Roy’s Positive Thinking captures Reef ‘n’ Rainforest
Roy Chillemi has mastered Queensland country racing to include top trainer in the Reef ‘n’ Rainforest Series with his many other accolades.
The final points have been collated for the six race series in northern Queensland, and it becomes apparent that Chillemi has played a major role in the 2009 Reef ‘n’ Rainforest Series leading horse and jockey categories also.
The Chillemi-trained Positive Thinking (G4 Strictly Balloom-See You At the Top) won with 19 points in a count-back decision over Canhedance.
Each horse had a win apiece in the series, however it was Positive Thinking’s two second places that saw him crowned 2009 Reef ‘n’ Rainforest Series champion.
Chillemi heaped praise on Positive Thinking, who earned his owners a bonus $5000, and suggested he would be disappointed if there was not more to come.
“He is a good horse, he’s just started off as a maiden,” Chillemi said. “He’s very green and he should have won the first stage (Saturday, April 25 at Mareeba), but really got decked that day.
“So he probably should have won it (the Reef & Rainforest Series) a bit easier.
“(Positive Thinking) missed the last (race in the series) through a serious injury and I hope it’s not threatening his career. He’s going to have a long spell and will probably be out for at least 12 months.”
Despite the letdown of losing his up-and-coming horse for an extended period, Chillemi was also thrilled to see David Crossland named top jockey in the Reef ‘n’ Rainforest Series.
“He’s an accomplished jockey; I just hope he gets his mind back on it as his weight is a problem. But apart from that he’s a very good rider for up here. He’s probably in the first three,” Chillemi said.
It is evident that Chillemi has had an important guiding role in Crossland’s blossoming career since he was an apprentice.
“I’ve watched him come up through the ranks since he was an apprentice. When he went down south he came down with me on loan and hopefully I’ve given him some good directions in life to help him through his jockey career,” he said.
While proud of his involvement with the top horse and jockey in the series, Chillemi was aware of his own impressive achievement.
“Absolutely, that was a nail-biting and strongly contested series with big fields. It wasn’t over until the last race,” he said.
Chillemi has again shown why he is regarded as one of the top northern Queensland trainers.
QUEENSLAND Racing web news: Ross Dowd – June 17
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