Trainers take pride in Weetwood record

THE Weetwood Handicap has always been one of Toowoomba and Racing Queensland’s showpiece events.

A fantastic opportunity for race fans to get track-side and enjoy everything a prestigious event like the Weetwood has to offer.

It is a race steeped in tradition – a win coveted by trainers far and wide – and more recently it has only grown in stature. With the Weetwood now opening Racing Queensland’s Winter Carnival, more eyes are on Toowoomba and more fans are flocking to Clifford Park.

It’s not just the fans who are coming either.

More and more foreign raiders – trainers from outside the region – are saddling up their top rides in an effort to claim our crown.

With that in mind, I imagine it is a great source of pride among our local trainers and officials to know they remain the “dominate force”.

Since 2000 a local trainer has won 15 of the 17 Weetwoods raced.

Last year Ben Currie’s Col ‘N’ Lil and the Michael Nolan trained Jumbo Prince recorded a historic dead-heat win.

At a glance it all seems easy enough – a 1200m race is a 1200m race – surely the best horse will win right? Wrong.

Every track has its quirks and peculiarities that even the most talented of riders and horses can struggle to deal with.

And that is where our local talents come to the fore.

They live and breathe Clifford Park – they know those quirks and peculiarities like the back of their hand.

Add an experienced local jockey and you’ve got a distinct advantage over the “outsiders”.

Obviously when the starter opens the gate it can all change in a heartbeat.

Despite all that, I know where I’d feel more confident putting my money.

Don’t ask me for a tip though – there’s too many talented locals to choose from.