Skip to Content

Strath season-opener to cap ‘exciting’ few days

A ‘thank you’ event, the first meeting of the new season… and an Everest runner.

It’s a big few days for the Strathalbyn Racing Club, which will host its first meeting of the 2020/21 season tomorrow, with a solid seven-race card.

Strathalbyn Trainers Association president David Jolly was among those at Monday’s traditional season-opening launch – held at the Finnis General Store – and helped thank trainers, strappers and trackwork staff for their ongoing contributions.

Just 24 hours later, Jolly’s dual Group 1-winning horse Behemoth was the talk of Australian racing, after securing a slot in the $15 million Everest to be run at Randwick on October 17.

Club secretary/manager Kristy Martin said Goolwa-based Jolly was typically low-key when addressing industry participants on Monday, despite Behemoth’s emphatic win in Saturday’s Group 1 Rupert Clark Stakes at Caulfield.

“David had just won a half million dollar race and when I went to take a group photo of Monday’s crew, at the season opening, I asked him to be in the front,” Ms Martin said.

“But in true David Jolly form, he wouldn’t do it – he didn’t want to make a fuss. He’s happy just to fly under the radar.”

Ms Martin said Strathalbyn Racing Club considered it important to acknowledge the efforts of those who keep the industry’s wheels turning.

“We like to acknowledge all participants at our track: trainers, track workers, strappers, and the like,” she said.

“This little event is like an investment in them, because we respect the job they do, and what they mean to the club.

“It’s also a nice way to thank them.”

Ms Martin, particularly thanked Jolly, and Trainers Association secretary Ann Pearson.

“They communicate weekly with the club’s track and facilities supervisor Peter Slattery and myself on any issues as they arise,” she said.

“The relationship between club and trainer is imperative, and they recognise that we’re doing our best and working together.

“I acknowledge that these trainers all have individual businesses and our role is to try to support them as best we can.”

Meanwhile Ms Martin said officials were “excited” to launch the club’s 2020/21 season tomorrow.

“It’s great to be back and racing,” she said.

“We’ve had a bit of rain, but TRSA stewards were out here this morning and were very pleased with the state of the track. They’ve rated it a soft 6 at this stage.”

Gates open at midday, with race one set down for 1.20pm.

Post categories

Racing SA - Racing Racing SA - Stories Racing SA - Latest News