Jumps are super, says Pakenham

By Glen Atwell
RACING spectators were jumping for joy at Pakenham Racing Club on Sunday for the inaugural Super Jumps Day.
The blustery conditions and persistent rain could not dampen the lively atmosphere as punters filled the grandstand to capacity.
Four jumps races headlined the nine race card, featured by the $40,000 J.E.H. SpencerGeorge Watson Rookie Chasers Final and the esteemed M.J. Bourke Hurdle.
Punters were all smiles after race one, wellbacked favourite Beat of a Heart (TAB $2.80) edging out equal favourite Artisan in the Peter Mertens Fillies and Mares Maiden Plate.
Berwick jockey Matthew Allen rode the winner and told trainer Kerry Edwards the horse felt strong.
“The further the race went, the better she got,” Allen told the jubilant trainer.
Pakenham trainer Charles McComiskie had the crowd cheering after race three, winning the Carlton Draught Class One Handicap with talented mare Kelision.
After three starts, Kelision has saluted twice and run a close second and looks a promising prospect for McComiskie’s stable.
The final of the Rookie Chasers was the first of the featured jump races on the card and offered a first prize of $26,000, an amount winning trainer Geni Gillis was happy to accept.
Zappalay scored easily after trailing early leaders Le Garcon and Laughing in Jubai, clearly overracing in the initial stages of the 3800metre journey.
After settling, jockey Nathan Dunn had Zappalay jumping superbly over the hurdles and survived a late charge by race favourite Raazaular, who was unsettled by the harsh wind blowing across the Pakenham track.
Gillis commended Dunn on a terrific ride and said the race suited Zappalay perfectly.
“The early speed was there, Zappalay trailed early, jumped faultlessly and snuck up behind the tiring leaders,” Ms Gillis said.
Ms Gillis thanked the Pakenham Racing Club for providing jumps trainers, owners and jockeys with the chance to showcase their sport.
“Jumping is exciting racing and the Super Jumps Day also gives spectators a good chance to see jumps racing at its best,” she said.
Cranbourne trainer Robbie Laing scored in race six with longshot King Leo, who paid a generous $15.40 TAB dividend to punters.
Jockey Jamie Evans said that, after an early setback, his mount recovered well.
“He was flattened by Moody’s horse (Golden Fawn) early on.
“That last jump caused a bit of trouble, but he showed plenty of heart on the way to the line and picked up when asked,” Evans said.
Children were kept thoroughly entertained with a jumping castle and rides.
But it was the horses and hounds display that attracted the most attention, as more than 20 dogs entered the track to display their obedience and intelligence to amazed onlookers.
Racing manager Michael Hodge declared the Super Jumps Day a resounding success.
“Over 2000 attended and overall turnover was terrific,” Mr Hodge said.
Despite the inclement weather, the spirits of spectators were skyhigh, many already marking next year’s calendar.
“We’ll be back,” a group of happy spectators said.