Racing Ahead Thoroughbred - April 2016

RACING AHEADWA Thoroughbred Racing DREAMTIME DANCER 2016 CHALLENGE STAKES 2016 ASCOT 1000 GUINEAS

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RACING AND WAGERING WESTERN AUSTRALIA THOROUGHBRED RACING DEPARTMENT Racing Manager: David Hunter 14 Hasler Road, Osborne Park 6017 Twitter: @DavidHunter_27 Trainers’ 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

Dreamtime Dancer with jockey Joseph Azzopardi

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 Trackwork Supervisor/Deputy Steward: Jim Pilkington 0419 570 100

Features

RACING AHEAD WA Editorial: Hayley McDermott Email: hayley.mcdermott@rwwa.com.au Advertising & Subscriptions: Suzy Jackson Phone: (08) 9445 5371 Email: rosalyn.bynder@rwwa.com.au Racing & Wagering Western Australia 14 Hasler Road Osborne Park WA 6017

Programming

03 The history of the Marjorie Charleson Classic 06 Sarah Childs 08 Bowed tendons - an update on treatment and prognosis 10 WA Country Cups 11 Off the Track 15 Feature Races

1 West Australian Programming and Industry Notices

NEXT EDITION DEADLINE: Wednesday 13th April, 2016

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 - April - 1

MINIMALIST (No. 12) - Winner of the 2015 SKYRACING.TV-PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES FINAL

skyracing.tv Provincial Championship Series

Total Prize Money of $264,000 Series Final: Saturday 21 May, 2016 at Belmont Park

$60,000 62+ 1400m Mt Barker Sunday 20 March $20,000 Class 5 1200m

Geraldton Sunday 24 April $22,000 58+ 1300m

Northam Thursday 12 May $25,000 Class 5 1300m

York Monday 28 March $20,000 Class 5 1100m

Bunbury Wednesday 27 April $25,000 Class 5 1400m

Pinjarra Park Sunday 5 May $25,000 Class 5 1200m

Narrogin Sunday 17 April $20,000 Class 5 1190m

Kalgoorlie Sunday 8 May $25,000 58+ Hcp 1200m

Albany Friday 6 May $22,000 58+ 1500m

Points allocated: 1st - 15; 2nd - 8; 3rd - 7; 4th - 6; 5th - 5; 6th -4; 7th - 3; 8th - 2; 9th to last - 1 point Conditions of the series: Horses must have accumulated at least one point in the heats to be eligible to compete in the final. In the event of the heat being abandoned, the horses remaining in the heat at the time of the decision will receive (1) point each. Balloting in the final will be determined by the points earned in the qualifying heats. Should it be necessary to reduce the number of horses which may start in the final, acceptors will be eliminated in the order of the horse with the least number of points first. In the event of two or more horses having an equal number of points, preferences will be given to the higher rated horse(s). Horses on equal points and the same rating will be eliminated in order of total advertised prize money received, lowest first. Horses on equal points, same rating, and which have accrued equal total prize money will be eliminated by lot. Discretionary Balloting. For further information please contact the Thoroughbred Racing Department on telephone 9445 5277.

2 - April - RACING AHEAD Features

Marjorie Charleson with former Australasian record-priced yearling Hampton's Pride, who became a classy race winner

Marjorie at her Perth office in the 1960's

Marjorie in the north-west, helping film a mining industry documentary before she joined the WA Turf Club

The history of the Marjorie Charleson Classic Article by Ernie Manning A decision to introduce the Marjorie Charleson Classic is one of the most richly deserved honours in WA racing history.

of the WATC and during a 20-year term as CEO he gave the club its prime respect in Australasian racing.

The $100,000 feature event is a fitting and genuine tribute to Marjorie's remarkable contribution during 16 years as WA Turf Club public relations officer in racing's golden era.

Thoroughbred industry businesswoman Mary Gracie so appropriately summed up her feelings in a Letter To The Editor which was given prominent publication by The West Australian.

A deep passion for racing and unlimited dedication resulted in her recruitment of numerous Australasian star gallopers to compete at Ascot carnivals.

Mary told readers the Marjorie Charleson classic could be seen as an honour which was long overdue.

The atmosphere was electric when more than 40,000 Perth racegoers watched turf great Kingston Town, whose connections were encouraged

by Marjorie to race in WA after his record-breaking third consecutive Cox Plate triumph. Ascot erupted as the champion edged ahead to achieve a Western Mail Classic victory.

Attendance has been confirmed at an incredible 47,000 when Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide Cups winner Reckless raced at Ascot. The idolised stayer and his revered veteran trainer Tommy Woodcock had become the Australian people's favourite.

Tommy, who was the legendary Phar Lap's loyal strapper more than 40 years earlier, endeared himself to the public by letting children ride an extremely docile Reckless.

Marjorie, the first public relations officer appointed by a principal Australian thoroughbred race club, brought off an amazing coup when Tommy agreed to her suggestion that Reckless race in Perth.

Ever gracious, Marjorie admits she was stunned when Perth Racing recently asked her approval to launch the Marjorie Charleson Classic on WA Oaks and Amelia Park-Karrakatta Plate day.

"My work has been all about the racing industry," Marjorie said. "I've never sought personal glory, and this great honour has come as a complete surprise. I was so fortunate to be directly involved in those magic years of WA racing. Horses have been a priority in my life since I was five years old.

She then wrote, so accurately, that Marjorie Charleson and Harry Bolton had probably been the best ever administrators and promotion officials in Australian racing.

Marjorie was a popular and respected visitor to Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide racing carnivals from the early 1970s to the mid 1980s.

New Zealand was also a promotional destination for the public relations dynamo.

She was at trackwork sessions from 4am, then attended city and provincial race meetings. Always chatting to trainers, jockeys and owners, Marjorie eloquently told them of Perth racing's attractions.

"I thought it was important to meet trainers and jockeys in their own territory, at early morning trackwork," Marjorie said. "They respected my presence and they appreciated information I gave them on Perth carnivals.

"I was always welcomed on my trackwork visits and as a result, we had many high profile trainers bring over horses who helped draw big crowds."

There were also Marjorie's frequent interstate and local media work, participating in interviews with prominent broadcasters and newspaper journalists. As well, Marjorie hosted interstate cocktail parties, providing even more opportunities to promote WA carnivals.

"I've been overwhelmed by congratulatory phone calls and letters since the classic's announcement."

Champion trainers Bart Cummings, Tommy Smith, Colin Hayes, George Hanlon, John Hawkes, Geoff Murphy and Angus Armanasco brought topliners to Perth carnivals through the 1970s and into the early 1980s.

Andy White, Grahame Heagney and Owen Lynch were also high profile trainers who flew in class gallopers to tackle Perth carnivals.

Marjorie is quick to say her promotion of Ascot and Belmont Park racing was driven by extraordinary leadership and support from outstanding WA Turf Club chief executive the late Harry Bolton.

Then there were the New Zealand trainers including Ian Steffert, a winner of two Perth Cups with veteran marvel Magistrate, and Barney Meyer, an Australian Derby victor with Kankama.

Arriving from South Australia in 1958, Harry Bolton inspired resurrection

Premier jockeys Roy Higgins, Malcolm Johnston, Mick Dittman, Harry Features RACING AHEAD - April - 3

The history of the Majorie Charleson Classic White, Darren Gauci, Brent Thomson, John Stocker and Kevin Langby arrived to ride the raiders.

Dulcify sensationally won the Cox Plate by seven lengths following a Perth visit.

They helped draw enormous crowds to Ascot.

The Colin Hayes-trained Dulcify was among 10 Victoria Derby winners who travelled to Perth between 1972 and 1983. It was an amazing feat to attract them all to WA after Melbourne spring carnivals.

Summer carnivals featured glamour to the extent that impressed sponsors generously donated expensive cars as winning trainers' trophies.

And, it wasn't just Ascot spring-summer carnivals which drew invaders.

Colin Hayes flew stable stars in to tackle Perth autumn and winter feature events. Angus Armanasco also had Belmont winter carnival starters.

Attracting drawcard horses to Perth was only the first step in Marjorie's book.

She was at Perth airport to greet trainers, jockeys, owners and horses, no matter what hour they arrived.

Airport security personnel ushered Marjorie out on to the tarmac to get a first look at visiting gallopers.

"I'll never forget watching as an airfreighter's rear door was lowered, and out looked Kingston Town," Marjorie said. "I cried in disbelief. I was so emtional that that such a champion had come to Perth.

"Three months earlier, when I was visiting Sydney, Tommy Smith and Kingston Town's owner David Hains had promised me they would consider bringing him to Ascot. And here he was. It was beyond imagination."

Marjorie also arranged stabling for visiting horses. On a daily basis, she did her rounds, checking that all horses had settled in well and connections were happy with facilities.

"Personal welcomes and hospitality are so important," Marjorie said. "In view of our approach, so many leading trainers were keen to return here year after year, always bringing topline gallopers.

"To also make visitors feel at home, we started Racing Masses, which drew packed congregations."

The WA Turf Club Christmas Day luncheons, held at the Parmelia Hotel, were legendary. Marjorie hosted visiting trainers, jockeys and owners.

A number of the jockeys were top overeas riders, here to compete in International Jockeys' Championships at Ascot summer carnivals.

Overseas stars Lester Piggott, Steve Cauthen and Willie Carson were among jockeys who rode at Ascot in summer.

The visiting overseas jockeys' era had begun when Gianfranco Dettori (father of champion English rider Frankie Dettori) competed in Perth during two stints in 1969 and 1970.

"I remember one Christmas Day when Melbourne trainer Andy White received a phone call, during luncheon celebrations at the Parmelia," Marjorie said. "He was told that his Perth Cup runner Rothschild's rider would not be able to travel here for the cup.

"I said to Andy, 'Sitting over there is a world-class distance rider, Willie Carson'. A booking was confirmed and Willie won the Perth Cup on Rothschild."

In Marjorie's time with the WATC, it is amazing to think she arranged Perth visits by Arwon, Think Big, Piping Lane and Baghdad Note after they won Melbourne Cups.

With Marjorie steering WATC public relations, the VRC Derby winners who raced here were Dayana, Haymaker, Galena Boy, Unaware, Stormy Rex, Dulcify, Sovereign Red, Brewery Boy, Grosvenor and Bounty Hawk.

At that time, Randwick's AJC Derby was also run in spring. Battle Sign, Taras Bulba and Imagele came to Perth after winning AJC Derbies from 1973 to 1975.

"Taras Bulba was the rising star of Australian racing at the time of his visit here," Marjorie said. "Imagine his trainer George Hanlon's alarm when the horse broke away from his handler while wading near Fremantle and swam straight out to sea.

"He had gone a long way out before stable staff caught up to him in a boat, and he was headed back to shore."

The Bart Cummings-trained Dayana was Ascot's first carnival star after Marjorie began arranging Perth trips for gallopers.

Dayana won the WA Derby, Australian Derby and Perth Cup. Other visiting WATC Australian Derby winners during Marjorie's time with the club were Leica Lover, Haymaker, Denise's Joy, Family Of Man, Show Ego, Kankama, Lloyd's Gold, Sovereign Red, Venus And Mars and Bounty Hawk.

Asgard and Bottled Sunshine, both ridden by Danny Miller, won WA Derbies for Cummings in 1973 and 1974. Other raiders who became WA Derby winners in the next nine years were Chasta Bellota, Stormy Rex, Mighty Kingdom, Seltrice and Old Currency.

The Railway Stakes was captured by invaders Sarsha's Choice, Iko and Getting Closer from 1978 to 1983.

My Friend Paul (1974), Romantic Dream (1977) and Soldier Of Fortune (1981) won the Winterbottom Stakes for visiting trainers while Marjorie navigated WATC public relations.

Runyon (1975), Philomel (1976) and Bianco Lady (1983) were other Perth Cup winners who travelled from interstate under arrangements completed by Marjorie.

"I'd like to think my racing industry work would encourage other women in business endeavours," Marjorie said.

"The horse is my first love in racing, but I always thought it was important to ensure race days had big attendances.

"I aimed to create what could be titled a 'Theatre Of The Horse.'

Marjorie, who moved to WA in 1965, was appointed by Harry Bolton in April, 1967 to be the WATC public relations officer.

At the time, Marjorie was running her own television documentary film company. She had made 10 WA documentaries, including features on the booming North-West mining industry, for international viewing. Prints of her documentaries are kept in Canberra's National Film Library Archives.

Think Big went back to Bart Cummings' Victorian stable and won a historic second Melbourne Cup after his Ascot campaign.

WATC committeeman the late Alan Scahill heard Marjorie in conversation at a WA Hunt Club function, saying how she thought Ascot and Belmont Park race day promotions could be improved.

Marjorie convinced connections of Mighty Kingdom and Taksan to race them in Perth after Caulfield Cup victories.

Harry Bolton, after speaking with Alan Scahill, telephoned Marjorie and offered her the WATC PR role.

Kingston Town led the Cox Plate winners who competed at Ascot carnivals. Battle Heights followed his 1974 Cox Plate triumph with a Perth campaign.

Promotion of a newly built Belmont Park grandstand, which opened two weeks after Marjorie's appointment, was her first WATC project.

Family Of Man competed in WA before and after a 1977 Cox Plate victory.

4 - April - RACING AHEAD Features

Within months, Perth race meeting attendances had trebled.

The history of the Majorie Charleson Classic "I arranged for visiting actors and international stars of Perth theatre shows to appear at race meetings," Marjorie said. "Celebrities such as Spike Milligan, John Farnham, Harry Secombe, Loreta Swit and Gina Lollabrigida were big news when they presented race trophies at Ascot and Belmont.

"Princess Margaret, Prime Ministers and Miss Australia winners were among race day Guests of Honour.

"There were also pipe bands and marching girls.

"We introduced race day fashion contests and parades in 1968. I took winners onwards to compete in fashion contests in Melbourne spring carnivals. We got a lot of media coverage and recognition for WA racing.

"Some of our winners were Liz Davenport, who later famously went into fashion design, France Smithson, Tricia Gouldson, Noreen Nixon and Stephanie Quinlan.

"Fashion contests were a major attraction at Perth's spring and Easter carnivals.

"Horses were the main players, but we had glamour supporting casts."

Other raceday attractions promoted by Marjorie included Powder Puff Derbies (races restricted to amateur women riders) and showjumping.

She ensured there was old-time tradition and ceremony, involving horse drawn carriages, when Governors arrived on big race days and presented major trophies.

Marjorie initiated the Challenge Stakes in 1969 and Bart Cummings tackled the race with Fiona, his first Perth starter.

In 1970, Marjorie organised an Ascot Breakfast race meeting, which was completed by early afternoon, allowing patrons to attend Perth's first Test Cricket Match.

For more than 20 years, Marjorie arranged stallion parades at race meetings, which was a world-first. She provided lively and informative commentaries.

"I feel we also made a positive contribution to the WA breeding industry when arranging in the early 1970s for Perth Yearling Sales to be transferred from Claremont Showground to Belmont Park racecourse," Marjorie said.

"Mr Bolton did not hesitate when I suggested that we should arrange for yearling sales to be held at Belmont."

Marjorie's interest in horses developed when given a pony for her fifth birthday by her father. She grew up on her parents' farm, a Corriedale sheep stud, near Gore, on New Zealand's South Island.

High marks in English and History were achieved by Marjorie at school.

In the early 1950s, it seemed she would join a New Zealand theatre company as an actress.

However, she ventured to Melbourne and entered public relations.

Marjorie was one of the first television commercial writers and producers in Australia. As well, she appeared in television commercials.

Marjorie took on roles such as the National Education Officer for the Plastics Institute Of Australia before moving to Perth.

Arriving in Perth during 1965, Marjorie established Artel Productions. She wrote, directed and produced television commericals and documentary films. She also handled publicty for Federation Cup Tennis, Rugby Union, the SEC and other high profile clients.

The rugby drew record crowds while Marjorie was overseeing its publicity in Melbourne and Perth.

Then her famed career chapters in racing's golden era unfolded.

Marjorie followed her memorable WATC stint by managing Australian Syndicates. She was in charge of 15 horses, with three gallopers in each of five syndicates. Marjorie was then was the York Jockey Club promotions officer for four years from 1989. She was responsible for organising the first ever Sky Channel coverage of a WA provincial cup meeting when the 1989 Minproc Rothschild York Cup fixture was telecast.

The Rose Of York, launched by Marjorie as a WA Oaks lead-up race, is still run at York.

A letter written by a former York Jockey Club official was among congratulatory correspondence received by Marjorie after announcement of the Charleson Classic.

He described Marjorie as the "Saviour Of York Racing".

Proudly displayed in Marjorie's home is a letter from the Queen, written in 2003. This was recognition of a Centenary Medal, presented for Marjorie's services to the WA thoroughbred racing and breeding industries, and the community.

From 1993, Marjorie had been writing for the Racing West publication.

She bought the magazine title in 1998 and re-named it Racebreed Australia.

Marjorie, who won Belmont Small Business Awards for her marketing, tourism promotion and work on Racebreed, maintained the high standard publication, with national and overseas distribution, until illness slowed her a few years ago.

The Racebreed Award, sponsored by Marjorie to promote WA racing industry enterprise, has been presented at Belmont Small Business's annual award nights since 2009.

Marjorie was inducted into the Belmont Small Business's Hall Of Fame in 2012.

"I'm so appreciative of racing industry's immense support during my illness," Marjorie said. "This has been a great help towards my recovery."

The highly popular and much respected Marjorie Charleson may have settled off the pace these days, but her spirited determination and friendly nature is always present.

Marjorie said she was highly grateful for naming of the Marjorie Charleson Classic and considered this a treasured honour.

Marjorie Charleson (left) with trainer Paula Wagg

"But I believe the classic is an acknowledgement of overall promotional work in the industry, not just my contribution," Marjorie said. "My wish is that it will encourage the next generation to become more involved in racing promotion." ď Ž Features RACING AHEAD - April - 5

Sarah Childs Article by Taylor Courtland Sarah Childs has the opportunity to become the first female trainer to win the Geraldton Turf Club premiership, but is not counting her chickens before they hatch.

She is focussed on continuing her impressive trifecta strike-rate for the remainder of the season and has an outside local chance in the upcoming Geraldton Cup. Her success this season has been built on the tricky task of getting the best out of horses formally from other stables.

Hel Cool, Nat The Fyfe, Vitalism, Beach Bound and Vital Art have all produced stellar form on the Mid West this season. All are recent additions to the Childs stables over the past two seasons.

Childs credited the ability to get her horses to the beach regularly as a major factor in her gallopers consistent good form.

“They have all come off city and inner provincial form which is fair superior to Geraldton,” she said.

“I am so appreciative my owners send me these horses and we spend a lot of time at the beach, I think that is a huge part of the success.

“The horses thrive down at the beach and I find it helps with the longevity of their preparations.

“If you keep them fit, healthy and most of all happy 95% of them will run thru brick walls for you.”

Childs boasts 12 wins, nine seconds and seven thirds from 49 starts this season in Geraldton.

6 - April - RACING AHEAD Features

Her rise to training fame in the region should not surprise anyone.

Her father was a country trainer and she did a lot of pre-training for the like of Lindsey Smith and George Daly and received her own licence in 2009.

It was a slow start to her career as a trainer, but her first winner came at Belmont by the name of Generalaz in 2010. She has not looked back since.

“I didn’t have many runners early days as I was mainly pre training for Lindsey Smith and George Daly,” Childs said.

“I always wanted to be a trainer.

“After finishing school I studied primary teaching at Uni, but I gradually found myself spending more time with the horses and less time at uni.

“I tried to learn as much as I could from trainers I've worked for.”

She could not have received a better training education with the likes of Grant Williams and Wally Mitchell helping with plenty of advice.

Childs was able to obtain plenty of knowledge on her craft while growing up in Beverley, an hour and a half east of Perth, before moving to Geraldton in 2010 with partner and jockey RObert Markou.

She has not left since, and like her horses, loves the beach. Up to 12 of her horses make trips to the beach each morning and it is proving to be a winning formula.

Childs’ winning strike rate this season in Geraldton is above 20 percent, something she takes great pride in.

“I've been able to source better quality horses for the season and it has just snowballed from there,” she said.

The nine-year-old gelding is earmarked for a tilt at the Geraldton Cup on April 10 and looks one of the good local chances after three runs back.

“I will now keep sourcing better horses to try and keep the strike rate.

He finished second first-up and followed that with a third placing before a sixth of nine on March 2.

“If I can keep my place strike rate around 30% and my unplaced around 25-30% that's what is most important to me.

“It means all my horses are going out there and doing their best, and my owners are getting the most they can out of their horses.”

Nat The Fyfe has highlighted the great job Childs has done.

The gelding came to Childs’ yard from Simon Miller’s stables after one win from 13 starts.

Since the move north, he has three wins and a second from five Geraldton starts.

Vitalism has been a model of consistency, finishing top three in her last seven starts including two wins.

Hel Cool has just returned to the track in Childs’ care after a year.

“It wont be my first cup runner, I had Nike Heir run 5th in the cup in 2011,” Childs said.

“It's been a long road to get Hel Cool back to the races, and it would be lovely if I can get the job done for the Fleays (who owned Calico Blue) and get them another Geraldton Cup for their trophy cabinet.”

A win in the club’s biggest race of the season would put the icing on the cake for a stellar season for Childs who has already surpassed her own expectations.

And winning the trainers premiership is not on her mind just yet.

The race for the premiership could come down to Childs and 18-time champion trainer Gordon Spowart.

“We still have a long way to go, I'm certainly not counting my chickens,” she said.

“It would be a huge thrill, this season I set a goal of 10 winners and we got there by January.”

With the end of the Geraldton season nearing, Childs is looking to the Belmont winter season and the major Broome carnival to continue her form.

“There’s a few horses earmarked for a trip to Perth over the winter, but we will just have to wait and see,” she said.

“I'd love to take a couple for the last week of Broome, and target the Broome Sprint and Cup. “I think I have a few horses ideal for that.

“We will keep looking for more horses to improve the team, and have another red hot go next season.” 

Features RACING AHEAD - April - 7

Bowed tendons

Bowed tendons an update on treatment and prognosis an update on -treatment and prognosis Introduction Bowed tendon (also known as tendonitis) is a very common and often a career ending injury in racehorses. The injury usually occurs in the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) on the foreleg, which is a vital structure in terms of athletic performance. Injury to this tendon is akin to Achilles tendonitis in humans, a painful condition of the Achilles tendon just above the heel. As in man, tendonitis in horses can start as a small, usually undetected lesion that involves rupture of some of the small fibres of the tendon. With ongoing training however, particularly high speed exercise, more of the tendon fibres may rupture until enough damaged has occurred to produce the classic signs of a Fig. 1 tendon bow, such as heat, swelling and lameness (Figure 1).

A classic bowed tendon If tendonitis of the SDFT is suspected, the horse should have an ultrasound scan of the tendon to assess how bad the injury is (Figure 2).

Fig. 2 This is important for determining treatment options and prognosis for future racing.

SDFT core lesion

The SDFT is outlined in blue and core lesion within is outlined in red

SDFT branch lesion

The SDFT branch is outlined in blue and core lesion within is outlined in red

Since prognosis is directly correlated to injury severity, the earlier any damage is identified and treated, the better for the horse. With a fresh tendon bow, proactive treatment to reduce inflammation and swelling is very important. This should comprise application of cold such as ice or ice baths for 20mins twice daily for up to 2 weeks (until heat in the tendon has subsided), antiinflammatory medication such as phenylbutazone, support bandaging and complete rest (Figure 7).

Fig. 7

Although many anecdotal factors have been reported to increase the risk of a horse developing tendonitis, the following factors have been identified as risk factors. 1) previous tendon injury; 2) age – the risk of tendonitis increases with the horse’s age and is particularly high around 6 years old and upwards; 3) the horse’s condition – unfit horses seem to be more prone to flexor tendon injury.

After the injured tendon has been assessed by a veterinarian, then other treatment options can be considered. These can be broken down into intra-lesional therapies, used directly on the tendon itself, and ancillary treatments, to help prevent re-injury.

Treatments for bowed tendons are numerous and varied. Earlier treatment strategies were designed to increase blood supply and fibrosis within the tendon which have now been shown to be not very beneficial because of the scar tissue they produced. Recently there have been major advances in the treatment of tendon injuries in horses. Most of these are based on trying to restore as near normal function to the damaged tendon as possible once it has healed. The normal healing response to acute tendon injury (tendonitis) has no regard for the hierarchical structure of normal tendon and once complete, the residual scar tissue lacks many of the biomechanical features of normal tendon tissue such as elasticity and strength, which predisposes the tendon to re-injury. Although the ‘ideal’ treatment for tendonitis has yet to be developed, the current focus for treatment strategies is on tendon regeneration per se, rather than merely ‘repair’.

Intra-Lesional Treatments for Tendonitis

8 April/May - RACING AHEAD 8 - April - RACING AHEAD Features

•

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

PRP by definition is plasma derived from whole blood containing an increased concentration of platelets which are specialized cells in the blood stream responsible for clotting of blood. These cells (platelets) can be ‘activated’ to produce high concentrations of growth factors which can impact positively on tendon healing following acute injury. PRP can also provide a scaffold for other factors to enhance cellular repair so it has become more common to use it in conjunction with other cell-based therapies. One of the main advantages of PRP is it is a natural product that can be readily produced from the horse’s own blood and in abundant quantities, making it easy to use and affordable.

Bowed tendons andprognosis prognosis Bowed tendons- an - anupdate update on on treatment treatment and •

Cell-based therapies

Stem cell therapy for musculoskeletal injury in horses has been the focus of intense research in recent years and has formed the mainstay of tendon regenerative therapy following injury. Various sources of equine stem cells (a.k.a. mesenchymal stromal cells or MSC) have been studied including those derived from adult bone marrow (BMSC), fat (AdMSC), umbilical cord blood (UCB), umbilical cord tissue (UCT), mare’s placenta (AmMSC) and tendon tissue.

Despite exaggerated claims by commercially available ‘stem cell treatments’, it is not a ‘one size fits all’ in that stem cells from different sources display different properties which may affect their clinical application. Other important considerations to using stem cells for tendon repair is the timing of treatment after injury, the number of cells to implant and the concurrent delivery of growth factors. Recent studies have shown that implanted MSC have low survivability and short residence time when delivered to the injury site so that their mechanism of action on tendon healing is still unknown. Despite this, treatment of naturally occurring tendon lesions with BMSC significantly improves the prognosis for competition and reduces tendon re-injury, as well as improving the quality of the tendon repair tissue. Studies on the use of stem cell from fat and the placenta (amnion) to treat naturally occurring tendonitis in horses are less frequent but nonetheless similar positive outcomes for performance and low re-injury rate have been reported. The advantages that these latter two therapies have over using BMSC is that a time-consuming cell culture period (MSC propagation) is avoided and cells can be ‘banked’ for use at any time. For similar reasons, surgeons often prefer to inject tendon lesions with bone marrow concentrate (BMC) because it provides a high concentration of MSC’s and growth factors.

The use of the horse’s own bone marrow (obtained from the horse’s sternum – see figure 8) has been widely used for the treatment of tendon lesions.

The rationale is that it delivers a source of stem cells and growth factors directly into the injured Fig. 9 area, purportedly enhancing the repair response (figure 9). The Injecting bone marrow into the technique is inexpensive and horse’s tendon easy to perform with a great degree of flexibility in terms of timing of treatment and the dose of bone marrow used.

blood supply to the tendon, have largely been abandoned because of the collateral damage they can cause and the ensuing unnecessary fibrous tissue created.

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Tenoscopy

This involves examination of a tendon(s) within it sheath and is usually performed in the digital flexor tendon sheath over the back of the fetlock although any tendon sheath can be examined with this technique. The procedure involves placing a small rigid endoscope or camera within the tendon sheath to evaluate the sheath itself and the tendons contained within. It is commonly performed in cases of tendon sheath infection but is also widely used for diagnosing, treating and prognosticating on problems with tendons located in a sheathed area. In the region of the fetlock canal (the digital flexor sheath) tenoscopy is used to aid transection of the annular ligament at the back of the fetlock in cases where the ligament constricts the tendons within the canal – a condition called “annular ligament desmitis”.

•

Transection of the accessory ligament of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT)

This surgery is believed to increase elasticity in the muscle-tendon unit and therefore is indicated for horses with tendonitis to counter relative tendon inelasticity remaining after healing. The accessory ligament (a.k.a. the check ligament of the SDFT) is located just above the knee at the back of the leg and is ideally transected using an endoscopic technique by a qualified surgeon. By cutting this ligament, elasticity is improved in the muscle tendon unit after injury and the procedure has been shown to reduce the risk of tendon re-injury in racehorses. Reported results for return to racing are variable, ranging from approximately 50-75%. This is significantly better than conservative treatment comprising rest for up to 12 months which gives a prognosis of no better than 25%. Few studies have reported on using ‘combination therapy’ involving treatment of the tendon lesion in conjunction with cutting of the accessory ligament of SDFT. This is the currently recommended technique being performed in our hospital and the results have been favorable and far better than conservative management alone.

It has become apparent however that no matter what treatment is used for tendon injury, the total recovery time – which depends on the severity of the injury – is not decreased and remains approximately at 12 months (or more). What is important during the recuperation period is that irrespective of treatment, a controlled exercise program with gradual and incremental increases in exercise, using regular, accurate ultrasound scans to monitor the progression of the healing, is paramount to obtaining an optimal result and minimizing the risk of re-injury.

Fig.8 Harvesting bone marrow from the horse’s sternum Adjunctive surgery There have been several surgical techniques employed to treat naturally occurring tendonitis over the years. Classic treatments such as tendon stabbing or splitting, which were used to increase

Dr David Murphy BVSc, Dip. VCS, MS, MANZCVS, Diplomate ACVS Dr David Murphy is a Registered Specialist and Associate Professor in Equine Surgery at The Equine Centre, Murdoch University.

RACING AHEAD - April/May Features RACING AHEAD - April - 9

HISTORIC FIRST FOR WA FASHIONS ON THE FIELD WA Country Cups and Community TAB have announced an exciting new initiative that will take regional racing fashion to a whole new level.

The WA Country Cups (WACC) Fashions on the Field is a state-wide racing fashion competition, which will be open to fashionistas from all over WA. The racing fashion event will consist of regional heats held at major race meetings across the State. The winner of each heat will receive an invitation to compete in the WA Country Cups Fashions on the Field Final to be held at Ascot Racecourse on Saturday 26th November 2016.

“WA has one of the largest country racing precincts in the world, with over 35 thoroughbred race clubs spread across the State,” said Executive Manager Racing Marketing and Communications, Charlotte Mills.

“Fashions on the Field has always played a major role in Australian thoroughbred racing and this initiative will shine a light on racing and racing fashion in regional WA. The final at Ascot will also present an opportunity to bring a taste of country racing to the city.”

The regional finalists will battle it out on the catwalk for a chance to win a $25,000 Racing Holiday and Spending Spree, which includes a seven night trip to Hong Kong courtesy of Motive Travel, where they will experience two of the most prestigious racing events in the world, the Hong Kong International Jockey’s Championship at Happy Valley and the Hong Kong International Races at Sha Tin.

• Peel Regional Heat | Pinjarra Ladies Day | 7 February 2016 (retrospective) • Great Southern Regional Heat | Albany Ladies Day| 13 February 2016 (retrospective) • South West Regional Heat | Bunbury Ladies Day | 13 March 2016 (official launch) • Gascoyne Regional Heat | Carnarvon Ladies Day | 21 May 2016 • Pilbara Regional Heat | Port Hedland Ladies Day | 17 July 2016 • Kimberley Regional Heat | Broome Ladies Day | 9 August 2016 • Goldfields Regional Heat | Kalgoorlie Ladies Day | 22 September 2016 • Wheatbelt Regional Heat | Northam Ladies Day | 2 October 2016 • Mid-West Regional Heat | Geraldton Ladies Day | 9 October 2016 • WA Country Cups State Final | Ascot Racecourse | Saturday 26 November 2016 For more information head to www.wacountrycups.com.au. 

The winner will also receive $10,000 spending money thanks to TABtouch, as well as vouchers and gifts from Reny Kestel, Only One Ashley and Smales Jewellery.

In addition to the nine nominated regional heats, any winner of a WA regional Fashions on the Field competition, will be able to enter into an online ‘wildcard’ competition. The three entries with the most votes will also be invited to Ascot where one of the top three will be selected to join the other finalists in the Final.

The initiative was officially launched at the Bunbury Ladies Day on Sunday 13th March 2016, where local Bunbury fashionista Ainslie Bayley, took out the South West Regional Heat.

Dates for the WACC Fashions on the Field Regional Heats and Final include:

The Top 10 for the South West Regional Heat

10 - April - RACING AHEAD Features

South West Regional Heat Winner Ainslie Bayley

Sharon Joyce Equine Welfare Officer Email: sharon.joyce@rwwa.com.au Phone: (08) 9445 5146 Mobile: 0438 746 487 Location: 70 Grandstand Road, ASCOT WA 6104 TRAFALGAR SQUARE A recent competition on our Off the Track WA Facebook page resulted in an overwhelming response. For the chance to win an Off the Track prize pack, followers were asked to forward a photo and short story about their horse off the track, how they acquired the horse and what they are up to now post racing.

As stated in last month’s Racing Ahead article, initial stats from the Retirement of Racehorses and Death Notification forms indicate that 68.2% of retired Thoroughbred racehorses move onto second careers in the equestrian world. The influx of stories and photos from equestrians highlights that these statistics are correct.

Nearly 200 entries were placed in a barrel as there was absolutely no way we could choose a winner ourselves. All of the horses entered were simply amazing and all deserving winners. The competition is ongoing monthly and all new entries will be placed in the barrel with existing entries, so there will always be a chance of winning each month.

The winner of the Thoroughbred prize for this month is:TRAFALGAR SQUARE - Bletchley Park/Riabouchinska Prizemoney: $75,628 Summary: 24-5:4:2 Trainer: Jim Taylor Entry from Trafalgar Square’s new owner (unedited) Hi my name is Trafalgar Square. My dad is the famous Bletchley Park and I’m told I have his nature too. I won 5 races and placings bringing home a total of 76,628. I retired and went into a new life of challenges which I love.

My mum purchased me from a very nice lady and we bonded instantly. I have given mum much happiness in her life and as a racehorse I dreamed of retiring to a home like my mum’s. I have tried my hardest and at the moment I a semi-retired due to some issues that together we are trying hard to get to the bottom of. My mum believes I am a very special horse because I’m always trying hard and now I’m being prepared for In Hand showing. I am a very happy ex racehorse knowing that my mum will have me forever. I would love the chance to win this prize pack as I’m a very proud to be an ex racehorse and would wear it with pride at my In Hand shows. 

Equine Dentist - EDAA (Accredited) Equine Dental Association of Australia, University of Melbourne

• • • • •

16 years experience No Sedation/No Powertools Minimal restraint Experienced horseman Removal of all caps & wolf teeth included

Will travel all areas Adam Geldard 0438 674 819 www.facebook.com/AGEquineDental

AG Equine Dental

Trafalgar Square

Features RACING AHEAD - April - 11

EMERGENCY LARGE ANIMAL RESCUE COURSE

WOULD YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO IN THIS SITUATION? The WA Horse Council presents these courses for horse owners, equestrian groups and associations and emergency responders (shire rangers, police, veterinarians and fire and rescue services) to increase the awareness of and learn the skills that will serve them well in a stressful equine or other large animal emergency rescue situation.

This course could save a horse’s life.

COURSE INFO

BOOKINGS AND FURTHER INFO

Full-day Practical Courses

Contact Diane Bennit for further information

26th April 2016 or 28th April 2016 $250 - includes lunch and refreshments

Half-day Introductory Session 29th April 2016 1pm to 4pm $100 - includes afternoon tea

Brookleigh Estate - Swan Valley (10% discount for WAHC members)

12 - April - RACING AHEAD Features

Email: Phone:

bennit@iinet.net.au 9293 3577

EMERGENCY LARGE ANIMAL RESCUE COURSE Please Print Clearly: Circle Selected Course Date....................Tuesday 26th April........................Thursday 28th April...........................Friday 29th April (Half-day)..............

Name (Dr/Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss)................................................................................................................................................................................................

Organisation Name (If applicable)....................................................................................................................................................................................

Postal Address...................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Postcode...................................Telephone................................................ Email................................................................................................................

Booking and Payment Options

(Please tick):

( ) Cheque Enclosed - payable to WAHC

(

) EFT

EFT Details: Westpac Account Name: WA Horse Council BSB: 036 - 034

Account Number: 96 - 1154

EFT Reference Code: LAR (add initial and surname) and email booking form to bennit@iinet.net.au OR Post Booking and Cheque Payment to: WA Horse Council, C- Diane Bennit, 7/98 Canning Road, Kalamunda 6076 Please put your name and date of course........................................................................................................................................................................

WAHC will send email confirming registration and payment.

Signature.....................................................................................................................................

Paying for (please print names of attendees)...................................................................................................................................................................

Note: WAHC will be holding accredited training in 2017. Preference for places will be for those who have relevant experience (such as attending an awareness course).

Features RACING AHEAD - April - 13

Testimonials “Rescuing horses is not our core business but we need to know what to do.” Fabian Stangherlin, First Officer, Greenbank Rural Fire Brigade "I will not allow my animal control rangers to attend to a trapped large animal unless they have done QHC's Large Animal Rescue training." Mark Duncan, Supervisor - Pest & Animal Management, Scenic Rim Regional Council “Thank you for inviting us, it was well worthwhile. It was also well presented and laid out with regard to incident control.” Darren Gracie, Station Manager, Queensland Fire and Rescue Service Mackay “On behalf of ATHRA, thank you! This was a most informative and educational workshop for horse clubs, QFRS, SES and RSPCA.” Merrilyn Green, ATHRA Regional Manager Mackay “Most training courses we go to are boring but your workshop is brilliant!” Errol Younger, Queensland Fire and Rescue Service Mackay “It was an excellent workshop. I got heaps from it, much I would never had thought about unless shown, and also the hammering home of personal safety. I was impressed at the turnout.” David Ferrar, RSPCA Inspector Mackay “Thanks for a wonderful day. We learnt heaps and are still talking about it!” Paul Beelaerts, Mt Tamborine Rural Fire Brigade “The workshop was very confronting, but necessary…what you are doing will save other animals in the future.” Bettina Pittman, SES “I loved the workshop. I consider it profoundly important and thank you so much for your expertise, passion and care.” Debbie Dennien, horse owner, Kingaroy "I thoroughly recommend this workshop to anyone with horses but especially to rescue and emergency people.

Thanks for putting it on." David Bartholomeusz, equine vet "A captivating workshop - relevant and engaging. As both a vet of 10 years and a horse owner of 30 years I learnt lots of valuable information." Lizzie Jensen, veterinarian "Your workshop is well put together and has great impact." Dave Hall, large animal veterinarian

14 - April - RACING AHEAD Features

$100,000 1100 metres

WHISPERING BROOK

2YO FILLY (BY HINCHINBROOK – FROM ARTFUL WHISPER (USA))

Perth Feature Races

SUPREMACY STAKES [LR]

Owners: A.R. & MRS B.A. MACALISTER & MRS K. WARDLE , C. MACALISTER & R.D. LEAR Trainer: SIMON A. MILLER Jockey: PETER KNUCKEY

ASCOT 1000 GUINEAS [LR] $100,000 1800 metres

DREAMTIME DANCER

3YO FILLY (BY DANEHILL DANCER (IRE) – FROM SKIP ALONG (GB))

Owners: MS R.L. DURRANT Trainer: ADAM DURRANT Jockey: JOSEPH AZZOPARDI

LEX PIPER STAKES [LR] $100,000 1600 metres

HEART STARTER

Owners: PETERS INVESTMENTS PTY LTD SYNDICATE ( MGR: . R J & MRS ) Trainer: GRANT WILLIAMS Jockey: WILLIAM PIKE

Images Courtesy Western Racepix www.westernracepix.com

3YO GELDING (BY DOMESDAY – FROM FLAMING HEART)

Features RACING AHEAD - April - 15

Perth Feature Races

BUNBURY AHA CUP [LR] $100,000 2000 metres

BEDAMIJO

8YO MARE (BY HELENUS – FROM GATEBENDER)

INAUGURAL RWWA OWNERSHIP EXPO

Owners: B.C. & MRS C.A. OWEN , EST. LATE K.J. & MRS P.L. CLATWORTHY & R.E. ITZSTEIN Trainer: TARA ITZSTEIN Jockey: SHAUN O’DONNELL

WA BREEDER'S CLASSIC [LR] $100,000 1400 metres

SHOWY CHLOE

3YO FILLY (BY ALFRED NOBEL (IRE) - FROM SPECIAL KISEKI)

Owners: P. PATTERSON Trainer: JASON PATEMAN Jockey: WILLIAM PIKE

BUNBURY STAKES [LR] $120,000 1400 metres

YOUNG LIONEL

Images Courtesy Western Racepix www.westernracepix.com

7YO GELDING(BY BLACKFRIARS-FROM PRIME AGAIN)

16 - April - RACING AHEAD Features

Owners: C.W. & MRS F.C. TEEDE , L.E. & MRS M.A. BAILEY , M. & MRS J.M. KIKEROS Trainer: LOU LUCIANI Jockey: JARRAD NOSKE

RACING AHEADWA Thoroughbred Racing DREAMTIME DANCER 2016 CHALLENGE STAKES 2016 ASCOT 1000 GUINEAS

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APRIL 2016

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