Wexford Bay, ridden by leading jumps rider Brett Scott, sails through the final steeple at Pakenham’s jumps trials on Monday.By Brad Kingsbury
RACING officials including stewards and jockeys were happy with the performance of Pakenham’s track and placing of jumps at Monday’s last official trial session before the club’s Super Jumps Day on Sunday, 11 September.
Six hurdle trials and two steeple trials were run on a heavy track without incident during the afternoon.
Leading jumps trainer Eric Musgrove was a strong supporter of the trials with nine runners, while David Brideoake and Tony Noonan had three starters each.
Racing manager Michael Hodge was happy with the outcome and said that everything was in place for the inaugural jumps extravaganza which will be highlighted by the $40,000 George Watson Rookie Chasers final and the $25,000 M. J. Bourke Hurdle.
Musgrove has confirmed that his champion jumper Karasi will make an appearance and parade down the main straight at the meeting.
It was also a big day for Pakenham trainers at Moe last Tuesday.
Mick Phillips prepared a double with Bolters Show and Zephyr Speed saluting, while Greg Hayes was successful with the promising Carla Etude.
Form local jockey Peter Mertens completed a double at the meeting, riding both Phillipstrained winners.
Mertens continues his stellar year in the saddle, having just won Pakenham’s leading jockey award for season 20042005. The Cremin Frank Facey awards, won by Mertens, leading trainer, Peter Moody and leading jumps jockey, Craig Durden, will be presented at the Super Jumps raceday.
