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A Brief look at Randwick

3 minute read

A look back at some highlights of the racing from Randwick on Saturday.

Jockey DANNY BEASLEY.
Jockey DANNY BEASLEY. Picture: Steve Hart

Beasley back with a bang  

Danny Beasley found himself back in the winner's circle at Randwick for the first time in a long time and not once, but twice.  

After saluting aboard Cliff House for Tim Donnelly in the Highway Plate (1500m), Beasley had to wait until the final race to bring up a double on Pascero, the horse arriving in the final stride to score.  

While Beasley was once a regular in the Sydney jockeys' room, he subsequently forged a successful career overseas before returning to Australia late last year to base himself in country NSW.  

But the hoop showed he still has what it takes to compete in town, timing both his wins to perfection to break through for his first success at headquarters since Leonforte's scored on Melbourne Cup day in 2015.  

"I rode a horse for Mitch Beer about a month ago (Mnemeth) and that was my first ride (at Randwick) for a long time," Beasley said.  

"I enjoyed that one (today)."  

The win by Cliff House's win was also significant for Donnelly.  

Best known as the trainer of 1998 Group 1 George Ryder Stakes winner Quick Flick, Donnelly picked up Cliff House at an online sale and convinced some close friends to take shares in him.  

"I bought him very cheaply thanks to my son, he found him for me and when I realised he went alright, I got my greatest friends in him," Donnelly said.  

"Honestly, it's nearly my biggest thrill."  

 First city win back for Hyeronimus  

Adam Hyeronimus landed his first Saturday metropolitan win since returning from a betting ban, taking out the Celebration Of Women In Racing Handicap (1600m) aboard Ita.  

The jockey spent two-and-a-half years away from riding before returning to the saddle last month and while he had posted a trio of victories on provincial and country tracks, Saturday's was his first city success since Discharged in the spring of 2020.  

"It's been a long time," Hyeronimus said.  

The hoop rode Ita in her first ever barrier trials in early 2020 and said he had been keen to renew the acquaintance.  

"Funnily enough, I trialled her in her first trial, some good family friends are in her, and I've been desperate to get on her since I've been back," he said.  

"She's done well. She couldn't quite run the 2000 out so she had a freshen up and came back in distance and it did her the world of good."  

 Think It Over returns to work 

Popular galloper Think It Over is back doing trackwork at Kerry Parker's Kembla Grange base and the trainer is eyeing off another spring carnival tilt.  

The seven-year-old hasn't raced since his incredible victory in the 2022 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) after suffering a tendon injury.  

It has been a long and extensive rehabilitation, but Parker is optimistic the gelding can make a successful comeback, pencilling in the Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on August 19 as a first-up target.  

Tweeting video footage of Think It Over at trackwork, Parker said the horse was in a good frame of mind.  

"Loving being back at home and back out on the track doing some work," Parker said via Twitter.  

"He's coming along nicely and if all goes well, we will hopefully see him in the Winx Stakes in Aug."  

 Gibbons' day soured by suspension 

Dylan Gibbons has overtaken Zac Lloyd in the race for the Sydney apprentices' title after landing a career-best four winners at Randwick.  

Gibbons hit the ground running, taking out the opening race on exciting Bjorn Baker-trained two-year-old Ozzmosis before making it a race-to-race double aboard So Good So Cool for Sara Ryan in the Midway Handicap (1200m).  

His remaining victories came aboard Iowna Merc and Passeggiata, both for Baker, moving him to 60 metropolitan wins for season.  

Gibbons is now two wins clear of Lloyd, who is suspended until June 23, however the former is also set for a stint on the sidelines after being outed for six meetings for careless riding aboard Phearson in the final race on Saturday. 

Gibbons will begin his penalty on June 20 and can return 10 days later. 

The suspension soured an otherwise memorable day for the 21-year-old, who was thrilled with his afternoon's work, crediting his outstanding form to good horses and good luck.  

"I've obviously had a very good book of rides today and things have gone my way," Gibbons said.  

 Quote of the day: "He's got more accessories than Paris Hilton." – Sky Racing commentator Gavin Carmody having a friendly dig at the wardrobe choices of colleague Corey Brown.


Racing and Sports

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