Sport
12 April, 2025
Western Racing Report - Coonabarabran
Raced at Coonabarabran, Saturday, April 5.
Andy Barrow and his family from Gunnedah were disappointed during the week when the Cronulla Sharks were beaten in the National Rugby League however they were cheering when Beg Me carrying the Sharks colours won on Saturday at Coonabarabran.
Beg Me is owned in partnership by Gilgandra trainer Kieren Hazelton and Andy Barrow and at every meeting the Barrow family wear the sky blue, black and white colours of their favourite team.
A seven-year-old gelding, Beg Me has won six races from 71 starts and has a perfect record of three wins from three starts over 1600 metres at Gilgandra.
Commencing to make up significant ground on the leaders approaching the home turn, Beg Me (Jake Pracey-Holmes, $2.90 to $2.60 favourite) shot clear in the straight and won by more than three lengths from Lady Cornelia (Zoe Hunt, $15) and Tycoon Lad (Leeshelle Small, $4.40) in the 1600 metres Reggie’s Tattersalls Hotel-Happy 4th Anniversary Sue-Benchmark 50 Handicap.
While on the rugby league theme, former Balmain Tigers player Gavin Groth who has been a racehorse trainer at Gunnedah for many years won the 900 metres Bob Tootel Appreciation Farewell-Benchmark 50 Handicap with Powerstone.
Hannah Johnston who is now apprenticed to Gavin Groth, brought Powerstone ($7) with a late run from midfield to beat Flight Or Fight (Jessica Brookes, $13) and Dozen Kilpatrick (Gabrielle Johnston, $9.50). Michael Johnston the brother of Hannah Johnston, rode for a couple of seasons on the picnic circuit and recently departed to America to ride on the rodeo circuit.
Dubbo based apprentice Zoe Hunt has been in good form and she won the 1400 metres Riding For The Disabled Welcomes You Maiden Plate on Instead for Mudgee trainer David Smith.
Leading for home, Instead ($13) lasted to score by a half head from Eaglescliffe (Jake Pracey-Holmes, $3) with more than three lengths to the third placed Takeover Lad (Chelsea Hillier, $1.65 favourite).
Gulgong trainer Brett Thompson was represented by the winner Tropicana’s Cube and also the second and fourth placegetters in the 1200 metres Riding For The Disabled -BM 50 Handicap.
Blocked on the rails behind the leader, Tropicana’s Cube (Leeshelle Small, $8.50) was clear in time to win by a half head from Dupenny (Andrew Banks, $5 equal favourite) while a short neck away third was Just Jacky (Jack Baker, $13) with Powderfinger a close fourth.
The other winners were the Kelly Barber, Muswellbrook trained Martindale Dancer, Mikayla Weir, $3.10 fav.) and Cascade Mountain (Chelsea Hillier, $2.90 fav.) trained at Tamworth by Wayne Brown.
Coonabarabran has received heavy rain over recent weeks and fortunately the track has an excellent grass cover and was suitable for good and safe racing on Saturday.
