Northern raiders set sights on country final
THIS Far North training duo are two of the more unlikely stars of the Queensland racing summer.
There are big-time spenders in the horse racing industry in north Queensland, with experienced jockeys and trainers boasting excellent strike rates around the region.
But, it will be two of the smallest stables on the big stage this Saturday afternoon, representing FNQ in the $105,000 Country Cups Challenge Final at Doomben.
Tablelands trainer Lisa Donovan is thrilled to be involved in the Queensland Summer Carnival.
The former jockey has qualified consistent gelding Buxton for the Country Cups Final after his outstanding recent form.
Donovan has family on the Sunshine Coast and has based herself and Buxton there for two weeks leading into the big dance.
“I’ve got him as good as can be, everything is in his favour so now it’s all up to Buxton and jockey Pietro Romeo,” Donovan said.
“We can’t wait to have a crack at them.
“He’s proved he deserves the chance, we’re just grateful we’ve been given the opportunity.”
The Far North racing community were hoping to have two horses represented this Saturday, but Luvya Beak, owned and trained by retired Tablelands pensioner John Kilroy, is likely to miss out.
A field of 15 will run on Saturday and when acceptances came out late last week, Luvya Beak was 19th in line to get a start. Despite missing out on a rare start in town, Kilroy is still smiling.
“She is the best $1500 I ever spent,” Kilroy said.
“I use her as a social thing more than anything, taking her around from town to town, in places where I used to live when I was younger. I reckon she would have a very good crack at them if she got in.”
For Donovan, she believes Buxton and stable rider Romeo are every chance this Saturday.
“I couldn’t be happier with how he handled the trip down,” Donovan said.
“I gave him a bit of extra time when we landed on the Sunshine Coast and he’s pulled up a treat.”
The Country Cups Challenge comprised of 16 qualifiers starting on September 28 at Longreach Jockey Club, culminates in a $105,000 Final on George Moore Stakes day at Doomben on Saturday.