Letsgohorseracing - VIC & NSW

Details: Published: 29 March 2010; Created: 29 March 2010

MELBOURNE Racing Club and Mornington Racing Club are destined to become a super club.

The Herald Sun reports today that ‘Under a proposed merger, endorsed by a joint working party of the clubs, the clubs would in effect become one on August 1.

Details: Published: 27 March 2010; Created: 27 March 2010

TRAINER Tony Vasil blasted the ride of controversial Sydney jockey Jim Cassidy and accused him of ‘gutting’ the Victorian filly, Psychologist, in the Group 2 Magic Night Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday.

Stewards opened an inquiry following a complaint from Vasil and adjourned it after taking evidence during which both parties traded verbal blows.

Details: Published: 27 March 2010; Created: 27 March 2010

DARLEY faces an Autumn Carnival without No 1 stable rider Kerrin McEvoy after Racing NSW stewards suspended him for a month on Friday following a running and handling inquiry.

McEvoy will appeal the guilty verdict to a charge of having failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures to give Shakes full opportunity in the Tamarama Handicap at the Randwick Kensington track on March 18.

Details: Published: 26 March 2010; Created: 26 March 2010

THE Moonee Valley Racing Club today launched the Tatts Cox Plate WFA Global Championship in an effort to entice the world’s best weight-for-age gallopers to compete in the Tatts Cox Plate.

The Group 1 Tatts Cox Plate is regarded as the premium weight-for-age race in the southern hemisphere. The Club has expanded its exempt race policy by earmarking 10 international Group 1 events in which the winner will be exempt from the 2010 Tatts Cox Plate ballot and guaranteed a start over the 2040 metre journey.

Details: Published: 26 March 2010; Created: 26 March 2010

VICTORIAN jockey Daniel Schmitt has confirmed to the Melbourne Herald Sun that he was visited by RVL chief steward Terry Bailey and colleague James Williams at his home on Tuesday morning and questioned in relation to the on-going Danny Nikolic inquiry.

Adrian Dunn reports today that Schmitt said he had given stewards his full co-operation and had provided them access to his phone and computer.

Details: Published: 24 March 2010; Created: 24 March 2010

IF there’s a question you have about the racing industry in NSW but you’ve always been afraid to ask it, fear no longer.

Racing NSW has today placed on its website a comprehensive Reference Manual, covering thoroughbred racing’s 200-year history in this State, current statistics on the industry, guides to major clubs and events, racing and betting terminology, and the histories of our most significant races.

Details: Published: 24 March 2010; Created: 24 March 2010

PROFESSIONAL punter Neville Clements was today warned off indefinitely from all Victorian racecourses with the decision likely to be reciprocated by other States.

Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board acting chairman Brian Forrest said the penalty would come into effect seven days after the delivery of the reasons for the decision. That is expected to take a week.

Details: Published: 22 March 2010; Created: 22 March 2010

IN a thought-provoking column called The Sting in today’s Sydney Morning Herald, respected racing writer CRAIG YOUNG poses the question: Is there a more dysfunctional industry than Australian horse racing?

One wonders, Young writes, how it all really goes ahead. We reproduce that column courtesy of John Fairfax and the SMH, which reads:

Details: Published: 21 March 2010; Created: 21 March 2010

THE Victorian Government and Racing Victoria – in a joint venture project announced on Sunday – will contribute $1.5 million toward a major redevelopment of the Yarra Valley Racing Centre.

Unlike Queensland where major financial support from Queensland Racing seems to consistently have strings attached these days, Racing Victoria has not asked for or demanded joint ownership or the deeds to the Yarra Valley complex.

Details: Published: 20 March 2010; Created: 20 March 2010

THE market for the $3.5 million Golden Slipper was re-shaped after Queensland filly Military Rose made the early favorite Solar Charged look second-rate in the Group 2 McGrath Foundation Reisling Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday.

Military Rose, having her first start since an effortless win in the Gold Coast Magic Millions Classic in January, firmed from $8 to $3.60 favoritism for the Slipper while Solar Charged drifted from $4.60 to $9.