STAKES DAY AT BALNARRING - BODEY SNAGS THREE

The final day of the Flemington Cup carnival closed out what has been a busy week of picnic racing. The weather was ideal for the entire carnival and Balnarring put on a strong card of picnic racing. Riding honours once again went to Adam Bodey who picked up a treble. The unlucky jockey of the day was Kane Harris who had rides in five of the six events and came second in all races.

The main race of the day was a thrilling finish between Rapid Thrill and Petite Gold. The short priced favourite who was solidly backed from $1-80 into $1-45 and looked like it was not going to get there as Kane Harris opened up a break in the straight.

MELBOURNE CUP DAY AT MANSFIELD

A good crowd was in attendance to celebrate the Melbourne Cup at Mansfield on a fine and sunny day. Although a couple of the races were reduced to three and four runners after scratchings the racing was competitive. Riding honours went to both new picnic jockey Patrick Kelly and Adam Bodey who both rode a winning double.

The Mansfield Picnic Cup went to Blue Vein, ridden by Adam Bodey at $2-80 second favourite and trained by Lisa Enright. Last years winner Testatiga was sent out the $2-20 favourite but could not pick up the winner in the run to the post with its 71.5kg.

Results for Mansfield 3rd November 2009. Visit the Gallery.

Racing returns to Balnarring for the final day of the Flemington Cup week carnival and the weather is looking fine and warm. The early nominations are good for the meeting and the club should be assured of strong racing fields.
This Saturday at Balnarring Picnic Races Casey Radio will broadcast live all the action from race 1 to the final race on 97.7fm or www.3ser.org.au.

GREAT START TO THE NEW SEASON
The 2009/10 picnic racing season got off to a great start at Healesville on Derby Day. The weather was on the warmer side but made for a great days racing with a large crowd in attendance. The meeting has gone from strength to strength over the years as patrons find it a great way to enjoy Derby Day in the relaxed atmosphere of picnic racing.

The club committee members have done a great job in the off season with major improvements at the course for both patrons and jockeys. The new covered betting ring brings some protection from the elements for patrons and jockeys will appreciate the improvement in their safety with the new plastic running rail installation.

There were good size fields for the meeting which can often be a problem at the first meeting of the season. Last years leading rider Adam Bodey kicked of the season with a double on Mummacass and High Czarmonty with the other races being well shared amongst the regular jockeys. There were a few new jockeys starting out at the meeting with none able to score with the closest being a second by Patrick Kelly on Tilleeva and Tyson Buck on Hussonetta. I expect it will not be too long before they progress to the winners circle.

Results for Healesville 31st October 2009. Visit the gallery for the days action.

Mansfield will host the next meeting on Melbourne Cup day and the club always puts on a great meeting. If you have never been there it is worth taking a trip up the highway and even staying overnight or a few days given the attractions in the district. A great place to base yourself from is the Nillahcootie Lakeside Resort, which is only ten minutes from Mansfield. There is a strong six race program and with a good weather prediction it should be a great day.