Racing Ahead WA - September 2017 by RWWA

RACING AHEADWA Thoroughbred Racing

September 2017

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Contents

RACING AND WAGERING WESTERN AUSTRALIA THOROUGHBRED RACING DEPARTMENT 14 Hasler Road, Osborne Park 6017 Trainersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Service Centre: (08) 9445 5277 24 Hour Nomination Service: (08) 9445 5278 Fax: (08) 9445 9312 Website: rwwa.com.au/CRIS/ Email: racing@rwwa.com.au Twitter: @rwwa_thor Office Hours Monday to Friday: 7am to 4pm Saturday: 7am to 10am Sunday: 7am to 9am Late scratchings outside these times must be lodged with the Race Club. STEWARDS DEPARTMENT 70 Grandstand Road Ascot 6104 Email: stewards@rwwa.com.au General Enquiries: (08) 9445 5570 Fax: (08) 9479 3116 RWWA INTEGRITY Integrity Recorded Message Service: 9445 5565 Email: racingintegrity@rwwa.com.au LICENSING, REGISTRATIONS & STAKES 14 Hasler Road Osborne Park WA 6017 Email: licreginfo@rwwa.com.au Telephone: (08) 9445 5558 Fax: (08) 9445 5586 Forms can be found at www.rwwa.com.au RACING & WAGERING WA HEAD OFFICE 14 Hasler Road Osborne Park WA 6017 (08) 9445 5333 fax (08) 9244 5914 Email: info@rwwa.com.au Web: www.rwwa.com.au METROPOLITAN RACECOURSES & TRAINING FACILITIES Ascot Race Days (08) 9277 0888 fax (08) 9277 0803 Belmont Racecourse (08) 9470 8222 fax (08) 9470 8224 Ascot Track Tower (08) 9277 0826 Lark Hill Curator Manager: Greg Horne Phone/Fax: (08) 9524 3408 Mobile: 0432 830 290 RACING AHEAD WA Editorial, Advertising & Subscriptions: Suzy Jackson Email: suzy.jackson@rwwa.com.au Phone: (08) 9445 5371 Email: suzy.jackson@rwwa.com.au Racing & Wagering Western Australia 14 Hasler Road Osborne Park WA 6017

Beaufine Stakes winner It's It

Features

02 Kalgoorlie-Boulder CEO Tony Crook 04 Western Australian Pattern Committee 06 Chris Nicoll 08 WA Country Cups 10 Community TAB 11 Distribution Increases for 2017/18 Thoroughbred Racing Season 12 Feature Races

Programming

1 West Australian Programming and Industry Notices

NEXT EDITION DEADLINE: Friday September 8, 2017

All advertisements published in Racing Ahead WA Magazine are the responsibility of the person, company or advertising agency which submitted them for publication. The publisher and printer do not accept any responsibility for the text of any advertisement. All persons and advertising agencies submitting advertisements are reminded of their necessity to comply with the provisions of the Trade Practices Act 1974 and any other relevant legislation (including the Rules of Racing) applicable to the subject of matter of such advertisement. The publisher carefully checks all material prior to publication. However, the publisher and its employees do not warrant the accuracy of such material nor its compliance with relevant legislation. Copyright of articles and photographs in Racing Ahead WA Magazine remains with individual contributors and may not be reproduced without permission. Magazine printed by VANGUARD PRINTING - 26 John Street, Northbridge 6003

Features RACING AHEAD - September - 1

KALGOORLIE- BOULDER CEO

TONY CROOK Article by Robert Edwards Tony Crook was thrust into the turbulent world of politics when he ended the long reign of Liberal MP Wilson Tuckey winning the seat of O’Connor at the 2010 Federal election. Crook won 28.85 percent of the primary vote to become the WA Nationals first federal representative in more than 30 years. He was thrown into the deep end at a time when Julia Gillard was the first female Prime Minister, after ousting Kevin Rudd in June 2010, following a series of bungles and backflips that saw voters lose faith in him. Gillard went on to lead the Labor Party to victory in the September 2010 election, after forming a minority government with the help of the Greens and independent MPs. Independents Tony Windsor, Robert Oakshott and Andrew Wilkie were pivotal to Gillard holding a tenuous grip on power. Crook sat as a crossbencher in the House of Representatives, where he negotiated with both sides in his quest to advocate the interests of rural WA. Crook announced his retirement from Federal politics in April 2013 before the forthcoming elections, citing family reasons. In early 2016 he gained pre-selection for the Nationals WA to contest the seat of Kalgoorlie following the retirement of Nationals WA member Wendy Duncan, for the 2017 March State election. He was unsuccessful at the election. “I actually got into Federal politics by accident,” Crook said. “I had stood for Kalgoorlie in the 2008 State election, but was narrowly beaten by independent John Bowler. “I stood for the Royalties for Regions which was a key promise at that election of the WA Nationals. “The redistribution of the seat of O’Connor and Wilson Tuckey having been the MP for so long saw a swing against him. “I saw an opportunity to go back into State parliament in the 2017 election. “My family has always been community focused. “My mother was awarded an Order of Australia for her services to retirement homes in Merredin.” Crook faces another big challenge in his new role as chief executive of the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Racing Club. Crook took over the reins from Tim Beaver in mid-July after the latter left his position of four years to take up the role of Racing Manager at Racing and Wagering WA in June. He was thrust into the key administrative role only eight weeks before the KBRC’s iconic Kalgoorlie Racing Round. Crook’s appointment comes in tandem with businessman and former vice chairman Mark Brennan being elected as the club’s new chairman,

2 - September - RACING AHEAD Features

Image supplied by Lynn Webb

Tony Crook following the retirement of Dr Andrew Siegmund. “We need to work strongly with the State Labor government to get the best deal for racing in the Goldfields,” Crook said. “Racing at Kalgoorlie is part of the social infrastructure of the Goldfields and The Round is integral not only to the club but to the community. “Racing at Kalgoorlie is woven into the social fabric of the Goldfields. “It has a long and colourful history and we need to continue to build on that history. “It is vital that we get The Round right and that people can come to the races and enjoy their time there. “It is a pivotal carnival not only to the Kalgoorlie businesses and community but to the State. “It is one of the great racing carnivals on the national calendar. “We need to put on the best show we can and we are focused on making this year’s Round another success.” One of Crook’s biggest projects is to maintain the heritage Federation buildings on the course. Being over a century old the buildings need constant maintenance to keep them in premium condition. “The tote and office administration buildings are magnificent and make our racecourse the iconic course it is,” Crook said. “When there are heritage buildings involved it creates a lot of management issues. “We need to round up the capital and make strategic decisions to keep them in prime condition. “The grass track and training tracks are critical to the club. “We have had a few issues with our irrigation systems this year, but they have been resolved. “If we can provide the best training and racing facilities then the trainers and owners will want to come and race here.”

Crook has a pastoral background too. He left home after completing Year 12 to work on a sheep station near Kalgoorlie. Crook ran the Woolibar Station, about 45km south of Kalgoorlie, for over 30 years. Over recent years Crook has worked as a pastoral consultant and was the chairman for 10 years and national president for three years of the Western Division of the Flying Doctor. He retired from those roles in 2008. He is married to Karen and they have three daughters Cassie (30), Jemma (27) and Georgia (23). Their daughters were involved in pony club and his youngest daughter competes at eventing, which encompasses dressage, cross-country and show jumping. Their daughters have performed at Highland Dancers with his oldest two daughters being qualified instructors. Those two daughters have performed at the national level and also internationally at the Royal Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle, Rotterdam, Nova Scotia in Canada and in Oman. His grandfather (on his mother’s side) owned Beauclare, who won the 1954 Bunbury Cup at the odds of $21. While Crook has never owned a thoroughbred he has owned horses (for his daughters) and has been a member of the KBRC for 10 years. He worked unofficially as a time-keeper for his grandfather David Giles at the Merredin trots during his high school days. His grandfather was made a life-member of the Merredin Trotting Association for his tireless work. “I guess I was the defacto time-keeper,” Crook said. “In those days it was all stop watching timing and with granddad’s eyes deteriorating I became his eyes. “I was 12 or 13 years-old and loved going to the trots and granddad would grab me to read the charts and work out the mile rates.

“It costs a lot of money to maintain the tracks and the heritage buildings.

“It got to the point where he would miss the start and asked me to come and help.

“Trainers and the community expect us to keep them at their best.

“So for about five years I was the unofficial time-keeper.”

“We have a lot of work to do.”

This year’s Round is building momentum with WATC Derby winner Gatting one of the headline acts to challenge for the $100,000 Statewest Group Boulder Cup (2100m) and the $130,000 XXXX Gold Kalgoorlie Cup (2300m) on September 17 and 24.

Crook, 58, was born at Merredin, the son of Paddy and Joan Crook. His parents still live in Merredin. He has two brothers Max, a fencing contractor and Brett, who runs a pastoral lease for a mining company in Kalgoorlie.

The $120,000 Tabtouch Hannan’s Handicap (1400m) will be run on Wednesday September 20. 

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Features RACING AHEAD - September - 3

WESTERN AUSTRALIAN PATTERN COMMITTEE Article by Robert Edwards A new committee has been formed in WA to protect and progress the State’s valuable Black Type races. The committee will be chaired by Racing and Wagering WA’s deputy chairman Bob Pearson and include RWWA executives Tim Beaver and Ian Malpass and Perth Racing’s Professor John Yovich and Mark Woodward. The industry will be represented by, the president of the WA Racehorse Owners’ Association, Harvey Crossman and Brenton Moore, Thoroughbred Breeders’ WA, Grant Burns and Fiona Lacey, WA Trainers’ Association, Warwick Bradshaw and Dan Morton, and Kevin Christianson, from the WA Provincial Thoroughbred Racing Association. Pearson is also a member of the Australian Racing Pattern committee. WA has 76 Group and Listed races on the calendar each season. The Australian Pattern Committee annually review benchmark ratings provided by the Australian Classifications Committee (ACC) for all Black Type races run in Australia. The APC is an advisory board which make recommendations to the Australian Racing Board for changes to the domestic pattern of races. “The WA Pattern Committee brings together racing industry representatives to discuss matters concerning our Black Type races,” chief handicapper Ian Malpass said. “Our task is to come up with strategies and recommendations to be presented to the APC in order to strengthen the pattern of WA Black Type races. “Having a State committee gives RWWA the opportunity to consult with sectors of the racing industry on how to strengthen our Stakes races. “It is critical our races meet the benchmark to maintain national relevance of both the races and the horses who compete in them. “The WAPC can speak to clubs on their feature races and help to maintain their status. “The clubs have the ultimate authority on whether they make the changes though.” The Perth Cup pattern rating for example was calculated by getting an average performance rating of Star Exhibit (1st), Neverland (2nd), Tradesman (3rd) and Perfect Reflection (4th). The average seasonal peak performance rating for these first four horses was 111, which is above the Group 2 benchmark of 110. Star Exhibit’s close second to Sense Of Occasion in the Group 1 Doomben Cup (2000m) last May was a good boost for the Perth Cup pattern rating this season. “It is a fantastic result for the Perth Cup pattern to have the winner come out at its next preparation and go down narrowly in a Group 1 race. “WA should hold its head high with recent stakes performances of WA horses in some of the nation’s leading Group and Listed races.”

4 - September - RACING AHEAD Features

Malpass said the WA Guineas and the WATC Derby were the only two Black Type races in WA not to meet the APC benchmark last season. “Both races fell just short of the benchmark rating required, however this does not mean an automatic downgrade by the APC,” Malpass said. “Given the State relevance of both races they will be fine for their next running.” Malpass said the WAPC was looking to seek an upgrade for at least three races. The committee would seek approval for the two-year-old feature of the Crystal Slipper Stakes (1100m), the WA Cup (3200m) and the Tabtouch Bunbury 3YO Classic (1000m) to be upgraded to Listed level. “RWWA created the 3YO Classic last year to provide trainers with a three-year-old lead up into the Belgravia Stakes over 1200m,” Malpass said. “The Classic is run under Listed conditions with the aim that within a few years it will be upgraded and will become a permanent lead up feature to the Belgravia Stakes.” During the 1990’s the Perth Cup (3200m) and Karrakatta Plate (1200m) were downgraded from Group 1 to Group 2 status. (The distance of the Perth Cup was changed to 2400m in 2008) The WA Oaks (2400m) lost its Group 1 status and is now run as a Group 3 event. WA held two derbies at Group 1 level during the late 1970s to early 1990s, with the running of the Australian Derby (2400m) and the WA Derby (2400m) each year. (The original intention for the Australian Derby was that it would be rotated to each State, but that never eventuated) WA-born champion jockey Damien Oliver rode Dance The Day Away for trainer Gerald Ryan to win the last Australian Derby, run at Ascot on December 26, 1992. The Trevor Andrews-trained Heroicity (ridden by Mark Sestich) was the last three-year-old to win both derbies in 1991-92.

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Western Australian Pattern Committee The Australian Derby was merged with the WA Derby to save the derby’s elite status and it became the WATC Derby. The WATC Derby recently was downgraded to a Group 2, but the trade-off was the long revered Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) was raised to a Group 1. The changing of time has seen some feature races vanish from the calendar, including the Queen’s Plate, Edgar Meares Cup, Helena Vale Cup, Easter Cup, Winter Cup and Belmont Park Cup. WA’s three Group 1 races of the Railway Stakes (1600m), Winterbottom Stakes and Kingston Town Classic (1800m), run at Ascot in the late spring and early summer, all carry prize money of $1 million. Racing NSW’s chief executive Peter V’landys invasion into the spring, which has traditionally been the domain of Victorian racing, with changes to the Sydney calendar, including the $10m subscription race The Everest, has thrown a spanner into the works for the APC. The Everest will clash with Victoria’s stallion-making race the $1m Caulfield Guineas, run on October 14. Champion mare Winx is anticipated to run in the $500,000 Craven Plate on the same bill as the Everest in her pursuit to equal Kingston Town’s record of three Cox Plates.

Record-breaking Victorian trainer Darren Weir landed his first WA Group 1 with Stratum Star in the Kingston Town Classic and former acclaimed international jockey Gary Moore claimed his first Group 1 as a trainer with Takedown in the Winterbottom Stakes. “It is important we attract high quality Group 1 proven horses to come across and compete in our feature races,” Malpass said. “Their participation in The Masters is important to ensure the race patterns meet the benchmark and also are considered in the forefront of the minds of the nation’s leading stables. “This is a good task for the WAPC committee to look at strategies to see how we can lift the participation of interstate horses during the autumn carnival. “Every State is in fierce competition to attract the best horses to their racing carnival and we need to be doing the same here. The WA the field size of races in WA was generally healthy but there was concern about the future due to the major downturn in the local breeding industry. “With less horses in work and trainers unable to get the number of starts from them as 25 years ago it is getting harder,” Malpass said. The WAPC had its inaugural meeting in July and will meet biannually each season. 

Malpass said RWWA was delighted at the response of leading interstate trainers to the inaugural running of the ‘TABtouch Masters’ carnival last season.

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Features RACING AHEAD - September - 5

L L O C I N S I R CH

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Roebourne Cup day, including the feature. “The tracks are very different in the area,” Nicoll said. From the glitz and glamour of Caulfield, to the red dirt and holiday atmosphere of a Roebourne Cup, Chris Nicoll said he is privileged to be able to travel Australia riding horses. He has starred in the northern regions of WA this winter and capped off a great season with the $70,000 Roebourne Cup aboard Boys Getaround Him. Nicoll, 33, landed in Roebourne and Port Hedland for a four meeting stint last year thanks to a stroke of luck, but there has been plenty of skill involved in his performances this time. His WA opportunity came when trainer Jacqueline Henderson was seeking a senior rider for one of her gallopers. A friend of a friend recommended Nicoll and the pair have been unstoppable since. Culminated by stable star Boys Getaround Him in the $130,000 Broome Cup late last month. It was Nicoll’s final meeting in WA for the year. “A lot of the trainers are seasonal and put their horses out for a spell after the season and wait for next year,” he said. “A lot of the people you meet in the area are holiday goers, it’s a very laid back environment. “You feel a bit of pressure when the big money races come up, but most of the season is very relaxed.”

“I have never ridden a track like Port Hedland that goes from dirt to grass in the home straight, you get horses that hate the dirt, but then really stretch out on the grass.” A life in the industry was never really on the agenda for Nicoll until he took his first job as a 15-year-old. He cleaned glasses at Caulfield race course, and as so many people explain, he was bitten by the bug. It’s hard to escape the bug. He began to follow the horses and develop a passion. After completing his Year 12 exams Nicoll wanted to obtain a trainer’s licence, but even that did not go as expected. “The busy days at Caulfield would be pretty flat out, but you would get mid-week meetings where you’d wash a tray a day,” he said. “I went to TAFE in Melbourne and a few people pushed me into an apprenticeship, saying I was light enough, and that is the path I took. “I did the majority of my apprenticeship at Ballarat and Kyneton towards the end, but it got quite tough once I lost my claim.” Nicoll is no Robinson Crusoe when it comes to struggling in his first year as a senior hoop. He spent the subsequent years around the southern regions of New South Wales and even a few seasons in Alice Springs.

Nicoll rode seven winners in the month of July from 28 rides at Port Hedland, Roebourne and Marble Bar.

Marble Bar was Nicoll’s most fruitful track on his short stint in the area last year, before returning this season and enjoying success for the full winter season.

He slammed an exclamation mark on the month with a treble on

“The heat makes it a lot more fun to get up in the morning and get to

6 - September - RACING AHEAD Features

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Chris Nicoll work,” he joked. Boys Getaround Him is the horse that has carried Nicoll to his best success. The son of Written Tycoon by Mochaccino has run five times for the Jacqueline Henderson stable for four wins and a second. All coming with Nicoll in the saddle. The seven-year-old gelding has already two outback cups in the trophy cabinet this year. He won the 1600m $30,000 Marble Bar Cup before a second at Roebourne tuned him up for an impressive 0.75 length win in the Roebourne Cup. Nicoll dragged around plenty of lead in his jacket that start, Boys Getaround Him lugged 61.5kg to victory. The pair then headed to beautiful Broome for the $130,000 Broome Cup. Nicoll said a return to WA was certainly on the cards. “I have asked a few people whether it would be worth while trying to have a crack in Perth or some areas around Perth,” he said. “At this stage I will head back to Victoria and there are some good race meetings over the spring and summer in the south of NSW, I’ll focus on that for now.” 

All images from this article have been kindly provided by Aussie Platinum Photography E

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Features RACING AHEAD - September - 7

WA COUNTRY CUPS FASHIONS ON THE FIELD – KIMBERLEY REGIONAL HEAT Last month fashionistas flocked to the Kimberley, as the WA Country Cups Fashions on the Field made its way to the Broome Turf Club’s Ladies Day meeting, on Tuesday 15th August 2017. After almost 60 contestants entered the competition and put their best foot forward, in order to represent the Kimberley in the Final, the heat was won by Sharon Sinclair, followed by Emerly Tupicoff in second place and Shannae Ellis in third place. Judges for the event included special guest, TABradio Contributor and Racing Expert Brittany Taylor, as well as Community TAB Representative, Kelly Meacock and Cable Beach Club Resort and Spa Events Manager, Courtney Thomson. Perth’s popular Hit92.9 Breakfast Team, Heidi, Will and Woody made the trip up to Broome for the big fashion event and brought three lucky Perth listeners to join in on the action. TABradio’s Sports Daily, hosted by Gareth Hall, Darren McAullay and Steve Butler, conducted a live outside broadcast from the Broome Turf Club on Tuesday and in front of over 100 guests at Divers Tavern on Wednesday. In December 2016, Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA), incorporating WA Country Cups and Community TAB, announced the 2017 WA Country Cups Fashions on the Field with even bigger stakes up for grabs for the Final. The WA Country Cups Fashions on the Field, open to fashionistas from all over WA, consists of nine regional heats held at major country race meetings across the State, culminating with the Final at Perth Racing’s Winterbottom Stakes Day, on Saturday 2nd December 2017. The winner of the 2017 WA Country Cups Fashions on the Field Final will take home a trip for two to London with Motive Travel, to attend arguably the most famous racing carnival in the world, Royal Ascot. Attended by Her Majesty, the Queen of England, not only does Royal Ascot attract some of the world’s finest racehorses such as the likes of Black Caviar, but it is also well known for being a spectacle of fashion and style.

Winners Shannae Ellis, Sharon Sinclair and Emerly Tupicoff To add to the prize pool the winner will also receive $10,000 spending money thanks to TABtouch, as well as a diamond piece from Leon Baker Jewellers, and a voucher for popular Western Australian handbag and accessory label, Jessica Bratich. For more information head to www.wacountrycups.com.au. 

Kimberley Regional Heat Top 10

8 - September - RACING AHEAD Features

Features RACING AHEAD - September - 9

RACING INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM Community TAB has been partnering with WA race clubs since February 2015 to raise funds for not-for-profit organisations around the State, resulting in a fundraising total of $183,829, which Community TAB has doubled along the way, bringing the figure to over $367,000. The program see’s Community TAB ask every WA race club each year to choose a not-for-profit organisation in their local community, offer them the platform to fundraise at a major race day and Community TAB matches what is raised to a maximum of $5,000 or $2,000 dependant on the size of the club. In 2016/17 37 clubs took part in the Program raising funds for 46 different organisations. Community TAB is an initiative of RWWA to allow RWWA to give back to the WA community through various initiatives and industries. RWWA Chief Executive Officer Richard Burt said the program is something that RWWA is very proud of. “Through this program 93 different not-for-profit organisations have greatly benefitted from this fundraising opportunity, to help ensure their vital service can continue to their local community,” Mr Burt said. “The positive effects of this program have been extensive for regional WA with 49 of our race clubs based in regional communities, and has allowed the race clubs to reinforce strong relationships in their communities. “RWWA recognises race clubs across WA play an important role in their community contributing both economically and socially, and thoroughly enjoys working with the race clubs on a rewarding program like this.” Almost every one of WA’s 52 race clubs have taken part in the program over the past three years, with many taking part every year. Not-for-profit organisations around the State who have benefitted from the program include WA Police Legacy, Variety WA, various local Volunteer Bushfire Brigades and St John Ambulance, Give Me 5 For Kids, Lifeline WA, local Men’s Shed and Lions Clubs, and Riding for the Disabled centres. Community TAB plans to continue the program throughout the rest of 2017. WAFL Community TAB has been the WAFL Halftime Show sponsor for 2017 which has seen a range of community segments aired on 7 Network during WAFL games throughout the year. This month look out for a special sport piece with WA Sports Federation by Community TAB and during the WAFL Grand Final broadcast there will be a presentation from Community TAB to a WAFL Club who has supported not-for-profit organisations.

10 - September - RACING AHEAD Features

RIDING FOR THE DISABLED Young riders with disabilities from all over the state will return to Pinjarra for the Riding for the Disabled Association WA (RDAWA) 2017 Community TAB State Games, to be held on Saturday 9 September. The Community TAB State Games provides an opportunity for RDAWA riders with disabilities and special needs to come together and compete in friendly mounted games competition, which demonstrates their abilities, achievements and skills whilst allowing them the opportunity to showcase these to their family and friends. Community TAB is an ongoing sponsor of RDAWA and is sponsor of the State Games for a third year in a row. WA REGIONAL COMMUNITY & ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS Community TAB is continuing its support of regional West Australian communities through its sponsorship of the WA Regional Achievement and Community (WARAC) Awards, for a second year in a row. The WARAC Awards have been in place for the past 16 years and are designed to encourage, acknowledge and reward the valuable contributions individuals, communities and businesses are making throughout regional and rural WA. Community TAB is the sponsor of the Community Service Award which recognises individuals or groups who make a significant contribution through community service or social justice initiatives in the areas of culture, health, emergency services or education. The Award Ceremony will be held on Friday 20 October. 

Distribution Increases for 2017/18 Thoroughbred Racing Season Earlier this season Racing & Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) announced its distribution policy for the 2017/18 racing season. The key points for the thoroughbred racing industry to note are; • Distributions for Thoroughbreds will be $89M for 2017/18 season. This represents an increase of $3M for stakes and unplaced subsidies. The following prizemoney increases will apply from February 1, 2018; Prime Metro: Prime metro (Saturday races) will see an increase of stake money of $10,000 per race (excluding maiden and Group & Listed Races) Midweek Metro: Maiden Class races increased to $16,500 per race (from $15,000) Class 1 – Class 3 races increased to $19,000 per race (from $17,500) Class 5 & special conditions races increased to $24,500 per race (from $22,500) Provincial A: Maiden Class races increased to $16,500 per race (from $15,000) Handicap races increased to $19,000 per race (from $17,500) Provincial B: Maiden Class races increased to $14,000 per race (from $12,500) Handicap races increased to $15,000 per race (from $14,000) • Prizemoney for all races that fall in the above mentioned categories will have a change to the prizemoney distribution to allow 1% of prizemoney to be paid back to 10th placing. • All runners who finish further back than 10th will receive a $100 unplaced subsidy. • Westspeed Platinum bonus for 2yo entering the System for 2017/18 increases to $15,000. A fully qualified Westspeed horse who wins a prime metropolitan race from Feb 1 could earn $84,500 ($42,000 in prizemoney & $42,500 in bonuses) • Thoroughbred Clubs will see $1.7M in Grant funding become available which the amounts for each club will be based on wagering performance from the previous year with a minimum of $10000 available to each club. • The Ted Van Heemst Stakes will be run for $400,000 (previously $250,000) • Key training Venues will see a 10% increase in the contribution made towards training facilities. Contact the RWWA Thoroughbred Racing Department for further information. 

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· · · · Features RACING AHEAD - September - 11

Perth Feature Races

BEAUFINE STAKES [LR] $100,000 1000 metres

IT'S IT

5YO BAY/BROWN GELDING (KNOWLEDGE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; TIFFANY ISLAND)

Owners: I.L. & Mrs M.J. Roberts Trainer: Sharon Miller Jockey: Randy Tan

BELMONT CLASSIC [LR] $100,000 2200 metres

JACKPOT PRINCE

3YO BAY GELDING (CASINO PRINCE - TRANSIT OF VENUS)

Owners: G.F. Durrant Trainer: Geoff Durrant & Jason Miller Jockey: Clint Johnston-Porter

H.G. BOLTON SPRINT [LR] $100,000 1200 metres

Images Courtesy Western Racepix www.westernracepix.com

PROFIT STREET

5YO BAY/BROWN GELDING (VISCOUNT - STREET SHOW)

12 - September - RACING AHEAD Features

Owners: S. & Mrs S.S. Madrigali & D. Lupis Trainer: Peter & Matt Giadresco Jockey: Brad Parnham