Bogenhuber’s special mount
RACING:
Skye Bogenhuber is preparing for an emotional reunion.
The multiple-time Clifford Park premiership hoop will link up with Fish On at her home track today.
The gelding lines up in the Class 2 Handicap (1100m) in search of his third career victory, but for Bogenhuber, the chance to partner up with Fish On has a special meaning for her.
Bogenhuber suffered head injuries, which led to a bleed on the brain and heavy concussion, as a result of a barrier trial mishap at Clifford Park in February last year.
She was sidelined until October, meaning she missed the ride on one of her regular mounts.
Fortune has brought the pair together again, with the duo to unite once more.
“This is the ride that’s important to me,” Bogenhuber said.
“I had my fall and brain bleed a year ago, and just before the fall I had won on him that prep in early 2019.
Perez
“I won on him at the Gold Coast and had another good run on him at his next start, he should’ve won that day.
“When I fell I was obviously out for a long time and upset at missing out on a few decent ones that I ride.
“He was an up and coming horse and I didn’t see where he was, so I spoke to the trainer and Jason (Gregory) had to have a lot of time off like me. It turned out the horse only had one more start while I was out and resumes today.
“I really like the horse, he goes well. It’s just over a year since the accident happened, so it would be very special if we could get the win.”
While it won’t be business as usual at Clifford Park today, races will still go ahead.
Sweeping regulations in regard to COVID-19 (coronavirus) have resulted in patrons being banned from entering on race-day across Australian tracks, to fall in line with nonessential gatherings of more than 500 people to be cancelled.
This means that only essential personnel, including trainers, jockeys, strappers and integrity staff, will be on track.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Toowoomba Turf Club CEO Lizzy King is encouraging people to continue their support of the local racing industry.
“We will continue to conduct race meetings with skeleton staffing and only essential participants,” King said.
“It’s unfortunate, but it is such a fluid situation currently.
“All we can encourage is for people to look out for us on Sky Channel or streaming services and have a punt on Toowoomba.
“It helps keep the industry afloat, and we’ll have horses continuing to go around that will keep us running.
“It’s a difficult time, like it is for a lot of businesses in town. Everyone is feeling the hurt and everyone is trying to steer through the storm.
“We’re not sure what the situation will look like in two days, so we’re going to buckle down and produce some good racing on TV.” The seven-race card at Clifford Park gets underway at 1.57pm, with live coverage on Sky Racing 1 and Sky Thoroughbred Central.
sean.teuma@thechronicle.com.au