The Marburg Pacing team are pushing the Club forward into the ever changing face of Harness Racing. The Club has proposed the possibility of a front slip (also known as "passing" or "sprint lane") lane on the home straight to address both animal issues and of better racing. If it becomes a reality, Marburg racing would be aligned with both Albion Park and Redcliffe. Given that the "sprint lane" has had considerable effect on the results of many races, and is believed to boost betting turnover, it would seem to warrant the exercise. There will be division of opinion among trainers, drivers owners and punters, as to its merits, but the "sprint lane" will certainly change race tactics, especially those of the front runners who will be off and gone a bit sooner than the current best practice. This will open up matters back in the body of the field, and make the Marburg finish much more competitive.
The following is Racing Queensland's practical response to the proposal is as follows. (commence italics) The proposed slip lane would only be 1.8 m in width to accommodate only one gig.
Dimensions... The slip lane starts from the tangent point to the finishing post is 118 m (as indicated by the orange arrow). From the finish line to the tangent point of the turn is 25m (as indicated by the yellow line). Then continues around the corner (as indicated by the black line) to merge back into the normal track width. The length from the finish line to the merge point is 123m at 1.8m in width Concerns...The corner would need to be defined by a peg marker at the normal track width to avoid the possibility of trainers cutting the corner.
Funding...The Marburg Club is proposing to take the lead in this project. The Marburg Club would be obtaining quotes if the provision approval of this project was accepted. The Marburg Club would also be seeking assistance with this project. They are requesting a half and half contribution from RQ. (close italics.)
While last year's 2 and 3yo trot races were perhaps less than exciting, due to low field numbers, they appear to have been a catalyst for growth in the diagonal gaited department. The following press release from Racing Queensland foreshadows a much healthier state of affairs. The news has caused considerable excitement and positive comment. (commence italics) Juvenile Trotting Review and 2022 Education and Race Schedule In 2018, Racing Queensland, with industry support, developed a growth strategy for the trotting gait in Queensland to grow opportunities and the volume of trotting product in the Sunshine State. At the time, one of the key planks of the strategy was to grow the breeding and racing of juvenile trotters with 2022 identified as the year initial growth would be seen on the racetrack. Working off breeding numbers and QBRED nominations, the number of 2YO trotters expected to race in 2022 will increase by over 125%. With this in mind, and to provide stakeholders the opportunity to contribute to the next phase of the strategy, a review was undertaken at the end of 2021. Key recommendations from the review, to be implemented throughout 2022 include: 1. Where possible, 2YO trotting races to be programmed on Tuesdays to ensure these races are run during the day, negating the concerns with regards to racing at night and inexperience. 2. Develop a schedule (refer below) for 2 and 3YO trotters that incorporates: I. Stand start education/practice at race clubs; II. Specific stand start trials for inexperienced trotters (inclusive of 2, 3 and 4YOs) and where possible, program on Fridays to relieve operational pressure from Tuesday race meetings; and III. Proposed race schedule from May through October for 3YOs and June through to October for 2YOs. 3. QRIC to review stand down policies for inexperienced 2 and 3YO trotters. 4. Recognition of the breeding growth that has been achieved by increasing the stake level for the 2 and 3YO QBRED Triad Trot features from $10,000 to $20,000. 5. General races will be run for: I. $4,500 to the end of June (NR = 2 points to winner); AND II. $6,000 from July onwards (NR = 3 Points to winner).(Close italics).
At the conclusion of the above race schedule, a combined race will be programmed on a weekly basis for 2, 3, and 4yo trotters which are still maidens. This will allow owners further opportunity to earn prizemoney and Q-bred bonuses where applicable. This initiative takes the writer back some 40 years, when the renowned, but possibly not best liked, Jack Haggarty was active on the Ipswich Show circuit as Starter, Judge and Steward. JH was always formally attired in a classy suit, to discharge his duties. As the afternoon wore on, his eagle eye noted the trainers whose horses earned no money from the racing. Haggarty would then approach the Show Secretary, and ask him or her to draw up a couple more races for the "also rans". From the pockets of the suit would come a wad of cash, and the consolations were run for the same money as the other races on the day. There are those who would tell you that Jack Haggarty was a wealthy man and could well afford such a gesture, and that is true. But, he made the gesture on a great many occasions, and by so doing, gave the battlers heart to carry on. That was the measure of the MAN!
It's "How did they go" time again, with Pete McMullen regaining the top of the pole on seven wins, just one ahead of sibling Narissa. Six big ones. Nathan Dawson just a bit back but still in sight posting four wins. Dead heat on the training side with John McMullen and Chantal Turpin, each leading in four success stories. Most pleasing, Littledee for Steve Towns, with Shane Graham in the bike. Ipswich Factor 34/56..
Resultsville.. Albion Park 04/02/.. Whata Sport (Taleah McMullen for John McMullen).. Kapai (Chris Petroff for John McMullen).. Looks Just Right (Taleah McMullen for John McMullen).. Mi Furios Toro (Pete McMullen for Graham Dwyer).. Trioli (Nathan Dawson for Ben Battle).. Hemsworth (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. Strong Response (Nathan Dawson for Ben Battle).. Albion Park 05/02.. It aint The Money (Narissa McMullen).. Another Statement (Adam Sanderson for Shannon Price).. Le Tissier (Narissa McMullen).. Speech Is Silver (Matthew Neilson for Darren Weeks).. Pippa Maguire (Leonard Cain for Ron Sallis).. Redcliffe 07/02.. Recipe For Dreaming (Narissa McMullen for Richard Hutchinson).. Maywyn A Jugortwo (Matt Elkins for Dan Russell).. Its Megs (Nathan Dawson for Ricky Hart).. The Darling (Narissa McMullen for Ron Sallis).. Our Edwardo Denario (Leonard Cain for Lacey Hinze).. Mollidor (Narissa McMulllen for Richard Hutchinson)..Naughty In Heaven (Trent Moffat for Errol Oshea).. Elms Creek (Chloe Butler forRon Sallis).. Albion Park 08/02.. Woodlands Wonder (Steven Doherty for Mal Charltopn)..Slip the Hundy (Narissa McMullen).. Majordoit (Shane Graham for Tim Gillespie).. Redcliffe 09/02.. Convair Hustler Matt Elkins for Pat Croghan).. A Whole Lot Of Pretty (Matt Elkins for Pat Croghan).. Oliver Winkle (Leonard Cain foe Errol Cain).. Speed Of Sound (Pete McMullen for Graham Dwyer).. Altana Blue (Taleah McMullen for Ryan Veivers).. Jaydes Terror (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. Redcliffe 10/02.. The Harris Hawk (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin).. Turn Turn Flyer (Pete McMullen for Dale Belford).. Studleigh Will (Nathan Dawson for John McMullen).. Littledee (Shane Graham for Steve Towns).. Go Away (Pete McMullen for Chantal Turpin)..
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