Race day win

THE opening of Stony Creek’s 2015/16 race season proved to be a success on Boxing Day (Saturday).
Though the weather forecast gave a threatening prediction, a large crowd dressed in anticipation of chilly weather and still turned out to watch the starting six races and meet local author Alison Lester with her character Noni the Pony.
“We are thrilled; the turn out to the first meeting looked good. We had a great response,” race club president Paul O’Sullivan said.
“We are fortunate the rain went away and we had such excellent sponsorship from Alison Lester.”
Ms Lester was keen to be involved with the first race meeting and Mr O’Sullivan said the outcome was fantastic.
“She (Ms Lester) created plenty of interest with the Noni paddock set up and the opportunity for fans of her work to get autographs. It was an excellent novelty,” he said.
Ms Lester offered plenty of activities to keep the children entertained with a reading tree, hat making, story time and colouring books.
There were also lots of children’s activities outside the Noni paddock, including backyard sports, face painting and a jumping castle.
Mr O’Sullivan said the racing season was off to an excellent start with the track in perfect condition thanks to Cindy Logan and the CEO Sarah Wolfe.
“We were excited for this first meeting and now we will be looking forward to the Ladies Day on January 8 and Cup Day during the long weekend in March,” he said.
Junior riders from local pony clubs were also given a chance to ride around the track on Saturday as part of the Speed to Safety program.
“Speed to Safety helps young riders learn to ride at a given pace. It’s an opportunity to gain good skills and creates a pathway to racing,” Jenny O’Sullivan said.
The Racing Victoria initiative finished on Saturday, with five finalists completing a time trial in between the main races throughout the day.
The finalists were Georgia Filippi from Bass Valley Pony Club riding Mondo Blue and Smokey, Sianan Price from Phillip Island Pony Club riding Willowcroft Melody, Elli Clavarino from Corner Inlet Pony Club riding Money Muncher and Imogen Price from Phillip Island Pony Club riding Olowan Macauley.
“I like the Speed to Safety program because it gives the horse new things to do and riding on a race track is really fun,” Sianan said.

Over the line: Lake Como ridden by 16 year old jockey Brandon Stockdale won the first race at the Stony Creek Racecourse on Boxing Day.

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Posted by Sarah Vella on Dec 30 2015. Filed under Sport. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry