Esperance Review December 26th

The Boxing Day crowd at the Esperance Bay Turf Club was a big one that enjoyed an exciting day’s racing. The afternoon kicked off with the Dr. Graham Jacobs Maiden. Outsider Simply A Star flashed down the outside to win by a length over Bradbury’s Chance and Lucky Bay. Despite being trained by leading trainer Brendan Corver Simply A Star returned $36 on tote and the runner up returned over $10 for a place. Consequently the Trifecta was in excess of $5,800. Race Two was dominated by four year old Donnyonetime who led throughout in effortless fashion. Following a fast getaway the Helen Harding trained galloper dashed away just prior to straightening and saluted by three lengths. First starter Gwen Ten caught the eye and ran second with Time To Front filling third position.



The third race was the Bay Automotive Group Maiden (1200m) and former leading rider Rod Kirkup trained the winner Algorism. The four year old survived a late lunge from Magical Note to win by half a head. Hi Dollie hit the lead in the straight but could only manage a third. Race Four was the K.J. Norton Building Company Handicap and Mr Magnificent was victorious. The Mt. Barker trained grey burst down the outside and was able to hold off a late challenge from Lyoveldio. He also survived a protest from the runner up whose rider alleged interference at the top of the straight. Race favourite Comes Round was a length away in third. The Bay Automotive Group Handicap commenced the Quaddie and Landmark Lady was able to make in two wins on the trot. Apprentice Andrew Castle timed his run to perfection and defeated Just Sue who ran a ‘cracker’ first up. Arcade Attraction poked through the pack late to claim third spot.


The Open Class race of the day was the Esperance Freight Line Handicap and the evergreen ten year old from Mt. Barker He’s Smokin’ was first out and first home. Apprentice Michael Grantham shot him to an early lead and at the top of the straight let him go, the official margin was just over a length but it was a comfortable win. Ron’s Gem rocketed home from last at the home turn to run second and consistent top-weight Expedition finished third. A plunge came off in the seventh event, the West River Legends Stud Handicap. Hackett’s Heart settled midfield but finished like a bullet train to win by 2.50 lengths over Put Option and Miss Alonso. This fellow is one to follow in the lead up to this season’s Esperance Cup. Race Eight was named in honour of a great contributor to Esperance racing, Churchie White. “The Churchie” Handicap was taken out by the fleet-footed Masters Seal. Trained at Manypeaks by Jo-Anne Leeson he was ridden aggressively to find the front and at the top of the straight booted clear to win by over two lengths. Royal Wing and Wing Star were the minor placegetters while the well backed favourite Stormy Express finished close up in fourth position.


The next meeting held at the E.B.T.C. will be a seven-race card on Friday January 7 with a late start and a late finish. Horses to follow ; Cut And Dried, Donnyonetime, Hi Dollie, My Girl Kate, Just Sue, Ron’s Gem, Hackett’s Heart and Platinum Lad.


Ryan Levitzke (race caller)