3 minute read

A host of thoroughbreds will be in competition this Friday at the Mallala Night Show – Final of Winter Series.

15 thoroughbreds will be competing in the Bendigo Bank Winter Series Qualified Combination including former Tony Mcevoy-trained galloper Big Memory in the senior category.

The imported horse won a Group 2 Herbert Power Stakes at Caulfield before running 10th in the 2014 Caulfield Cup behind Admire Ratki, retiring from racing with almost $1m in prizemoney.

"It's great to see such a big number of retired thoroughbreds thriving in their post racing careers,'' Racing SA Industry Operation Manager John Cornell said.

"Thorough Care SA has identified competition like the Mallala Night Show to sponsor to give thoroughbreds more pathways to second careers post their time on the track," he said.

"Over the past few years we have seen that there are more and more thoroughbreds entering these events which is a fantastic result," Cornell said.

There are also some interesting competitors in the Thorough Care SA sponsored Newcomer Thoroughbred Qualified Combinations category with 12 horses set to take part and includes well performed recent retiree Debt Collector.

But the most interesting could be East Indiaman who is currently mixing his off the track work with racing for Gawler trainer Darren McLeod and will be ridden by Dakota Nessling.

"Seeing horses currently racing competing is wonderful,'' Cornell added.

"Keeping them fresh in other disciplines away from their day to day routine is great, it keeps racehorses interested and also sets them up for a fantastic life off the track once they finish their racing career,'' he said.