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P i c t u r e :: G a l l e r y |
Wentworth Park Rapidvite Potential Stakes Presentation December 6, 2008
Wentworth Park Mike Cleary Sprints November 29,2008
Wentworth Park Pages Event Hire Summer Cup November 15, 2008
Lismore 635m Track Record Broken November 11, 2008
Lismore Workers Club Cup November 11, 2008
Gosford Col Ison Memorial October 14, 2008
Wentworth Park 2008 Schweppes Vic Peters Classic November 1, 2008
Bathurst 307m Track Record Broken October 18, 2008
Wentworth Park NCA Paws of Thunder October 4, 2008
Wentworth Park 2008 Pages Event Hire Sydney Cup October 4, 2008
| Wentworth Park NCA Paws of Thunder 520m October 4, 2008 | |
| 2008 NCA Paws of Thunder Presentation One Tree Hill in the hands of Robert Britton for NSW owners Lisa and Charlie Lamb has had little luck in Group races at Wenty. One Tree Hill had box 8 for a fifth in the 2007 Paws Of Thunder and a similar bad draw in this year's Nice Products Golden Easter Egg when it ran a gallant third to Blazing Token. Connections were elated when Charlie Lamb drew box 1 for the final after the semis when the dog ran second from box 1 to El Galo.
All said they were there to contest for the minors behind El Galo in the final and the form suggested this was fair comment. El Galo's trainer Jason Thompson and partner and the dog's owner Seona Hood would have preferred their dog to save one more of his brilliant beginnings for the final but alas it was not to be. Robert Britton was delighted when his charge defied El Galo's attempt to lead at the post, thought about victory turning off the back and was absolutely ecstatic when One Tree Hill went past him at the top of the straight having defied the gallant El Galo and repelled the strong finish of Mantra Lad.
Mantra Lad's trainer Graham Jose said his dog was unlucky and would have won it with a clear run turning off the back – when finally in the clear in the run home Mantra Lad finished boldly to go down by 1 ¼ lengths with El Galo 1 length back in third. Jason Thompson and partner Seona were bitterly disappointed – the form of their brilliant sprinter entitled them to be confident. Robert Britton said his dog, nearly four years old deserved the win after no luck with the draws in the big ones at Wenty in the past. The winning time was 30.24, slow in comparison to the run offs with Robert adding “how did I win a Group 1 in that time !” The reason - One Tree Hill is a great racer, made good use of box 1, punched up on the corners, raced hard in the straights - it was all about defying the opposition not beating the clock. The Britton and the Lamb families were as happy and proud as winners could be – they are great ambassadors for the sport and our heartiest congratulations go to them. Pic Craig Youll |
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Bathurst 450m Track Record Broken July 9, 2008
Injury prone sprinter Rockstar Image set a new track record for the 450 metre trip at Bathurst on Wednesday July 9, 2008 with a sizzling 25.70 gallop.
Trained by Allan Healey and son Nick, Rockstar Image carries great sentiment for the family having initially been a gift for Allan's wife and Nick's mother, Anne, who after a brief battle with cancer sadly passed away back in November 2007, on the very morning Rockstar Image was due to make his racetrack debut. Despite the tragedy the boys followed through with Anne's wish to start Rockstar Image and after suffering early trouble the youngster staged a remarkable effort to salute sparking wild celebrations amid mixed emotions from the large contingent of family members in attendance as well as everyone else trackside who could not help but get caught up in the touching scenes.
Pictured below are Rockstar Image with Nick and Allan Healey after the record breaking win
The 450m Bathurst Track Record Holder Rockstar Image at home with a proud Allan Healy - pic courtesy of the Western Advocate (Rural Press)
2008 Rapidvite Potential Stakes Presentation- Wentworth Park December 6, 2008
Queen Rose trained by Kristy Sultana won the 2008 Rapidvite Potential Stakes with ease in a time of 30.63 from Raw Character (tr. John White) and Sydney Vella (tr. Hank Vanderburg). Course photograher Craig Youll's picture shows a delighted Kristy with owner Fred Didic and the other placegetters. Rapidvite's National Sales and Marketing Manager Peter Bryce (second from left) was on hand to make the presentation. GBOTA Directors Sue Absalom and Richard Bligh are also present, far left and far right.
Pictured above: The Mike Cleary Sprint runners with Mike Cleary (centre) with Bill Mangafas GBOTA Chairman (on Mike's right) and Bill Edwards President NSW Athletic League (second from right) Pic Courtesy of Craig Youll
On Saturday the runners contested the race which was kept to 100 yards in keeping with the original event and the purse was $5000. True to form and the betting Steve Blacker (4/6 fav) won well from Monty Simes who was second favourite in the betting. Fourth fastest qualifier David Lee (Concord West club) 10.06 ran third. Patrons had the chance to bet on the final and everyone appreciated this opportunity afforded by those bookmakers who framed a market and bet on the final.
NSW Athletic League President Bill Edwards, GRNSW Chief Executive Brent Hogan and GBOTA Chairman Bill Mangafas joined special guest Mike Cleary for the presentation track-side after the final. The event was made possible by the generous sponsorship of GRNSW. Steve Blacker was a worthy winner we extend our congratulation to him and thank all the runners who participated and contributed to the success of the event. The GBOTA was delighted to host this promotion again following the NCA conducting the inaugural Mike Cleary Sprints at Wentworth Park in early December last year.
Pictured above: Mike Cleary with winner Steve Blacker and Monty Simes checks (second) and David Lee blue (third) Pic Courtesy of Craig Youll Special thanks go to Bill Edwards and his hard working officials and volunteers from the NSW Athletic League, to John Scott Sports Marketing Consultant engaged by the League, and to the Wentworth Park Sporting Complex Trust for their assistance in preparing the running track and with other matters to facilitate this promotion.
Picture at right: The finish of the Mike Cleary Sprint. Steve Blacker (white) is a clear winner from Monty Simes (checks) and David Lee (blue). Pic courtesy of Craig Youll Wentworth Park Course Photographer
