MUNCE: The good horses are back as Cyclone Marcia hurts Queenslanders

As a horse racing fan there’s nothing better than the racing season coming back, and the good horses are turning up.

The two-year olds always attract a lot of attention at this time of year as we head towards the Blue Diamond and Golden Slipper.

I’ll be watching John O’Shea’s filly Ottoman in the Silver Slipper this weekend in Sydney closely. She’s been the most impressive two-year old to date.

I’ll also be watching to see how the Queensland gelding Mishani Honcho performs. He’s at odds against Ottoman on Saturday, but he’s a winner up here and a nice horse.

My own lovely two-year old colt Wicked Intent has been spelling for the past five weeks in the paddock after a tough 6th finish in the Magic Millions. He’ll miss Sydney’s rich Autumn for the two-year olds but will be back for the carnival up here in Queensland. With his three wins from five starts, I’m confident he can bounce back.

Greyhounds and horses – like chalk and cheesew
I don’t know much about the greyhound industry, but obviously what we saw on TV was pretty shocking, especially in this day and age.

The public outcry will hopefully ensure this type of practice is knocked on the head for good.

Fortunately in the thoroughbred industry I have only witnessed horses being treated in the best possible manner.

Most in our industry, myself obviously included, have a love of horses. It’s our livelihood and we pride ourselves on treating our horses very well. Our racehorses want for nothing.

Cobalt
There has been a lot of publicity surrounding Cobalt positives in racehorses and harness racing.

It is an ongoing concern, but authorities appear to be gaining the upper hand in detection.

Some big names are feeling the pressure awaiting results of further tests. But it is wrong to convict them before official results are in.

It is very important that owners, trainers, jockeys and punters are confident that everyone is going to the races on a level playing field.

Stewards have access to treatments for all horses, which I welcome. Like most trainers we have had visits from stewards, which is great. If you have done nothing wrong it is not a worry and it shows the governing body is working hard to keep on top of any drug issues.

Cyclone Marcia threatens Queensland racing
It’s worth noting Cyclone Marcia bearing down on us looks set to change what we can do on the track with our horses.

Certainly there’s a risk of some horse preparations slipping by a few days or even a week as tracks turn into swimming pools. We’ve been very lucky so far but judging by forecasts it is quite alarming.

Just like athletes not being able to train in the wet, we do what we can with indoor facilities. We might swim the horses more than usual or get them on a treadmill. We wouldn’t go as far as shipping the horses south to dry tracks, but we might need to alter some plans depending on how hard Marcia hits.

Tip
My best for the weekend is Ottoman in the Silver Slipper, and as I said earlier I’ll be watching pretty closely to see how Mishani Honcho performs with Gold Coast-based jockey Chris Whiteley heading down to ride him.