A generous donation by Warrnambool trainer Lindsey Smith will go towards paying on-going running costs and expenses for Warrnambool's Riding for the Disabled Association.
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Smith, who watched children with disabilities riding horses at the facility on Wednesday with Warrnambool Racing Club officials, said it was a pleasure to donate $5000 to such a worthy cause.
"It's the first time that I've been to a riding for disabled facility," the multiple group one winning trainer said.
"The whole thing is totally amazing, from the children enjoying riding a horse to the volunteers who devote their time to assist the children and adults with disabilities. I take my hat off to the Riding for the Disabled Association. The donation is the least I could do - just watching the enjoyment on the faces of the children riding ponies is heartwarming. The experience made me realise how lucky we are if we have healthy children and it puts life into perspective."
WRDA vice treasurer and grants officer, Michael McCluskey, said Smith's donation was gratefully received by the association.
"We've really got to thank Lindsey for his generosity," McCluskey said. "His donation will help us with our running costs, which are a lot of money each year. Lindsey's generosity just makes it easier for us financially. We're very lucky because we've got some great support from sponsors and wonderful volunteers but we are always seeking assistance, whether that is from financial donations or people wanting to assist us with running the facility."
Aigne on track
NEW Zealand trainer Neil O'Dowd is leaving no stone unturned in trying to win this year's $300,000 Jericho Cup, which is run on the flat over 4600 metres at Warrnambool on December 1.
Aigne, trained by O'Dowd, won a restricted race over 3210 metres at New Plymouth, New Zealand in September. The win guaranteed the seven-year-old a start in the Jericho Cup.
O'Dowd arrived in Warrnambool on Monday to do some reconnaissance work before Aigne arrives on November 20 to prepare for the rich staying race.
"I just came over to have a look at the track and sort out where I'm going to stable Aigne when we arrive in Warrnambool," he said. "It's my first trip to Warrnambool. I'm only in Warrnambool for a couple of days. I'm confident Aigne will be able to run out the 4600 metres. I've got to congratulate Bill Gibbins on his vision for the Jericho Cup. He's done a remarkable job putting the race together."
Kiwi jumps jockey Michael Roustoby has been booked by O'Dowd to ride Aigne in the Jericho.
Tangled Yarn
WARRNAMBOOL sprinter A Good Yarn may line up in a $150,000 benchmark 80 race over 1100 metres at Flemington on Saturday, after his unlucky second placing at Moonee Valley last Friday night. Rebel Miss just hung on to defeat A Good Yarn in the $55,000 race over 955 metres under lights at the Valley.
Trainer Merv McKenzie said A Good Yarn was a bit stiff not to go away with the first placing. "It was a very good run," McKenzie said. "I thought he was a shade unlucky. With a bit of luck he may have won. I'll see how he pulls up. If he's alright I might run him on the last day of the Flemington carnival next Saturday. A Good Yarn's stablemate Big Reel will be running in the Flemington race."
A Good Yarn has won four of his 13 starts.
Winter plan
VETERAN trainer Quinton Scott is already thinking of setting his handy galloper Nicajon at the heats of the Winter Championships next year. Nicajon ran second behind Vigere in a $50,000 race at Moonee Valley last Friday night.
"I was happy with his run," Scott said. "Nicajon has been a slow maturing horse in the head and body. I think he's just starting to put it altogether. His second placing ticked a lot of boxes. I'm thinking he may measure up to the Winter Championships because he loves wet tracks. I've always had an opinion of the horse it's great to see he's just starting to put it all together."
From his eight starts Nicajon has won more then $50,000 in stakemoney.
Jericho visit
VICTORIA'S Minister for Racing, Martin Pakula, has indicated he will be trackside to see the running of the $300,000 Jericho Cup at Warrnambool on December 1. Mr Pakula missed last year's inaugural event but has marked this year's event in his calendar. "I'll be down to see this year's Jericho Cup at this stage," he said. "The inaugural Jericho meeting was a huge success and early indications are this year's meeting will be another big event." The Jericho Cup is run over 4600 metres.
Coffey guilty
POPULAR jockey Harry Coffey was found guilty of a careless riding charge following his ride on Last Request at Tatura on Friday. Stewards found that approaching the home turn Coffey attempted to obtain a run where there was insufficient room resulting in Last Request clipping the heels of Gojazz and as a consequence, blundering severely. Further to that, Rose Of Capri, Third Coming and Hurricane Jack were all hampered. Coffey's suspension is to commence at midnight on November 7 and ends midnight November 15. Stewards deemed the incident to be in the mid-range and took into account Coffey's excellent riding record before handing down the penalty.
