COVID-19 restrictions are making life tough for Duryea at his Corowa base, as he tries to get his two stable stars back on track after 12 months on the sidelines.

The $1.3 million Kosciuszko (1200m) at Randwick on October 16 is 'high on their agenda' and both are on track to make their return before the slots are drawn on September 9.

Duryea revealed Front Page could make his return at Moonee Valley on Saturday week.

"They're hopefully not far off kicking off," Duryea said.

"There's a slight chance Front Page will go to Moonee Valley on Saturday week. They should both be back within three weeks."

Front Page has not been seen since injuring himself on the way to Sydney for last year's Kosciuszko. His last start was a close second behind From Within at Caulfield on September 20.

He put the writing on the wall before that with his victory in the listed Creswick Stakes at Flemington, that prompted connections to turn down some mega offers from overseas.

News Girl, Front Page's full sister, is a two-time placegetter at group three level but has been off the scene since May last year due to a tendon injury.

Both horses galloped at Corowa on Tuesday as they near closer to a highly-anticipated return.

"They had a pretty good hit-out on Tuesday. Touch wood, they both worked really well and they both pulled up really well," Duryea said.

"I was really happy with their work, and more than happy with the way they pulled up so we'll push on."

Ideally, Duryea would have loved to trial both gallopers but there is no trials scheduled in the Southern District until September.

It is one among a number of frustrations for Duryea on the border.

"I would (trial) if I could find one. There's none," he said.

"The other day to go up to Wagga and all of the rubbish you've got to put up with when you come back. We're on the Victorian border and can't go into Victoria for 14 days. It's really put a cat amongst the pigeons."

Duryea confirmed that Victoria will be the location for both horse's returns.

"Sydney's out. If they race at Caulfield or the Valley, we'll have to do it like we did it last time," he said.

"My son will have to take them down and they might have to stop at Wangaratta the night before."

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LEADING Southern District jockey Blaike McDougall won't be riding for the next couple of weeks, at least.

McDougall is still sore from the fall he experienced at Forbes on August 1.

He tried to fulfill his riding obligations at Gundagai the following day but stood himself down after his first three rides.

He went to have scans due to soreness in the rib region.

McDougall's manager, Hayden Kelly, said he is still a couple of weeks away from a return.

It would be hard to begrudge McDougall a break after a record-breaking 2020-21 season that resulted in 195 wins.

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A CAMERA malfunction played a part in the rare piece of history at Murrumbidgee Turf Club (MTC) on Sunday.

In what is believed to be a first at Wagga, there were two dead heats on the six-race card.

While the pair in the opening race could not be separated, the photo finish camera malfunctioned in race three.

It left the MTC judge to use other evidence, such as stewards' patrol footage and available replays.

Ultimately the judge, Paul Francis, could not be comfortably satisfied that there was a definitive margin between Lady Brook and Underwood.

Connections of both horses were given the opportunity to dispute the decision but they, and the stewards, were comfortable with the ruling.

It is believed to be the first time in 80 years that two dead heats have been called at the one NSW race meeting. There were in fact three dead heats at Adelong on New Year's Day, 1941.

It happened more recently in Victoria, with two at Bendigo in 2016.

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MURRUMBIDGEE Turf Club chief executive Steve Keene finishes up on Friday.

His two-and-a-half year tenure comes to an end as he leaves to take up the position of chief executive at Scone, starting next Wednesday.

Keene wished to thank the MTC for their support.

"I'd just to thank the club and the board of directors," Keene said.

"They've been a great supporter of mine and gave me the opportunity that's allowed me to go further afield. Without their support, this wouldn't have been possible.

"I've had great support over my two-and-a-half years and while I'm sad to go, I'm very thankful for the opportunity they gave me."

Keene was sales and events manager at Wodonga Turf Club for four years before arriving at the MTC.

Applications for the MTC chief executive position closed on Monday.

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WAGGA apprentice Hannah Williams outrode her three kilogram country claim with the win of Nic's Hero on Sunday.

It was the 20^th win of her short career and her claim now drops to two kilograms.

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GUNDAGAI'S Billy Owen has always racked up plenty of kilometres travelling to race meetings across the country, but he's about to embark on a big trip of a different kind.

Owen will walk 100 kilometres for charity in October.

Owen, who is based in Canberra, will walk 100 kilometres to support Australians living with mental illness.

He is performing the fundraiser in conjunction with the Black Dog Institute to raise funds for 'life-changing research into treatment and prevention of mental illness, as well as vital support services'.

You can donate to Owen's campaign at www.onefootforward.org.au/fundraisers/billyowen/one-foot-forward-2021.

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GALLOPS

Saturday: Narrandera (TAB)

Tuesday: Albury (TAB)

TROTS

Friday: Wagga (TAB)

Tuesday: Young (TAB)

DOGS

Friday: Wagga (TAB)

Sunday: Temora (TAB)