FRANKSTON TIMES scoreboard
Picture: Steve Brown
Another successful run for Arthurs Seat Challenge THE Arthurs Seat Challenge 6.7km fun run + walk was held on Sunday 10 November. The Challenge is held annually to promote the profile of the Fit to Drive road safety program and to raise funds to enable the continuation of this invaluable program at no cost to the secondary schools on the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston region. The overall male winner was Liam Ryan-Nicholls with a time of 25:53.217, which came extremely close to being a course record, and the overall Female winner was Sarah Klein in 28:09.383. The largest
school entry was won by Bayside Christian College and the fastest school was once again won by Padua College. Team Lyndon took out the award for largest community team for the third year in a row, with a huge team of 55 members! More than half the entrants were part of a team, which reflects the sense of community that the event strives to achieve. It is a family friendly event, encouraging entrants of all ages to participate. The Challenge’s Ambassadors Charlie Robbins, Zak Stolz, and Troy Cullen of Australian Ninja Warrior
fame started the entrants off and then joined them for the trek up Arthurs Seat. This year saw the introduction of finisher medals being issued to all participants, acknowledging the incredible achievement made by entrants of all ages in reaching the summit, including some entrants over the age of 80. The Challenge is only possible due to the invaluable support provided by sponsors, local businesses, schools, community groups, and volunteers. Local community groups Sorrento Rotary, CWA Peninsula Belles, SES Sorrento, Red Hill & Districts Lions
Club, and Mornington Rotary all contributed by kindly providing teams to manage water stations and car parking, as well as course marshals. Major Partners BlueScope WesternPort, Mornington Peninsula News Group, and Spicy Web continued their significant sponsorship of the Challenge this year and all were also heavily involved in the event. Angela Pollard, Chair, Frankston and Mornington Peninsula Fit to Drive said ‘On behalf of the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula Fit to Drive Association and the students in all of our local secondary
schools, I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the success of this important community event. I would like to recognise the generosity of our local ‘Ninja Warriors’ in volunteering as ambassadors, as well as the many people from all sectors of our community who provided their time and support.’ More information about the Fit to Drive program can be found at www. f2d.com.au. For further information about the Arthurs Seat Challenge go to www.arthursseatchallenge.com.au or contact Paula Creek at admin@arthursseatchallenge.com.au.
Tahitian Dancer scores barnstorming win HORSE RACING
By Ben Triandafillou MORNINGTON-based racehorse trainer Shane Nichols took out the opening race on Ballarat Cup day with his speedy mare, Tahitian Dancer, on Saturday 23 November. The talented four-year-old daughter of Dawn Approach was looking to make amends after being held up at her previous start at Flemington. Ridden by two kilogram claiming apprentice jockey, Teo Nugent, the speedster drifted to the rear of the field and rounded the corner in last position before letting down strongly in the straight. Storming down the centre of the track, Tahitian Dancer quickly ran past her rivals before being eased down near the post to score a decisive twolength victory over the Robbie Laingtrained Tatiara and the former New Zealander, She’s A Thief. Trainer Shane Nichols rated her win as potentially the best yet. “I thought from where she was in the run it was unbelievable,” Nichols said. “I reckon it would have to be her peak performance so far in her career and that’s included a Stakes placing as well.” The dominant victory bought up the mares fourth win from her 15 career starts, and her second win this preparation. Her total prize money now sits at $230,000. Since her run, Nichols said she has a looked a treat and has come through her run in terrific order. Tahitian Dancer will head towards a Stakes race in Brisbane in December before being aimed at the 1300m Fillies and Mares Magic Millions race on the Gold Coast in January.
Dazzling display: The Shane Nichols-trained Tahitian Dancer scores a deserved victory on Ballarat Cup day on Saturday 23 November. Picture: Supplied Frankston Times 26 November 2019
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