3 minute read

Outgoing Tweed River Jockey Club secretary-manager Rachael Elliott feels the omens are right for course specialist Castlemagne King to win his second Murwillumbah Cup on June 2.

“He won the Cup when I first started at the club two years ago and now he's back just as I'm bowing out,” she said.

“He won the 'Cup Prelude a few weeks ago just as convincing as when he won the big race in 2012.

“His trainer Basil Ryan is quoted in the media as being pretty confident of his chances and why wouldn't he be with a track record like Castlemagne King has at Murwillumbah.

“I think he might send me off with a big win, just like he welcomed me with a big win.”

Elliott, originally from Melbourne, is standing down to spend more time with her young family.

“I intend to stay very much involved with local racing but my focus at the moment is on my three children and supporting my husband's career,” she said.

Castlemagne King, a rising nine-year-old, has won twice on the course from his last four visits to Murwillumbah and nearly $200,000 in career prizemoney.

The Cup Prelude and the Cup Preview run at Ballina last week should be a reliable guides to the $33,000 P. Smith & Son Realty Murwillumbah Cup.

The Cup Preview at Ballina was won by Object Of Virtue from his stablemate De Triomphe, both prepared by Brett Bellamy at Coffs Harbour.

De Triomphe also ran second in the Cup Prelude to Castlemagne King.