The stable had six runners at Bunbury on Sunday, and managed to score another double, and a very close up 2nd.

The first winner came in the feature race of the day, the $14,000 South West Times Handicap over 1200 metres. A select field of seven runners went to post, and a great race ensued. As expected course specialist Joachimstaler set a very fast pace, and Peter Hall settled Scopaciri in 3rd position. As the field entered the last 200 metres, all runners appeared to have chances, but given a perfect ride by his jockey, Scopaciri battled on the strongest to hold out the fast-finishing Captain Woodrow by the narrowest of margins. It was another pleasing victory for one of Peter’s home-breds, and Peter was happy to accept the trophy from Natalie Rykers, General Manager of the South West Times Newspaper Group.

At Pinjarra on Thursday Spirit of Bunbury ran in the Country Challenge Qualifying Heat 5, Class 5 over 1200 metres. He had drawn an outside barrier, and this was a concern in a competitive race. Jason Whiting decided to drop Bruce to the back of the field, and his many supporters feared the worst when he was 6 wide and at the rear on the home bend, but once Spirit of Bunbury was asked for his effort he quickly made up the ground on the leaders and won a shade cosily on the line. He is now qualified for the $50,000 Country Challenge Final at Ascot on Boxing Day, and if all goes well he will take his place in the field.

JUNGLE HAWK SWOOPS AT BUNBURY

The stable had 9 runners at Bunbury's Sunday meeting, and hopes were high for a bumper day. Unfortunately the racing gods weren't with us, and we landed up with more placed horses than winners. Fragancia ran another promising race to finish 2nd, and Dr. Golden battled away bravely for a close-up 3rd. Polar Blaze and Power Torque were both very close 4th in photographs.

Success for the stable came in the 7th race, the Eat More Fruit Maiden over 1200 metres, when Jungle Hawk, well ridden by Shaun McGruddy, took advantage of a rails run to snatch victory on the line. This was a very good effort by the Hawk, as previously he showed a lot of greenness when racing inside horses. Hopefully this win will be the first of many.

ASCOT TRIBUTE TO EARLY EXPRESS

It was Fruit 'n' Veg day at Ascot on Saturday, and Zoometric represented the stable in the big race. The old horse put in a tremendous performance, sprinting home from the rear of the field to grab 6th place. This was a huge run, and augurs well for the rest of his Summer Carnival campaign. Perth Racing paid a special tribute to the stable, and Early Express in particular, by dressing the Museum statue in the stable's well-known red and white colours. It was also great to hear, during the week, replays of Early Express's terrific win of last year, and it brought back fond memories for all concerned.

As it turned out, it was a two-horse race, with champion jockey Paul Harvey endeavouring to make all on the well-fancied Centrum. Just Les, cleverly ridden by Shaun McGruddy, stuck with him however, and after a tremendous battle over the closing stages Les gained the upper hand in the shadow of the post, to win by the narrowest margin, in a class record time.

Just Les continues to amaze everyone with his toughness and consistency, and has now won over $120,000, plus Westspeed bonuses, in his 9-race career

After a frustrating couple of weeks in which all the stables horses ran really well, including 5 successive 2nd placings and several 3rd, it was great to hit the target at Ascot on Saturday.

A very competitive field of stayers went to post for the Listed Tattersall’s Cup over 2200m. This race is traditionally one of the lead-up races to the Perth Cup. The field was taken along at a steady pace by Solar Impact, and at the final bend it looked as thought the Geraldton galloper might have pinched the race, but Zoometric had other ideas, and under a great ride from Troy Turner he caught the leader in the last 100 metres, and won going away.

Zoometric’s past problems have been well documented, and joint owner Lovre Sumich, in his acceptance speech, paid tribute to Peter for his great training feat in resurrecting this old warhorse. Who knows what the future holds, now Zoometric is able to enjoy his racing again!

Zoometric is led in by Part owner Lovre Sumich. Lovre Sumich accepts the Cup

On the same card, Spirit of Bunbury made his Metro debut, and ran a terrific race to finish a close-up 3rd behind Desiarnez, despite being unable to get a clear run in the latter stages of the race. A Metro win can’t be far away.

A bumper crowd was on track for Bunbury’s traditional Melbourne Cup Day meeting, and the stable was well represented.

In the first race of the day, the Bunbury Holden Maiden, debutant Spirited Rocket ran a most promising race to finish 3rd after meeting interference in running.

In the Balestrini Handicap Class 2 Power Torque ran a good race to finish 3rd behind a couple of Metro class gallopers.

Spirit of Bunbury with jockey Peter Knuckey

The climax of the day was the reappearance of Spirit of Bunbury in the 1200m Sanctuary Golf Resort Handicap Class 2, and Bruce, as he is affectionately known by his many supporters, faced a competitive field, carrying the steadier of 58 kgs. He started well, and was settled just behind the front-running Ready Freddy. As they reached the 200m marker Spirit of Bunbury was asked for his effort, and urged on by the roar of the huge crowd, Bruce sprinted past his rival to win by a cosy ¾ of a length. This was a great run first up, as Bruce was conceding the race-fit runner-up 5 kgs, and the 3rd placed horse 8 kgs.

Syndicate manager David Moyes accepts the trophy, watched by Cameron Woods, Manager of Bunbury Turf Club, Peter Giadresco and some of Bruce’s delighted owners

SPIRITED GEM WINS MOUNT BARKER OPEN

Just Les being led in by part-owner Matthew Giadresco

Over the past weeks the stable has been flat out preparing and trialling horses for the new Provincial season, and should have a number of runners at Bunbury’s Melbourne Cup meeting on Tuesday. There are a number of promising youngsters in the stable at the moment, so watch this space!

There has been little news from the stable of late, as most of the horses are enjoying well-earned rests in the paddocks after their very successful season. The stable staff continue to be busy breaking-in the yearlings, and generally getting things ready for next season.

The stable does however have one metro performer at the moment, Devil’s Dance, who followed his good run in the Roma Cup with a gallant 2nd in the Welter on Saturday 10th June. Hopefully he will have a win very shortly

At Belmont on Saturday the stable had two runners. Scopaciri, under top weight, ran another brave race to finish 3rd in the 3 year old handicap over 1200 metres.

The feature race of the day was the Provincial Championship Series final over 1400 metres, where a full field of qualifiers from all over WA took part. Calico Blue from Geraldton was the odds-on favourite, and our representative Old Guru was comparatively unfancied due to his number 14 barrier. As the race unfolded, jockey Paul King was able to position the horse perfectly, tracking up behind the favourite. As they entered the straight both horses sprinted, but Old Guru, despite carrying top weight, finished off the stronger to win a shade cosily by ½ length.

Everyone was delighted by this success, especially owner Harold Marley who not only bred the horse but was experiencing his first Metro win after many years of trying. Old Guru was notching up his third successive win, and will try to extend the winning sequence in another Saturday race in the near future.

The summer provincial season came to an end at Pinjarra on Sunday, and the stable finished as it began, with a winner. In the last heat of the Provincial Championship Series, over 1500 metres, Class 5, Old Guru carried top weight against a very competitive field, but the rise in weight did not seem to make any difference as he sprinted clear of his rivals in the last 150 metres. Old Guru was again given a fine ride by Paul King, and all being well will go into the Series Final at Belmont on 13th May as a live chance. Delighted owner Harold Marley is seen here making his acceptance speech, accompanied by brother Michael and Peter Giadresco..

Two other stable runners distinguished themselves this week. Scopaciri ran the most unlucky 3rd in the 3 year old 1000 metre sprint at Ascot on Saturday, sustaining a severe check in the closing stages, but despite a protest he was not able to improve his position.

At Bunbury’s closing meeting on Wednesday the stable had only one runner, Power Torque, who ran another game race to finish 3rd, stepping up from his last start maiden win. He like most of the horses is now enjoying a well-deserved rest.

For the information of the Bunbury Club’s Spirit of Bunbury syndicate members, Bruce, as he is affectionately known, is now in the paddock, and we all look forward to a very exciting season when he returns.

As the provincial racing season draws to an end, the stable was well represented at the Pinjarra and Bunbury fixtures this week.

On Wednesday we had two runners in Pinjarra’s feature race, the 1500 metre Western Meat Packers Handicap. Get on Board ridden by William Pike was made favourite, but after taking the lead he was out-sprinted in the closing stages by Old Guru, ridden by Paul King. It was good to see Old Guru back in the winner’s enclosure after a number of unlucky runs this season. Michael Marley, seen above, was delighted to receive the “trophy” of a beer fridge on behalf of the owner, his brother Harold.

On Thursday at Bunbury the stable had six representatives, but with many of the horses feeling the effects of a long season, it was left to Power Torque to come home a winner.

Power Torque’s victory in the 1100 metre maiden, was particularly pleasing, as this horse had always shown tremendous ability on the training track, but had not managed to reproduce it on race day. Paul King gave the horse a great ride to run down the favourite, Soleil Fille, in the shadow of the post, and it gave Quintin great pleasure to lead in his own winning horse.

Blazing Colorado ran his usual honest race in the 1675 metre Vero Handicap to finish an honourable 3rd.

Everyone was delighted that Paul King rode a double for the stable, and hope this will help Paul to re-establish himself in the ranks of WA’s top jockeys, where he belongs.

Saturday saw the last major race day of the Ascot Autumn Carnival.Raise a Call did the stable proud in the Group 1 WATC Derby. Dismissed as a no-hoper by most of the pundits, the horse put in a stellar run under new jockey Peter Hall. Sprinting home from the corner, Raise a Call,seen here after the race, looked the winner halfway up the home straight, but just couldn’t overhaul Cat’s Fun in the closing stages. This was an amazing performance for a 3 year old in his first prep. Peter predicts a great future for the horse in Perth’s premier staying races next season.

PINJARRA SUCCESS FOR KENT RIVER

The stable had two runners, Old Guru and Kent River, in the 7th race at Pinjarra on Thursday. The Rose Hotel North Fremantle Handicap, class 4 over 1300 metres, was a competitive race, with many chances at the 200 metre mark. Under a great ride from Jason Whiting Kent River came home strongly to take the prize, with Old Guru a rapidly finishing 4th. Both horses should run well again in the near future. Part owner Mike de Nicolis was delighted to be able to lead in his winner.

After a quiet couple of weeks, the stable bounced back on Sunday, with its small contingent of 4 runners performing extremely well.

In the first race, over 1100 metres, Power Torque overcame his poor barrier to run a gallant 2nd under a good ride from Paul King.

Better was to follow in the Class 4 L J Hooker Harvey Handicap over 1400 metres, when jockey William Pike tried new tactics on Get on Board. He jumped out straight to the front, and kept enough in hand to repel all challengers and run out an easy winner. Seen here with the horse is delighted part-owner Ken Kingston.

The following race, over 1675 metres, saw Blazing Colorado put in another honest performance to finish a very close 3rd in a photo finish.

The final race of the day was a very competitive Class 2 handicap over 1200 metres. Again William Pike seized the initiative and led from the barrier on Grand Academy. Half way up the run-in he was briefly headed but under William’s urgings Grand Academy fought back gamely to regain the lead on the line. Everyone was delighted with the victory, especially Ken Kingston who also owned a share of this winner, along with Joe Italiano, pictured, and others. The owners were particularly pleased to receive the special $1,000 bonus offered as a once-yearly incentive to winners today whose owners were all members of the West Australia Racehorse Owners Association!

Hopefully, today’s wins have given Peter enough of a lead to clinch the Bunbury Trainer of the Year for the 9th successive season.

The Bunbury Carnaval has held centre stage in WA racing this week, and the stable was well represented on both days. Most of the horses ran well, see below, but the highlight was Spirit of Calinup’s exciting win in the Nexus Series Final on Cup Day. A quality field was assembled for this Class 6 feature race, over 1400 metres, and Spirit was one of the outsiders. The race was run at a fast pace, with Fred’s Metal attempting to lead throughout for his third successive victory, but the Wizard, William Pike, riding at his magical best, conjured a great late run from Spirit of Calinup to win by a neck.

Faye’s long-time friend and co-owner Michelle Robinson, seen here with daughter Nicole, happily accepted the trophy.

Also on Thursday, Blazing Colorado ran a brave 2nd in the Class 4 race over 1675 metres, and Kent River finished a close-up 3rd in the Class 2 race over 1400 metres, just beating Old Guru who had a very rough passage in the race.
On Stakes Day Power Torque ran a sound race in the 1100 metre Maiden to finish 3rd, and Grand Academy came a very honourable 3rd in the 1200 metre Class 5 Handicap where he was running against a number of Metro horses.

Just to keep all his many admirers informed, stable star Early Express has arrived home safely from Melbourne, and is enjoying a well-earned rest in his favourite paddock.

The stable has been very busy this week, with runners at Bunbury, Ascot and Pinjarra – and not forgetting Early Express in the Futurity Stakes in Melbourne.

The highlight was at Ascot on Saturday when Just Les broke his maiden status in the most emphatic way possible, by winning the $50,000 Listed Supremacy Stakes on only his fourth racecourse appearance. Just Les took up the running shortly after the start, and was well rated in front by Paul Harvey. At the 200 metre mark the horse was asked for his effort, and although running a little “green” he sprinted away from his field to win by a convincing 2 lengths. Quintin and long-time family friend Peter Kent represented the other owners to collect the trophy, see picture. All are hoping for further success in the Perth Stakes and the Karrakatta Plate.

Magic Haul was desperately unlucky not to complete a stable double in the Comet Again Handicap, being bumped 75 metres from the line, and only being beaten a short neck. After a long Stewards’ Inquiry, William Pike was unsuccessful in his protest against the winner. Let’s hope for better luck next time.

Also on Saturday, at Caulfield, Early Express put in a gallant effort in a very fast-run race against the best weight-for-age horses in Australasia. Unfortunately he has been found to be a bit sore after the race, and will now be given a well-earned rest.

“BRUCE” SHOWS HIS SPIRIT

Last Thursday at Bunbury the Turf Club’s horse Spirit of Bunbury made his eagerly awaited return to the track in a Class 1 race over 1200 metres. The race was run at a very fast pace, and Bruce, who was running from an outside barrier, looked in an impossible position at the 200 metre mark. Fortunately an opening came and, under Jason Whiting’s urgings, Spirit of Bunbury put in an amazing sprint to catch the leaders and win a shade cosily. The merit of his victory is shown by the fact that this race was run in the fastest time of the day, quicker than the two Class 5 races over the same distance. Bruce continues to give his large band of followers a great thrill every time he races.

It was Cup Day at Pinjarra on Sunday, and all three of the stable’s representatives ran well. In the Cup itself, Zoometric finished a brave 5th despite getting no luck in running in the straight. He continues to race in good form, and earns a cheque every time he goes round!

Another consistent performer, Get on Board, took on a competitive field in the Class 3 Handicap over 1600 metres. As usual the horse tried hard, and under a good ride from William Pike finished a close-up 3rd only missing 2nd place by a head.

In the last race of the day, Class 2 over 1200 metres, it was good to see Old Guru bounce back to form, beaten only a long neck into 2nd place, over a distance that is short of his best.

There was no argument about who was the stable’s top performer this week. Raise A Call, on only his third racecourse appearance, took on a quality field in the Listed Magic Millions Challenge Stakes over 1400 metres at Ascot on Wednesday. The race was run at a good pace, with Raise A Call settled back in the field with the favourite, Scenic Shot. Both horses made their move at the 200 metre mark, and although Scenic Shot was a length ahead at one stage, Raise A Call sprinted past to win at the post by a short head. This was a tremendous run for such an inexperienced horse, and jockey Jason Whiting was full of praise for his performance. Everyone in the stable will be following his progress towards the WATC Derby in April.

Also at Ascot on Wednesday, Supreme Striker finished a good 3rd to the talented Sir Viv, which was a confidence booster after him being kicked in the stalls last outing.

On Saturday Get On Board was well ridden by Jessica Valas in the WA Apprentice Cup to finish a close-up 3rd. He continues to improve with racing.

The stable only had two runners this weekend, but both performed exceptionally well. On Saturday at Ascot Scopaciri carried top weight in the 3 year old handicap over 1000 metres. After another brave front-running effort he was just beaten a nostril on the line by the favourite Desiarnez, to whom he was conceding 5 kgs. Max will now have a short let-up after his busy campaign over the last few weeks.

On Sunday at Pinjarra Magic Haul, pictured, ran in a very competitive Class 3 event over 1500 metres. Coming into the straight he appeared to have too much to do, but Jason Whiting had judged the pace perfectly. Magic Haul sprinted hard and gathered up the leaders in the shadow of the post to gain a well-deserved victory, and give Peter his first Pinjarra winner this season.

At Pinjarra’s mid-week fixture Get on Board ran a promising 3rd in the Class 4 race over 1400 metres. He is learning to settle better and another victory this season can’t be far away.

Another winner this week was one of the stable’s loyal owners, Peter Kent, who won first prize in the WAROA Magic Millions draw. He is looking forward to spending his voucher at the forthcoming sales.

The stable had three runners at Ascot on Saturday, and the first up was Shake Your Bon Bon in the Broadwalk Lady Handicap over 1200 metres. Despite buttering up after last week’s triumph, Bonnie ran her usual brave race to finish a close-up 3rd. Incidentally, she ran the fastest sectional time of the day.

Family horse Scopaciri was top weight in the Asian Incline over 1100 metres. Reunited with champion hoop Paul Harvey, he was a popular favourite on course. Scopaciri’s supporters had no worries, as he was beautifully rated in front by Paul, before sprinting away from his rivals to a clear-cut victory. This is his fourth metro win, and takes his earnings to over $100,000, guaranteeing his future as a stallion. Quintin and Matthew (celebrating his 20th birthday) are seen here, leading the horse in.

Zoometric had another unlucky run in the Welter. Let’s hope his luck changes soon!

Bunbury on Sunday was another special day for the stable, with Early Express being invited to do an exhibition gallop over 1400 metres between races. Sam gave the crowd a superb display, and looked in magnificent condition in readiness for his trip over east on 7th February.

A future stable star may have been seen in the Class 1 Handicap over 1400 metres, when the Serheed 3 year old Raise a Call made his second racecourse appearance. The small field meant there was no pace in the early stages, and the race turned into a sprint from the bend, which did not suit the horse. Raise a Call (seen here in the winner’s enclosure) rose to the challenge however, and under strong driving from Jason Whiting, snatched victory in the last stride. This was a tremendous performance from such an inexperienced horse, and Peter predicts a very exciting future for him.

In the last race of the day, Grand Academy took on a very competitive field, and despite making most of the running, stuck on well to finish a creditable 3rd.

At Ascot on Wednesday stable star Early Express faced one of his greatest challenges – the Group 2 C B Cox Stakes, run over 2400 metres. This was a huge task for Sam, as he had never run, let alone won, over any further than 1800 metres, and if you believed the breeding experts, he had no chance. Early Express looked superb on the way to the barriers, and soon after the field jumped he settled in second place, just outside the leader Blevvo. He maintained that position until he entered the straight for the second time. Jason Whiting then asked Sam for his final effort, and the race was over in a matter of strides, as he drew away from the gallant Blevvo to win by a cosy 1½ lengths. It was an amazing performance for a horse who had always been regarded as a sprinter! Sam proved that class will always come out on top, and brought his earnings over the last 3 weeks to over $500,000.

Part-owner John Screaigh Snr takes his turn to collect a trophy

So the dream lives on! Providing Sam continues to thrive, the Perth Cup, and the $1 million bonus, beckons, and connections can look forward to some more sleepless nights over the next 10 days.

Happy part-owner John Poller, with the trophy

Also at Bunbury, Magic Haul ran well to finish 3rd in a very competitive Class 3 handicap, and little Mica Star put in her usual brave performance to finish 4th in her 1200 metre race.
Our team of gallopers performed very well at Ascot on Saturday, with Just Les making a promising debut in the 2 year old 1000 metre race, finishing strongly to grab 3rd place on the line. The old campaigner Zoometric ran a super race to be just beaten into 2nd place in the 1800 metre handicap, but the performance of the day was probably Scopaciri in the 3 year old 1100 metre race. He had been struggling to find form this season, but reunited with Paul Harvey he put up a determined effort, just to be caught on the line by one of the emerging stars of the track, Idyllic Prince. Surely a victory beckons in the near future.

Early Express, centre, with from the left Peter, Joe Italiano, John Screaigh Jnr., Matthew, John Screaigh Snr., and John McEvoy

Bunbury Turf Club’s Spirit of Bunbury had his first race on Melbourne Cup day. His 50 owners must have feared the worst as he was 2 lengths behind the field approaching the turn, but the roar of the crowd was ear-splitting when Mariette Weiszbach gave him his head coming into the straight, and he produced a strong run down the outside to win by half a length. After the celebrations and group photos, there was more good news for the owners when it was realised that Spirit of Bunbury had run one of the fastest times in an 1100 metre maiden for several years. It was a tremendous performance by Peter to get the horse to perform so well first up despite the training hold-ups due to the weather. Spirit of Bunbury has many column inches in the local press already, and after this his lucky owners must be dreaming of more success.

In the next race, Peter had three runners, and the stable were delighted to win with Get on Board (pictured with happy part owner Pat Floan) and for Blazing Colorado to run a gallant 3rd. Get on Board, who won his race with ease by 2½ lengths, has matured into a most promising 4 year old and should be effective over longer distances.

All our other runners at the meeting performed creditably, especially Grand Academy who ran an eye-catching 3rd in the first maiden. Mention must be made of Mariette Weiszbach’s strike rate since she joined the stable, as she has now had 7 rides for 4 winners and 2 thirds!

Our runners at Ascot, Early Express and Air of Supremacy, were not so fortunate, both experiencing very bad luck in running, and these runs are best forgotten.

At the weekend it was great to see Zoometric return to form with a very close up 2nd and Scopaciri finish an encouraging 4th in his come-back race. Circle Valley and Shake Your Bon Bon both struggled from difficult barriers, but will be better for the runs. Little Mica Star ran her usual brave race at Albany to finish a close 3rd.

After the disappointments of last week, the stable bounced back with a winner and a third from our two runners.

On Thursday at Northam Doctor’s Halo relished the step up in distance in the Hartley’s Dream Maiden Stakes to run out a comfortable winner under new stable apprentice Mariette Weiszbach. The Don’t Say Halo gelding will continue to improve as the distance of his races increases.

At Belmont on Saturday we saw the long-awaited return after injury of stable star Early Express in the listed Ruabon Stakes over 1200m. After missing the start, and being held up during the race, he stormed home to finish an honourable third. This was a huge run, and all being well he will run again on Melbourne Cup day in the Winterbottom Stakes.

The stable had expected to trial nine horses at Bunbury on Friday ready for the new season, but unfortunately a cloudburst meant the trials had to be cancelled, and as a result training schedules will have to be amended.

The best news of the week is, however, Peter’s release from hospital on Tuesday following a nasty bout of blood poisoning. He is now recovering well, but is restricting his track visits for the time being.

The stable had a frustrating week with all the horses running well but just missing out in close finishes.
Shake Your Bon Bon had a busy week, after her luckless run in the Northam Ladies Day Cup last Sunday where she finish third, she made a gallant effort to win the Proud Treaty Handicap at Belmont on Saturday. Unfortunately she just got caught in the last 100m to be beaten a head, a head and a nose with jockey Jason Whiting full of praise for the mare’s run.

Spirited Gem ran in the $50,000 WATC Anniversary Cup, this was his first listed race and he gave plenty of cheek before finishing a close up fourth. Gem should have every chance in a welter next time.

The stable’s oldest runner Air of Supremacy ran on Wednesday at Belmont and put in a huge performance to finish second behind Seneca. What a run for a 9 year old who had been running on the country circuit last prep, his owners should be very proud.

The stable had two runners at Northam’s Thursday meeting and both ran well.
Jungle Hawk made his race course debut in the maiden over 980m and faced a competitive field. The race was run at a furious pace setting a new track record of 55.86 secs but Jungle Hawk despite having a far from trouble free passage flashed home to finish third. This was a most promising effort and his owners are already looking forward to his next run!

Little Mica Star ran in the Class 1 over 1300m and despite hating the fast going ran her usual honest race to finish fifth in a blanket finish.

This week is a quiet one for the stable as we wait for the start of the new provincial season but Spirit of Bunbury has a big day on Friday when his trial at Bunbury is being filmed by GWN. Let’s hope he lives up to his star billing!!

All the horses are looking well, and as the tracks dry out they will be trialling in readiness for their Spring campaign.