The first week of May can only mean one thing – it’s time for the famous Warrnambool May Racing Carnival. Held over three days, many racing fans, spectators and trainers look forward to some competitive flat and jumps racing and OTI will be in the thick of the action.
Last year’s event was a successful one for the navy blue and gold hoops, recording a winner on each day of the Carnival. This year, we have a number of contenders seeking to repeat last year’s success.
Kicking off the action on Tuesday will be Notes, trained by Lindsay Smith. Notes will start in Race 9, the BM70 over 1200m with Beau Mertens booked to rise. Trainer Lindsay Smith said “The horse is going very well, his gallop at the beach was very good it was probably the best he’s ever moved. I’m looking forward to Tuesday.”
Wicklow Lass will take her place in the last race of the day for Tom Dabernig. Accepted for a BM64 over 1100m, she worked very well at Terang in preparation for this and gets through heavy ground comfortably, so a change in conditions is not a worry for her. Dean Yendall is booked to ride.
See the full field for Note’s race here and for Wicklow Lass’ race here.
Wednesday will be a more reserved day on the OTI front with Mercian Hymn the only entrant on the card. Drawn poorly and not as affective on wetter ground, he would be making his Australian race debut for connections and trainer Maddie Raymond should he take to the track.
“He’s in terrific order and has held his weight really well throughout his preparation so far. We worked a lot on his manners in the barriers and during his trackwork, which he has improved on a lot and I’m really happy with his progress leading into his first start over here. It is a good kick-off for him, but he obviously wants a bit further down the track. I couldn’t be happier with him at this stage.” said Raymond in a pre-race update. The 5yo will be ridden by Michael Dee and carries 61kg.
See all race details and the full field here.
On the last day of the Warrnambool Carnival, we are currently represented by four runners, including Dyerville (trained by Matthew Williams), Chicago Bear (with Busuttin Racing), Darci’s Debut and Extra Elusive (both trained by Symon Wilde).
First up on the last day of the Carnival is Darci’s Debut in Race 4 for Symon Wilde and will be ridden by Michael Dee. After a slight delay, the 4yo mare is ready to return to the races fourth up in her prep over 1400m in a BM70. Her last piece of fast work was pleasing and she’s considered back on track.
See the full field and all race details for her here.
Later on in the day we could see Chicago Bear step out over 1400m first up in the Kia Handicap. The son of Siyouni had two starts in Australia over the spring before heading out for a spell and has returned in good order. Stable representative Sam Griggs commented “He’s in very good spirits and has come up very well so far, he’ll be in for a nice prep.” Chicago Bear will jump from barrier 6, carrying 54kg with Craig Newitt on board.
Click here for all race details.
The highlight of Day 3 of the Carnival is Extra Elusive, who has accepted for the Warrnambool Cup over 2350m (Race 9 on the card). A little disappointing in the Terang Cup, we hope to get a bit more of a flowing run in this race, which would suit the horse, along with the slight rise in distance. Trainer Symon Wilde has been happy with the recovery after his last start and has been happy with his progress leading into Thursday’s race.
All race details and the full field of 16 can be found here.
Dyerville will finish off the Carnival in Race 10 for the great duo of Matthew Williams and jockey Dean Yendall. The trip of 1300m in the BM64 should be a good first up opportunity for him, especially with a soft or heavy track, which could well be the case after three days of racing on the course. Williams is very happy with the horse and was pleased by his last piece of fast work on the grass.
We wish all connections the best of luck over the Carnival!