2021 Goondiwindi Cup Day - Fitzroy Boy makes Spectacular Comeback

KLEINSCHMIDT CUP THE FEATURE BUT FITZROY BOY STEALS THE SHOW

Goondiwindi Race Club staged the annual Vern Kleinschmidt Community Trust Gold Cup on Saturday. A good crowd of over 600 attended the event. No doubt the border closure did not help and certainly restricted things with a shortage of jockeys and probably quite a few nominations.

The Cup was the feature race on the program but no doubt, one of the great racing stories of all times unfolded and stole the scene.

Fitzroy Boy was the victim of a recent knife attack at Gunsynd Park and returned to racing in the Oaktree Class B Handicap over 1200 metres. Trainer Barry Sheppard, connections and jockey, Isabella Rabjones were all ecstatic after being taken on by Bobbybouche early in the race but Fitzroy Boy was happy to sit outside the leader and come away to win well. The big crowd gave a great cheer as the $5 shot came back to scale.  Bobbybouche held on for second with Very Soon finishing off well for third.

Racing got underway with the QTIS Maiden over 1,000 metres and Toowoomba trained Imadgic went out a short price favourite. But there is no combination having a better trot than Corey Geran and Stephanie Lacy and Conair finished off too strong. The first starter started at the good odds of $11 and Outstep made up good ground for third. 

Race two was the Black Truck Benchmark 60 over 1000 meters and in a very open betting race, Bobbie Jo was sent out equal favourite at $3.60. Bobbie Joe was quick to lead and really gave nothing else a chance despite a strong finish from I’m Jacko and a last on the turn finish from Nambusco.  Bobby Joe gave Isabella Rabjones the second leg of what was to be a winning treble.

The Vern Kleinschmidt Community Trust Gold Cup was a very even field but Killarney Trainer Les Clarke had Test War in immaculate condition for the 1400-meter journey. Olivia Kendal sent Test of War straight to the front and led as he liked. Test of War then kicked away on the point of the turn and was far too strong. Mr Tickets finished strongly for second with Happy Cino back in third place.

The last was the Battlers Cup over 1800 meters which saw the field jump from in front of the big crowd on the mound.  Foxy Rose was the odds-on favourite and look all over a winner as she cruised to the front on the turn but Open Road came with a with a withering run to go straight past Foxy Rose in the shadow of the posts and present Isabella Rabjones with her treble.

So, another very successful day for The Goondiwindi Race Club. A beautiful day, a great track, good fields and a very enjoyable day out.

Next meeting will be the Port of Brisbane Cup on December 5 at Gunsynd Park.