2008-09 SEASON

2006 News
2007 News
Jan-Jul 2008 News

19.7.09

                                             COME-BACK WIN FOR MIGHTY RONNIE

After a couple of very unlucky runs, Mighty Ronnie was made favourite for Saturday's Ozbet.com.au Handicap over 1650 metres at Belmont.

From the off, a good pace was set by King Kool Kat and Black Douglas, so jockey William Pike settled Ronnie mid-field. There was no change in the order until the home turn when William, mindful of the leader-biased track, moved Ronnie to the outside to begin his challenge. At the 200 metre mark there were only three horses in it, and under a brilliant left-hand drive, Mighty Ronnie wore down the pacemakers and won by a comfortable ½ length from Black Douglas.

Peter was particularly pleased with this victory as owner Rocco Dagostino is one of his closest friends, and one of the stable's longest-standing clients.

It was terrific to see Mighty Ronnie back to his best after a career-threatening injury, and he will now go out for a spell, then prepared for a crack at the Pinjarra and Bunbury Cups in the new season.

10.7.09

NORMAL SERVICE IS RESUMED ….

After an extended overseas trip, we are pleased to announce that your correspondents are now back in harness, and normal service is resumed!

This is traditionally a very quiet time for the stable, with just a few runners at the winter courses, Belmont and Northam, and the main focus has been on breaking-in yearlings and early education of young horses.

We did, however, miss one winner at Northam while we were away, as well as a number of placegetters.

On Thursday 14^th May at Northam, the stable's Not So Secret was well fancied for the Dunnings Caltex Handicap, over 1600 metres.Patiently ridden by Jason Whiting, the 7 year old gelding was settled at the back of the field, but sprinted home impressively from the turn to win by a comfortable 2 lengths from Analogy. This was another of Peter's training miracles, as the old horse hadn't won for nearly 2½ years, and had been running without success at Kalgoorlie.

Our better-known horses will shortly be coming back into work after their winter spells, and we look forward to a successful start to the spring season. In the meantime, we will of course report any winners, so don't go away!

23.4.09

DOUBLE WRAPS UP BUNBURY SEASON

Go For 2 & 5 sponsored the final race day of the 2008/9 season at Bunbury on Thursday. The stable had five runners, with Jomatesi and Real Honour vying for the Horse of the Year Championship.

In the first race of the day, the Crunch and Sip Maiden over 1200 metres, Viking Lad was trying to build on his very unlucky run last time out. In the early stages of the race jockey Jason Whiting had Viking Lad settled worse than mid-field as Costaquid and Zedrion set the early pace. Jason asked the horse to make up ground on the outside of the field nearing the home turn and then, on straightening, asked him to quicken. Viking Lad responded well and went on to win by an impressive 2 lengths, with the minimum of effort.

There was drama after the race, when the horse spooked at some spectators and dumped Jason. Fortunately no harm was done to horse or rider, but it's the first time a flying Fish has been seen at Bunbury for a while!

We were delighted with Viking Lad's win, as the horse has had a series of niggling problems, and his owners have had to be very patient. It was also particularly pleasing for two of the owners, Frank Scullino (seen above) and Jenny Stewart, as this is their first experience of owning a racehorse, and they will never forget the thrill of their very first win.

In the fifth race of the day, the Healthy Food Fast Handicap over 1400 metres, we had two runners – Two Strong Hearts and Not So Secret. The former had no luck in running, but Not So Secret put in a much improved effort to finish a close-up 2^nd after being posted wide for much of the race. This was a terrific performance by the 7 year old gelding, as he had been out of form for a long time before joining the stable.

In the feature race of the day, the Go For 2&5 Handicap over 1400 metres, Real Honour (right) had to win the race to have a chance of securing the Horse of the Year title.

As usual Shaun O'Donnell settled the Verglas mare at the rear of the field as I'm A Goodyset a scorching pace up front. Real Honour wasn't asked for an effort until the 200 metre mark, but she attacked the line in her usual determined fashion to win by a nose from Revy Jay.

Real Honour has been a revelation this prep, and thoroughly deserves her title as Bunbury Horse of the Year. It goes without saying that this was a great training performance by Peter to keep the mare going so long, and credit is also due to Shaun for understanding her funny little ways!

In race 7 Jomatesi was well fancied to win the 2 Fruit & 5 Veg Handicap over 1200 metres, despite equal top weight. William Pike gave the gelding a terrific ride, but they were just overhauled in the last stride by Casanova Jack to lose by a nose. Jomatesi is another horse who has improved dramatically this prep, and his loyal owners have had a ball.

CHAMPION TRAINER – AGAIN! A terrific afternoon for the stable was crowned by Peter receiving the Champion Trainer award, for an amazing 12th successive time, at the evening's end-of-season party. In his acceptance speech Peter thanked the sponsors Dynamic Print, all his owners, jockeys, and in particular paid tribute to the stable team, whose hard work made all this possible. Each year the racing at Bunbury has become more and more competitive, with many metropolitan horses and trainers now coming down to take on the locals, so for Peter to continue his fantastic record speaks volumes for his talent as a horse trainer, and his ability to get the best out of every horse.   The team - from left Matthew, Peter, Andy and Quintin - holding Real Honour's award Real Honour won the Bunbury Turf Club Horse of the Year award with 17 points in one of the most exciting competitions for years, with six horses still able to win it on the last day.     9.4.09 MAIDEN WIN FOR TWO STRONG HEARTS   It was Combined Metal Industries Race Day at Bunbury on Thursday, and the stable had a number of runners. Key Dynasty ran another honest race in the Combined Metal Industries Handicap over 1675 metres and, despite meeting interference in the closing stages, managed to finish 3rd, beaten only 1½ lengths. The horse has done really well in his short time with the stable, and he will probably have a well-deserved break now. We look forward to Key Dynasty returning to the track in early spring. Jomatesi has been a revelation this prep, and continues to race generously. He finished a close-up 2nd in the feature race of the day, the E-Vent Handicap over 1200 metres. The highlight of the day for the stable was the performance of Two Strong Hearts in the Colourbond Steel Maiden over 1420 metres. After his recent 2nd in Albany the 3 year old gelding was fancied in the 13 runner field. Apprentice jockey Talia Maor had a definite race plan before the off, and followed it to the letter. Using Two Strong Hearts' good barrier, she had the horse perfectly positioned off the speed behind Don's Princess and HurricaneKingdom and, as they straightened for home, Talia asked the horse to quicken. Two Strong Hearts sprinted clear of his field to win by an impressive 3 ¼ lengths, to everyone's delight. Peter was very pleased with Talia's ride, and she now has an impressive record for the stable, with two wins and a 2nd from only three rides. Two Strong Hearts is a full brother to recent Ascot winner Angelic Heart, and owners Elio and Jackie Galante get as much pleasure from seeing one of their home-bred horses succeed as they do from their Group I winners!   28.3.09 KARRAKATTA!          Photo by generous permission of Hollands Photographics   It was an emotional return to scales for the filly and her owner/breeders Geoff and Heather Nicholls, as this was the culmination of 10 years, and three generations, of breeding. Gold Rocks is from their good home-bred mare Alozie, whose offspring are all winners. Geoff was fulsome in his thanks and praise to Peter and the stable team for the tremendous training feat of getting the filly right on the day. He also mentioned Gray and Jan Williamson of Mungrup Stud, whose stallion Oratorio sired Gold Rocks. They had always told Geoff that the little pocket rocket was going to be a star, even when she was only a weanling. Today was one of the highlights of the WA racing season, with the 107th running of the Group II Go For 2&5 Karrakatta Plate. This $500,000 Group II race, over 1200 metres, for 2 year olds, is generally acknowledged to be one of the hardest races of all to win. The stable's representative Gold Rocks had won the first two 2 year old races of the year, but on her return after a spell the pundits chose to ignore her early successes and she was unfancied for the big race. As soon as the barriers opened, the pace was on, as two of the fancied runners Kid Choisir and For Your Eyes Only battled for the lead, with Wolfe Dreams and Gold Rocks in close attendance. Jockey Pat Carbery sat patiently on the filly until well into the home straight before asking her to go and win her race. Gold Rocks responded in scintillating fashion, sprinting past the fading leaders to win by a clear length from the favourite Wolfe Dreams. A measure of her supremacy was that Carbery was able to stand up in the irons in the last 20 metres and salute the crowd – for which he was duly fined, but probably feels it was money well spent! Peter and the whole stable team were thrilled to win this flagship race, and although Peter has had Group I success, he may well regard the Karrakatta win as a greater training achievement, because everyone in racing knows that getting a 2 year old, particularly a filly, ready for one specific day is an extremely difficult task. The pundits had said before the race that this was one of the strongest Karrakatta fields in 20 years, but Gold Rocks proved that, despite the old saying, a good filly can beat a good colt!

22.3.09                                                    TERRIFIC TREBLE AT BUNBURY! Bunbury’s last Sunday meeting of the season was sponsored by the Bunbury Mail, and the stable was well represented in the 8 race card.   Key Dynasty, a recent addition to the stable, was drawn wide in the 93% Readership Maiden over 1400 metres. Jockey Clint Harvey settled the horse towards the rear as Quick Stitch and Aqua Storm cut out the early running. Key Dynasty was asked to make up ground on the home turn, which he did easily and, on straightening, quickened up well to win by 1¾ lengths, going away from his field. This may prove to be another of Peter’s “training miracles”, as the horse had run 21 times without success, and this was only his second start since coming to the stable. The manner of Key Dynasty’s victory delighted his group of prestigious owners, including All Australian ruckman Dean Cox, Dean’s extended family, and Carlton captain Chris Judd. Managing owner Eddie Michalczyk is Dean’s uncle. The crowd at Bunbury were thrilled to have Dean Cox on course, and as always this likeable footballer gave freely of his time, with photos and autographs for his fans.   The feature race of the day was the Bunbury Mail Trophy over 1400 metres, and we had two runners, Real Honour and Bonny Bonny, with the former well fancied after a 2nd last time out. Radiant Prince set off at a cracking gallop, determined to try and make all, but our horses were well settled further back, just off the pace. Once into the home straight, Bonny Bonny found the company a bit rich, but Real Honour began to make significant progress down the outside of the closely bunched field. Silver Deck took up the lead 100 metres out and looked sure to win, but Shaun O’Donnell got a tremendous run out of Real Honour, and she grabbed the verdict in the last stride by a short half head, to Darren McAullay’s surprise! A great effort by horse and rider, and quick compensation for the mare’s near miss last time. Sophie Madrigali was happy to receive a beautiful Wedgewood trophy and a kiss from one of the directors of the Bunbury Mail!   In the last race of the day, the Mail Handicap over 1200 metres, Jomatesi was well fancied to win again after his victory last time out. The race was run at a strong pace, and William Pike had his mount well positioned in 3rd place, just behind the speed. Halfway down the home straight Jomatesi was asked for his effort, and the gelding responded in fine style to win by a cosy ¾ length. Jomatesi has really found his mark over the shorter trips, and has struck up a good partnership with William Pike, giving his enthusiastic owners a real thrill. This rounded up a great day for the Giadresco team, as a treble at our home track is always is always cause for celebration, and hopefully should put the stable well on course for another premiership. 12.3.09                                                       JOMATESI WINS ON CUP DAY   There was  a large crowd on course for the  highlight of Bunbury’s  racing season, the XXXX Gold Cup Day. Jomatesi was favourite for the Parade Hotel Handicap, over 1200 metres, although he faced a very competitive field. The early pace was set by Circus Pony, who tried to make all, but William Pike, mindful of how the track was playing, settled Jomatesi midfield, and didn’t make a forward move until well into the home straight. The horse responded well to William’s hands and heels ride and took up the running 50 metres from the post, to win by a cosy ½ length. Jomatesi has been running consistently all season and deserved this win, but much credit must go to William who produced yet another of his brilliant rides. The stable was unlucky not to have a double, because in the next race, the William Barrett and Son Vase, Real Honour looked sure to win until she decided to try and kick her nearest opponent! Not surprisingly, the mare became unbalanced, and her antics cost her the victory, by a short head. Let’s hope she is on her best behaviour next start!      ALBANY DOUBLE! The stable had four runners at Albany today, and all ran well. First up was Peter’s home-bred mare Isn’t She Gorgeous, who was made favourite for the Morande Designs Maiden over 1200 metres, after the favourite-elect Tiga Romano was withdrawn at the barriers. Jockey Shaun Meeres took full advantage of barrier 2, jumping Isn’t She Gorgeous straight into the lead. The mare settled well for him and, once into the home straight, was kicked clear of her field, and had enough in hand to win by a neck from the fast-finishing Timely Saint. A great ride by Shaun, and a pleasing win for the Giadresco family, who bred and own Isn’t She Gorgeous. In the second race, the Albany Veterinary Hospital Maiden over 1400 metres, Hartley’s Park was the popular pick after showing consistent form at Bunbury recently. Shaun Meeres adopted different riding tactics this time, settling the gelding towards the rear of the field as Lively Rose set a cracking pace up front. As the field approached the home turn Shaun moved Hartley’s Park to the outside and began a steady run around the field. Halfway down the straight he hit the front and went on to win by a cosy 2¼ lengths from McTease. Full marks to the jockey for another fine ride, and it was great to see the famous Willie Wagtail colours back in the winner’s circle. Jomatesi and San Salvo ran in the last race of the day, the Wignalls Handicap over 1500 metres. Both horses had their chances to win, but in the end had to settle for 2nd and 6th respectively, behind King’s Tribute. SPORTS STAR FINALIST    On Wednesday evening Peter was once again one of the 12 finalists at the prestigious AJ Buswell Sports Star of the Year presentation, sponsored by the South West Times, and held in the Bunbury Shire Offices. The annual event, hosted by Bunbury Mayor David Smith, attracted a large crown of local dignitaries, along with the nominees and their supporters. This year the nominations were particularly strong, with finalists including a number of Olympians, two AFL footballers, as well as international performers in a number of sports. The overall winner was renowned test cricketer Murray Goodwin, who at present plays in the UK for Sussex. Peter was delighted to pick up his individual award, as it was a great honour to represent the racing industry in such an illustrious field.   8.2.09                                             GOLDEN BRACELET FOR CORE ASSET      Healthway sponsored one of Albany’s big race days today. The feature race was the $22,000 Golden Bracelet Handicap, over 1600 metres, for fillies and mares, and our representative was Core Asset. The mare had been first emergency, and it had been an anxious wait for the owners to see if she made the field.   Core Asset’s good recent form ensured she went off a well backed favourite in the 14 runner field.   The race was run a blistering pace, led by Saramento, who was 6 lengths clear at one point, but jockey Peter Hall positioned Core Asset just behind the leaders in 4th place. On the home turn he moved the mare up to a challenging position as the leaders fell in a hole, and once in the straight Core Asset strode away to win by an easy 3 lengths from Movie World and Upmarket Lady. A deserved win for the mare, who has been in consistent form this prep, and Peter was delighted to win this race again, having previously won it with his great mare Shake Your Bon Bon. Core Asset, seen here after her December win at Pinjarra 5.2.09                                                                     DON’T PANIC! On MGIB Race Day at Bunbury today, the stable had six runners, and all but one took home cheques. In the first race of the day, the Zurich Australia Maiden over 1200 metres, a full field of 16 runners went to post. The stable had two representatives, Panic and Two Strong Hearts. After his good run last time out Panic was made a warm favourite, despite his wide barrier. The early pace in the race was set by Reign Rain and the second favourite, Sinister Motive, with Panic beautifully positioned by William Pike in 4th place and Two Strong Hearts towards the rear of the field. William tracked his main rival until well into the home straight, where he pulled Panic out to make his challenge. The Vain Rancher gelding soon put the result beyond doubt and won by a comfortable ¾ length, from the fast-finishing Miss El Guerrouj and our other runner Two Strong Hearts. This was an impressive win by Panic, who is another of Peter’s home-breds, and also a promising performance by Two Strong Hearts. In the QBE Insurance Handicap over 1000 metres Jungle Hawk was given a great ride by young Chloe Chatfield to finish a close-up 3rd. Jomatesi and Hartley’s Park both ran well to finish 4th in their respective races.   Panic is led in by part-owner Peter Kent, with stable-  mate Two Strong Hearts in the background         22.1.09    EXCITING PINJARRA WIN FOR REAL HONOUR      Real Honour was our only runner at Pinjarra today, and the mare didn’t disappoint, winning the De Rosa Highway Motors Handicap, over 1400 metres. In a very competitive race, Real Honour was settled well back in the field by jockey Shaun O’Donnell as Our Chief set a fast pace. As the horses reached the home turn the mare was still 11th, but Shaun moved her to the outside, then asked for an effort. Real Honour responded in brilliant fashion, sprinting home strongly to hit the front 50 metres out and win by 1 length, going away. Real Honour was home bred by her owners, Serge and Sophie Madrigali, and is a typical Verglas. Shaun O’Donnell has a particularly fine record with the Verglas breed, and has struck up a good relationship with Real Honour, having been successful both times he has ridden her. No doubt there is more to come!

14.1.09   The stable had three runners at today’s mid-week Ascot meeting, and all of them performed creditably. The 3 year old Panic made his seasonal debut in the Westspeed Handicap, over 1000 metres and, despite being one of the outsiders of the field, ran a most promising race for jockey Shaun Meeres. After being on the pace throughout the race, he finished 2nd, only beaten ¾ length by the highly-regarded Hay List, which augurs well for the rest of this prep. In the National Pleasure Handicap over 1200 metres Jungle Hawk ran his usual honest race to finish a close-up 4th after having to chase the pacemakers for much of the race, Spirited Rocket was unfancied in the 1400 metres Skip The Country Handicap, which ended the programme. There was a strong pace from the off, with Whathappendare leading from Code Of Silence. Jockey Jason Brown sensibly settled Rocket midfield, and the horse raced generously for him. On the home turn he was still 9th, but made up ground steadily to pick up the leaders in the shadow of the post and withstand the late challenge of Dvoryan by a short neck. This was a great return to form by Spirited Rocket, and a lucky pick-up ride for Jason Brown after Paul King’s unfortunate race fall in the first race. We all wish Paul a speedy recovery.

8.1.09   PRICE MONGER IN ALBANY DEAD-HEAT THRILLER

A small team went to Albany today, and November Red kicked off the day in the Big Gift Maiden over 1600 metres. The giant Concrete Crusher gelding put in his best run to date, with a close-up 2nd to Zoomsonic, At the end of the programme, Price Monger was one of the outsiders in the Lomax Media/Regional Media Handicap over 1200 metres. In the large field, and from a wide barrier, jockey Shaun Meeres had little option but to settle the horse towards the rear of the field in the early part of the race. As the runners fanned out on the home turn, Shaun found a good run through the field, and at the 150 mark he set off after the leader, The Taxman. Price Monger sprinted really hard, and the two horses went across the line as one. After a nail-biting wait, the judge declared a dead heat, which on the day was probably a fair result for both horses. Price Monger and his patient owners deserved this victory, as the 7 year old gelding always gives of his best, and the owners often make the long trip from Wagin to see him run.

4.1.09   DANGEROUS DANE WINS NEXUS HEAT

It was St.George’s Day at Bunbury today, and everyone was delighted to be back racing again. Dangerous Dane provided the highlight of the meeting for the stable, winning the first heat of the prestigious Nexus Series, over 1400 metres. After his recent win at Pinjarra, Dane was a warm favourite to continue his winning ways. The horse jumped well from the barriers, and jockey Jarrad Noske had the gelding perfectly positioned just off the pace set by stable mate Jomatesi and Carpe Diem. There was little change in the order until the home straight, where Jarrad kicked Dane clear of his rivals. The horse stayed on strongly to the line, holding off the late challenge of Bow Road by a long head.

Leading apprentice Jarrad Noske prepares to dismount, watched by Dangerous Dane's part-owner Thea Mumme

Earlier in the afternoon, in the St. George’s Bank Handicap over 1200 metres, Jungle Hawk ran a bold race to finish a close-up 3rd whilst his stable companion Chance In Time finished a most unlucky 6th having been held up for a run the whole length of the home straight. The stable nearly had a winning double, when Core Asset made a gallant attempt to defy top weight in the St. George’s Trade Finance Handicap over 1400 metres. Unfortunately he couldn’t peg back the lightly weighted Cervino, and finished an honourable 2nd.

La Noire made the long trip to Mt. Barker to run in the Stephen Carter and Staff Maiden over 1300 metres. There was a delay to the start, due to a malfunction of the barriers, but this didn’t worry the filly, who jumped smartly and soon led, closely accompanied by Old Smarty. After giving La Noire a breather, jockey Shaun Meeres kicked clear on the turn, and she pinched a useful lead. Although Let’s Fly made late ground, La Noire was still a neck clear at the line. This was an auspicious win for Serge and Sophie Madrigali, as the filly was carrying their smart new blue and white colours - seen here worn by Jarrad Noske. Let’s hope they’ll be seen many more times in the winner’s enclosure!

21.12.08                                        NO DANGERS FOR THE DANE! The stable was well represented at Pinjarra’s Sunday meeting, which was slotted in to replace the cancelled Bunbury event. In the first race of the day, the Programmed Maintenance Services Handicap over 1406 metres, Jungle Hawk put in a brave front-running effort to finish a gallant 3rd to the classy mare Baltime. Both Jomatesi and Isn’t She Gorgeous put in promising runs in their races, finishing close up to the place-getters.

In the last race of the day, the MIG Security Handicap over 1406 metres, Dangerous Dane was made favourite, which was not surprising after his unlucky run at Ascot last time out. As the field raced away from the barriers, Jarrad Noske had Dane well positioned just behind the pacemakers Raise A Light and Alabamerama. On the home turn Paul King, on Raise A Light tried to pinch the race and dashed 3 lengths clear. Dangerous Dane looked in trouble, but Jarrad Noske drove the horse after the leader, and in the shadow of the post he grabbed the verdict by a head. A terrific effort by horse and rider. It was a nice Christmas present for part owner Thea Mumme, who was on course to lead her winner in.                                              SO CLOSE FOR CHANCE IN TIME     At Ascot on Saturday Chance In Time was one of the fancied runners for the feature race of the day, the $60,000 Country Challenge final. The horse likes to be settled at the rear, so William Pike was always going to have difficulty, with 15 runners in the field. Chance In Time was still 14th at the corner, when William started his run. He miraculously weaved his was through the field, but he just failed to catch the winner Dee Picked, who won by a fast-diminishing neck.   Chance In Time continues to race well this prep, and will no doubt be back in the winner’s circle shortly.

The stable took a team to Bunbury’s rearranged meeting at Ascot today. Our first runner of the day Realario, in the 1000 metres Scott Park Homes Maiden, put in a terrific run to finish a close-up 4th in one of the hottest maidens of the year, with most of the runners fancied by their connections. This horse has had no luck with barrier draws, and must break through shortly. In the Grand Tranquillity Maiden, over 1200 metres, Hurricane Cartel was a warm odds-on favourite, so our representative Real Honour was an outsider on her seasonal debut. The favourite set off at a cracking pace, determined to make all, so Shaun O’Donnell settled Real Honour in 5th place. Once into the home straight the leader’s stride began to shorten, so Shaun drove Real Honour down the outside, into the lead, and the mare ran on bravely to win by ½ length. Part owners Serge and Sophie Madrigali were especially delighted with this win, as they bred Real Honour, and no doubt hope to breed from her in the future. Let’s hope the mare builds on this win, which was her first run this prep.

The stable didn’t have to wait long to bring up the double as San Salvo saluted in the Grand Wellington Triple Maiden over 1400 metres. This was a very open contest with many fancies and, although San Salvo had consistent form going into the race, he had a wide barrier to contend with. Once again we were relying on William Pike (having his first ride on the horse) to weave some more magic, and he didn’t let us down. Settling the horse mid-field, William waited until the home straight before unleashing San Salvo down the outside with a winning sprint, to score by a cosy ¾ length. It was appropriate that managing owner Mike De Nicolis was on course to lead his winner in, as the horse is named after his birthplace in Italy!

Pinjarra held its usual pre-Christmas meeting today, and two of our horses braved the high temperatures and swarms of flies to run well. In the Gannons Horse Talk Maiden over 1200 metres La Noire, having her first start for the stable, ran a brave race from her outside barrier to finish a close-up 4th, after being in the firing line most of the way. Our second runner Core Asset was one of the fancied horses in the very competitive Pinjarra Park Racing on Boxing Day Handicap, over 1400 metres. The mare had been very unlucky to get beaten at Bunbury last time out and, despite a wide draw, was looking for compensation. Littlesixfoot set a very brisk pace from the barriers, and William Pike was content to settle Core Asset mid field. As they turned into the straight Core Asset was flushed to the outside, so William decided to set off after the leaders. The mare seemed to peak on her run 50 metres from the post, but she would not be denied, and battled on to win by a head from Coiled Spring. William Pike was full of praise for Core Asset’s effort after the race, and we all hope she goes on to more success in the near future.

10.12.08                 CHANCE IN TIME WINS COUNTRY CHALLENGE HEAT We had two runners at Ascot’s midweek meeting. Desert Ace ran in the Hakim Boy Handicap over 1400 metres, and put in a good effort, finishing strongly in 5th behind the odds-on favourite Taharka. Chance In Time took part in the Country Challenge qualifying heat, which had been rescheduled from Bunbury’s abandoned meeting on Sunday. As is usual in these events, a very competitive field went to post. William Pike has developed a really good understanding of Chance In Time, and settled the horse at the back of the field, well off the pace. As they turned for home William started a long run down the outside, and Chance In Time sprinted hard to come over the top of the front runners in the shadow of the post to grab a well deserved victory. A brilliant effort by horse and rider. Chance In Time has now earned a crack at the $60,000 Country Challenge Final on Saturday 20th December, along with his stable companion Spirited Rocket.

9.11.08

BULLET HITS THE BULLSEYE

Saturday saw the much anticipated racecourse debut of Bronze Bullet in the 2 year old Comline Fencing Plate over 1000 metres at Ascot. The Markane gelding, nicknamed Champ, had wowed the trial-watchers at Larkhill when winning by 6 lengths in a sensational time for the 400 metre distance. Not surprisingly, punters made Champ a red hot favourite on Saturday. As the gates sprang open Bronze Bullet jumped straight to the front, and that was the last he saw of his nine opponents! Jockey William Pike rated the horse superbly, and he won by an eased-down 1½ lengths, in a smart time. Everyone in the stable has been impressed by Champ ever since he arrived, and we are all delighted for owners Serge and Sophie Madrigali and their friends Paul and Tanjia Baker. Serge and Sophie have had many horses, but this is their first ever 2 year old winner, so this success was richly deserved. Bronze Bullet continued Peter’s stranglehold on the early 2 year old races, as he has now won all the first three of the season!

........AND GROUP II 3rd FOR HARTLEY’S   The feature race of the afternoon was the Group II $200,000 Lee-Steere Stakes over 1400 metres, and Hartley’s Dream faced a small but elite field for this lead-up race to the Railway Stakes. Small fields are always difficult races to read, but jockey Troy Turner, riding the horse for the first time, did a great job, with Hartley’s Dream sprinting home strongly to finish 3rd in a photo behind the much-vaunted Marasco and Tarzi. The horse is now firmly on track to carry the famous Willie Wagtail colours in the Carlton Draught Railway Stakes, and Troy Turner is confirmed to ride on the big day, 22nd November.

Chance In Time, seen here after his first win at Northam

Chance In Time faced a competitive field in the Pepperjack Handicap over 1200 metres at Ascot on Tuesday. He had not drawn well, so we were relying on William Pike's genius. The favourite Casanova Jack went straight to the front from the off, and set a strong pace, so Chance In Time was settled to the rear of the field. On the home turn William Pike began to urge the horse forward, and he wove his way through the field. At the 100 metre mark Chance In Time was still only 3rd, but he sprinted brilliantly to win by a short neck from Exiht and Casanova Jack. Chance In Time's last 600 metres was in a respectable 33.67 seconds, and it's great to see this very well-bred galloper begin to realise his potential.

30.10.08
BIRTHDAY WIN FOR DEED I DO
	The stable had a busy day for Pinjarra's Thursday meeting, with four runners. Narva, a recent addition to the stable, ran a promising race to finish 3rd in the Peel Bins Maiden over 1200 metres, and in the third race of the day Jarrad Noske gave Spirited Rocket a good ride to finish close up 2nd to the odds-on favourte Vereign.  The star performance of the day, however, came from Deed I Do in the Sanmor Computing Handicap over 1200 metres. The 4 year old mare was dropping back in distance and, with William Pike on board, was expected to run well. She did not disappoint, with William having her perfectly positioned throughout the race before quickening away nicely in the last 100 metres to win by a cosy 3/4 length. It was a special day for owners Sophie and Serge Madrigali, as it was Serge's birthday, and he was very pleased to be on course to accompany his horse to the winner's enclosure. Happy birthday, Serge! Deed I Do is an honest performer, and now she has found her best distance she could win again soon.

Let's hope this win is a good omen for Hartley's Dream, who takes his place in the $125,000 Group III Asian Beau Stakes at Ascot on Saturday. The old horse has returned in magnificent form this prep, and with William Pike doing the steering, he should give the favourite Megatic plenty to think about!

25.10.08

GOLDIE ROCKS 'EM AGAIN AT ASCOT

On Community Newspapers Day at Ascot, Gold Rocks was a warm odds-on favourite for the Wanneroo Times 2 year old Plate over 1100 metres. The Oratorio filly was drawn on the outside of the field, but as soon as the gates opened she sprinted to the front, and led the field by 3 lengths from Thunder Mak. Paddy Carbery steadied Gold Rocks as she approached the home turn, but once they straightened he let her have a little rein and she quickly put 4 lengths on her toiling rivals.  The filly won easily, with her jockey looking round for non-existent dangers, as race caller Darren McAullay described Gold Rocks as a "real 2 year old speed machine". It was terrific that owner-breeders Geoff and Heather Nicholls were able to make the long trip from Dongara to see their pride and joy win so decisively - Heather is seen here, in her colour-coordinated outfit, leading in their winner. After the race Geoff was invited by  WAROA President Harvey Crossman to take part in the Talk to the Owner feature on Racing Radio on Wednesday at 7.15 am, so listen in!

FORTIDEGREES SPRINGS SURPRISE IN COLLIE CUP

	Collie held its annual springtime meeting on Saturday, and the stable had two runners. Pricemonger, on his seasonal debut, ran well to finish 2nd in the 1100 metres Healthway Handicap - the same position as he held in the corresponding race last year. Fortidegrees was our representative in the Go For 2 And 5 Collie Cup. The 6 year old has only recently joined the stable, having not won since his arrival in WA 2 1/2 years ago, so not surprisingly he was unfancied by punters! The horse belied his odds and ran a super race under young apprentice Talia Maor. holding on to win by 1/2 length from Lord Tom and Mullah Bay. This was Talia's first ride for the stable, and she has gained a bit of a reputation for winning country cups after her considerable success on the northern circuit during the winter. Peter seems to have worked his magic again with Fortidegrees, and let's hope this confidence booster will enable the horse to have more success this prep.

20.10.08

OPENING MEETINGS – BUNBURY, ASCOT AND PINJARRA

As the main racing season sprang into life, the stable had representatives at the opening meetings of all three courses over the last few days. Although we had no winners, a number of the horses ran really well.At Bunbury Tuffaz and Spirited Rocket ran 2nd and 4th respectively over 1100 metres in the Celia and Bill Daff Memorial Handicap, and both horses should win soon. It was a huge day at Ascot on Saturday, and in the 1200 metre Myer Trophy Lexicon Gold ran a super race, over a distance far too short for him, to finish a close up 5th, despite having no running room in the closing stages. The highlight of the programme was the listed $100,000 Northerly Stakes, and Hartley's Dream impressed everyone with a slashing run from the back of the field to finish 5th. The old horse ran the fastest last sectional of the race, 32.94 seconds, which was a huge run after starting from barrier 15. He looks on course for a good Spring Carnival.

The long-awaited reopening of Pinjarra took place on Sunday, and a bumper crowd was on course to watch the first race, over the straight 1000 metres. Our runner Florina Lass, pictured, was given a great ride by William Pike, and was just beaten into 2nd place by the newcomer Canardly Lass. Jet, as she is affectionately known, is one of Peter’s home-breds, and has been performing consistently without that bit of luck needed to gain her first win. It can’t be long coming.

12.10.08

GOLD ROCKS SHINES AT BELMONT

The Oratorio filly Gold Rocks made her racecourse debut at Belmont on Saturday in the first 2 year old race of the season. She was the popular pick for the Westspeed 2 Year Old Plate over 1000 metres after her impressive trial last Monday. Paddy Carbery jumped Gold Rocks quickly out of the barrier, and she settled well in front, despite the early challenges of a couple of her rivals. On straightening for home, she showed a great turn of foot, and sprinted away from her field to win by an effortless 3¾ lengths. This was a very mature performance by such a young horse, and she looks to have an exciting future ahead of her. This was owner Geoff Nicholls’ first runner with the stable, and he must have been delighted that his home-bred filly had made such a brilliant start to her career. Peter was fulsome in his praise of Gold Rocks’ performance, and he was very pleased to win the season’s first 2 year old race – one of the few feats he hadn’t achieved before!

31.08.2008

DEED I DO DOES IT AT NORTHAM!

A recent addition to the stable, Deed I Do, made her seasonal debut at Northam on Thursday in the Forrest Producers Commission Maiden over 1300 metres. The mare had trialled well, and hopes were high for a good run, despite her poor draw in a full field. William Pike fired Deed I Do out from the barriers and quickly moved forward to take up the running from Northern Express and Mydadsagrey. Judging the pace to perfection, William rated the horse brilliantly, leading all the way. Deed I Do naturally got a little tired in the closing stages, but held on bravely to win by a head from the fast-finishing favourite, Cape Leeuwin. Peter was delighted to train this first winner for Serge and Sophie Madrigali since they joined the stable towards the end of last season. Deed I Do had always shown promise, but had become a bit of a barrier rogue, and it is a credit to the stable team that she was on her best behaviour today. We are sure Sophie and Serge will have a lot more fun with the horse, who can only improve from this first run.

17.08.2008

IMPRESSIVE BELMONT VICTORY FOR SNOOPY

In the last race at Belmont on Saturday Snooperclyde met a smart field in the Part Pago Handicap over 1300 metres and, despite his very consistent form this prep, Snoopy was unfancied by the form experts. The race was run at a furious pace, with last-start winner Jolanta Star attempting to make all. Jason Whiting settled Snooperclyde towards the rear of the field, keeping out of the speed battle up front. As the leaders tired in the home straight Jason brought Snoopy with a beautifully timed run down the middle of the track, and he swept past the field to win going away by 1¼ lengths. This was a terrific effort by the horse, as this was his fourth victory this prep, and he has not been out of the first three once in 10 runs. The Dr Johnson gelding is still only a 5 year old, and could easily improve even more next prep. Happy part-owner Peter Hennessy was once again on hand to lead his winner in.

10.08.2008

METRO QUINELLA KICKS OFF THE NEW SEASON!

At Belmont on Saturday the stable had two runners in the Eat More Veg Handicap over 1650 metres. The in-form Amici had top weight, and the 8 year old Intowishin was towards the bottom of the handicap, in a competitive field. William Pike fired Amici out of the barriers and quickly got across to settle behind the pacemaker, Black Douglas. Stablemate Intowishin was also well positioned in 4th place by Kelly Davidson. At the home turn the field bunched as the back markers tried to make ground, but William did not panic and waited until the 300 metre mark before asking Amici to go and win his race. The horse responded magnificently and, despite the 58 kilos, managed to hang on for a brave victory. Meantime, Intowishin, given a gun ride by Kelly, finished off strongly to take 2nd – his best run for the stable, Runner-up Intowishin, right, with a smiling Kelly Davidson, precedes the winner Amici, led in by Jacquie and Chanelle Galante. All the owners were delighted with their horses' performances, and two great rides by their respective jockeys. Peter can't remember the last time we quinella'd a metro race, but let's hope there are more to come in the new season!