WARRNAMBOOL Racing Club has replaced high-profile media personality Rob Gaylard as its master of ceremonies for this year’s May Racing Carnival.
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Gaylard, who has filled the job for 15 years, said he was disappointed to be told his services were no longer required for the the three-day carnival.
“I must admit I’m disappointed not to be doing the job this year,” he said.
“It looks like I’ll be viewing the races from the other side of the fence at this year’s carnival. It’s going to be a big change for me.”
WRC chairman Nick Rule said Gaylard had done a wonderful job in his role as master of ceremonies.
“Rob has done a great job welcoming owners, jockeys and trainers over so many years,” Rule said.
“The club just thought they would make the change from Rob to Racing.com. Racing.com will provide a person to take over the role as part of its coverage of the carnival.”
This year’s carnival is from May 1-3.
BOWMAN BOOST
REPLENISHING stable numbers with yearlings each year is a big part of the cut and thrust of being a successful horse trainer.
Warrnambool trainer Daniel Bowman boosted his numbers by four yearlings after making purchases at the Inglis Yearling Sales in Melbourne last week.
Bowman’s biggest purchase was $120,000 for a full sister to one of his stable runners Magnapal.
He also parted with $50,000 for a Better Than Ready colt, a filly by Hallowed Crown filly cost $45,000 and a Fighting Son colt found its new home in Warrnambool for $25,000.
Bowman topped off the week with two winners. The first was Favonski in a restricted race at Ballarat, while Manhattan Arch won his maiden at Ararat. “It’s been a busy week but very rewarding,” he said.
“For any stable to be successful, they must keep on training winners. It’s a very competitive business.
“Favonski has won two in a row. We changed her gear around putting on the blinkers and it seems to have done the trick.
“Manhattan Arch looks to have a bright future. He’s related to the former top stayer She’s Archie. I think he should go through his grades.”
Bowman, who has more than 30 horses in work, said he was excited with his yearling purchases.
I just had to buy Magnapal’s full sister,” he said.
“It really helps when you’ve got knowledge of the breeding. She a tall, leggy filly. I’m confident she’ll be a nice type of horse.
“The other three yearlings should also develop into nice types with a bit of time.
“I’ve still got a couple of shares in them, but I’ve already had a lot of interest from existing stable owners and some potentially new owners.”
Bowman’s speedy, lightly raced mare Working From Home will run in a restricted race at Moonee Valley this Friday night.
REST FOR HALO
HONEST Hamilton mare Jester Halo will have a well deserved break after her third placing in a $150,000 mares races at Flemington on Saturday.
Trainer Darren Kolpin said Jester Halo had been very competitive in her runs during this preparation.
“She’s a very honest mare,” Kolpin said.
“The way the race turned out didn’t suit her style of racing, but she still was boxing on over the final stages.
“She’s had a really good campaign. We’ll tip her out for a while and just give her a good break.”
Jester Halo took her stake earnings to more than $170,000 with the third placing.
DECLAN’S DELIGHT
DYLANSON’S impressive, all the way win in the $20,000 Towong Cup on Saturday gave former Warrnambool Emmanuel College student Declan Maher his first win as a trainer.
Maher, who only has a couple of horses in work at Caulfield, was excited with Dylanson’s win with apprentice jockey Teo Nugent in the saddle over Tableaux and Didn’t Even Miss Me.
“I’m really happy with his win,” Maher said.
“I was a bit worried during the week that Dylanson was a bit flat, but everything turned out good.
“It ended up a great result not only because it was my first winner but Teo had the ride. He’s doing a great job and is a lovely person.
“He’s on loan to Gai Waterhouse – he’s indentured as an apprentice to Aaron Purcell after being with my brother Ciaron.”
Maher revealed an unraced five-year-old called Newbury is now in his yard after coming from the Lloyd Williams stable. “Newbury is a very well bred horse,” he said. “I’ve got him in training and with any luck he should have his first run in a few weeks. The goal for Newbury is a race like the Jericho Cup which will be run at Warrnambool in December. It’s a $300,000 race and will be run over 4600 metres.
“Newbury is Australian bred, that qualifies to get into the field. His long-term goal will be a jumping career. He’s a really nice type for a jumper.”
Maher’s brother Ciaron has been busy at yearling sales over the last few weeks in the lead-up to his return to training.
“I think I’ve got about 80 yearlings from the sales at this stage whether that is indirectly or directly,” the multiple Group 1 winning trainer said.
“I’ve had a hectic few months inspecting yearlings. I’m really looking forward to getting back to training.”
Maher will return to training on April 3 after serving a six-month suspension.