ONE of Queensland's leading jockeys, Glen Colless, has been lured north for the much-awaited opening of the new $6.5 million track at Callaghan Park in Rockhampton on Friday.
Opening day has attracted strong field with Colless already accepting bookings for the Mark Lehmann-trained Kiwi Rhythm in the first race and the Mark Cochrane-trained Mr Wang in the Centre Stage Signs Class 4 Handicap 1600m.
Colless has been averaging a strike rate of 20 per cent this season and is revered amongst his peers for his highlighted 25-year career.
The jockeys’ room at Callaghan Park will come alive with at least 25 different jockeys riding on the day, including eight apprentices.
Also venturing from Brisbane will be talented apprentice Chris McIver and the well-travelled hoop Andrew Spinks.
An eight race card is programmed where nearly $100,000 in prizemoney is up for grabs.
In the Shadforths Civil Contractors QTIS 600 Two-Year-Old Handicap 970m, the entire field is QTIS eligible, meaning the winner is guaranteed to take home $13,500. Five of the 11 starters are also QTIS 600 registered so they could be taking home double the bonuses.
The feature race of the day is the $20,000 Contour Consulting Engineers Cup Open Handicap 1300m. This will see recent Mackay and Townsville Cup winner Flying Test pitted against country campaigner Try Some Magic and the Rockhampton track specialist Gobou.
Gobou, trained by Clinton Garland in Rockhampton, has won seven of his eight starts in Rockhampton and placed second in the remainder. He has gone on to place third in Brisbane and win at Mackay so all locals are keen to see what he can do with the brand new track.
Local trainers have a stronghold on the fields but trainers are also sending their horses from as far as the Sunshine Coast, Mount Isa, Roma and Tambo to the exciting launch of the track.
QUEENSLAND RACING MEDIA RELEASE
CONTACT: QRL senior communications officer Hollie Roberts on 07 3869 9760.
