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Today's meeting at Cannon Park, Cairns, produced the first QTIS 600 restricted race winner with the Charters Towers trained Whitsunday Express taking out the $50,000 feature event.
A field of nine starters were attracted to the first ever QTIS 600 restricted race, a remarkable effort considering eligibility was restricted to horses paid up for the lucrative QTIS 600 restricted race and bonus series, which is in its inaugural year.
The Cairns Jockey Club and local stakeholders were strong supporters of the QTIS 600 regional tours to the initial QTIS 600 sale at the Gold Coast in March 2009. This support has paid dividends with the large crop of two-year-olds now in training throughout North Queensland.
Whitsunday Express is by Stromberg Carlson and was purchased at the Magic Millions QTIS 600 sale for $25,000. Whitsunday Express was an unlucky second at his first race start in the Pallarenda Stakes in Townsville, but atoned for that effort with a one length victory in today's feature event. From his two race starts Whitsunday Express has amassed $40,000 in stakes and part owner Tony Soden is looking at continuing his assault on the rich QTIS 600 and Magic Million races scheduled during December in Mackay.
Horses travelled from as far as Mackay to participate in the Cairns feature, with the winner leaving his base in Charter Towers for the 6 and a half hour trip on Friday and staying overnight in Cairns prior to his assignment on Saturday.
A further 11 races remain in the QTIS 600 restricted race series and a full list of races is available on the Queensland Racing website www.queenslandracing.com.au.
It is important to note that all QTIS 600 registered two-year-olds purchased through the Magic Millions QTIS 600 sale in March 2009 are also eligible for the lucrative Magic Millions race series.
Anyone who missed an opportunity earlier in the year to secure a QTIS 600 yearling should peruse the Magic Millions Horses in Training catalogue where a number of QTIS 600 horses are entered for sale. This sale commences on Wednesday 28 October at 4pm.
- Qld Racing Release
