departed 155 Report post Posted May 22, 2019 It might not have been picked up by some but expat Kiwis Don Dwyer and Shaun Cooper have taken out the 2018/19 picnic trainer and jockey premierships in Victoria. Don had 15 winners and 22 placegetters with a winning strike rate of 26.79% and Shaun had 31 winners and 32 placegetters with a winning strike rate of 28.44%. It was only Shaun's second full season of riding. hedley, Breeder and flockofewes2 2 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue 1,097 Report post Posted May 22, 2019 What signifies a 'picnic' trainer? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
departed 155 Report post Posted May 23, 2019 NSW and Victoria have picnic racing throughout the summer months. Horses run for stakes of $4000 and the jockeys are amateurs. There are about 30 racemeetings during the picnic season. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue 1,097 Report post Posted May 23, 2019 We used to have picnic meetings in Nz 40 or more years ago and some gymkhana had galloping events too but I think they've largely gone by the board these days. Not sure there are many point to point races anymore either. They used to be good lead ups to the jumping season. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
departed 155 Report post Posted May 24, 2019 20 hours ago, Blue said: We used to have picnic meetings in Nz 40 or more years ago and some gymkhana had galloping events too but I think they've largely gone by the board these days. Not sure there are many point to point races anymore either. They used to be good lead ups to the jumping season. picnic racing in Australia is highly competitive and the standard has risen in recent years. The cup races are run for about $6500. Even city trainers are sending runners to the picnics these days. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
High Sparrow 702 Report post Posted May 24, 2019 They still have the Castlepoiint picnic races at Castlepoint beach, which is always a good day out, but of course it very much depends on the tides so it can be a bit hit and miss some years as to whether they are going to run or not but I think they ran them not too long ago. Kevin Myers has been a good supporter over the years and he's an astute trainer who would know the value of a good strong beach gallop for a horse you're looking to get ready to resume. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tim vince 985 Report post Posted May 25, 2019 It's a good out for horses of lesser class. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...