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NORM SENDS ANOTHER WINNER DOWN THE HIGHWAY!

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NORM SENDS ANOTHER WINNER DOWN THE HIGHWAY!

Norm and Diane Gardner breathed a sigh of relief when Upper House won Saturday’s TAB Highway at his metropolitan debut. Norm is the breeder, trainer and part owner of the slow maturing four year old gelding.

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BEN AND VICTOREM FAIRLY FLEW IN THE HINKLER

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BEN AND VICTOREM FAIRLY FLEW IN THE HINKLER

How fitting it was that the winner of Saturday’s Hinkler Hcp should be almost “airborne” in the closing stages. The race is named after one of Queensland’s most famous sons, legendary aviator Bert Hinkler who in 1928 brought great acclaim to his country, to his state, and to his hometown of Bundaberg.

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Steve Hart interviews champion jockey Robert Thompson

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Steve Hart interviews champion jockey Robert Thompson

Last year Steve Hart spoke to the winningest jockey in Australian racing history, Robert Thompson. I loved the interview and unashamedly plagiarised it for my website.

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THE WINNING WAYS OF GARRY NEWHAM AND PAUL MAKIN

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THE WINNING WAYS OF GARRY NEWHAM AND PAUL MAKIN

The presentation ceremony after the Treasury Brisbane Queensland Oaks finished not a moment too soon for Garry Newham. The trainer of the winner Winning Ways had a lump in his throat big enough to choke an elephant, for clearly understandable reasons.

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TODD PANNELL LETS HIS RIDING DO THE TALKING

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TODD PANNELL LETS HIS RIDING DO THE TALKING

Todd Pannell was so busy trying to coax Despatch over the line on Saturday, he may have forgotten for a moment that he was one stride off his first Group 1 victory. By the time he arrived back at the mounting yard gate, he was fully aware this was the dream he’d been chasing for more than half his life.

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JOSH PARR WEARS HIS HEART ON HIS SLEEVE

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JOSH PARR WEARS HIS HEART ON HIS SLEEVE

I can’t think of a jockey anywhere in Australia who displays more unbridled raw emotion than Josh Parr. It struck me initially when he won the Gr 1 Surround Stakes on Shoals a year ago - his one and only ride on the Fastnet Rock mare.

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A MEMORABLE RACE DAY IN THE GARDEN CITY

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A MEMORABLE RACE DAY IN THE GARDEN CITY

What a pity the last race numbers error at Clifford Park on Saturday had to take the gloss off a spectacular Queensland race meeting. Stewards declared correct weight before officials discovered the wrong horse had been placed fourth.

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KEVIN KEMP HOPES THE JIM ATKINS LONGEVITY RUBS OFF

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KEVIN KEMP HOPES THE JIM ATKINS LONGEVITY RUBS OFF

There wasn’t a trace of racing in Kevin Kemp’s background, but he was besotted by horses from the moment he first sat on a pony. Most of his mates owned ponies and those kids would be out all day, every day. “If I got home before dark, Mum and Dad would wonder what the hell was wrong”, recalled Kevin.

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RESEARCH WASN’T THE GREATEST DERBY WINNER, BUT SHE WAS THE CRANKIEST

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RESEARCH WASN’T THE GREATEST DERBY WINNER, BUT SHE WAS THE CRANKIEST

Those who watched Research return to scale after the 1989 Derby will probably recall her antics when a garland of roses was thrown around her neck. She almost unseated Dittman as she charged back into the enclosure, with Clarry hanging on for dear life.

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STEVE HART CATCHES UP WITH JOHN VINCENT, FORMER STUD MANAGER

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STEVE HART CATCHES UP WITH JOHN VINCENT, FORMER STUD MANAGER

Steve Hart caught up with former stud manager John Vincent who retired a few years ago, after a fascinating career in England and Australia. John gained valuable experience in his native England before migrating to Australia.

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DIXIE HAS WON A MILLION HEARTS

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DIXIE HAS WON A MILLION HEARTS

Turns out Ron Quinton’s just an old softie after all. The battle hardened veteran rode 2168 winners including 46 Group 1’s during his spectacular career as a jockey. In 25 years as a trainer he’s won hundreds of races including 6 Group 1’s.

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PRINCESS CAN BE AS POSH AS SHE LIKES AFTER A WIN LIKE THAT

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PRINCESS CAN BE AS POSH AS SHE LIKES AFTER A WIN LIKE THAT

Two year olds Tenley (Reisling Stakes) and Yes Yes Yes (Todman Stakes) were explosive in their Randwick wins on Saturday, while The Autumn Sun deserved every accolade that came his way.  Their performances stole some of the spotlight from a dazzling win by Princess Posh in the Group 3 Newcastle Newmarket twenty four hours earlier.