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By Glen Barnes.
What had been an exciting and rewarding Melbourne Cup week at Flemington ended in sadness for the team at Chris Waller Racing when we lost popular gelding The Verminator after being badly injured during the running of the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes on Saturday.
Hoylonny's fighting second placing earlier in the day followed outstanding performances from Kelinni who won the G3 Lexus Stakes and backed up for a gallant fourth in the Melbourne Cup, Arinosa who took out the Grey’s Race and a close second for Dystopia in the Listed GH Mumm Stakes over the first three days of the carnival. The loss of our tough stayer makes it difficult to enjoy the success achieved during the biggest week in the Australian racing calendar.
Incidents such as Saturday's are rare and difficult to deal with for both the owners and staff. All we can do is reflect and enjoy the memories we have of The Verminator, a rather unassuming character who pleasantly surprised us with his gallant racetrack performances over the past three seasons.
The Verminator was raced by the Smith family which includes former AFL footballer Joel Smith, who played over 200 games with St Kilda and Hawthorn. Joel's brother Rhys actually used to ride The Verminator's mother, Fraar Side, and discovered The Verminator at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Weanling Sale in 2007. He purchased him for $17,000 with the intention of selling him as a yearling under the banner of he and his wife Chloe’s Kulani Park.
Fortunately for the Smith family -‐ and unfortunately for prospective buyers -‐ The Verminator failed to meet reserve at the 2008 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.
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CHRIS WALLER
RACING WHERE RACING IS FUN!
STABLE NEWS November 2012
Connect with us!
SPRING CARNIVAL WRAP
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KELINNI WINNING THE G3 LEXUS STAKES
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PETER MUSCUTT PROFILE Set to become a regular fixture in our newsletters, we will be featuring some of the senior staff here at CWR...
Without fail, when the stable achieves a significant result, Chris will publicly acknowledge the staff and the work that is done behind the scenes to get the horses to the races happy and healthy and ready to perform. We have a unique team at Chris Waller Racing and everyone makes an important contribution. For practical reasons it is difficult to acknowledge every individual, but our newsletter at least allows us to introduce readers to some of the key players within "the team at home". This month, we profile our Assistant Trainer -‐ the well-‐travelled, genuine 'good bloke', Peter Muscutt. Peter was born in Salisbury, Rhodesia (now known as Harare, Zimbabwe) in 1961. He grew up around horses, his father being a successful jockey and then trainer. Peter joined the racing industry in an official capacity aged just 12, when he started riding track-‐work for his father. Weight issues dashed all hope of becoming a jockey, so Peter switched his focus to learning how to train racehorses. Invaluable experience, hard work, perseverance and an enviable understanding of the animal have combined to make Peter the exceptional horseman he is today. Peter arrived in Australia two years ago with an impressive racing resume. He had spent his teenage years working for his father, before a short stint training privately for a stud farm in South Africa. This steep learning curve preceded an eight year tenure as right-‐hand-‐man to the leading South African trainer, David Payne, who has since established himself as one of Sydney's top trainers here at Rosehill Racecourse. Aged just 31 and ready to go it alone again, Peter took charge of his own string of horses and trained for several years with a good degree of success. He then returned to his native Zimbabwe to be with his family and help manage his father's large team. Later, an irresistible invitation to train in Singapore led to an eye-‐opening yet exciting period in Peter's life, before a contrasting move into pre-‐training in the more low-‐key surrounds of Taranaki, New Zealand. Having re-‐settled in South Africa a few years ago with an open mind about the future direction of his career in racing, Peter came across an advertisement for an Assistant Trainer's position in Sydney, Australia. And the rest ... yes, is history. Peter fulfills an important role at Chris Waller Racing and does so with an intense focus and commitment. After decades of involvement in the industry he loves, Peter retains a fierce passion for racing and an undeniable love of the thoroughbred racehorse. Peter's experience and skill-‐set are accompanied by a relentless work ethic. He provides a crucial link between Chris, forepersons, riders, general ground-‐staff, vets and all concerned. Though a busy man, Peter is only too happy to impart knowledge and help anyone wanting to learn. Such a consuming choice of career means Peter enjoys the simple pleasures outside of work; a barbeque at home or meal with friends is the ideal way to relax and unwind -‐ and, hopefully, savor the continual success of Chris Waller Racing! When pressed on a stable favorite Peter admits to having a soft spot for the courageous and resilient Rangirangdoo. This horse's amazing ability to come back from serious injury (more than once, it must be said), and show a will to win at the highest level is, Peter feels, a credit to both 'Rangi' himself and the training methods of Chris. Ultimately, the aim is to give each horse every chance of reaching its potential and this approach underpins the success the stable currently enjoys. Looking ahead, Peter remains focused on playing his part in ensuring the run continues. And you can bet he will do so with the energy and vigor he has shown since first arriving. So now you have met Peter Muscutt. Next month we will introduce you to another significant contributor within the team at Chris Waller Racing -‐ stay tuned!
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Although not capturing the imaginations of buyers at the yearling sales, Al Dragon has up until Saturday made every post a winner for his breeder, His Excellency, Nasser Lootah and his Emirates Park.
After winning on debut, he fought on gamely at Rosehill on Melbourne Cup Day to win against a class field of three-‐year-‐olds. Adding to the excitement, he made it a victorious first time strapping at a city meeting for his handler, David Smith (pictured).
His sire, Al Maher is an Emirates Park home-‐bred who won the Group 1 VRC Australian Guineas (1600m), a race previously won by now successful sires in Flying Spur and Zabeel.
Al Dragon’s full-‐brother, Epic Dragon has already proved successful at stakes level, winning the Listed VRC Anzac Day Stakes amongst his three wins over distances from 1200 to 1500m.
“Generally speaking, Al Maher’s progeny are best from a mile to 2000m like his recent Group 1 winner Fat Al, but Al Dragon looks like he might even get over further which is exciting” commented Emirates Park Racing Manager Tanya Rouse.
“His dam Top Tips has recently produced a Denman filly and will visit Artie Schiller this season.”
On Saturday he faced his toughest test to date in stepping up to Saturday-‐class racing and due to his consistency, being the top weight in the field with 59kgs.
Go to www.cwallerracing.com to see all of the CWR runners tomorrow.
Al Dragon With three starts for two wins, Al Dragon is fashioning an enviable race record and now heads back to Emirates Park for a spell to strengthen up before looking towards contesting some of autumn’s feature 3YO races.
3YO Bay Gelding
Sire: Al Maher
Dam: Top Tips
Dam Sire: Canny Lad
Bred by: Emirates Park Pty Ltd
Owned by: Emirates Park Syndicate (Managers N A H Lootah & T R Lobb).
Race Record: 3 starts, 2wins.
ABOUT AL DRAGON
AL DRAGON WINNING ON DEBUT
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A son of former Melbourne Cup winner Jeune, The Verminator was an immature type as a youngster, and following the sale it was decided the Smiths would retain him to race themselves.
Having been given time to develop, The Verminator entered the stables of Chris Waller Racing in 2009. He debuted in October of that year in a three year old maiden at Newcastle and performed creditably, running on from well back for a nice fourth. His next two runs, early in 2010 and also at Newcastle, were similarly encouraging. But it is fair to say The Verminator exceeded everyone's expectations in proceeding to earn over $600,000 in prizemoney, winning seven races including the 2011 renewal of the Group 1 The Metropolitan Handicap.
The Verminator proved a great way for the Smiths to come together and share a common interest. And on the first Tuesday of November last year, the Smith family ventured to Flemington to watch the horse that nobody else wanted compete in an international-‐class field of staying thoroughbreds in the Emirates Melbourne Cup.
This was a terrific highlight for Chris, being part of the race that stops a nation, and he pays tribute to The Verminator for what he has done for his training career.
“It was a tragic accident and it left me feeling very sad and flat. I am so proud of him and how hard he tried not only in the Metropolitan but in other races as well. He gave us a lot of thrills. Obviously the Metropolitan was outstanding but taking him to the Melbourne Cup was a big thrill for me.”
The Verminator, fondly known as Vermie around the stable, was a gentleman and a very kind horse who was a pleasure to handle. He was surrounded by a great team on a daily basis, and was absolutely adored in particular by the staff in Foreperson Clare Heusten's barn. His strapper Mitch Lever (pictured after The Verminator’s first win back in 2010) and regular trackwork rider Kevin May had a great affinity with the horse, and while all concerned are shattered at the loss of a genuine favourite, we all have great memories of a fantastic racehorse who was a joy to work with.
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SUCCESSFUL TATTERSALL’S SALE FOR CWR The stable is eagerly awaiting the arrival of our latest batch if imports from England that were purchased at the recent Tattersal’s Horses in Training Sale. Despite these types of horses continued success in Australia, our team was pleased to still be able to find value at the sale with Chris commenting “We’ve acquired a good mix of nine gallopers, I am confident that this year’s purchases can be our most successful yet”. Shares in these horses were quickly snapped up and such was the demand, especially with Kelinni’s well-‐timed performances in Melbourne, we are now looking to purchase more at the upcoming Tattersall’s Sales in early December. If you would like to express interest in this latest venture, email [email protected] or phone 0435 791 128.
NEW CAR SERVICE We are excited to announce that Nathan Cumberland, a valued, long-‐time employee of Chris Waller Racing, is starting a new business venture with a hire car business operating in Sydney. Thankfully, Nathan will continue to ride work for the stable in the mornings. If you would like to arrive somewhere in style or just need to get somewhere on time, then give Nathan call and one of his well-‐presented drivers will take you in one of their luxurious vehicles. Prestige Hire Cars can also take the hassle out of battling traffic and finding parking at the races.
To enquire or make a booking, contact Nathan on 0417294617 or email [email protected]
Website coming soon.
Check out Prestige Hire Cars on Facebook for more photos of cars.
NEW HORSES We are pleased to have a few horses on the books that present some exciting opportunities to get involved with Chris Waller Racing. The Sebring – Devil’s Marble colt received a pedigree update last week with his half-‐brother Tinsley Green breaking his maiden in impressive fashion. Currently in pre-‐training, he has impressed the team at Boynton Park and is almost fully sold. There are also still shares available in the Encosta de Lago colt who is a three-‐quarter brother to stakes winner Delago Bolt. He recently had his first look around the stables where he pleased Chris immensely and has now returned to the paddock to mature further. In his next preparation, the aim is to get him through to a trial.
For photos, pedigrees and more information on horses in our stable you can get involved in, check out on the Ownership page
on the website -‐ http://www.cwallerracing.com
RECENT ACQUISITION FOR CWR -‐ MULAQEN
2013 SALES SERIES JUST AROUND THE CORNER
NOVEMBER 2012 CHRIS WALLER RACING NEWSLETTER
The 2013 Australasian yearling sales season is upon us and the CWR team will be out in force at all of the major sales scouting out new horses. For those wishing to attend the sales who haven’t already booked accommodation, here are your go-‐to people at each company:
Magic Millions Magic Millions Yearling Sale 9 – 13 January, Gold Coast $4.7 Million Race Day 12 January, Gold Coast Contact: Christy McGregor 07 5504 1223 | [email protected] | www.magicmillions.com.au
New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Million 27 January, Auckland National Yearling Sales Series 28 January – 4 February, Auckland Contact: Victoria Vela +649 298 0055 | [email protected] | www.nzb.co.nz
Inglis Classic Yearling Sale 20 – 21 January, Sydney Contact: Tanita Vella 02 9399 7999 | [email protected] | www.inglis.com.au
PO Box 3069 North Parramatta
NSW 1750
+612 9637 9652
www.cwallerracing.com
TIMED TO PERFECTION – ARINOSA WINS GREY RACE
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HOYLONNY HITTING HIS STRAPS
DISCLOSURE
KELINNI & MARIETTE
URE
RED TRACER’S G2 WIN AT RANDWICK
DETTORI
COUP AY TEE ENJOYING A VISIT FROM MR & MRS COUPLAND
OOMPA LOOMPA WINNING SPORTING HIS NEW COLOURS
MORE NEWS ON THE WEBSITE With plenty of runners every week, there are always new news items and runners being added to the Chris Waller Racing website. Stay up to date with the stable by visiting the website regularly. What did Shoot Out get up to in the lead up to the Cox Plate? http://cwallerracing.com/default.aspx?pageaction=news&articleid=780 Gullible wins at Hawkesbury. http://cwallerracing.com/default.aspx?pageaction=news&articleid=785 Thanks to Bradley Photography for the use of their photos in our newsletter. www.bradleyphotos.com.au
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