Wondai Racing Wrap
Race 1 of the South Burnett Race Club Meeting held at Wondai on Saturday 17th July was “The Gums Horse Spelling & Wedding Venue QTIS Class 1 Handicap” run over 850 metres. The first of a five race program. If you’re into the numbers the placings were 7,5, 2 and 4. The race was won by Frostinoss trained by Paul Wallace from Toowoomba. Gympie trainer and regular to “The Gums” Barry Gill placed second with Thermac, with Lissoy’s Lass third and Ollein placing fourth.
It is only our second year of sponsoring the Wondai meetings and this time I was able to help with another task for the day – assisting with Clerk of the Course duties! With regular assistant Kristen having commitments to local trainer Tony Williams a back up was required for just a couple of races. Mmmm – first time for everything I suppose. Not my first time behind the barriers but previous experience was for crowd control at Metropolitan race meetings in Adelaide and yes I’m a South Aussie. Anyway, I’m not sure if I will be asked back but I did manage to make it through the day without incident and actually had a pretty good day.
My thoroughbred gelding Hunter (Jungle Jim by Lionhunter) and Shorty (Clerk of the Course Shorty O’Toole) made a brief appearance during the day for practice. But, mostly Hunter remained in the stabling area and surrounds adjusting to the calm, non racing duties of the day. Hunter was just a little nervous and did find stepping onto the race track a little bit exciting!! All good experience and with more outings and education such as this he may well make it as a Clerk of Course Horse!
Can’t forget a special thanks to Mum for making our saddle pads for the day – just one of the items in her horseware range. Congratulations to all for a great day out.
Me riding Buster leading Wrighty to the barriers for the start of Race 2.
Hunter & Shorty having a little practice look around between races.
Hunter
Cute isn’t my boy Hunter – the Horse! You should see the front view. Seen here having new shoes fitted by Clinton and then ready for work. I plan to spend more time with my unraced grey thoroughbred gelding – Jungle Jim (by Lion Hunter hence the name) in the near future – may even see you at a show or two. Hunter’s current plans include helping the Clerk of Course for the Wondai Races on July 17th. The Gums is one of the sponsors for the Race Meeting and Hunter – all being well will make – an appearance on the day too!!
Horse Fashions
Have you seen our polar fleece neck rugs? If not visit the Horses page on our website! Lovingly hand made by my Mum for our horses we also offer them for sale so you too can spoil your loved ones during the cooler months. But, Mum doesn’t stop there – she has a range of Horseware items in her collection and can make items to your specifications. Items include shoulder bibs satin or quilted and tail bags modeled here on my boys Hunter and Jack. We are happy to receive enquiries – just send us email. See the range and order here. Horse Products
Stress Free Horse Education
Abbey is one of the horses agisted here at The Gums, a 2 year old thoroughbred filly. Her owner Margie has spent many hours handling and educating Abbey here at our horse facilities. Margie’s aim, to educate Abbey to accept the saddle, the rider and the environment calmly, willingly and without stress. But like any expectant mother, when it came time for her loved one to prove herself poor Margie was nervous enough for everyone. You never really know what to expect watching a rider step aboard a horse for their first ride. All you can do is be confident that your good work and time spent educating the horse on the ground pays off – in the positive! Margie really had nothing to worry about as both Clinton (the rider) and Abbey were entirely relaxed and managed the whole event calmly and incident free. Abbey took to the saddle and rider like a duck to water, managing to work on both reins walk, trot and cantering on the correct leads! A very pleasing result thanks to Margie’s excellent handling and education of Abbey on the ground leading up to this moment and Clinton’s calm balanced riding. We also believe the tranquil location and relaxing environment of The Gums contributed to this successful day.Margie has big plans for Abbey so we will let you know of her adventures and progress.