| The seaside
town of Warrnambool has been jumping with excitement this week as it plays host to the
Summer Carnival, incorporating a feast of equine activity- from the thundering hooves of
finely tuned racehorses to the exquisite flexibility and athleticism of participants in
the Australian Showjumping Championships. Warrnambool is synonymous with cross country racing, with it’s
showpiece Grand Annual carnival in May, but it is the unique combination of two the two
disciplines integrating at the one time that has captured the imagination of the public
and drawn huge attention to the town for this four day extravaganza.
On Sunday, the final day of the carnival, proceedings will
fittingly commence with the running of a hurdle event, the J & J Kelly Stock Agency
Novice Hurdle over 3100metres.
Whilst the event has only drawn a field of 9 runners,
including 4 locals and 1 border raider, some of the nation’s best cross country hoops
will be on board, ensuring a contest as keen as any.
The likes of Craig Durden, Brian Constable and Brett Scott
head the pack of riders all in search of their first win of 2001.
Simon Ryan will partner topweight, and one of the local
hopes, Intensive Care, who has been freshened since a solid fourth behind Unanswered at
Terang nearly 3 weeks ago. That form has been made to look quite reasonable, with the
winner since going on to score impressively on the flat at Moonee Valley.
Brian Constable will take over the reins from Ricky Maund
on the Stuart Webb trained Andrestad and providing the horse has taken no harm from his
third placing behind Osborne Well on the flint-hard Werribee surface last weekend, will
certainly make his presence felt.
Traralgon trainer, Robert Lont has employed the services of
dual Tommy Corrigan medallist, Craig Durden for his 6yo, Dove Edwin and will also benefit
from some recent, sound performances on the flat in preparation for this.
Apprentice Ciaron Maher will be looking to write his name
onto the winning list with Ink, another local stable entrant, whilst John Macmillan will
also be aboard one the host town heroes, Lord Intent.
Although well beaten last Saturday at Werribee, jockey
Brett Scott has kept his faith with the Brad Cole contender, Lucky Striker.
South Australian trainer, James Moore has made a bold move
to bring the lightly raced 5 yo mare, Swiss Connection across from his Penola base for her
hurdling debut. Having only her 13th. raceday appearance, Swiss Connection, to be ridden
by Patrick Kelly, will be the first of the fairer sex to compete in a jumps event this
year and the chestnut’s trainer must be confident in both her ability and fitness
level - setting a big task to step up from the 1580 metres of her last start at Mount
Gambier to the near two miles of this assignment.
Marty Mills will be hoping he doesn’t have to call for
a cab aboard his mount, Tijuana Taxi. The pair managed an eyecatching 3rd. place at the
5yo’s debut over the obstacles on New Years day, but would be looking to atone for a
slightly less impressive 6th. last weekend.
The interestingly named, Vagabunndo rounds off the field
and trainer John Brooks will be looking for his first success with this 5yo when he legs
Jason Evans aboard. This will be Vagabunndo’s 8th. start on his home track, which to
date has not yielded any of his 4 career placing’s.
So it certainly looks to be a most interesting contest and
for those that will be heading to enjoy a funfilled day at the beautiful surroundings of
the picturesque track, they are sure to open their day will a great spectacle.
And if you want to keep on track will all the action of
jumps racing...
GO JUMP !!!!!!!!!!!!
Don Cooper |
