WHEN the 2016-17 racing season ends on July 31, Darren Weir is sure to win countless training awards for some pretty remarkable achievements.
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Part of Weir’s success is due to the 23 full-time and six casual employees that oversee the stable of 70 horses that he has in work in Warrnambool.
Weir’s Warrnambool foreman Jarrod McLean said the record-breaking year was a great reward for the entire staff.
“Weiry has trained more than 420 winners for the season – and there are still a few more meetings before the 2016-17 season ends,” McLean said.
“I’m not sure what the breakdown of winners is from Warrnambool.
“But we’ve produced more winners from Warrnambool this season than the last one.
“Group 1 races is where the big money is, and Weiry won eight this season – seven were trained from Warrnambool.
“That is truly a remarkable performance.
“We’ve got a great bunch of workers in Warrnambool and Weiry always acknowledges their work.
“It’s just great for the region that so many people who love horses can get a job in Warrnambool.”
Meanwhile, McLean – who also has his trainers licence – is hoping for some compensation from Thoroughbred Racing South Australia after the Penola meeting was abandoned without a race run on Saturday.
“I sent a horse across to Penola and – when they arrived on-course – they were told that the meeting had been abandoned,” McLean said.
“The track was rated a heavy nine on Saturday morning and there was no rain.
“So to have the meeting abandoned was disappointing. It costs about $400 and there is no return for the owner, only costs.
“We’ll be inquiring if there is any compensation available in South Australia when that occurs.
“Victoria offers some compensation when you turn up and the meeting is not run.”
ALLEN OUT
TOP jumps jockey John Allen is on the sidelines after pleading guilty to a careless riding charge.
Allen was suspended following a winning ride on Stormcraft at Ballarat last Thursday.
His suspension began at midnight on July 13 and ends on July 21.
Stewards took into account his guilty plea and rated the incident in the low range.
BOOKED IN
HANDY mare Forgeress may have one more start before spending time in the breeding barn after she won a $100,000 mares race at Caulfield racecourse on Saturday.
Crossley trainer Quinton Scott said that Forgeress had already been booked into Swettenham Stud for the breeding season.
“Forgeress will be mated with Toronado for the breeding season,” Scott said.
“She may have one more run in a fortnight before she goes to Swettenham.
“But the final decision is up to her connections.
“She’s been a very honest mare who seems to have improved with racing.”
Forgeress took her stake earnings to more than $280,000 with her victory on Saturday.
OFF THE TRACK
FORMER racehorses are a significant contributor to many equestrian pursuits including pony clubs, show jumping, dressage and pleasure riding.
Celebrating the Off The Track horses birthday on August 1, Racing Victoria will host a variety of equine information sessions, along with expert complimentary services, at the Geelong Racecourse.
These information sessions will include advice over a range of equine topics including equine veterinary, farrier, dental nutritional advice.
Off The Track re-training tips and saddle fitting advice will also be available.
This is an event not to be missed.
With exhibitor spaces limited, it is recommended that an expression of interest be completed at rv.racing.com/offthetrack
Registrations for close Friday, July 21.
PROUD HISTORY
OVER a long period of time, the Heywood Pony Club has played a significant role in developing the skills of many people who have had great success in the racing industry.
Modern day participants who honed their skills at the pony club include Ciaron and Declan Maher.
Jarrod and Brad McLean and Koroit trainer James McNamara are also on the same list.
And both Sharnee Rose – who works at the Zahra stable – and Lucy Mallen – who is involved with the sport in Western Australia – started off with the successful local club.
The latest one to come off the proud club’s production line is new metropolitan city race-winning jockey Melissa Julius.
Finally, just for the record, Julius’s elder brother Josh – who trains at Bendigo – was also taught at Heywood Pony Club.
MORE TO FOLLOW
BEATNIKS: Nice effort making good ground to run third over 1200 metres after a brief let-up.
Punters can follow her with confidence in races over more ground in the future.
ANGELOLOGY: Sensational performance to carry 71kgs and win an open steeplechase over 3280 metres at Murray Bridge.
Master jumps trainer Patrick Payne will find another suitable race for the top class jumper over the next few weeks.