Revamped series to salute racing stalwart

THERE are plans in motion to bring back the Magic Millions FNQ Up and Coming Stayers Series with deceased racing identity Rob Koch’s name in the title.

The popular and well-supported concept was this month added to the list of sports events cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Racing Queensland said a number of clubs that took part in the series, which runs from

April to July, had advised that their race meeting would not be held this year.

This, together with the uncertainty and limitations imposed under the current conditions, ensured there was no alternative other than to cancel the series for this year.

Local businessman, horse owner and long-time racing follower Koch, who died recently, was a driving force behind the creation and ongoing growth of the series since its creation in 2014.

“I have spoken to Magic Millions regarding the series that Rob instigated and I will be working with them and Country Racing manager Col Truscott in early September to schedule the series,” Atherton Turf Club’s Don Scheffler said.

“I would like to incorporate Rob’s name in the series description.”

The 2019 series was taken out by Rodney Miller’s stayer Barwon, Mackay trainer John Manzelmann and Tablelands jockey Wanderson D’Avila.

Meanwhile, local jockeys are set to receive more opportunities amid the coronavirus crisis.

The Queensland Jockeys Association has recommended riders limit their travel as much as possible.

Townsville and Cairns TAB meetings often have a handful of FIFO jockeys descend on the north of the state to ride for the day. With the number of visiting riders to be reduced in the short term, more chances will be presented for the locals.