What’s happening?
Last Friday, September 13, 2024, a strong contingent of Rockhampton-based trainers made their mark at Eagle Farm and Cannon Park in Cairns. Clinton Taylor, Ricky Vale, John Wigginton, and Jamie McConachy were all in action with their runners competing in key races.
Why it Matters?
This race day highlights the depth of talent emerging from Rockhampton’s racing scene. The presence of leading trainers at high-profile events like the Cairns Amateur Cup and Eagle Farm demonstrates the strength of local horse racing and contributes to the increasing prominence of Central Queensland in the sport.
By the Numbers
- Clinton Taylor’s Divine Purpose returned after a southern campaign, saddled up for the Restricted Fillies and Mares Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm. Drawn at barrier 10, jockey Justin Stanley was in the saddle for the run.
- Ricky Vale’s Pipistrelle, fresh from a Cairns Guineas win, shot for a hat-trick, having drawn well at barrier two in the same race. Ron Stewart took the reins.
- John Wigginton fielded two runners at Eagle Farm: Electric Brae in the BRC Become A Member Handicap (3YO Open) 1400m and Bencoolen in the BM70 1200m. Electric Brae, ridden by apprentice Tahlia Fenlon, drew barrier five in the eight-horse field.
- Jamie McConachy aimed for the Cairns Newmarket and Cairns Amateurs Sprint double with Montenegro Man in the feature $150,000 Great Northern Brewing Company Cairns Amateur Cup (2100m). The nine-year-old gelding was coming off a Cairns Newmarket win in August, with Justin Huxtable back in the saddle.
Zoom In
Taylor’s Divine Purpose returned to the stables after a campaign with legendary trainer Peter Moody, a key move that shows confidence in local jockey Justin Stanley. Meanwhile, Pipistrelle, aiming for a third consecutive win, remains a force to be reckoned with under Ricky Vale’s guidance.
Wigginton continues to showcase his promising filly, Electric Brae, who has been making waves since her victory in the Mackay 2yo Classic in July. With rising talent Tahlia Fenlon aboard, both Electric Brae and stablemate Bencoolen are poised for promising runs.
Zoom Out
Rockhampton’s trainers are proving that their horses are not just competitive locally but can hold their own at major meets in Brisbane and Cairns. The north Queensland racing circuit is vibrant, with events like the Cairns Amateur Cup offering local trainers a national platform.
Local Impact
Rockhampton’s trainers are earning recognition far beyond Central Queensland. Their success stories bolster the region’s reputation for producing top-notch horses and jockeys, encouraging further development in local racing infrastructure and support.
What to Look for Next
Keep an eye on Rockhampton’s racing calendar as Clinton Taylor, Ricky Vale, John Wigginton, and Jamie McConachy gear up for more regional and national meets. Their horses are in fine form, and local supporters can expect more successes on the horizon.
This past weekend showed how Rockhampton’s top trainers continue to rise in the ranks of Australian horse racing. Stay tuned for more action as these names compete for future titles!
