Sport
31 January, 2024
Australia Day races enthral crowd at Kilcoy
The Kilcoy Race Club was abuzz last Friday as the Australia Day races provided an array of activity including horse races, sprints, mini trots and dressing up.
Amid the sweltering heat and humidity, there were a couple of showers, which fortunately did not disrupt proceedings as the track maintained a Good 4 rating.
Kilcoy Race Club chairperson Con Searle thanked all patrons and the racing fraternity for helping to make the day a success.
Last Friday was the first time two Open Kilcoy Gifts were run, with Mr Searle saying he believed the Ladies Kilcoy Gift was the first run in Queensland.
While the Open Men’s final 120m was won in sensational style by up-and-coming sprinter Paul Boland, the Open Ladies final 120m had a dead heat finish between Acacia Wohlsen and Elizabeth Melrose.
“They had the crowd on their toes as they fought out the finish,” Mr Searle said.
“It’s so wonderful to see athletes – both older and younger – competing.
“I admire them for their tenacity and determination to achieve their aims.
“The fabulous mini trots are such a drawcard for both young and young-at-heart to enjoy.
“It gives our club such happiness to see those young drivers and their ponies competing for the enjoyment of all.”
As for the five horse races, Mr Searle said “all winners, although at good odds, were well supported with spirited betting on all races all day”.
The opening race was 800m and was won by the ninth favourite in a field of 11, as one length separated the winner from the runner-up.
The winning horse, Massabielle, was trained by Tony Haydon and ridden by Nathan Thomas.
Race two was 1500m, with the Wayne Nugent-trained and Sariah Champkinridden Bie’res winning by 1.3 lengths, after being the fourth favourite in a field of 12.
With light rain falling during the 1200m race, one of the equal-favourites won by 3.8 lengths in a field of eight.
The winning horse, Best Song, was trained by Leigh Wanless and ridden by Justin Stanley.
The final two races were 1100m, with a field of 11 each time. In its first race after a 327-day spell, the Ben Langtrained and Adin Thompsonridden Autumn Bloom won by 2.3 lengths, after being the equal-seventh favourite.
Johanna McGrath rode the third favourite in the final race, Masterplan, to a five-length victory, while Brad Stewart was the trainer.
“I look forward to Australia Day 2025 with a much bigger promotion and a larger Kilcoy Race Club Australia Day with add(ed) festivities that will be announced during the year,” Mr Searle said.
