Latest News

By Rod Fuller

Being in the unique position of holding a joint jockey and trainer licence in the state, Peter Graham is poised to dominate the Fishers Plumbing Plus Raceday at Port Macquarie on Saturday.

Graham has been an ornament to riding on the North Coast for many years and has enjoyed multiple victories in all the district’s premier races before an injury enforced layoff directed him towards the training caper.

With a small string of gallopers based at the local circuit, the respected horseman found early success when Arlizar coasted to victory at Wauchope in May 2021 and winners continued before recovery led to his return to the saddle.

Now possessing a joint riding and training brief, Graham looks to have strong claims with Working Capital in the Vinidex Handicap following recent placings on the Northern Rivers.

Port Macquarie-based jockey/trainer Peter Graham - he has four rides and three runners on Saturday

The son of Fastnet set the pace on a Coffs Harbour track that favoured horses racing on the speed before being claimed on the line by Zelestial before working home well at his recent Grafton outing when placed behind Lucifer’s Way.

With these recent efforts under his belt, Working Capital looks well placed to break back into the winner’s circle before Rock are Steiner contests the final race on the program.

The son of Casino Prince has been placed in recent appearances and put the writing on the wall with a solid third at Port behind What a Rush before a similar placing at Coffs late last month.

With the strong credentials of Kermawi in an earlier event, the Peter Graham name could feature in multiple victories on the card as a trainer and rider together with etching a small part of racing history for a participant with dual licence status.

Incantress is well placed to score in the opening event on the program after a good second at this track last start when the Steve Hodge-trained filly was run down over the concluding stages by Tickle Me Pink.

Ben Looker is set to partner with the daughter of Per Incanto and continue a great period for the prominent local hoop after wife, Priscilla, welcomed twins into their increasing family with all in racing passing on their congratulations and best wishes for a wonderful life ahead.

The pair join forces in the third race when Mars Rover drops in class in an attempt to break maiden status after showing speed at Gosford last start in the provincial event won by Justice Please.

It could be a real family affair at the track on Saturday with Priscilla’s sister, Cassie, holding strong hopes peppered throughout the card with particular emphasis on Typhoon Neta in the Fisher’s Plumbing Plus Handicap.

Despite returning from a break of four months, the bay mare has always shown promise and this was emphasised with an impressive win at Port last February when finishing over the top of rivals to account for Royal Teens and Golden Honour.

With a good record of resumption from a break, Typhoon Neta is sure to head discussions with the engagement of Luke Rolls providing further confidence for a successful family affair as the prominent rider is enjoying a purple patch at present.

Jett Newman links with the Matthew Robinson stable in the second event when the promising apprentice rides Luck Aplenty and the flashy chestnut heads discussions following solid seconds in recent coastal outings.

Port Macquarie Race Club greatly appreciates the support provided by Fisher’s Plumbing Plus in staging their annual raceday and welcome all associated with this fine local organisation.

A big thanks also goes to associated sponsors including Rinnai, Timberline, Caroma Industries, Vinidex and Rheem for what is shaping up to be a great day of racing action featuring full betting service on the local and away meetings with great food and refreshments from Char Bar Catering.

The next meeting at Port Macquarie is on Monday 25th July and details regarding general admission tickets together with reserved seating in the Ivan Livermore Stand are available by contacting the Port Macquarie Race Club office on 02 6581 1964 or email admin@portmacquarieraceclub.com.au

SELECTIONS
Race 1 - 1:06PM RINNAI MAIDEN PLATE (1110M): 6 Incantress, 5 I’m Opinionated, 8 Soofree
Race 2 - 1:41PM TIMBERLINE F&M BENCHMARK 50 HCP (1210M): 9 Luck Aplenty, 1 See the Saint, 5 Wanjina Rose
Race 3 - 2:16PM CAROMA INDUSTRIES MAIDEN HCP (1512M): 7 Mars Rover, 5 Everyready Bunny, 9 Savanna Golden Girl
Race 4 - 2:55PM FISHER’S PLUMBING PLUS BENCHMARK 50 HCP (1010M): 4 Typhoon Neta, 2 Miss Molokai, 3 Skates On
Race 5 - 3:35PM VINIDEX CG&E BENCHMARK 50 HCP (1210M): 9 Working Capital, 10 Golden Breeze, 2 Reel Torque
Race 6 - 4:11PM RHEEM BENCHMARK 50 HCP (1512M): 7 Rock are Steiner, 10 Meghan, 9 Heart of Platinum

View the final fields with full form & race replays for Port Macquarie here