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Markovina · January 24

VK Sprint another quality race that has gone to the pack - 20k race tonight , used to be worth alot more , and race 1 the maiden is 9.4k - follow the logic in that you cant

AHR , site at present re race 2 and 3 - there are some very interesting mile rates and overall times , maybe its the starter from Tamworth last night , false start take 1 over a mile and then the re take tried to start them from the 10 furlong start !!!

warrenrobinson · January 24

savethegame said:
VILLLAGE KID SPRINT NORTHAM, TONIGHT

Was there the night Immightyquinn was 10 metres clear in the straight 2/1on and Scan Air grabbed him on the post 2009

That would have only happened the once turning for home 10 metres in front, first up from running second in the chariots nearly four months early , plus he was asked to-do fair bit in the run.

Blue Blazer should be a handicap special.

JayJay · January 24

Yep, the "original" Village Kid Sprint.......won by some really good horses (Has The Answers and I'm Victorious as I recall) before another "Village Kid Sprint" emerged as Big Brother sought to stomp an a brilliant initiative from a Country Club.

I think they started the "original" race at Northam in about 2004 whereas the Gloucester Park version started up in 2011 when the Celebrity Sprint suddenly emerged as the "Village Kid Sprint" Mark II, effectively down grading Northams race and creating unnecessary angst and confusion.

Very disrespectful call from whoever made it and carried on a long standing tradition of crunching country clubs and eroding and eroding and eroding the base of the Industry to the point of no return.

JayJay · January 24

They are saying 1.53.1 for Beach Captain and a track record at Northam for the VK Sprint ???? Nope, I seriously doubt that is the case.

Pinballwizard · January 24

Given race 2 was 1.39 mile rate and race 3 was 2.19 I’d be a bit sceptical too

JayJay · January 25

Mile rates have now been corrected for Northam, good work, clearly an input error.

First winner for Mark Roberts (M.R. Roberts) for about13 years when Cracka Tinny won.

savethegame · January 26

Markovina said:
But i did come accross this one ive attached , a picture of a beaming B Gath so he obviously has just won a big race ?

IMO, Rate .B.Gath as one of the all-time great drivers who had more combinations then a slick pick using the old regal carts, slapping the disc's, hitting the shafts pulling tails done everything bar bite them between the ears.

Fortunate enough to be there when Steve Mills had a question & answer session with Gavin

Lang..Question was asked his thoughts on B Gath as driver he mentioned you never had him until the line, Also 100-200 metres,from the line he had have runner to his left a metre away ,one to his right metre away, he mentioned his the only one that could alter both there running before they reached post,

Was story in Adelaide Gath was leading young driver to his outside, around the bend he kept saying don't go yet . I only want to run a place, anyway he wins, young driver said you only wanted to run a place he replied to yes 1st place. He had his danger on his back. didn't. Want it to get clear.

Mircale Mile when Jack Morris had just arrived in the big league, drove it out early with whip the litte masters was wide awake. Harney protested nothing in it.

Markovina · January 26

He B Gath was the master of halfcarting from the bell into the last lap , hed go to come out then duck back in , did it quite alot with Shakamaker , it would be annoying for the drivers behind him , but he wanted to wait to go as long as possible

True story , 50 plus years ago , down in Vic for 2 weeks holiday , Gath had a really good mare , very strong mare called Affleux ( i might not have the spelling right , it was called /pronounced as Affler )

Week 1 - at the bell its sitting either 1 by 2 or 1 by 3 , its about 12-1 in the market - he comes 3 wide at the bell , sustains the run because it was very strong and it wins

Week 2 , its sitting in exactly the same spot , something comes 3 wide at the bell , but this week Gathy stays in - hah , got cluttered up , never got a run , wasnt his turn to win that week - hah

JayJay · January 26

Interesting stat, Gath only drove Shakamaker twice.....Group 1 Victoria Cup when Shakamaker won beating Safe And Sound (John Justice) and the Inters Final at Harold Park when 2nd to Smooth Satin. John Justice drove him in every other start.

savethegame · January 26

ALMETA BOY Was very good horse on the punt days when there wasn't race every minute, and they Crossed when they were circling then going up to mobile we would have tickets marked out depending on his price he wore dunny brush as shadow roll if he started to dance well he would settle 40-50 metres behind. would leave him out trifectas but if he scored up no bet. he did catch us out couple times.

Vin Knight won two on the bounce before he passed april 1991 Well after four starts the little master B.Gath got the call up Curmudgeon self-couple others said he will get him away, beating westburn grant thorate etc we had a fill up 20/1 he had won APG championships. approx 12 months early. grand horse

Markovina · January 26

See if you know who the driver is

Horse would be too hard to get - decent horse , but a reasonable gap to the top liners

Royboy · January 26

I reckon it’s Wayne Honan

Royboy · January 26

I think the horse is Ardstraw

JayJay · January 28

In 1972, Roscott and Lyle Lindau won the inaugural Mount Eden Mile. Roscott had failed in the WA Cup but made amends int New Year Handicap. "A week too late" was Lindau's comment but Roscott showed his superiority over his fast class rivals with an all the way win in the first Mount Eden Mile.

He ran a very creditable 1.59.2 and beat Chief Attain (1.59.4), Royal Relate (1.59.8), Red Vicar (5/4 on favourite 2.00) and then Pyramus, Banca, Sir Alex, The Rogue, Dainty's Daughter and Gallant Ribbon.

Princess Margaret visited in October and Bangalore (Ray Grantham) won the featured Princess Margaret Cup over Stitchintime and James Eden. However, Princess Meg was upstaged as the first "Royal" Visitor to attend the track that year when the "Queen of Tennis", Australian of The Year and current Wimbledon Title holder, the 19 year old Evonne Goolagong attended a special meeting.

The inaugural yearling sale was held and 57 lots were sold at average price of $823. The top price paid was for a yearling by Raider Adios from Meadow Song at $2,300. A brother to 7 winners including the prolific metro winner Prove It, the colt named Harjada never raced.

Octogenarian trainer W.F. (Pop) Johnson copped 5 years for a positive swab when a galloper he had been rehabilitating with unsoundness issues returned a positive swab. Technically, the horse, St Aubyn, was in his care even though dual licenses were a way off and he wasn't actually training the horse. "5 years it is Mr Johnson, you can appeal if you wish". Thanks for coming Pop.

The exploits of Red Vicar in 1971 and 1972 deserve a separate post, complete with Stanley Dancer coming to Australia to trial the horse. An eye watering offer (for the day) of $150,000 was not taken up.

Markovina · January 28

This bloke in my opinion was the best ever in Aust wide harness racing - well in the past 60 years anyway

And the true test is , if you had someone driving for your life , then i would pick him everyday of the week .

JayJay · February 26

No prisoners taken in the 1973/1974 season. Any driver who broke the rules got given a fishing rod, no namby pamby "exercise more care" or "no driver found to be at fault" or "advised to modify whip action" or "warning issued to be in position by the Candy pole" stuff.

Just from Metropolitan Friday Night Stewards Reports:

August 3rd. W.Warwick Fined. Float car park dispute with owner of Yankee Rhythm

August 24th K.Tyler 8 weeks argument J.Schrader fined $20

September 1 Mick Ward 4 weeks

September 8 Lou Austin 8 weeks

September15 Fred Kersley Jnr 4 weeks

September 21 Lindsay Froyland 4 weeks

October 26 Lindsay Froyland 4 weeks

November 24 Ray Grantham reinsman's room argument with Rex Robinson Fined $40

November 30 Bernie Cushing 4 weeks

December 8 Robert Cushing 4 weeks

Rod Starkie 4 weeks

Gary Lilleyman 4 weeks

Fred Godecke Snr 4 weeks

December 15 Ken Tyler Snr Fined $40

January 5 John Deane 4 weeks

Barry Schofield 4 weeks

January 11 Bob Sangalli 4 weeks

January 12 Trevor Scoby-Smith 4 weeks

February 13 Lyle Lindau 2 weeks

March 2 Ken Tyler Jnr 4 weeks

March 22 Barry Ward City license cancelled

March 30 Trevor Towie 4 weeks

April 20 Des Turvey 4 weeks

Norm Grant 4 weeks

April 27 Alec Treasure 4 weeks

Ron Buswell 4 weeks

Mick Taylor 2 weeks

Graham Wallrodt 2 weeks

Trevor Thompson 2 weeks

Merv Kirkness 2 weeks

May 11 Bob Godecke 2 weeks

June 14 Jack Retzlaff 2 weeks

That's just the metro, country on top of all that. Stark contrast to today's feathery attitude. And the bloke dishing out the medicine, Chief Steward A.D Thomas considered the fairest and most highly respected Steward to ever wear the title. Very fair and earned that respect.

warrenrobinson · February 27

The two most critical elements in racing are Integrity and Handicapping and our industry certainly lacks both. Mr Don Thomas demanded respect and got in spades. The only other steward in my time that came near Mr Thomas was Ray Murrihy. Barbara Scott demanded respect and tried to lift the standard of professionalism but got shafted by the entitled. My father was a steward and later in life he told me some very comical stories about what actually happened in the stewards room especially regarding some of the entitled back then.

JayJay · February 27

Unquestionably the case. A stewards panel consisting of Mr Thomas, Mr Murrihy and Barbara Scott would be the perfect combination.These are the rules, these are the penalties, they will be applied without exception. Collect your fishing rod on the way out the door.

I also believe that Appeals Tribunals, high ranking silk for those who can afford it and the provision of add water stand back, glowing characters references that describe repeat offenders only in glowing terms,have also got a fair bit to answer for.

Markovina · February 27

Yes Ray Murrihy didnt mince his words when R Callendar admitted in his words his dirty little secret , fancy going to the trouble of forging documents over and over again , for each syndicate owner , so he could dupe money out of the lot of them when i think the horse was sold

Ray Murrihy said to Callendar at the stewards inquiry - this is clearly deceitful and dishonest - Callendar didnt like that - but Ray was spot on

Bill Warwick getting fined for the Float car park dispute - thats a ripper that one

And the tone of Jay Jays summary , there was good rivalry , and they wernt all mates - like they are today

JayJay · February 27

Yankee Rhythm left Bill's stable never to return. He won the night of the "blue" (August Cup) and he won his next start as well...for Les Poyser. And kept winning. Very good horse Yankee Rhythm.

The April 27th meeting......the naughty corner was very crowded.....6 in one night.

Chopchop43 · February 27

warrenrobinson said:
The two most critical elements in racing are Integrity and Handicapping and our industry certainly lacks both. Mr Don Thomas demanded respect and got in spades. The only other steward in my time that came near Mr Thomas was Ray Murrihy. Barbara Scott demanded respect and tried to lift the standard of professionalism but got shafted by the entitled. My father was a steward and later in life he told me some very comical stories about what actually happened in the stewards room especially regarding some of the entitled back then.

Barbra Scott was as unprofessional as they would come, i remember trying to qualify a 2 year old heading into the sales classic heats, the horse didnt put a foot wrong in its trial, yet they put him down as galloping in running and DNQ, there was another horse that in fact galloped and yet was passed on its trial. I contacted Barbra in relation to this, and with the evidence of a replay had her basically say nope stewards dont make mistakes like that and proceeded to have the horse remain unqualified, had zero people skills , having been in the stewards room with her both as the apparent offending party and the defending party, she was often ready to hang you before any evidence was already seen , not a great trait to have when your meant to be an unbiased party policing the rules and laws of our sport correctly

JayJay · February 27

Everyone has their own stories to tell.....I also had dealings with her over some quite difficult issues. My experience was the polar opposite of what you describe. Not trying to be difficult, it was just my experience, extremely professional and respectful.

Markovina · February 27

Re B Scott - as a punter - and i dont think i even had a bet in the event

But that race at Albany ( maybe someone could find the replay ) where quite a few drivers pulled their horses up - as the late Curmudgeon posted at the time - purely from a safety aspect , because of a race fall or carnage PRIOR

And for her ( im allmost certain she was the steward their ) to dig her toes IN and say that was still a race - that in my opinion did Trotting no favours at all - and the old Red Hots logo ( amongst gallops punters ) was in full swing yet again

JayJay · February 27

February 16 2018 Albany.

Stewards: C.Jasprizza B Scott P Webster

RACE 5 – GREAT SOUTHERN STOCK FEEDS DISCRETIONARY PACE – 2643M

General:

As the start was effected MELTON EXPRESS stood flat footed and then
commenced to run backwards and as a result CRIMSON FLOYD which was
trailing made heavy contact with the sulky of MELTON EXPRESS NZ
resulting in drivers W. Andrews (MELTON EXPRESS) and T. Stone (CRIMSON
FLOYD) becoming dislodged from their sulkies. As both horses and
drivers had cleared the track the race continued. Prior to the all-clear
Stewards questioned all Drivers in the event into the reasons for them
appearing to restrain their horses during the early stages of the event.
The drivers stated that they elected to restrain their runners as they
were off the opinion that the race would be stopped due to the fall
shortly after the start. In giving consideration to the evidence
tendered by all drivers Stewards were of the opinion that at no stage
were any warning sirens sounded to alert the drivers to restrain their
runners, there was no interference suffered to any runner and that the
track was clear of any obstruction and therefore clear to continue
running the race. As a results Stewards declared the event and race gave
the all clear on the judge’s numbers.

Stewards opened an inquiry into the actions of the following Drivers L.
Inwood (ACROSS THE WAY), M. Young (ESTOCADA), T. Wheeler (FOUR NEEDED),
J. Justins (CHUCK NORRIS), A. Markham (DREDLOCK ROCKSTAR) during the
running of the event. After taking initial evidence the inquiry was
adjourned to a time and date to be fixed.

C.Jasprizza

Steward in Charge

savethegame · February 27

Barbara Scott straightened them up at G.P. After Shockwave lost on protest. Pet hate running horses up the track, not hard to apply Pythagoras;

Poor old Curmudgeon was taken from one off the fence by the leader to outside fence, but his horse beat the culprit for second, but the horse that deliberate run him up the track, allowed his stablemate out to sneak along the fence and win, things you remmber.

Chopchop43 · February 28

JayJay said:
Everyone has their own stories to tell.....I also had dealings with her over some quite difficult issues. My experience was the polar opposite of what you describe. Not trying to be difficult, it was just my experience, extremely professional and respectful.

100% correct everyone will have their own interactions with her , I just found her very arrogant and unapproachable, also didnt like the way she approached the ease out rule, im 99% sure she was in charge when Nathan Turvey got time for easing out another driver at Pinjarra from memory Nathan might of been on cott beach, the horse to he's outside was under pressure, cott beach was travelling and had the advantage on the other horse and Nathan began to push that horse 3 wide, the driver of the other horse decided to pull the left rein to hold he's spot when not in a position to do so and knocked himself over and galloped, it wasnt dangerous or abrupt movement from Nathan it was actually text book from as far as the ease out rule goes but he ended up getting time from it , it was an absolute joke, she made a point of the onus of safety was on the driver making the move , which yes in some cases is warranted, but it created a grey area where a driver who wasn't in a position to hold he's spot could knock himself over and knock over half the field and get away with it but the driver who was initiating the move when in a safe position to do so non abruptly was then copping the punishment for the other drivers lack of awareness. Worst bit about it was this new interpretation of the ease out rule was implemented over night without any communication to the participants

JayJay · March 3

Query on former good horse Tavis from STG has remained unanswered for a while, so here goes.

Never raced at 2 or 3, first start at 4 was at Bunbury in a 2.28 front in November 1972 which he won. Then went bang, bang to qualify for racing in Qualifying stakes 2.25 and better. Ran unplaced for 6 starts, the ran 8 successive placings in Qualies.

Change of driver, a one of off with Max Johnson taking over from Bob Johnson, and bingo, won his Qualifying Stakes on August 10th 1973.

Raced down to a 2.17 mark over the next season. On May 16th at Richmond Raceway, he won a 2.21 and better off 40 metres. A month later he won at Pinjarra of 30 metres. Next win was in a $3,000 2.16 front on July 4th, 1975 and then on July 27th, he won the Winter Cup (worth $5,000) at Gloucester Park and then at the first meeting of the new season,he won the first of two successive August Cups.

Lovely looker, big strong standardbred, great money spinner for Bob Johnson. won 12 metro races, 8 at Gloucester Park, 4 at Richmond Raceway. Think that covers it STG.

savethegame · March 5

Thanks Jay Jay my memory was right on few points, remember backing him at 20/1 when he won from 40m.at R.R &was told to back him.
Confident Max Johnson drove him when he won Qualie but there you go thought it was around 12--13 places in row.
But he was Shrewed Trainer that horse was taught to pull up with whip,of cause when Max drove him ,and not being aggressive driver, Home he sailed.
Tavis wasn't popular with Punting public because took so long to break his Qualie.
Do know he was specifically set for think race was (35,000 Fastease won) when the Queen was here, he was home to the world he got that excited with the mop.Bob was spewing after race for hitting him because use to rollup into a ball losing ground with each strike

Days when betting was everything plus they had to workout what level the horse would get to because era there was a 1,000.odd trainers. so many great horses

Footnote His breeding was David Stanton x Girl Guide. My father was told he could be real good at 2, but said he will not race until his four and his name would hopefully be Boyscout, will win his first three races then 20 places in a row in qualies.anyway Tavis means Son of David in Hebrew.

JayJay · March 5

No worries, happy to help.

He ran 3rd in that QE II race, in 1977, four and a half years after he made his debut. (Fastease beat Ala Moana, Tavis and Aurora's Twirp).

Going way back, one of my best mates Father in Law, old Bob Groves (father of Laurie Groves) raced Guides Creed (Dorman Creed x Girl Guide). Handy mare, won in town.

Same time as Laurie had top liner Kiwi Raider....."Sam"...went on a blinder through to fast class in town with FRK, after being a very good juvenile for Laurie...7 or 8 in a row in town. Put plenty of food on Jay Jay's impoverished table in the mid 1970's, bless him.

JayJay · March 9

Binshaw Always in The News

Following his astounding success in the 1967 Interdominion Final at Gloucester Park, Binshaw who had achieved local hero status and was the idol of the huge harness racing following in existence at the time, was never far from the news.

A month after his commanding victory, he won his heat of the Easter Handicap but could only finish 5th at 3/1 on in the Final, Coulson receiving an unworthy reception from very fickle followers on his return to scale as the Ted Abbott pair of Even Break (Leo Keys) and Nookenburra (Laurie Robinson) ran the quinella. A month later from what the trainer recommended after the Inters win, connections agreed to spell him, he had done a mighty job.

All was forgiven in the Easter Cup when the love hate relationship with Coulson was maintained after he landed Color Glo the 5/2 winning favourite of the Easter Cup.

Binshaw returned on November 4th, 1967 with a slashing first up win in a 2.15 race as his preparation began to defend his Inters title in Auckland. In January 1968, he won the New Year Handicap of 24 yards and a Free For All showing great form and he left for Auckland via Sydney for two more preparatory runs at Harold Park, in hindsight, a fateful decision.

Binshaw's connections were not popular with Harold Park officials because an invitation to race the champion in the Miracle Mile the previous year had been declined. After running 2nd at Harold Park, after some push and shove with Kevin Newman, it was felt that the 3 month suspension given to Coulson for careless driving was a case of "getting even". It was, even in the eyes of the Sydney press, a "manifestly excessive" penalty which would rule Coulson out of driving either of the two horses he was training for the New Zealand series (Blue Pennant being the other).

After initially threatening to return Binshaw back to WA, an angry Coulson adhered to the original plan, NZ reinsman D.J (Doody) Townley was engaged for Binshaw and Lyle Lindau for Blue Pennant. Binshaw did qualify for the final, along with Blue Pennant, but got cleaned up and was pulled up, whilst 13 year old Blue Pennant ran 3rd behind First Lee and Holy Hal.

Back in Perth after the Series, the great rivalry between Binshaw and Blue Pennant resumed. They clashed in the Easter Cup with Blue Pennant narrowly triumphing over Binshaw in a top class field but it was Binshaw's turn when he beat Golta and Blue Pennant in a match race a few weeks later running 1.57.3, the fastest flying mile ever run in Australia, which gained him a $3,000 bonus.

Binshaw then went amiss and did not race again for nearly two years, his next win being for Ray Sweetman in the 1970 Easter Cup.

The legend of Mount Eden, however, was just around the corner, which would continue the massive attendances that flocked to Gloucester Park each and every weekend.

G'day Punter!

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