "TROT TACTICS" 16/12/2017.. Time is a great leveller, and ,always, his last act is to remove us from this life. In so doing, he makes the Duke and his gamekeeper equal, as both are dust. Last Sunday, he took a "game keeper" and elevated him to freedom from pain. Col McDougall was born at Ipswich Hospital on 01/07/1944, and was reared at Churchill in the company of Spellekens' and McCoombes' where trotting was firmly entrenched.. His first job was with Brisbane City Council at the Mt Crosby water treatment plant, residing there for a period. Later, Col returned to Churchill and drove a truck on Ipswich City Council for a great part of his working life. He married Faye Spelleken, and the couple raised two fine children in Julie and Bradley. When I first encountered Col McDougall he was renting a couple of stables at Noel Spelleken's property at Three Mile and working, you guessed it, a couple of pacers each and every afternoon. The horses raced at Ipswich Show ground and Rocklea on Saturday afternoon. Col loved his horses, loved his wife and kids, and, I believe, most of the people that he was associated with. He was the bloke that harness administrators classify as a "hobbyist". Putting in countless hours with very average stock, accepting defeat on the racetrack as a part of life, yet never losing heart. Never losing sight of the "bunny of success" chasing hard all the way. Taken in context, his stats are not that shabby. As a trainer, 1356 starters for 78 winners, 264 placings and $137,378. In the sulky, C McD went round on 705 occasions for 34 wins and $50,000 in the bank. His best season was 1988/ 89, hitting the bullseye eight times. His best horse may have been Slippery Lobell, bred by local owner/breeder/trainer, Bill Crosby. A shocking accident at Rocklea, when a horse reared up at the start and fell across Col, crushing him to the track causing severe injury, probably wrecked his harness aspirations. As so often happens, the occurrence seemed to trigger a long chain of health issues, culminating last Sunday. Col McDougall was the man you wanted to see coming when you were broken down by the roadside or needed help in other ways. "I'll give you a hand mate" was his watchword, and while he would argue the leg off a table on some matters, his word was very much his bond. While Col McDougall may have been one of life's "gamekeepers", his depth of character made him a Duke!! The Queensland Racing Integrity Commissioner has welcomed the decision to charge a harness racing code participant with perjury. The Racing Crime Squad has charged Mathew Neilson with perjury following evidence he gave at a Crime and Corruption Commission hearing, Commissioner Ross Barnett said. The Racing Integrity Commission is working hard to restore integrity to harness racing and where we can enlist the help of other law enforcement agencies we will. Id like to thank the CCC for its support, Commissioner Barnett said. The Commissioner has previously suspended 35-year-old Mr Neilsons harness driver and training licences after he was charged with match fixing last month. Ten people associated with harness racing in Queensland have now been charged with match fixing and other offences as a result of the work of investigators involved in Operation Oscar Swallowtail, including a 65-year-old Yeronga man who was arrested at the weekend. Commissioner Barnett said. Its important to remember that those charged so far only represent a small proportion of the total participants in the sport. Law-abiding participants can be assured that confidence in the harness racing code will improve once the race fixers are identified, charged, convicted and banished from the sport!! It's the entry to the Festive season, and what better way to kick it off than the Marburg Trots today. A big 9 race program, Santa, lollies, and a jumping castle for the kids coupled with a monster raffle, $1350 "pick six" jackpot, $100 gate draw and best priced refreshments make Marburg the place to be. Gates open 10.00am, with Adults $5, Members and Pensioners $3, Race books $3. Trials at 10.40am, first race at 11.40am. A very predictable leader board coming into Christmas. Most of the prezzies addressed "care of the lower Brisbane Valley". Top trainer, Darrell Graham with a healthy tally of five winners for the week, while Narissa McMullen stood out in the sulky ,getting home on four occasions. Resultsville Albion Park 08/12.. Rubys Bad Boy (Lachie Manzelmann for Darell Graham).. Constantlysideways (Danielle McMullen for Bill Crosby).. Firebby (Danielle McMullen for Christine Monte).. Blazing Under Fire (Pete McMullen for Blake Fitzpatrick).. Mach Torque (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. Albion Park 09/12.. I'm johnny Jet (Brittany Graham for Darrell Graham).. Django Mach (Narissa McMullen).. Warwick 09/12.. My Ultimate Fella (Brittany Graham for Darrell Graham).. Machbino (Nikki Chalk for Tess Neaves).. Albion Park 12/12.. El Swavo (Clint Sneddon for Karen Bennett).. Donny Jones (Taleah McMullen for Ron Wells).. Our Mels Dream (Narissa McMulen for Ron Sallis).. Horace Foxley (Trent Dawson for Tahn Camillieri ).. Bet I'm Special (Danielle McMullen for Shannon Price).. Redcliffe 13/12.. Georgia Grace (Adam Sanderson for Shawn Grimsey).. No Confession (Narissa McMullen for Tayla Gillespie).. Stuunder (Narissa McMullen for Shane Sanderson).. Punters Delight (Dylan Ferguson for Ron Sallis).. Its All Go (Sheree Tomlinson for Matt Elkins).. Western Falcon (Narissa McMullen for John McMullen).. Redcliffe 14/12.. Mighty Montana (Darrell Graham).. Mister Hart (Darrell Graham).. Heavens Hint (Pete McMullen for Stewie Dickson).. # Logged BACK TO ALL TOPICS Print Search Pages: 1 ... 6 7 8 9 10 ... 12 Go Up « previous next »