The 2018 Cup Carnival comes to a close this coming weekend with the running the Sandown Classic and Guineas. Whilst we had hoped to have a runner in the latter, the last week has been one of many  highs for the team at Clanbrooke.

Our much under-rated filly Sizzleme, raced three times during the whole Carnival. Firstly a very good third in the MRC Ethereal S. at Caulfield. The filly was flushed out a good distance from home which was not in our plan as she was tackling 2000m for the first time, and forced to lead around the bend and was collared about 50m from home. Very satisfying but left us wondering what would have happened if she had been able to be cuddled for a little longer. Sizzleme then proceeded to the VRC Wakeful S. over 2000m at Flemington on Derby Day and after drawing the pole at the barrier, was forced to try and lead all the way. She was gutsy but again run down about 150m from home but really battled on to be beaten less than 2l. 

The filly's Grand Final was always going to be the VRC Oaks last Thursday and what a day for all the owners. Emotionally draining after all the build-up, we were somewhat deflated at the barrier draw when we drew the second outside marble. The race itself was exciting for us as at one stage, Sizzleme would have been standing the leader about 20l, but raceday jockey Luke Curry was able to extricate her from behind the pack and she started to mow them down. No horse finished better but she just couldn't make up the distance and she finished 6th beaten a little over 3l. What she did show all of us was that she is right up to G1 racing and when she returns in the Autumn, we will be chasing the dream.

This Saturday marks the final day of the Carnival and Clanbrooke, as we did last year, will sponsor the running of the Listed Clanbrooke Racing Doveton Hcp. It is a great way to finish the Carnival and there should be plenty of Blue and Gold around the mounting yard and on the main screen.

Have Horse ...... Will Travel

Since we announced one of our main trainers - Mitch Beer, was relocating to Albury, we have had a number of owners give us their feedback. The almost unanimous verdict was one of complete support. One of the major discussion points with Mitch prior to his making his decision was on his appetite to travel with his horses back to the metropolitan areas if the horse was good enough and the right race came up on the calendar. Based on his agreement, Clanbrooke had no problem with the move.

Fast forward to today. Mitch is off to Rosehill with one of his 3YO fillies whilst having a runner at Flemington as well. Later in the week, Mitch and Clanbrooke will have a runner at Wagga as well as probable trials at Benalla. That is covering ground with his staff and we believe is testament to his agreement to travel anywhere if the right races are there. 

The situation with Mitch is no different to that of a number of our trainers. Craig Widdison who trains at Wodanga, only 5 kilometres away, regularly travels long distances to races and only this month was presented with the RVL Colin Alderson Trainers Rising Star Award. We also have Steve Pateman at Geelong and Archie Alexander at Ballarat in rural areas and of course, no-one would dispute that Darren Weir's training establishments at Ballarat, Warrnambool and Maldon have hindered racecourse success.

Trainer Updates for the Spring

Springtime in Melbourne is one of the most exciting Sporting seasons one could envisage. Our life obviously centres around the incomparable Melbourne Cup Carnival which stretches from Memsie Stakes Day thorough to the Sandown Classic. But supporting the race bonanza, the AFL Final series kicks into gear and straight after, the Cricket season beckons. How good is all this?

The Spring of 2018 has brought some changes to the Clanbrooke line-up of Trainers. The major change is the transfer from Mornington to Albury on a full-time basis of Mitch Beer. Mitch tested the waters over the Winter and has taken the decision that the country air is more likely to take him to the next level of his profession. Clanbrooke is happy to support Mitch and we don't forsee any problem with our horses moving to the border. Mitch has already shown an aptitude for travel and this is a major key to us supporting the move.

The last six months have seen Clanbrooke move horses into the stables of  heavyweight trainers David Hayes and Tony McEvoy. We see this move as a strategy for some owners to spread their ownership into some of the more established stables. We know we pay a premium for this in our Training fees but it also gives Clanbrooke a more rounded offering. We will be having a Bus Tour in the near future to Lindsay Park where all our owners can marvel at what David has formulated and ultimately built.

In addition, we have horses now at Caulfield with Henry Dwyer and at Ballarat with Archie Alexander. All these inclusions join our stalwart group of horsepeople - Pat Carey at Mornington, Cindy Alderson at Cranbourne, Luke Oliver at Romsey and Craig Widdison at Wodonga. Hopefully we now have a great selection of Trainers to suit everyone.

All our Trainers have horses available at completely varying price levels so contact us if you are looking for a horse with one of these first-class Trainers.