WARRNAMBOOL trainers are having a hot streak and it's due to a combination of reasons, according to top local trainer Lindsey Smith.
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A total of 132 Warrnambool-trained runners won 36 races in November, compared to the period from August to November when only 24 locally-trained horses were successful from 311 runners.
The winning has continued in December, with local trainer Maddi Raymond taking out the Werribee Cup with Wentwood on Sunday.
Smith, who has training facilities in Warrnambool and Perth, said the training environment had played a major role.
"Undoubtedly having access to the beach down at the Lady Bay is a major plus, because the salt water does wonders for the horses," he said.
"It's our point of difference compared to trainers in other parts of the state.
"We're also very lucky that the racing club with assistance from the South West Owners, Trainers and Riders Association has replaced the sand on the sand track at the racecourse for the first time in about 20 years, and I'm sure that's helped.
"I think the combination of those factors has really helped the winning run of the local trainers and I'm hoping for all concerned it can keep on going."
Local racing heads to Terang this Wednesday, while Warrnambool races again on December 17.
COURSE WORK
PLANS are under way for jumps training facilities to be improved at the Warrnambool racecourse.
Club CEO Tom O'Connor said an area of ground near the 1700 metre start was being looked at for the improvements.
"We've got schooling facilities for the jumpers in the middle of the track, but we'll looking at any area of about 300 metres at the 1700 metre mark we may also use," O'Connor said.
"We're the premier jumping club in Victoria and are always looking at improving our training facilities.
"We're in the fortunate situation of having numerous jumping participants, whether that's jumps jockeys or trainers here, and we'll be seeking their advice and input before making any final decisions about the works."
REALEZA SHINES
REALEZA resumed for Warrnambool trainer Symon Wilde with a nice win in maiden company at Stawell on Saturday.
The four-year-old beat Home Rule and Braekus at his second race start in the 1100 metre race.
Wilde said Realeza was injured in a paddock accident as a youngster and that halted his career.
"His owners have been very patient and the win is a reward for their perseverance," Wilde said.
"We just had to give him time to get over his problems. I thought his win was a good effort.
"He's going to improve on the back of that run. I think with a bit of time under his belt he'll develop into a nice 1600 metre horse."
Realeza ran seventh at his debut on a heavy track in May.
RAYMOND PLEASED
MADDI Raymond had the biggest win in her short training career with the last stride victory of Wentwood in the $125,000 Werribee Cup on Sunday.
Wentwood, with top jockey Damian Lane in the saddle, defeated Sentimentalist by a short head, with Tan Check a neck back in third, to secure the 2000 metre race.
Raymond, who has been training for less than a year, spoke in glowing terms of Lane's winning ride in the feature race on the program.
"I've got to give full credit to Damian for the ride," she said.
"Wentwood can be a difficult horse to ride, but Damian got him to switch off. It's taken a bit of work to get Wentwood right - obviously he's got ability but it's taken a lot of patience by stable staff to get him right to win a race like this."
Wentwood, who had previously raced in America and Ireland, was successful for Raymond in the St Arnaud Cup in October.
Sunday's victory saw the lightly raced six-year-old take his stake earnings to more than $164,000.
WELCOME REST
WONDERFUL idea by Racing Victoria to give racing in this state a break for three Mondays during December.
Racing is a 24-hour business and sometimes turns into a grind for all participants, so the day off should give everyone a bit of respite before meetings over the busy holiday period.
ON THE UP
BETTING figures were up for the Jericho Cup at Warrnambool last Sunday compared to the corresponding meeting in 2019.
Warrnambool Racing Club officials were delighted with the results, despite rain and scratchings on the morning of the meeting.
STACKHOUSE SITS
UNDERRATED jockey Daniel Stackhouse will be on the sidelines for seven meetings after pleading guilty to a careless riding charge, following his ride on Sure Am Invincible at Moonee Valley on Friday night.
The interference occurred near the 100 metre mark.
Stewards found Stackhouse permitted Sure Am Invincible to shift in when not clear of Thunder Peak which was restrained and taken in.
The suspension started December 5 and ends midnight, December 12.
Neil Farley rode two winners at Stawell on Saturday, but was $300 out of pocket after being fined by stewards for a riding infringement.
Stewards found Farley used the whip four times more than permitted prior to the 100 metre mark.
WHO TO FOLLOW
BOB PETERS: High profile Western Australian owner and breeder. His record with horses in feature races is nothing short of sensational. He had the first two placegetters in the group one Kingston Town Classic at Ascot on Saturday.
BEACHGOER: Finished a restricted race over 1600 metres off solidly at Stawell. He will be improved by that first-up outing and may pay to follow in the future.
SHAHZADE: Great performance to run second when she resumed in a fillies and mares race on Saturday. She looked to be unlucky and will be improved off that run. Shahzade has good second up form so she can be followed with confidence next time.
BARRY THE BAPTIST: May have been the unlucky runner in the Werribee Cup. He'll be one to follow in lesser company.
NIGHT'S WATCH: Liked the way he finished off a 1600 metre race at Pakenham. Resuming from a break Night's Watch came home solidly over the concluding stages.