The Craiglea seven
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Stan Johnston (right) is with Lyall Appo who wears the Craiglea colours that may haunt racecaller Tony McMahon (Barry Fitzhenry photo)
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Queensland racing, and throughout the country for that matter, has not seen so much publicity for a Friday provincial race in many moons.
It was the day when seven runners of eight bore the name of Craiglea in the Red Carpet 32 QTIS 600 2YO Handicap 1050m at Mackay on January 15.
Deservedly, Stan Johnston has received much publicity for his Craiglea Stud, which supports provincial and country racing in Queensland wholeheartedly from his Kenilworth base.
Followers of Queensland racing would recognise the Craiglea name well as each of Johnston’s horses are branded with the moniker.
Racecaller Tony McMahon probably had the biggest challenge of his career in the lead-up with each of Johnston’s horses bearing navy blue and white sash colours and looked quite the task as they milled behind the barriers. The only discernible feature was the different coloured hats worn by each jockey.
McMahon did not skip a beat as he ran through the field repeatedly, not that anyone would be capable of challenging his call.
He seemed to revel in the trying conditions, which included rain, and even challenged Johnston to run eight or nine in one race next time as they passed the finishing post.
The big grey Craiglea Royale by Clang, who was heavily backed with Kelvin Wharton onboard, jumped to an early lead and was never headed on the trip.
This returned not only the $6500 victor’s cheque for trainer Peter Fleming and connections, but also a handsome $14,000 race bonus due to the two-year-old gelding’s QTIS and QTIS 600 added stakes registration.
As if to relinquish any spotlight, the only horse to not carry the name of Craiglea, the Brian Challacombe-trained Willy Nic ridden by Nathan Patchett, stumbled out of the gates and was ridden at the rear of the field 10 lengths behind the leader.
With no disrespect to Willy Nic, the day belonged to the Craiglea name who fittingly filled positions one through to seven.
Jockey Robert Faehr guided Craiglea Matilda home for second placing three lengths behind the leader.
To complete the trifecta for Craiglea Stud’s Stan Johnston and trainer Peter Fleming, Craiglea Gal carried apprentice Chris McIver home to also collect the QTIS and QTIS 600 race bonus.
Edge, Tina, Smokie and Rawie were the Craigleas to follow with Willy Nic bringing up the rear.
QUEENSLAND Racing web news: By Ross Dowd – January 15 |
