TWO-time Southern District Racing Association (SDRA) Horse of the Year, Spunlago, has been retired.
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Albury trainer Ron Stubbs and connections made the decision after Spunlago's latest effort at Caulfield last month.
Stubbs described Spunlago as a real warrior who had great character.
"He wasn't the easiest horse to handle due to his strong will, he was a strong horse and powerful worker and a site to behold when working down the straight at Albury," Stubbs said.
"His Albury Gold Cup win was a tremendous thrill for us all particularly those with Albury connections as was his Flemington win, both of which were dominant performances."
Spunlago finishes with a record of 69 starts for 13 wins, 12 minor placings and $487,670 in prizemoney.
Remarkably, Stubbs picked the horse up as a tried commodity after already being at two different stables and having 31 race starts.
The Albury horseman managed to get the best out of him, as he went on to capture the $200,000 listed Albury Gold Cup (2000m), as well as a Saturday city win at Flemington.
He also won back-to-back Ted Ryder Cups at Wagga in 2018-19 and was named SDRA Horse of the Year in 2018-19 and 2019-20.
Stubbs said Spunlago retires sound and will forever hold a special place with connections.
"Spunlago is 10 years old in August and retires perfectly sound, he will now enjoy a good life in retirement and will always remain a favourite for all those who were connected with him," Stubbs said.
Spunlago was raced by Petra Stubbs, Jim Anderson, Rohan Brown, Gordon Habermann, Laura Head, Frank Headon, Kirsty Heron, Phil Packer, Nick Stubbs, Peter Stubbs and Casey Tippet.
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FORMER Southern District apprentice Tyler Schiller has started to generate some real momentum in Sydney.
Schiller, from Young, enjoyed his first metropolitan winner earlier this month.
The special moment came on June 2 at Warwick Farm when Schiller guided Zell ($6.50) to victory at the midweek meeting for trainers Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou.
Schiller followed it up with another city winner at Warwick Farm on Monday.
He guided Cafe Royal ($7.00) to victory for Nathan Doyle.
Schiller continued his good form with a couple of close seconds at Randwick on Wednesday.
Schiller made the move from Phil Sweeney at Jerilderie to Mark Newnham in Sydney last July.
He has made his mark on the provincial circuit this season with 34 winners at a strike rate of 10 per cent.
Schiller has 48 winners overall for the season and has five rides at Rosehill on Saturday.
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ANOTHER local apprentice jockey who continues to kick plenty of goals is Josh Richards.
Richards has already ridden seven winners for the month, including a metropolitan double at Sandown on June 2.
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SOUTHERN District stewards and Racing NSW investigators have got to the bottom of a heated disagreement that took place at Wagga races in April.
Stewards fined Albury trainer Mitch Beer $500 for improper conduct in a verbal exchange with fellow border-based trainer Denise Wise.
Stewards said the penalty will be 'stayed' on the basis that he does not breach any conduct-related rules for the next 12 months.
The inquiry came about as a result of a complaint made by Wise.
Wise's foreman Clayton Smith was also advised by stewards that he must always conduct himself in a professional manner.
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IN-FORM Albury galloper Power Me Up is set for the biggest test of his career on Saturday.
Albury trainer Mitch Beer has entered Power Me Up in the $125,000 3&4YO Benchmark 72 Handicap (1800m) at Rosehill.
Power Me Up has won his last three starts, highlighted by an impressive two and a half length romp at Wagga last week, lugging 60.5 kilograms.
Power Me Up won't know himself on Saturday with Tyler Schiller booked to ride. His three kilogram claim means the Pins gelding will carry just 51kg.
The four-year-old will take on just seven rivals.
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EXPERIENCED jockey Simon Miller has opted for a brief change of scenery.
Miller moved from Albury to Canberra five years ago and is a regular rider on the Southern District circuit.
He has made the move to Darwin as their season heats up, answering the call for a jockey shortage.
Miller has his first four rides at Darwin on Saturday and will stay on for the Cup carnival that begins next month.
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ALBURY product Brodie Loy enjoyed a significant milestone in his climb back up the jockey ranks last Saturday.
Loy made the most of a call up from loyal supporter Annabelle Neasham to guide Verne to victory in the $125,000 2YO Handicap (1200m) at Randwick.
It was his first metropolitan success since returning from a lengthy suspension in August 2019.
Loy is now based in Sydney and is being managed by Liam Prior.
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ALBURY trainer Laura McCullum enjoyed her first winner in NSW on Tuesday.
McCullum has experienced an eventful start to her training career but registered her first NSW victory on her home track when Necessary returned to form with victory in the Open Handicap (1600m).
McCullum, a former picnic jockey, kicked off her training career last July and enjoyed four winners in Victoria before Tuesday's NSW breakthrough.
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WHAT'S ON
GALLOPS
Saturday: Narrandera (TAB)
TROTS
Friday: Wagga (TAB)
Tuesday: Young (TAB)
DOGS
Friday: Wagga (TAB)
Saturday: Temora (TAB)
