2011/2012 Summer Series - Henley Beach, 13 January 2012
Thursday, 19 January 2012
Course setter Ken Thompson had the nags at full throttle at
Henley grange oval on Friday night. The scene could have easily been confused
with the foaling paddock as the young colts and fillies of the local little
Athletics club galloped, leapt and carvorted their away around the paddock. In
a far corner huddled together looking askance at the exuberance and youth on
display in the next paddock were the nags assembling for the start of the
Henley Grange classic.
Starting in the short course were many of the old favourites
who were still being shod by the time young Will K closely followed by his
stablemate James had shot around the
course. Young Chris M-F, having shot up several hands since Clyde spotted him
last, also thundered past the field to bag a very sporting place on the podium.
Other nags walked, trotted and even adopted a curious self propelled chariot
around the course. All struggled with
the strong on shore breeze which stole many a hat of the fair maidens watching
the races. Clyde even noted a feeding station set up to lure the young fillies
and colts to a coaching session with the ever helpful John and Jeffa.
The race was hotly (!) contested by 34 listed starters with
uncounted hangers on over the 4.5 km with the gorgeous Bridget narrowly edging
out the plodding Andrew K and Lee M in a photo finish, proving that youth and
beauty will have its day. Other contenders in the race included the stalwarts
of the paddock who were left well back in the field pondering what might have
been and seen discussing it after the race with bits of paper in hand. Possibly
betting slips or maybe the track condition report?
Nine starters nudged the gate for the 6.4km Long Course where Simon U
breezed past the post ahead of Mark S and Tyson “the mule” H. Now there are all sorts of
rumours that "The Mule" aka "Mr December" could also be
adopting another persona and indeed be the enigmatic Clyde. The mystery
thickens. Other worthy, but unsuccessful, contenders for the podium included
the mare and colt duo of the Nicholson stable and the soon to be wed Rachael.
The scatter O fielded one of the smallest fields in the mares’ group this week.
Jenny C continued on her winning ways with another gold medal ahead of the
returning to peak condition Erica D narrowly relegating Evelyn C to third
place. Perhaps that final grooming session paid off for the presentation
photos, ladies? The stallions raced
around in a bigger mob with the ever present Paul H leading them ahead of the
long and lean lines of Ian W. Clyde thinks that perhaps more time spent on hoof
instead of the two wheeled conveyances might help a better result there. Greg R raced Craig C for third line honours. Red and breathless faces showed the effort
required to battle the strong winds and street navigation for the rewards of
the water and feed bags. Some were seen making a hasty departure for the
recovering dip in the ocean while others chose to adopt the more traditional
approach of sitting nearby, noses firmly lodged in the nosebags.
Next week we look towards the leafy suburbs of Beaumont
where the busy duo of Andrew Mogridge and Steve Sullivan have been hard at work
for days/weeks/months and possibly years preparing the track and polishing the
harnesses. Oranges will be cut, water bags filled. Can anyone beat the champion
of the Scatter O Paul or is he destined to take the prize at the end of the
season? Clyde watches wistfully from the sidelines as he munches thoughtfully
at his oats and ponders what might be.....
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