Ragged Randwick...That Randwick track is causing anger again. Veteran turf scribbler Ken Callander, in his Daily Tele column, says: 'Randwick track was disappointing again on Saturday, which is a tragedy when you consider the millions that have been spent on it. It should play better when the rail is moved to the inside position for the upcoming George Main and Epsom meetings - and pity the poor punters if it doesn't...I just hope there is some light at the end of the tunnel regarding Randwick a
Ragged Randwick...That Randwick track is causing anger again. Veteran turf scribbler Ken Callander, in his Daily Tele column, says: 'Randwick track was disappointing again on Saturday, which is a tragedy when you consider the millions that have been spent on it. It should play better when the rail is moved to the inside position for the upcoming George Main and Epsom meetings - and pity the poor punters if it doesn't...I just hope there is some light at the end of the tunnel regarding Randwick and I see using the STC racecourse manager Lindsay Murphy as a consultant as a shining light. Look at the job Murphy has done at Canterbury, which is Sydney's best track, and at Rosehill too in recent years. The Randwick track maintenance company Turnpoint is a professional outfit but its experience is more with golf courses than racetracks.
Lloyd Williams is starting to get desperate in his bid to win another Melbourne Cup. The Age reports: 'The former John Oxx-trained Akzar will join his huge team at Mt Macedon later this month, as will former New Zealand galloper Irel, who had been prepared in New Zealand by Williams's former No.1 trainer Graeme Rogerson. Last week, Imposing became the first horse to enter the Werribee quarantine centre after Williams bought him from the Michael Stoute yard. Williams had 22 horses entered for the Melbourne Cup but 10 dropped out yesterday. Of those remaining, six were bought in England last year, with another two coming to the stables after beginning their careers in New Zealand.
David Hayes haspaid up for seven horses in the Melbourne Cup. They include French galloper Laristan, who was bought over the last few days by stable supporters Peter Devitt and Les Gordon. He's due to arrive in Melbourne on Sep 24. Laristan has only 50kgs in the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups, so will need to win a ballot-free race to secure a berth.
Farewell to a top rider...Moree jockey Danny Frahm has officially retired from riding for medical reasons after serving the racing industry for nearly 50 years. The veteran rider, who turns 64 this month, was advised by doctors not to return to the saddle after suffering neck injuries in a fall at Armidale earlier this year.