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27 January 2010
Rockhampton $6.5m course proper launch to host enviable raceday
A top-class race meeting is on the cards for Rockhampton this Friday, January 29.
Strong fields were released today for the Rockhampton Jockey Club’s race meeting on the new $6.5 million course proper.
Leading Brisbane rider Glen Colless is venturing north for this historical day. He has already accepted rides on the Mark Lehmann-trained Kiwi Rhythm in the first race and the Mark Cochrane-trained Mr Wang in the Centre Stage Signs Class 4 Handicap 1600m.
Colless has been averaging a strike rate of 20 per cent this season and is revered amongst his peers for his highlighted 25-year career.
The jockeys room at Callaghan Park will come alive with at least 25 different jockeys riding on the day, including eight apprentices.
Also venturing from Brisbane will be talented apprentice Chris McIver and the well-travelled hoop Andrew Spinks.
An eight race card is programmed where nearly $100,000 in prizemoney is up for grabs.
In the Shadforths Civil Contractors QTIS 600 Two-Year-Old Handicap 970m, the entire field are QTIS eligible horses, meaning the winner is guaranteed to take home $13,500. Five of the 11 starters are also QTIS 600 registered so they could be taking home double the bonuses.
The feature race of the day is the $20,000 Contour Consulting Engineers Cup Open Handicap 1300m.
This race will see recent Mackay and Townsville Cup winner Flying Test pitted against country campaigner Try Some Magic and the Rockhampton track specialist Gobou.
Gobou, trained by Clinton Garland in Rockhampton, has won seven of his eight starts in Rockhampton and placed second in the remainder. He has gone on to place third in Brisbane and win at Mackay so all locals are keen to see what he can do with the brand new track.
Local trainers have a stronghold on the fields but trainers are also sending their horses from as far as the Sunshine Coast, Mount Isa, Roma and Tambo to the exciting launch of the track.
Ends.
For further information contact QRL senior communications officer Hollie Roberts on 07 3869 9760.
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