The Ballina Jockey Club says the official story of lady riders in Australia is rich in history.

“Few people know the role lady jockeys have played in the development of the racing industry in Australia, and I can see the museum being planned by the Ballina Jockey Club will be an important national asset,” Mr Page said.

“Not many people realise there was a tradition of amateur ‘ladies only’ picnic races in Victoria as early as the 1850s but ladies were in fact excluded from full professional competition until 1979.
 
“The Ballina Jockey Club is planning a major $3.1 million upgrade of its facilities to incorporate the museum.

“The Lady Jockeys Museum will primarily record the achievements of Australian and New Zealand lady jockeys and will also incorporate a section to celebrate the achievements of female jockeys on the international stage.”

The Ballina Jockey Club has already taken the initiative when it comes to recognising lady jockeys by establishing the annual Iris Nielsen Memorial race – an invitation-only race for lady jockeys worth $50,000.

“The race is not simply a celebration of the contribution of lady jockeys to professional racing, but a tribute to the late Iris Neilsen, who died in a race fall in Lismore in 1988,” Mr Page said.

“Iris Neilsen was based in Ballina and was the first lady jockey in Australia to die in such circumstances.

“Iris Nielsen was based in Ballina – the BJC feels it is the spiritual home of lady jockeys and is well aware of their struggle and triumphs to achieve their goals in the competitive sport of thoroughbred racing. 

“The Ballina Jockey Club is seeking funding of $3.1 million from the State and Federal governments to build the Australian Lady Jockeys Racing museum.

“The Ballina Jockey Club believes the museum will become a major tourist drawcard for Ballina and will attract many visitors including the racing fraternity and the public who are interested in the history of horse racing.

“This needs the backing of the NSW Government so I ask Premier Keneally and her Racing Minister, Kevin Greene, to have a punt and support this project.”

PICTURE: Don Page with pioneering lady jockey Linda Jones.

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The research pioneers a new understanding of the genetic make-up of high-performance thoroughbred horses, with the outcomes also having application to human athletic performance.

The research aims to determine the relationship between the genetic make-up of elite racing horses and their performance.

Researchers hope it will help breeders, owners and trainers better identify potential elite horses for racing at specific distances, and in specific types of races, and enable them to better understand the value of using genetic markers and other performance indicators in racehorse selection.

Associate Professor Allan Davie, who has studied racehorses for over 20 years, is heading the research team, comprised of SCU staff Professor Shi Zhou and Dr Toni Pacey, in collaboration with researchers in China led by Professors Yong Zhang and Li Wen, from Tianjin University of Sport, and Professor Bin Liu, from the Beijing Institute of Genomics.

The team has just been awarded a highly competitive Australia-China International Science Linkages research grant of almost $100,000 from the Australian Government and 120,000 Chinese yuan from the Chinese Government, for their project titled ‘An investigation on the Polymorphisms of mitochondrial DNA in relation to racing performance in thoroughbred horses’.

The team is among 14 winners from 81 submissions selected by both countries.

“It is well-established that a high level of aerobic power (maximum oxygen consumption) provides the physiological foundation for elite racing performance in both humans and horses,” Professor Davie said.

“Large differences exist within species in relation to this maximum oxygen consumption and its response to training. Maximum oxygen consumption is influenced by the mitochondria found within individual cells.

“Mitochondrial density and function regulate aerobic power. Therefore, the genotype of mitochondria – the genetic history – is one of the key factors that determine muscle utilisation of oxygen and aerobic performance.

“The current understanding is that mitochondrial DNA is the only genetic material outside the nucleic DNA that is transferred exclusively from mother to offspring in mammals.

“Tianjin University of Sport, together with the Beijing Institute of Genomics, has already been doing research on mitochondrial function in relation to exercise performance and health in humans.

“Having them now involved in this research on horses with SCU scientists is a wonderful and exciting opportunity for us to learn more about this frontier area of equine genetics.

“The horse racing industry is a billion-dollar industry impacting on the Australian economy. There were more than 11,000 breeders registered who were responsible for 18,000 foalings in the year 2000.

“So, finding a more effective way of selecting and training potential elite performers based on genetic markers is on the agenda of breeders and scientists. This project will place the researchers and their institutions at the frontier in this area of research.”

Associate Professor Davie said the overall aim of the study was to discover the potential link between genotype variation of mitochondrial DNA and a horse’s athletic ability – measured by its race performances and money it has earned.

“Mitochondria carry the metabolic pathways for cellular respiration, therefore their function should correlate closely to aerobic performance as well as metabolic diseases,” Professor Davie said.

“It is hypothesised that elite race (aerobic) performance can be linked to the traits of mitochondrial DNA, and that these traits are inherited from the mother, or dam.”

Associate Professor Davie’s research at Southern Cross University, which has led up to the winning of this prestigious research grant, has for the past four years been supported by Kent racing stables in Melbourne.

PICTURE: Associate Professor Allan Davie with Rain Dance Lover, a horse on which he has done genetic research, at Ballina Racecourse.

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Tweed Tourism General Manager, Phil Villiers (pictured), is hoping the traditional country race meeting will attract a strong contingent of locals and visitors looking for a great value family day out during the holidays.

“We’ll have lots of tourists here who will probably be ready for a break from the beach and, at $10 per person, a day at the beautiful Murwillumbah racetrack would have to be the best-value day out available in the region,” said Mr Villiers.

“We’re also expecting to see plenty of local business owners and tourism operators coming out to catch up with friends, family and colleagues.”

The seven-race program will be a full TAB race meeting, broadcast through the TAB’s national radio network and on Sky Channel, as well as published in the major metropolitan newspapers Australia-wide.

“We’ve had tremendous support from industry groups such as the Kingscliff and Murwillumbah Chambers of Commerce and the new Seafood Discovery Trail, as well as major local businesses Twin Towns Clubs and Resorts, Centro Tweed and Tweed Coast Holiday Parks,” said Mr Villiers.

“As sponsors of individual races, this event gives them a fantastic opportunity to get local and national exposure for their businesses. And, of course, it also puts the spotlight on the Tweed region as a whole.

“We’ve also had support from many smaller local operators who have donated a swag of prizes for our Mad Hatter’s Competition and for the raffles we will be holding to raise money for the Murwillumbah Hospital.”

And there’ll be plenty of activities to keep the children happy, thanks to the Byron Bay Kidzclub and Jumpartyjump Castle.

Entry to the Tweed Tourism Race Day on Sunday, January 3, costs $10 per person or $8 for concession holders. Gates will open at 11.30am (NSW time)

Racegoers are welcome to bring their own picnic lunch (no BYO alcohol permitted) or buy food and beverages from the fully licensed venue onsite.

A courtesy bus will run from the Tweed Heads Visitor Information Centre in Wharf Street at a cost of $20 per person return. Phone Tweed Tourism on 07 5536 6737 for more information.

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The award was announced at the awards luncheon held at the Ballina Jockey Club.

Forestreno, who is trained in Grafton by Phil Mcleod, beat four other horses that are trained on the Northern Rivers including turf legend Takeover Target, promising youngster One Lickety Split, and Ballina-trained Multire Music and Shuffle the Cash.

He boasted a record for the 2008 09 racing season that included a win at Eagle Farm in a $100,000 Quality race, second in the $200,000 Doomben Stakes and an outstanding 0.8 length second behind Battlefield in the Ramornie Handicap.

Bradley de Martino Rosaroll, secretary of the NRRA, said  that voting for the award is made up of one vote from each of the eight Northern Rivers Racing Association member clubs.

“The award is not decided on most prizemoney or wins, but rather given to the horse that has been a great ambassador for NRRA racing during the season. Forestrino received five of the possible eight votes, so in the eyes of the NRRA he is a very deserving winner,” he said.

“He was also a very popular choice amongst the 100-odd guests who attended the luncheon.

“It was great to see such a good attendance as it is an important day for racing in the Northern Rivers.

“It’s important to note that the luncheon is made possible by the sponsorship of Westlawn Finance, their support of racing throughout the Northern Rivers is very important to the industry.”

Other Westlawn Finance NRRA awards were given to Brett Bellamy for Leading Trainer, Marlon Dolendo for Leading Jockey and Josh Jones for Leading Apprentice.

The Dale Thompson Award for service to the industry was given to Barry and Margaret Walker of Beam Video, and the Gary Kliese award was given to Kevin Tonks and Alan Watkins.
Life Membership was awarded to Ballina trainer Bill Pholi and past Ballina Jockey Club chairman Bill Lofts.

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Ballina is one of 23 host destinations on this year’s Tour, which celebrates the cultural and social significance of the iconic trophy in the lead-up to the highly anticipated Melbourne Cup Carnival.

During its visit, the 2009 Emirates Melbourne Cup Tour will participate in a range of community events planned by racing groups and local organisations.

The Tour’s entourage will include racing legend Jim Johnson, three-time Melbourne Cup winning jockey in 1963 (Gatum Gatum) and in 1968 and 1969 (Rain Lover), who will participate in events whilst the Cup is in Ballina, and will be available for interview and photo opportunities with the 2009 Emirates Melbourne Cup trophy.  

Schedule, Sunday, 4 October:

• 9:00AM – 11:00AM:  Family Fun Day at the Ballina Jockey Club, including free activities, entertainment and barbecue provided to public.
• 11:15PM – 12:45PM: Morning tea at the Crowley Retirement Village.
• 1:00PM – 2:00PM: Public viewing and photo opportunities at the Ballina RSL.
• 2:45PM – 4:30PM: Visit to the Bangalow Hotel and staging of the Calcutta for the Bangalow Cup.

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INQUIRY 1: Stewards inquired into the analyst’s finding of furosemide, in the urine sample taken from licensed apprentice Adam Hyeronimus at the Tweed River Jockey Club’s race meeting at Murwillumbah on Monday, 10th August 2009.

Evidence was taken from Adam Hyeronimus and licensed trainer John Shelton (Master).

Adam Hyeronimus, in the presence of his master John Shelton, pleaded guilty to a charge under AR81A(1)(a) in that he provided a sample of his urine at the Tweed River Jockey Club’s race meeting on Monday, 10th August 2009, which was found to contain a substance banned under AR81B.

Adam Hyeronimus’s licence to ride in races was suspended for a period to expire on Thursday, 10th September 2009, on which day he may ride.

INQUIRY 2: Stewards inquired into the analyst’s finding of furosemide, in the urine sample taken from licensed apprentice Joshua Jones at the Tweed River Jockey Club’s race meeting at Murwillumbah on Monday, 10th August 2009.

Evidence was taken from Joshua Jones and licensed trainer Mrs Sue Birney (Master).

Joshua Jones, in the presence of his master Sue Birney, pleaded guilty to a charge under AR81A(1)(a) in that he provided a sample of his urine at the Tweed River Jockey Club’s race meeting on Monday, 10th August 2009, which was found to contain a substance banned under AR81B.

Joshua Jones’ licence to ride in races was suspended for a period to expire on Thursday, 10th September 2009, on which day he may ride.

INQUIRY 3: Stewards inquired into the analyst’s finding of furosemide, in the urine sample taken from licensed jockey Jasen Watkins prior to him fulfilling his engagements at the Tweed River Jockey Club’s race meeting at Murwillumbah on Monday, 10th August 2009.

Evidence was taken from Jasen Watkins.

Jasen Watkins pleaded guilty to a charge under AR81A(1)(a) in that he provided a sample of his urine prior to fulfilling his engagements at the Tweed River Jockey Club’s race meeting on Monday, 10th August 2009, which was found to contain a substance banned under AR81B.

Jasen Watkins’s licence to ride in races was suspended for a period to expire on Sunday, 20th September 2009, on which day he may ride.

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Aaron made his historic win against the racehorse Bonboneire Lady this week at the XXXX Gold Grafton Racing Carnival’s WHK Ramornie Handicap Day, one of country racing’s biggest race meetings.

On a heavy track he said was “full of holes and covered in long grass”, Aaron ran the 115 metres in 12.4 seconds under handicap conditions. The horse ran the distance in 13.1 seconds.

Aaron, 18, from Lismore, won the $40,000 Stawell Gift sprint race earlier this year and hopes to represent Australia at the 2010 Olympic Games in London.

Aaron said he believes the late Kevin Irvine – the Australian rugby league great and one of the game’s fastest wingers who himself was a record-breaking professional sprinter – was the last person to race against a racehorse in Australia.

Irvine lost the race which was against a racehorse named Gili, at the Kembla Grange racecourse in Wollongong back in 1963.

“I was pretty happy with the time I ran and to win one back for the human race,” Aaron said.

“The crowd was right behind me cheering and I could hear my dad yelling throughout the race ‘Go boy go! Go! Go! Go!’. I always hear dad cheering me on through all of my races. He and mum are my greatest supporters.

“I was just focused on the finishing line and not the horse. As soon as you can hear the horse, the race is over.

“After the race I was called on to do a lap of honour, so I was pretty exhausted at the end of it all.”

This has been a great year for the Aaron. Prior to posting one of the most impressive victories in the history of the Stawell Gift, he was a star of the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships in West Australia where he represented Queensland’s Kurrawa club.

He scorched the sand to win both the Under-19 and Open Beach Sprints and anchored Kurrawa to victories in the Under 19 and Open Beach Relays.

He has kept up to the mark by competing in recent Queensland track and field meets and has recently clocked 10.73 seconds for the 100m, qualifying him for next year’s National Track and Field Championships and putting him well in sight of being chosen for Australia’s 2010 Olympic team.

“And in the meantime, it is back to hitting the books for my university studies,” he said.

PICTURE: Elite athlete Aaron Stubbs charges for the finish line, well in front of his racehorse rival, Bonboneire Lady, for the historic man versus thoroughbred match. Photo courtesy of Grafton Daily Examiner.

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The $27,000 race was held in memory of pioneering female jockey Iris Neilsen, who was killed in a race fall at Lismore in 1988.

The race was for female riders only and attracted the country’s best women jockeys.

Winston, trained by Nicholas Randall, beat Stormy Youth (Lorna Cook) and Magique Mine (Kathy O’Hara).

Early favourite Sista Kugah failed to run a place.

Winston paid the juicy odds of $14.10 in a good result for the bookies.

Ballina Jockey Club officials were ecstatic with the response to the Iris Neilsen Invitation, which attracted 42 nominations.

Sarah Wills, chief executive of Ballina Jockey Club, said: “The Ballina Jockey Club is delighted that Coolmore again sponsored the main event and following an increase in prizemoney this year, is hoping to make this celebration of lady riders an ever increasingly important fixture on the racing calendar.”

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Ridden by Jasen Watkins, Mr Gold Fire ($5.80) beat Olympic Time and Currigee.

Included in Mr Gold Fire’s cup wins have been Coffs Harbour and Ballina successes.

It was the seven-year-old’s first start at Lismore.

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Ridden by Matthew Paget, Bann Ruby started at the long odds of $14.50 to win from Montana Hilton ($6.20) and Burgundy Prince ($2).

In a great result for the bookies, favoured starters Cedar Manor, Felixtrinidad and Ready When You Are finished out of the placings.

A big crowd was on hand to watch today’s Cup.

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