In the Press
Painting the race track PinkWinning was like Christmas
Dreams are up with Smoke
Farewell on Target Today
Eyeing off jockey title
Secret found for first race smiles
New track will be heavenly on horse hooves
It's the best event ever!
Lantry's Gold Cup Triumph
Hail Iron Horse
Bad food leads to good day
We Love Racing
No need to seek Third Opinion on great ride
Spend summer trackside
Think pink with a day at the races
Yorke in dark over coveted award
Pink silks past post again
Cajun Comet to hot, too fast
All the kudos for jockey
Cup Week Can Only Get Better
Gold Cup Was A Brilliant Race Event
Youth Ban Proves A Cup Day Winner
Joy For Jasen
Top Day Out
Coffs Cup Carnival Set To Be Best Yet
Carlton Draught Gold Cup Carnival Set To Be Even Bigger For 2008
No entry for U18’s at Cup
Exciting Changes to Cup Day Race Program
“Coffs Harbour Pink Silks Ladies Day” is calling all charities!
4-1-2010
Painting the race track Pink
UNDETERRED by warm temperatures, a crowd estimated at around 2000 flocked to the Coffs Harbour Racing Club yesterday for the Pink Silks Ladies Day meeting.
“It was a fantastic effort on such a beautiful day,” said Coffs Harbour Racing Club CEO Russell Atkinson.
“At this stage it looks like a record year for fundraising – although we won’t know final figures until tomorrow, we are hoping for $35,000, which would take our four year total to $120,000 which was our goal. The locals come out and support this day, just like they do the Cup.”
Money raised by the event goes to the Coffs Harbour Women’s Health Centre’s Post-Natal Depression Project and its Ovarian and Cervical Cancer Support Project, as well as the Titivators breast cancer support group.
Even the blokes went pink, with plenty of enthusiasm for striding the catwalk for the fashions on the field event. Children were kept busy with a whole range of activities while their parents enjoyed the racing.
4-1-2010
Winning was like Christmas
While ‘community’ meetings may not boast the big prize money TAB coverage brings, getting a horse first past the post still provides enormous thrills for winning owners, trainers and jockeys.
Takeover Target held the spotlight at Coffs Harbour on Saturday and none of the animals who competed on the five-race card will ever reach his great heights.
But to Grafton owner-trainer Innes Fahey, winning with outsider Iona Horse was like getting a double load of presents on Christmas morning.
“Gee, I can’t believe this is happening after all the problems we’ve had with the mare,” he said excitedly.
“My wife and I got her 12 months ago and we’ve spent so much time working with her and couldn’t seem to get any luck when she raced.”
Fahey took his charge to Ballina on Boxing Day and while she was again unplaced over 1010m, he spotted positive signs of improvement.
“She finished on really well from back in the field and I thought the extra 200m today might make all the difference,” he added.
“There were horses everywhere in that final furlong and then I saw her coming and coming ... mate, this is wonderful.”
Coffs jockey Stephen Traecey picked up the winning ride at the last moment when original choice Matt Paget was held up in holiday traffic coming up from Port Macquarie.
Local trainer Jim Jarvis was on hand when the switch was made and said the jockey only took the ride at the insistence of his former apprentice (and Traecey’s partner) Melinda Kinny.
“They’ve got a baby due soon and Mel pushed Steve forward for the ride as she reckoned they needed the extra money,” Jarvis chuckled mischievously.
On course mentor Brett Bellamy landed two winners on the program and Neil Godbolt also finished with a double, which was likely to cost him plenty on the way home to Port Macquarie.
The champion trainer’s girth has filled out considerably since the 1970’s when as a skinny kid from Krambach he rode over a thousand winners on bush tracks.
After a winning afternoon, Godbolt was destined to finish the day heavier than when he started.
“It’s his shout after that,” wife Maxine revealed after Flying View won the last.
“We’ll stop at Kempsey on the way home and he’ll be buying plenty of Chinese.”
4-1-2010
Dreams are up with Smoke
BIG plans may be in store for stoutly-bred Smoke Dream after her breakthrough maiden win at Coffs Harbour on Saturday.
Bellamy stable patron Peter Wood said on pedigree the winner was destined to be a major Cups competitor once she matured.
“Her sire Refuse To Bend came out from Ireland and didn’t get many opportunities,” he said.
“He’s gone home to be a major success, not surprising as he’s a half-brother to Melbourne Cup-winner Media Puzzle.
“And the mare (Rekindled) is sired by Natski who was runner-up in the Cup so the horse is bred to stay.”
“She could have been a Coffs Cup hope next season and as it’s gone back to a mile we’ll have to rule that one out but I think a suitable race will come up for her.”
Farewell on Target today
COFFS Harbour Racing Club today farewells Takeover Target, undoubtedly among the greatest sprinters this land has seen.
Affectionately known as Archie, the ‘people’s champion’ ended his brilliant career on July 7 last year after being injured on a third visit to race before Her Majesty the Queen at Royal Ascot.
The city will honour the champion galloper and his devoted owner-trainer Joe Janiak with a mayoral welcome at 2.55pm.
Mayor Keith Rhoades will make a rug presentation and offer the ‘keys to the city’ in the form of a carrot cake.
“Archie loves carrots and Joe gives him one every day as a treat,” racing club chairman Alan Johnson revealed.
“But he never gives them to the other horses ... except on Christmas Day when he turned up at the stables with carrots for all of them.
“Fair dinkum, when Archie saw the others getting what he believed only he deserved, he started playing up and wouldn’t settle down until he got the lot.
“The horse is so intelligent and a real individual ... the great ones are certainly different to the rest of the herd and seem to have an instinct of how good they are.”
Takeover Target ranks with Gunsynd, Makybe Diva, Kingston Town, Leilani, Manikato and Scillachi, as the most universally popular racehorse of the last half century.
Part-owned by trainer Janiak’s son Ben, he was ridden by Jay Ford in all but two of his races with Steve Arnold and Nash Rawiller having one ride each.
After winning a lowly maiden at Queanbeyan on April 23, 2004, the gelding went on to another 20 victories including nine at the premium Group One level.
He won $A6,028,311 and turned Janiak into a genuine folk hero.
A bestselling book tells the story and a blockbuster movie is now in pre-production.
Sky Racing broadcaster Rod Fuller will take a rare day off from race calling to act as master-of-ceremonies.
“It was such an honour to be asked by the club,” he said.
“Takeover ranks among the greatest of them all and to be part of his farewell party will be such a thrill.”
Chairman Alan Johnson said Takeover Target will do an exhibition gallop on the course proper at 2.45pm and with usual jockey Jay Ford committed to the city meeting, there’s speculation as to which local will get the prized ride.
“Joe hasn’t said but I’m tipping Steve Traecey will be in the saddle as he rides most of his work,” he said.
Archie will parade in the ring for fans wishing to take photos, then Joe the trainer will repair to the Merv Mercer Auditorium to sign memorabilia including books, t-shirts, hats, posters and the new signature range of Takeover Target wines.
As an extra treat, Janiak will saddle up a runner – Moveover Target – in the last local race.
Eyeing off jockey title
His best season ever has Raymond Spokes riding with flair, bursting with confidence, and on target for a maiden senior jockey's premiership.
Victory on Lucy I Luv for 'boss' Brett Bellamy at yesterday's Coffs Harbour TAB took spokes to 21 winners for the season.
With almost half the season gone, he's at ubackable odds to win his home track championship and remains in a three-way fight for the Association title.
"You bet I can win it," the jockey said while unsaddling the winner."
"When you're riding for the best stable you're always a chance."
5-12-2009
Secret found for first race smiles
There's a new way to find winners at Coffs Harbour racecourse.
Just look for the Jarvis stable runner in the first event, and then lay your bets.
Since Jim and Kris Jarvis left Victoria behind and made the permanent move to the North Coast, winning the opening race on the program at their home track has been turned into an art form.
They broke through again yesterday with Always Straight in the Coates Hire Maiden (1300m) and the trainer agreed the extra 100m to what the gelding has usually been racing over may have made all the difference.
"The horse has always shown us that it's going to find something a bit of extra ground later on." he said.
"He's been a nervous horse but when they went into the mounting yard, I said to the wife 'this bloke is either not going to do anything...or he'll just win' as he was so relaxed before the race."
"The penny might have dropped in his brain now and he might be able to go on for us."
Well handled by veteran rider Steve Traccey, the gelding sat five horses back and just off the pace set by early leader Mipony.
With three across the track as the field cornered, Traccey peeled wide in the straight and there was plenty of horse under him in the run to the post.
Always Straight was the stable's only runner at the meeting but was the 11th win from 48 starters this season.
There have been 11 seconds and one third, and with prizemoney earned by almost every starter, its an extraordinary strike rate.
"You only need one winner to pay the bills and have a bit left over," Kristine Jarvis revealed.
"I didn't name him always straight after Jim, incidentally, there was a horse called Never Bend in his pedigree and so I thought this name would be appropriate."
Meanwhile, former local rider Jasen Watkins has no regrets about shifting his base back to home town Casino, despite a handful of suspensions causing disruption.
"Last time I came back to Coffs I got some time and the boys gave it to me for that, but it's been good," he said.
"My weight is down to 53kg, so I'm making another go of breaking through on the Gold Coast and with a couple of winners already, it's helping get my name around."
"Even getting rides at Caloundra under the lights but it's always good to get back to Coffs to sit on a few."
20-10-2009
New track will be heavenly on horse hooves
The installation of a new training track at Coffs Harbour Racing Club is enhancing its reputation as a regional training facility.
The $720,000 project - which will deliver a Proride synthetic track made of sand and polymer - will be used for the first time tomorrow.
The racing industry and the club are funding the works, which means the club will now have two purpose-built training tracks - one for slow work and the other for fast work.
"It replaces the synthetic sand track which was put there 10 years ago and which suffered heavily in the floods earlier this year," club CEO Russ Atkinson said.
"It gives the trainers an excellent surface in all weather conditions, is kind on the horses and is state-of-the-art.
"It will help by taking the pressure off our grass track and it will give horses the confidence they need. Every stride they will experience the same conditions underfoot."
The club will also ensure the new training track will be regularly maintained to ensure the best performance.
Club chairman Alan Johnson said training facilities at the track were comparable to those at provincial and city clubs.
"its a matter of growing with the industry, otherwise our trainers can't compete," he said.
The club has also taken delivery of new barriers worth $100,00, thanks to funding from Racing NSW.
The barriers will be put to the test at Friday's Coffs Harbour Race meeting.
7-8-2009
It's the best event ever!
'Why would you want to be anywhere else?'
That was the simple statement made by Coffs Harbour local Clayton Dillion yesterday that beautifully summed up the Coffs Harbour VB Gold Cup Rade Day.
Mr Dillion joined thousands of other race-goers who flocked to the Coffs Harbour Racing Club in what is already being described as the 'best event yet'.
"I've been coming here for 10 years, I just love it," he said.
"The weather is beautiful, the peple are exceptional - why wouldn't you be here, it's one of the best events on the Mid North Coast."
Whether you were there for the fashion, the races or the chance to catch upwith a few friends, the sentiment across the board was simple: it was a beautiful well organised day that was well worth the effort.
"The sun is shinning, the people are magic and faces are smiling," Coffs Coast local Angela Davies said.
And it wasn't just the Coffs Coast locals enjoying the sun either - Santino Tonelli made the trip from Gloucestor especially.
"I came last year and it was so good I made the trip up again and even brought some people up with me," he said.
"You meet so many different people who are all lovely and it's a beautiful day."
"You don't have to win to have a good time; I'll definately be back again next year."
It was another winner year for the seasoned race veteran Shane Brooks of Florent and Mundey Real Estate, who was on the up and up with a win on the first race of the day.
"I bring the team every year, we have breakfast down at the Foreshores Cafe and then come to the races, it's an excellent day," he said.
Coffs Harbour City Councillor Kerry Hines and her husband, Chris, had bought special outfits from the USA for the event.
"How about the exceptional weather?" she said.
"And everyone is looking fabulous. It's such a great event and its a chance for everyone to get frocked up and have a good time," she said.
It was a special day for Damien De la Mothe and Kelly Meehan. They were using the day as their last big send-off before they jet off to Euroe for two years.
"It's like Christmas in August," Damien said.
"We came with all our of friends; it's a great day to catch up with everyoneyou haven't seen in a while. We're moving to Europe for two years so this is a great way to see everyone."
"It's the most fun you can have with your pants on."
7-8-2009
Lantry's Gold Cup triumph
Rarely does newly-crowned VB Gold Cup-winner Ken Lantry allow facial expressions to give away his true feelings on a racecourse.
But yesterday the normally inscrutable trainer was holding nothing back when he punched the air in triumph and flashed an ear to ear grin after Legendary Man's astonishing run.
"A great win and one of my proudest moments in racing, without a doubt," Lantry said.
Following a riding career cut short by weight, Lantry learned the training trade in Newcastle while building a reputation as one of the Coal City's toughest rugby league hookers.
At the top of his game, he switched to Coffs Harbour for the next 12 years and while the stable recently moved back to Newcastle, Lantry still considers this his home turf.
"Lately he's been running good but not finishing his races off," he said.
"The reason was his bad feet but to get him ready for this race we changed a couple of things around and were pretty confident about his chances, without being over confident.
"Dale (Spriggs) rode him exactly how I wanted and we got the money."
"It's been a long-range plan to get hm here, he's an eight-year-old remember, but fantastic...just so fantastic."
7-8-2009
Hail Iron Horse
Winning his home town's blue ribbon sporting contest is a dream come true for part-owner Warren Skinner
As jockey Dale Spriggs manoeuvered Legendary Man back into the winner's circle there were moments the prominent Coffs Harbour businessman seemed close to tears, as the emotion of the victory threatened to overwhelm him.
But the reality began to gradually sink in as a conga line of back-slappers moved past to offer congratulations.
"For out little group it's like winning the Melbourne Cup, with a horse we can afford," he said.
"It's such a thrill, he's been such an unlucky bugger...at one time we felt he was destined for greatness but he's had so many injuries and it's a wonder he's still racing."
"If it wasn't for the care of (trainer) Ken and Julie Lantry, he would have been gone for sure and while I won't go through the list of injuries, he's a bit like Wally Lewis when he played footy."
Honestly, Legendary Man must be an iron horse to be still racing, with a fractured pelvis his most serious injury.
Tendon problems, assorted muscle and leg knocks ... the flashy chestnut has pushed hiself through the pain barrier on numerous occasions.
"You know, the great thing about him is he's got a heart as big as himself and good horses have got to have good tickers," Skinner said.
'I'm so bloody excited I can hardly believe it's happend."
Skinner said Legendary Man was close to the best galloper he'd been involved with.
He felt conditions suited ideally with the hot pace up front from Save a Buck and Blinkin Easy setting the race up for his horse's now famous withering burst of speed at the back end of his run.
"He's been around this course hundreds of times in his trackwork but this is the first time we've been able to start him in a race," he added.
"With all his problems the weight would have been too much but today, his moment arrived."
"Now he's won over half a million (dollars) and only good horses can do that."
7-8-2009
Bad food leads to good day
Advice to all jockeys about what they should avoid the night before riding in the Coffs Harbour Gold Cup - oysters salad.
Shane Treweek was due to ride yesterday's VB Gold Cup winner Legendary Man before he was struck down with a stomach virus that allowed Dale Spriggs to get the late call-up on the Cup winner.
"He was pretty sick this morning apparently so Ken (Lantry) called me up and offered me the ride." Spriggs said of his good fortune.
Treweeck was well enough though to give Spriggs some timely advice on how best to ride the locally owned gelding in yesterday's feature event.
"I rang Shane this morning and he said to settle him off the pace because once he winds up he'll come over the top of them," he said.
"Kenny pretty much said exactly the same things to me before the race."
"He told me to make sure that I gave him plenty of room before letting him go because he's going to sprint quickley."
Sitting well off the pace while Save A Buck and Blinkin Easy set a cracking pace up front, Spriggs kicked the winner up for a massive run home but even he admitted that he thought he was going to come up short.
"It wasn't until there was only 100 metres to go that i thought i would win it." he said.
"I thought i was going to finish second but the one out front stopped a bit and came back to me."
29-12-2008
We Love Racing
Proof there's still a place for traditional 'community' racing was provided by the large crowds which turned out for meetings at Coffs Harbour, Bowraville and Ballina on the weekend.
Nambucca River's Boxing Day fixture continued its spectacular recent growth on Friday but Coffs Harbour Racing Club CEO Russ Atkinson said switching the local meeting back from January 1 to Saturday had also been a blessing in disguise.
"We always desired a Suturday meeting to reduce the financial impact of racing on the (New Years Day) public holiday which has lost money over the last 3 years," he said.
"With the growing number of community events, such as the Sawtell Festival on New Years Day, the move assists families for a fun day out."
Residents of Camp Creek kept the tradition of their historic picnic club alive by sponsoring the main race of the day.
Equal favourite Far Encounter was shooting for three straight victories in the race but the party was upset by Pimpala Diamond, trained on the track by Gordon Yorke.
"Scoring at home is always great but to take out a race put on by such good racing people is really pleasurable." Yorke said.
Winning jockey Yasushi Fujimoto had an extra reason to celebrate as the gelding is raced in partnership by his father who will arrive in Australia from Japan next week for a family holiday with his son.
Racing returns to the Coffs Harbour course on Tuesday when the club will conduct a stand alone TAB meeting.
"We've attracted excellent fields and the locals are sure to feature on the day." CEO Russ Atkinson said.
"Once again with the holidays upon us the focus will be on providing a great day out for the whole family."
On New Years Day, the Northern Rivers Racing Association community meeting will be at Ballina with Bowraville's Nambucca River Jockey Club presenting thier Kids Day Out program (non-TAB) next Saturday.
29-12-2008
No need to seek Third Opinion on great ride
Top jockey Jasen Watkins again showed his incredible judgement when riding the Coffs Harbour track with a brilliant effort to capture the Coramba Cup on Third Opinion last Saturday.
Watkins has had a quiet time since winning a second Coffs Harbour Gold Cup on Belmonte back in August but showed he's lost none of his vigour and uncanny touch when the promising gelding needed plenty of convincing he should keep his mind on the job.
After a slow getaway, the jockey was forced to scrub Third Opinion along to keep in touch when the others before the horse again lost concentration and momentarily dropped back to the tail of the field.
"Geez, he's a lazy bugger," Watkins told trainer Trevor Hardy on dismounting after the race.
Hardy agreed and said he had all but given up in the early stages of the race.
"He was lazy, all right, and down the back of the track I didn't know where he was going or think he had any hope of being in the finish," he said.
But when Third Opinion did finally decide to co-operate with his rider, Watkins pulled him out out one of the fence and was posted in search of a gap as the horses prepared to negotiate the home corner.
As soon as the opening appeared four horses off the inside fence, the three-year old responded strongly and just arrived in time to out plug heavily-supported top weight Fantino. Meanwhile, Pimpala Diamond kept the local flag flying in the feature races when he took out the historic Camp Creek Cup.
Race favourite Far Encounter was chasing three straight wins in the event and apprentice rider Mel Kinny settled him in front earley to set the pace.
But thebest laid plan came unstuck when two rivals decided to turn the race into a speed test, setting things up for Yass Fujimoto to bring the winner home with a strong finishing burst.
Earlier in the day there was an unusual happening when the maiden galloper Admirals Crown saddled up for his second start in less than 24 hours. On Boxing Day, the son of Vice Admiral was narrowly beaten in the last race at Bowraville but after showing no ill effects from the run, trainer David Cambell decided to give him another chance in the first race at Coffs.
27-12-2008
Spend Summer Trackside
With three race meetings in the space of the next 16 days, Coffs Harbour Racing Club is set to become one of the main centres of excitement over the holiday period.
the first of the three meetings is this afternoon when the Beach Party Raceday picnic meeting is being held with the Coramba Cup being the feature event of the day.
On Tuesday the only race meeting in the state will be held in Coffs Harbour while Sunday, January 11, will see what has already become one of the most popular events on the local calendar, the Pink Silks raceday.
On this day, the track has a totally pink theme - from the champagne right through to the saddle cloths. This day will again raise much needed funds for local charities that provide support and care for local women such as Breastscreen North Coast, Pallative Care Coffs Harbour and Coffs Harbour Women's Health Centre.
Official proceddings this afternoon start just before 2.00pm with the first race but there's plenty of fun this afternoon with the local racing club organising free entry and enteertainment for the kids.
With so much action happening, there's no excuse not to get trackside this holiday period.
Think pink with a day at the races
Pink will be the new black at a local racing event in January that aims to raise $100,000 for vital health services for Coffs Coast women.
The third Pink Silks Race Day is a fun family race day with a totally pink theme, from the champagne to the saddlecloths.
Pink Silks chairperson, Caroline Bleechmore, said the aim of the family fun day is to raise awareness and funding for local organisations that provide support and care for women.
"The previous two events raised almost $80,000 and we're hoping the third event can tip the scales over $100,000," Ms Bleechmore said.
Due to the success of the event, 2009 will see the inaugural Pink Silks Cocktail Party and Auction added to the event, and the day will feature eth popular Fashions in the Field, activities for the kids and tonnes of giveaways.
The Pink Silks Race Day will be held on January 11, for details call 6652 1488.
29-10-2008
Yorke in dark over coveted award
Once his two acceptors have raced at Eagle Farm today and are safely on the return float to Coffs Harbour, trainer Gordon Yorke will slip a few hundred metres down the freeway to catch a late southbound flight.
It will be his second visit for the day to the airport, after waving goodbye to Nuclear Medicine at 3am when the horse with "about 52 owners" boarded an interstate freight-liner, en route to the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
Yorke has been so busy preparing he was unaware Nuclear Medicine had been named Northern Rivers Racing 'Hores of the Year' at the weekend's awards dinner until receivng the news from the Coffs Coast Advocate.
"Fair dinkum, you're pulling my leg, nobody told me we'd won and I thought Takeover Target would get it for sure," the clearly surprised trainer said.
"I saw we'd been nominated but your'e the first to let us know and the owners will be pleased."
Two years after making an assault on the Group 2 Sallinger Stakes (1200m) in Derby Day with Natural Destiny, Saturday's mission at Flemington will follow a similar path.
"You've got to be in it to win it, you've got to have a gobut fee, it's been so bloody hard," Yorke admitted.
"With all the interruptions and the difficulty of getting a start for him in a race or barrier trial, the horse is probably two weeks behind where I'd like him to be."
"I'm not saying they should be making allowances for the good horses, I'm saying changes have to be made for the benefit of all the horses, otherwise people are going to be chased out of racing and that is not what the sport is about."
"I don't care if it makes me unpopular but somebody has to stand up and tell the truth and I appreciate when you guys at the paper have the guts to print it"
Ridden by race jockey Scott Thurlow, the horse blitzed all comers in a barrier trial after the last at Coffs on Friday, trying to top off his preperation.
It's the third time Yorke has used this method to get his animal to somewhere approaching race fitness.
"He's got a bit of speed but we're praying it's wet" the trainer admitted.
"He can handle all surfaces but when the rain comes down he gets a bigger smile on his face than I do."
25-10-2008
Pink silks past post again
Those famous hot pink silks of the Jim Jarvis stable were first past the post again when Nalinga Road won easily at Coffs Harbour yesterday.
The affable trainer was chirpy enough before the race but when apprentice rider Jamie Quinnell slipped out of cruise control in the straight, Jarvis was positively beaming.
"When we first bought him up from Victoria his main target was the Big River Maiden in Grafton," he said.
" But as luck would have it we were balloted out of the race, so I took him down to Port Macquarie but was too kind to him and he was a bit fat when he raced."
"However, it had him right at his top and it didn't surprise how well he ran today."
Meanwhile, top Taree traineer Ross Stitt rarely misses when venturing north and he scored in the oopening race with consistent Youthful Angel.
Stitt was so confident of success he stayed home and deputised fellow trainer Bindi Cheers to saddle the striking black filly.
Given a smooth passage behind the leaders by Peter Graham, Youthful Angel ranged up on the corner one off the fence and staged a two-horse war down the straight to just out plug popular Great Stookan.
17-9-2008
Cajun Comet too hot, too fast
Top trainer Gordon Yorke may be on to something.
If you want to win on local races, bet on the emergency runners who manage to get a start once the scratchings are announced.
Yorke - a noted non-punter - produced outsider Cajun Comet who ran a class record on a dead track winnng at Coffs Harbour yesterday, after a frustrating run of being balloted out of suitable races.
"That's the way the system is at the moment ... your'e even balloted out of barrier trials." he said.
"No surprise he ran the record and won by so far as I expected him to do just that, but the frustrating thing is getting a start.
"Look for that in the future, the emergency who gets a run and there's your winner at any old price."
A wide gate hampered favourite Prince Shoemaker but it's unlikely he would have troubled the winner from how the race was run.
Visiting jockey Morgan Butler picked up and unexpected winner after scratchings put him into the field and all other riders had already been snapped up.
After playing up on the way to the barrier, Butler gained a clean start and settled the filly in the lead before kicking away on the corner and remaining unchallenged down the running.
"Too good for them, much too quick, boss," Butler told Yorke as he dismounted.
17-9-2008
All the kudos for jockey
When in doubt, leave the decisions up to the jockey.
Port Macquarie trainer George Woodward was receiveing plenty of advice from friends how he should handle maiden stayer Escudos but decided to ignore their good intentions and follow the plans of rider Peter Graham.
It paid off yesterday when the gelding finally broke through at his 16th start in the Tim Serisier Maiden handicap at the Coffs TAB meeting.
"They were telling me to ride him in front or ride him back in the field ... some said to keep him for the shorter races but in the end, i left it all up to Peter," Woodward said.
"He rides him in all his work and we've been close to the money by coming second at his last two starts, so getting the win today has been fantastic."
Prior to the race, the beautifully bred son of champion sire Encosta de Lago was engaged in a battle for race favouritism with Gold Coast visitor Eternal Star and punters were shocked when the favoured pair dropped out together at the tail of the field for most of the running.
Neither horse appeared likely to threaten as the field approached the home corner but in hindsight, jockey Graham was kidding his rivals.
Against all conventions that late finishers go wide on the track at Coffs Harbour, Graham took the shortest route and within 200 metres had saved enormous ground on the inside to be challenging for the lead.
The winner proved far to strong in therun to the line with rank outsider Bear Cub showing its liking for the local track, managing to hold out fast-finishing top weight Eternal Star for second money.
11-8-2008
Cup Week Can Only Get Better
Race fans are almost certain to see one major change to the format of the2009 Coffs Harbor Gold Cup Carnival.
The three-meeting format will remain with the Sunday (Sawtell Cup) and Thursday (Gold Cup) fixtures unaltered but the current Tuesday card will carry forward one day to Wednesday.
"That's the case we intend to put before RacingNSW and I can't see them failing to agree," chief executive Russ Atkinson revealed.
"It's a smarter move from a horse perspective, especially when we're trying to attract the better class of horse."
"Trainers find it easier when they can race consecutively on two main days, rather than have the break in the middle that makes it more difficult by adding to their workload and costs."
With the crowds departed and the clean up done, Atkinson the days after the big event had provided a 'down week'.
"Nobody gets a chance to have a break but the feeling is everything went according to plan," he said.
"But to be honest, everything depends on the weather and you can prepare the best carnival ever, only to lose everything if ti rains. Fortunately it all went our way."
Betting turnover increased by a shade less than $400,000 on 2007 figures with the gamble on reducing the Cup distance from 2300m to the metric mile, a big contributor to the success.
"I don't think anybody can argue that having the eventual winner Belmonte - he's an outstanding horse who trainer Bernie Howlett still believes can win a Group One race - and two previous winners in the field, added significantly," Atkinson remarked.
"All three may have accepted at the old distance but you won't have picked up the other high class runners... and it will only get better when word gets around."
The club's next races are on Tuesday, September 16, where the unusual highlight will be scheduling of two distance races on the program.
"For a variety of reasons it's happened, so I hope we get the support," Atkinson said.
"There's a 1900m and 2300m race and while it would be nice to getanother Belmonte starting, let's see if there's another one to follow him."
11-8-2008
Gold Cup Was A Brilliant Race Event
Looking at my wallet it would be easy to suggest that Coffs Harbour Gold Cup day was a dud, but personal fortunes aside, the opposite was true.
The standard of racing was higher, which explains my financial loss - the fields were a lot more even than they have been on the past which meant that it was harder to pick a winner.
The event itself to my thinking was better than it has been before.
There might not have been the glamour of Jenifer Hawkins at trackside but the organisation was top notch.
The numbers at the track are on the increase each year as the local community gets behing the biggest social event on the calendar and the Racing Club has again catered well.
Increased betting areas and catering outlets made the show run even smoother than it normally does.
As for the reduction in distance for the actual Cup itself - in all honesty, not that large a percentage of the crowd would've noticed.
I've worked at the last four Cups now and trust me, as someone who feels like they're the only sober person there, you notice how few on the lawn actually realise the Cup is being run.
There may be a small minority who will take a swipe at the decision to bring the feature event back to a mile but it was mission accomplished as far as the club would be concerned.
Betting turnover was up, the class of the field was increased and there was a largeer local interest thanks to some Coffs Harbour horses being in the race.
Another Cup day has been and gone and this one was a beauty - Bring on next year (and hopefully a better financial result).
9-8-2008
YOUTH BAN PROVES A CUP DAY WINNER
The Cup Day under-18s ban is the best thing Coffs Harbour Racing Club has done , says CEO Russ Atkinson.
He said between 8000 and 8500 racegoers had attended Thursday's meeting, comparable with last year's 8500 record crowd.
"We're very pleased with that, and if you take out the up to 750 minors (13 to 17 year olds) from last year, the crowd has probably grown." Mr Atkinson said.
"With those sorts of figures this year, we're right on the mark again. I actually thought most people would resond positively (to the ban) and they did."
He said people had told hime ahead of Cup Day they might start coming back again under this new regine. " People get distressed by seeing minors intoxicated." he said.
Mr Atkinson said the club was 'delighted' with the day, and the great weather, and the crowd appeared well behaved and enjoying the festivities.
Also, moving the Gold Cup from a 2300m race to a 1600m middle distance event had paid dividends in attracting better quality horses and jockeys.
"From a racing perspective we made the right decision, with the national tote turnover for the meeting up $400,000 on the previous year. That helps us pay for the $180,000 prizemaoney."
Mr Atkinson was pleased with the overall carnival, with the board now looking seriosly at adopting a Sunday/Wednesday/Thursday format next year.
8-8-2008
Joy For Jasen!
Local jockey Jasen Watkins is fast becoming the king of the Coffs Harbour Gold Cup after yesterday recording his second Cup win in three years.
Comfortably bolting home aboard Canberra trained Belmonte, Watkins admitted that there's nothing like winning your home town cup in front of so many friends.
"I love it mate, I could get used to it easily," the popular jockey said while brandishing his trophy.
"Days like this, I just love it and I've pulled of seven kilos to come here today because I just love doing it and it gives you a bit of inspiration, these cup wins."
Two years ago when Watkisn won his first Gold Cup aboard Mr Gold Fire, there was no hiding his excitement but yesterday the local hoop carried an air of quiet satisfaction as he spoke about the battle he'd won to get the ride aboard the 7-2 favourite.
"The last couple of weeks haven't been good," he said.
"My mate has been taking me fishing and we've been doing rock climbing up and down mountains as well as heaps of time in the sauna. As I'm so big now I can't get the weight back off, so I try and do as little as possible."
Yesterday Watkins was given instructions to simply make the Singspiel gelding comfortable in the running. Watkins and the six-year-old settled slightly worse than midfield but the popular jockey didn't panic in the turn home as he kept a head cooler than the other side of his pillow.
"He can pull a bit and there was no speed for him so we just moved along nicely," Watkins said of the early stages of the ride.
"At the 600 i gave him a click and away he went. I just had to keep in mind that it was sort of a leader's bias track today."
With more than a furlong to run , Bolmonte already looked the clear winner and so it proved as he finished two and a quater lengths ahead of Ready To Impress and a further long neck to last year's winner Derivative Receipt.
"I knew I was on a good horse, he should be a Group 1 horse," the jockey said of the confidence he had in his mount.
"It's a long way away but he's not far off being one now.
"He's probably one of the better horses I've ever ridden."
As the new Cups' specialist, race fans will have to wait and see if Watkins can repeat the dose.
8-8-2008
TOP DAY OUT
A 10 out of 10 day! That's how celebrity Mario Fenech, for one, felt about Coffs Harbour Gold Cup race day, and it was a sentiment the vast majority of yesterday's revellers would have shared.
No matter whether you lost your dough or won big, you would have been hard to please if you didn't enjoy the city's biggest social event ot the year.While official figures won't be in until today, Coffs Harbour Racing Club chairman Alan Johnson, estimated some 9500 racegoers had flocked to the track, up on last year's record 8500.
"You can plan the best event in the world , but it's all up to the weather, and we deinately got a good one today." Alan said.
"Thank you Coffs Harbour, this is your event."
TAFE teacher Paraic Kavanagh was also smiling when topweight and favourite Belmonte stormed home to win the Cup. He'd wagered $10 each way.
"I got a tip from my storeman." Paraic said.
"I'm not a punter, I've got no idea. I don't know their head from their backside."
Mario Fenech, meanwhile, was thrilled to soak up the festive atmosphere at his first Coffs Cup.
"How good is the weather. I love this part of the world," he said.
Police, too were feeling positive.
"It's been a fairly good day. The whole purpose of our policing operations is to provide a safe envioment, and that's what we hope we've done," Coffs/Clarence local area commander, Superintendent Mark Holahan, said mid-afternoon."
"There have been no major incidents."
However, security guards reported even early on contending with intoxicated punters and clamping down on under 18s trying to find a way in. Ken Potter, 48, has been coming to the Coffs Cup for a long time.
"I used to jump the fence when I was 14," he said.
"It's the social event of Coffs Harbour and it's just a great day out. It's the colour and excitement."
Naomi McCullum, 30, had now been to 12 Cups because she loves the community spirit.
"It's about watching the community of Coffs Harbour get behind a great day," she said.
3-8-2008
COFFS CUP CARNIVAL SET TO BE THE BEST YET
As Coffs Harbour has been buzzing for a couple weeks now with the Carlton Draught 2008 Coffs Harbour Gold Cup Carnival now upon us. Retailers have been busy keeping up with the fashion frenzy as the public gear up to be in the chance of winning some of the $10,000 prize pool in the Park Beach Plaza Fashions on the Field.
Chief Executive Russ Atkinson advised that some measures would continue after the success of last year in managing traffic issues and alcohol related issues after the event.
Howard Street will again be an alcohol free zone between 12am Thursday through until 12am on Friday morning the 8th August. The club’s entire car park area is also an alcohol free zone. Alcohol being brought into these areas will be confiscated.
Howard street will also be restricted access from 9am to 7pm for emergency, public vehicles and resident pass holders only. NO private vehicles will be allowed access into Howard Street otherwise. Extensive measures have been taken to provide bus services around the area and additional parking facilities at the BCU Stadium.
Under 18 years old - While persons with toddlers and small children will be permitted entry under the discretionary powers of gate security, the club will be focusing on preventing underage drinking or secondary supply, specifically for teenagers up to 17 years, so this year no person 13 to 17 years will be permitted onto the course on Coffs Cup Day, Thursday August 7. Please call the club if you have any queries 6652 1488.
Lengthy queues at the gate in 2007 highlighted the need to promote advance purchase entry tickets. The Club has a booth at Park Beach Plaza until Sunday offering information all things Cup related as well as the opportunity to purchase entry tickets at a reduced price to the day itself. Tickets are also available at the Club, Jack Simmons Menswear, Sawtell Hotel and Coffs Harbour Visitors Information Centre. There will also be a separate “ticket holders” gate entry so those that have bought their tickets in advance, pass-holders and members will not have to queue up with those purchasing on the day.
All functions and packages for Cup Day are now SOLD OUT already. There are still tickets available for the Sportsmans’ Breakfast on Wednesday 6th August. Featuring Tommy Raudonikis, Malcolm Johnston and Mark Warren with all the tips and field info for the Big Day. Starting at 7.00am to 9.30am tickets are only $35 per person.
8-7-2008
Carlton Draught Gold Cup Carnival Set To Be Even Bigger For 2008
It´s the biggest week of racing on the Mid North Coast!
The social event of the year and you´ll want to be trackside!!
Friday night saw the official Launch of the Carnival for 2008 with the announcement of the Coffs Coast Advocate 2008 Face of the Carnival Polly Dal Bon. While there were no fireworks at the Coffs Harbour Racing Club for 4th July – the cocktail party event did have some explosive material released in outlining what’s new and bigger for this year’s premier event.
Chairman Alan Johnson and CEO Russ Atkinson spoke to the intimate gathering of about 100 invited guests highlighting the carnival’s ever increasing popularity as it continues to grow and bring strong retail investment into our area – not just through expenditure on course, but with the influx of out of town guests in accommodation as well as associated events around town that support the carnival’s event listing.
Welcoming Park Beach Plaza on board as the 2008 Fashions on the Field major Sponsor there will be Fashion Revealed promotions, competitions and the all important fashion ideas in the ensuing weeks leading into the Carnival. The public will be encouraged to visit the Racing Club booth at the Park Beach Plaza the week before the Cup. With information on all things Cup related as well as being able to purchase Cup Day entry tickets cheaper than buying them on the day.
The CARLTON DRAUGHT 2008 COFFS HARBOUR GOLD CUP RACING CARNIVAL kicks off with the NBN Television Community Cup Race Day - Sunday August 3rd!
Fun for all the family, so bring the kids. NBN’s BIG Dog, Face Painting, kids Fashions on the Field, Jumping Castle, Games and more. 7 race TAB program, full bar and bistro facilities. Gates open at 11.00am.
Tuesday August 5, it´s the Sportsmans’ Race Day featuring the Hospitality Cup.
On Wednesday August 6 the day starts with the “R-Rated” Sportsmans’ Breakfast. Following the success of the 2007 inaugural Sportsman’s Breakfast, this year’s event will include guest sporting legends Rugby League hardman Tommy Raudonikis and racing legend Malcolm Johnston. They will be joined by other celebrities on the morning with many humorous tales of past exploits on and off the track, all the best tips and inside info for the Carlton Draught 2008 Coffs Harbour Gold Cup fields while our local horses do their morning track work.
The “R Rated” Sportsman’s Breakfast will allow business and social groups alike to reserve their own tables for a fun and insightful start to your day as an excellent prelude to the Carlton Draught 2008 Coffs Harbour Gold Cup.
Wednesday night the tradition continues with the annual Gold Cup Calcutta – held at the Coffs Ex Services Club starting at 7.30pm. There's Special Guests, Celebrity interviews, Form Guide & Late Mail as well as tips from the trainers, jockeys and professional bookmakers. Tickets will be on sale from Monday 14th of July at Coffs Ex Services.
The BIG ONE - CARLTON DRAUGHT 2008 Coffs Harbour GOLD CUP Thursday August 7. It´s the social event of the year! The VIP marquee has been opened to the public with a limited number of tickets available.
Park Beach Plaza ´Fashions on the Field’! Cup Day will see Fashion Revealed with thousands of dollars in prizes up for grabs.
The CARLTON DRAUGHT 2008 COFFS HARBOUR GOLD CUP is offering over $140,000 prize money and will surely bring sensational fields to this full T.A.B. 8 Race program!
More services, More facilities, More action - It just keeps getting better, so be part of the party – Buses will be available to and from the course. Gates open 10.30 am Parents are advised that children under 18years will not be allowed on course due to the large crowds.
Be Impressive , Not Excessive - Drink Responsibly.
24-6-2008
No entry for U18’s at Cup
The Coffs Harbour Racing Club in addressing a number of community concerns has declared that the Carlton Draught 2008 Coffs Harbour Gold Cup Day will be restricted to patrons over 18 years of age.
“Whilst small children in the care of parents will be permitted onto the grounds on Cup day this will be at the discretion of security, the Club and Local Police will enforce a no entry policy on older minors, primarily those aged in the 14 to 17 years age bracket, on Cup day,” CEO Russ Atkinson said.
When asked how this will effect the Coffs Harbour Racing Club’s reputation as a great place to bring the kids, Mr Atkinson said “Families are welcome to attend any of our other race days throughout the year. The first day of the Cup Carnival is aimed at families with the club providing a jumping castle, face painting and kid’s games and entertainment all free of charge. With more than 8500 adults enjoying Cup day and considering it’s a normal school day, we believe the decision is a sensible one”.
The 2008 Carlton Draught Coffs Harbour Gold Cup Carnival starts on Sunday the 3rd of August and continues on Tuesday the 5th of August with the final day being Gold Cup day on the 7th of August.
29-4-2008
Exciting Changes to Cup Day Race Program
The Coffs Harbour Racing Club will move this year to strengthen its Cup Day program by making a number of key changes, creating a far more attractive opportunity for Trainers, Owners and Punters to target the Club's premier day.
The $70,000 Carlton Draught Gold Cup will from 2300m to 1600m in distance while the Ken Howard Cup will move to 2300m with prize money increasing from $12,500 to $20,000. The Club will also move it's feature 1200m sprint race from the Tuesday, to Thursdays Cup Day and will increase its prize money from $20,000 to $40,000.
Chief Executive Russ Atkinson said the changes provided an exciting opportunity for the Club to increase its turnover opportunities and to attract quality horses, trainers and riders to the meeting. The public love to see distance races and the Ken Howard Cup will provide all the excitement of horses passing the post twice.
18-4-2008
“Coffs Harbour Pink Silks Ladies Day” is calling all charities!
Following on from the success of the 2008 Pink Silks Ladies Day, Coffs Harbour Racing Club will be hosting the 2009 Pink Silks Ladies Day on Sunday 11 January 2009. This annual event is one of the highlights of the Coffs Harbour Racing Club’s event calendar and has previously been held to improve breast cancer awareness and raise much needed funds for breast cancer charities. In 2008 the event raised over $30,000.
The 2009 event will continue to support breast cancer charities, and will also consider applications for funding from any charity that focuses on women’s physical or mental health issues in the Coffs Harbour community.
We are therefore inviting local charities and groups to apply for support by completing an application for funding.
Committee Chairperson Caroline Bleechmore said “we believe that by calling for applications the committee are better placed to understand the real needs in the community and ensure that the funds raised from the 2009 Pink Silks Ladies Day will be allocated to the most appropriate beneficiaries”.
This year’s Pink Silks Ladies Day committee is made up of a group of local women who are all committed to making the 2009 Pink Silks Ladies Day bigger and better than ever; a great day out for the ladies, a fun day out for families and a wonderful opportunity to raise funds and increase awareness of the health issues women face.
If you are a registered charity looking for financial assistance for a specific women’s health issue contact the Coffs Harbour Racing Club now to obtain a Funding Application form.