It was a pleasant day, and a large crowd were on hand for Saturday’s 2023 Vern Kleinschmidt Community Trust Goondiwindi Cup.
The Club celebrated the day by honoring local Clerk of the Course Russell Mortimer, who has given 35 years of service to the local racing Industry.
On a Good 4 track, racing commenced with one of the Clubs two new sponsors, The Knife Shop Benchmark 45 over 1200 meters. In a very open race with many chances, the Geran stable opened the batting with $4 equal favourite Gidget ridden by Tamarra Noble and Easy Come was second, fighting out the finish. Top weight Derbabi got home from a long way back for third.
The Black Truck & Ag, Benchmark 65 over 1000 meters, saw Toowoomba trainer Nicholas Beck venture to Gunsynd Park with Dollop who drifted notably in the betting from $4 out to $8 and was simply too good for well-backed favourite Unassailable and Fire King who made up many lengths to take third. Dollop gave 4kg apprentice Rob Thorburn the first leg of a winning double in easiest his best day in a short career.
The Legacy Livestock Maiden, another new sponsor, was run over the 1000 meters. It was a handy win for first starter Mr. Gorman from the unlucky Light up the Dawn, who flew when the race was over. Mister ran accreditable third. Senior rider Gary Walters was the successful rider on Mr. Gorman while short-price favourite Red Hot Love went back at the start and really only followed the field around.
The main race on the card was the Vern Kleinschmidt Community Trust Goondiwindi Cup over 1400 meters. While not the biggest field for a Cup, it was a very even and strongly contested event. Inverell trained Aytobe $3.80 and was just favourite ahead of six other runners under $7. After The Iron’s set a good pace, he was pressured by Inverell cup winner Zaidan, and Aytobe parked just off the pace. Just after swinging for home, the pressure went on and Aytobe went up and took the lead and held off a strong finish from unwanted Amoudi Bay and stablemate Zaidan held on for third. Leanne Mc Coy is another regular rider at Gunsynd Park, and Aytobe added to her already good tally.
Always an interesting race the 1800-meter Battlers Cup once again proved to be an entertaining event. Early favorite was Boult who was returning from his western trek to Birdsville. But the long trip obviously took its toll and the excitement was left to the leaders. As they swung for home, the whole field was looking tired until Extassy kicked clear and looked all over a winner. Approaching the winning post, Extassy vied out strongly and despite finish first past the post, the stewards did not look kindly on Tamara Nobles plea and the race was awarded to Master of Menace, another Warwick trained galloper. This gave Rob Thorburn the second leg of his winning double.
And so completed another great Cup Day at Gunsynd Park. The Club has its AGM set for Tuesday night September 26 at 6.00pm and any interested parties are invited to attend.
The last meeting for the year is the 11th Annual Bush to Port Raceday and Christmas Party Raceday on Saturday, December 2. This is an ideal chance to book your workplace or social Club in for your special Christmas Party event. Look up on the website www.goondiwindiraces.com
