Life-time ban sours impressive Captain Leo victory

RACING: Excitement turned to despair for the connections of Captain Leo when the Toowoomba five-year-old received a life-time racing ban following his game victory in the Sedl Agencies Cannonball Series Heat (870m) at Clifford Park on Saturday night.

Captain Leo ($3.40) fought hard to down Viceman ($8) and Teeroy’s Tribute ($5) in a driving finish to the Benchmark 75 Handicap but was found post-race to have bled for a second career time which marks the end of his racing days under the rules of Australian Racing.

Captain Leo was one of three winners on the program for trainer Ben Currie who also saluted with Bequeathed ($1.65 fav) in the Create With Cottee Class 2 Handicap (1640m) and Cupid’s Affair.

Cupid’s Affair ($3.70 fav) continued jockey Skye Bogenhuber’s winning return to home soil with his victory in the Laser Clinics Australia Maiden Handicap (1210m).

Bogenhuber returned to Toowoomba last month after a New South Wales riding stint based at Scone and later riding work at Newcastle for trainers including Kris Lees and Paul Perry.

The five-time Clifford Park premier has decided to resettle in Toowoomba but is still looking to ride over the border when possible.

“I got homesick and I was pretty happy to come back to Toowoomba,” she said.

“I’m well established here and Toowoomba people have been so good to me.

“The time I spent at Scone and then riding work at Newcastle was good experience and I’m sure it has helped me a lot as a rider.

“I’m glad I went and had a look and tried.

“I had a bit of luck as well and I’ve had a few offers from down there to return.