TWO listed winners are among those vying for the title of 2019-20 Southern District Racing Association (SDRA) Horse of the Year.
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Reigning SDRA Horse of the Year, Spunlago, and exciting Corowa sprinter Front Page headline the list of finalists for this year's award.
The award winners will be announced at Murrumbidgee Turf Club next Wednesday at 6.30pm, following the SDRA annual general meeting.
Spunlago and Front Page are joined by Mitch Beer's pair Sky Call and Princess Cordelia, and Trevor Sutherland's Jungle Book as finalists.
SDRA secretary Steve Keene could not be happier with the calibre of finalists.
"There was a lot of quality come out of the SDRA this year," Keene said.
"To have two horses win listed races going head-to-head for Horse of the Year is fantastic. I can see it continuing for the next 12 months as well."
Front Page is also a finalist for SDRA 3YO of the Year, along with Albury Guineas winner Demanding Mo and stablemate Blazing Zone.
Charming Pat and Another One are finalists for SDRA 2YO of the Year.
Lord Von Costa and News Girl were not eligible for Horse of the Year, due to not having enough starts in the SDRA through the season.
The premiership winners will also be presented at the function.
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EXPERIENCED Wagga jockey Mick Travers has landed his trainer's licence.
Travers has been granted a dual licence by Racing NSW, after it approved the introduction of them last year.
Travers has been a regular in the SDRA jockey ranks for more than 20 years and has amassed 939 wins during that time.
Travers admitted he has been wanting a dual licence for 20 years.
"I've always wanted to do it and I've been at Racing NSW for a long time to have the dual licence and it's only come up in the last 12 months," Travers said.
"I didn't really want to take it on just yet but with Trev (Sutherland) being put out, it freed up a lot of my time so that's why I've gone that way."
Travers will train two horses for his wife Jodie, and two for another client, from the Moorong St stable complex formerly occupied by Dave Heywood.
Former Sutherland galloper King Of Sting is one of the first additions to his stable, along with Madhmoonah, a three-year-old Dissident filly from the Hayes-Dabernig yard.
"It's a lot of work but each morning you get up and you've got something to work towards," Travers said.
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THE Snake Gully Cup carnival has been run and won for another year and again it proved a successful couple of days for Gundagai-Adelong Race Club.
The opening day had no shortage of star power with Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott combining with Winona Costin to win their first Snake Gully Cup with Regal Stage.
The second day belonged to Blaike McDougall, who rode five of the seven winners on the card.
It was the first day McDougall had ridden five winners on a day, and gave him seven for the carnival.
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MURRUMBIDGEE Turf Club have begun preparations for next year's SDRA Country Championships Qualifier.
The club has decided to boost prizemoney for a couple of lead-up races to be held on Thursday, February 11, just nine days out from the feature.
Horses being aimed at the Country Championships, will have two options to compete in at the February 11 meeting, either an Open Handicap (1400m) or a Class Four Handicap (1200m).
Both races will boast increased prizemoney of $25,000.
"Those horses will be able to get a feel for the track, while the owners can run for extra prizemoney. It is a win-win situation for everyone," MTC chief executive Steve Keene said.
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THE Mitch Beer-trained Redouble has gone to the paddock after having to be eased out of the $1 million Hunter last Saturday.
Redouble suffered atrial fibrillation and has been sent for an immediate spell.
It came at the horse's second run for Beer, after running second in the $1.3 million Kosciuszko last month.
Beer is preparing to contest the $35,000 Queanbeyan Cup (2000m) on Sunday with Perfect Illusion.
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FORMER Southern District premiership-winning jockey Megan Creed made a return to the riding ranks at the Snake Gully Cup carnival.
Creed (nee Taylor) made history back in 2016-17 when she became the first female to win the SDRA jockey's premiership.
Creed finished riding in August last year and gave birth to her son, Noah, in March. Just eight months later, she made her return to the riding ranks at Gundagai last Friday.
Creed finished sixth on the $51 chance Deemed Corrupt in the $40,000 Country Maiden Plate (1100m).
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MURRUMBIDGEE Turf Club have secured a new sponsor for the 2021 MTC Guineas.
JRC Electrical Services have stepped up to sponsor the Guineas after being a member of MTC's 100 Club for a number of years.
"It is great Rob and his team take up the sponsorship of this prestigious race. The Guineas is always one of the highlights on such a big day for the club and the community. Trainers from far and wide target the race which makes it hotly contested and always boasts a quality field," MTC chief executive Steve Keene said.
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OWNERS are now allowed to visit stables again.
Racing NSW announced this week a further lifting of restrictions that will allow owners to attend trainers stables or licensed premises to visit their horses.
The relaxation of the restrictions does come with a number of conditions however, with trainers required to keep a register, temperature check owners and have a COVIDSafe plan with appropriate signage.
Owners must also sanitise before entry.
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WHAT'S ON
GALLOPS
Monday: Wagga (TAB)
TROTS
Friday: Wagga (TAB)
Tuesday: Leeton (TAB)
DOGS
Friday: Wagga (TAB)