Emma Pritchard
The final race meeting hosted by the Clarence River Jockey Club (CRJC) for 2024, the Christmas Party Race Day, saw 55 starters head to the barriers across a seven-race program.
And with a number of short-priced favourites and well backed gallopers saluting, it was a profitable day for punters.
While Sam Handford and The Barnes Storm Show entertained the crowd and children enjoyed a variety of activities including carnival rides and face painting, Grafton trainer Fleur Blanch ensured the locals got off to a successful start on the track when her in-form mare Golden Copper broke through for a well-deserved win in Race 1, the Book Tickets @ Graftontickets.com.au Country Boosted Maiden Plate over 1400m.
With the track rated a Heavy 8 following recent rainfall and the rail in its true position, Golden Copper was well in the market at 2/1 after placing twice previously on a rain affected surface.
Aided by a brilliant on pace ride by apprentice jockey Courtney Bellamy, the six-year-old daughter of American bred sire No Nay Never (USA) proved a class above her rivals, winning comfortably by more than two lengths from Church Rock and Magic Shannon.
“She went great today and she’s no longer a bridesmaid,” Bellamy said of Golden Copper’s performance and first career win following the race.
“In the first 200m I knew I was going to get the lead easy, and I think that’s what helped her.
“I stayed off the rail a little bit throughout the run and I came out wide to the better part of the going so hopefully the track dries out throughout the day in the sunshine.”
After visiting trainers Stephen Lee and Sally Taylor won races 2 and 3 respectively with their New Zealand bred geldings Caracoron (NZ) and Bold Hoi Ho (NZ), Grafton trainer John Shelton was all smiles after his smart mare Hypothermia dug deep under the urging of jockey Kirk Matheson to win Race 4, the Grafton Taxis Country Boosted Benchmark 58 Handicap over 1400m, after the track was upgraded to a Soft 7.
Previously trained by James Cummings and owned by powerhouse international stable Godolphin, Hypothermia was transferred to Shelton’s stables in September and has now won twice and placed third from six starts for her new trainer.
“She’s a good little mare,” said Shelton.
“I think she’ll get up to a mile and win a couple more.
“Kirk rides her really well too, and there are some good people in her ownership.”
With Hypothermia the longest priced winner of the day starting at $6.50 on the TAB, the day only worsened for the bookies when the well-backed favourites Casino Bear, Aged Care, and Break Free, won the final three races on the program.
The CRJC will host their next race meeting, their first for 2025, on January 27.