HORSE RACING
By LIAM DURKIN
MOE Racing Club had a busy May, hosting two meetings and a suite of community events.
Clubs and Pubs Day was celebrated at the Tuesday, May 12 meeting.
As the name suggests, Moe put on a day of hospitality for local clubs and publicans. They enjoyed an eight-card meeting on a Soft 7 that returned a number of close finishes.
Moe Cup-winning jockey Craig Newitt (2023) rode the winner of the Latrobe Regional Hospital Pink Day BM65 Handicap over 1623 metres.
Preparations are already underway for the Pink Day, to be held October 18. The day is one of the racing club’s marquee meetings, raising money for LRH and breast cancer research.
Newitt was victorious on board Sara’s Rocket, who put in a blistering run to win by more than four lengths.
Racegoers were given an incredible start to the meeting, after Golden Magnate edged out Miss Lola by a nose in the Race 1 S&S Equipment Rental and Sales Maiden Plate (1200m).
The win gave Robbie Griffiths a narrow victory, up against Miss Lola, ridden by Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Jye McNeil.
The Race 2 Nar Nar Goon Maiden Plate (1200m) was virtually a carbon copy, with Unapproachable holding on by a nose on the outside against Anglesea.
The four-year-old mare came from sixth at the 400 metre mark, to win for Enver Jusufovic.
Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr had a win in the Race 3 Ladbrokes Big Bets Copy Now Maiden Plate (2450m), after Zinovation put in a strong win to get home by a length. Trafalgar jockey Jason Maskiell rode Clydebank Robber to third for local trainer Susie Wells.
Fellow Trafalgar local, trainer Mick Templeton, came third in the Race 4 Mirboo North Hotel Maiden Plate (1600m) with Chronic.
The four-year-old gelding led at both the 800m and 400m mark, but was overrun by Kaddari, trained by Belinda Dunn.
The Race 6 RMBL Investments Rising Stars Race (1200m) gave Price and Kent Jr a double, thanks to Undisputable upholding its name.
It won by more than four lengths, leaving Infinite Jest, trained by local pair Paul and Tracey Templeton, in its wake.
Price and Kent Jr left Moe happy trainers, after also winning the Race 7 Asahi Group BM65 Handicap (1000m).
Semelle Rouge had its head lifted on the inside to snatch a thrilling win.
Race 8, the Ladbrokes Hosted Pots BM56 Handicap (2100m) became a two-horse race, although a huge upset came through when the Michael Kent Sr-trained One Brother won at an $11.40 starting price.
HEAVY conditions hit last Thursday’s (May 28) meeting.
That said, the Moe track has withstood just about everything Mother Nature can throw at it in recent years – and this was no exception.
Racing went through on a Heavy 10, highlighted by Freshen, trained by Moe’s own Peter Gelagotis, winning the Race 6 Mineral Magic Fillies & Mares BM62 Handicap (1200m).
The three-year-old filly was freshened by name and nature, after being rested for five weeks in early April.
The ploy paid off, and she won by half-a-length after leading for much of the race.
“Freshen bounced back to form at Moe with a terrific front running ride from leading jockey Jye McNeil,” the stable posted.
“Freshen won terrifically well on debut before going for a spell and her first two runs have been well below par, so a huge thank you to the staff and our vet team for turning her around! Really given the team a huge lift.
“Freshen will now tackle the winter campaign with plenty of confidence after winning as well on the heavy ground.”
The Gelagotis stable is holding a huge FightMND promotion this month in memory of Neale Daniher. Every Gelagotis horse will wear specially designed FightMND silk to raise money and awareness of the deadly disease.
Captain Electric won the Race 1 Brandt BM66 Handicap (2400m) for Andrea Leek, while Rose Velvet did it easy in the Syngenta Maiden Plate (1600m) for Patrick Payne.
The Race 3 Advanced Maiden Plate (1000m) saw Apres win for Anthony and Sam Freeman. Lucky Single got the job done for Mark Walker in the Envu 3YO Maiden Plate (1200m).
The Freemans secured a double by winning the Race 5 DLF Maiden Plate (1200m), after Anglesea enjoyed better luck second time around at Moe.
Race 7 (Turfcare 0-62 Handicap) was won by Annabelle Sunshine over 1600m for Michael Trotter.
Misty Legend saw out the meeting by winning the Race 8 Statewide Turf BM62 Handicap (1000m) for Carly Thomas.
OFF the track, Moe Racing Club hosted another successful Tools Down, Heads Up breakfast for young tradies.
Moe Racing Club has been trailblazers in this area, helping those just stepping into the workforce learn more about support programs on offer.
The most recent talk focussed on financial management, and welcomed local accountants Kate Slater and Dylan Farrugia to simplify complex tax terms.
In many ways, they achieved the impossible by making accounting an engaging topic.
Also on board were The Property Tradies, Joel and Brodie, two young men who have garnered an extensive following navigating the real estate world.
They helped answer questions and provide clear guidance through what can be a bureaucratic minefield of home ownership.
Moe Racing Club also recently provided space for the Latrobe Valley Model Railway Association to hold its annual two-day showcase.
By all reports, the trains on display ran much more efficiently than the ones just outside.
Moe Racing Club’s next meeting will be held Thursday, June 18.
