CELEBRATION: Tony Lavelle, Shoalhaven City Turf Club vice-chairman Ian Whitby, Isuzu Ute girl Ebony, trainer Diane Poidevin-Laine, Mick Lavelle, Karl Poidevin-Laine, Allan Bryant from Country Motor Company, Isuzu Ute girl Stacey and Shoalhaven City Turf Club chairman Michael Martin with Setta Rocks. Photo: BRADLEY PHOTOGRAPHERS
THE St Patrick’s Day spirit was alive at the Shoalhaven City Turf Club last Sunday for the launch of the Autumn Racing Carnival.
Last year’s inaugural event was a huge success and this year looks to continue that momentum with the colourful launch at Tradies Day last Sunday.
Seven races featured, with the main event being race six, the Isuzu Ute Country Cup.
The Dianne Poidevin-Laine trained Setta Rocks took out the cup, winning by one length ahead of Bruadar and Sherwood’s Choice.
Shoalhaven Heads apprentice jockey Tara-Jane Mitchell rode Setta Rocks to victory, on what was the promising young jockey’s first cup win.
Mitchell, 21, said it was her biggest win this year.
“I was really happy. I haven’t won a cup race and I really wanted to. Dianne (Poidevin-Laine) was really stoked so it was a great result for everyone,” she said.
Mitchell had won on Setta Rocks twice before in 2012.
“I thought she was a pretty good horse. I was a little worried about the weight she had to carry. She ended up carrying 61.5 kilograms, which was a fair bit of weight compared to the other horses,” she said.
“But she jumped out good. After 200 metres I decided to lead her in front and let her roll because I wasn’t happy with the pace. She just kept kicking and her line was really strong.
“I thought it was a nice field of horses, but I wasn’t too worried. She is a good horse, and when she is doing her best, she always brings something to the party.”
Other festivities on the day featured a green-themed fashions on the field.
Nowra Showgirl Amy Evison and her partner Tim Holder took out the couples’ fashions and won a five night Club Med Asia holiday compliments of Harvey World Travel, $1000 towards airfares and $400 Visa card from Country Motor Company, plus other prizes.
Chantelle Buckley from Windsor was voted as the most fashionable filly and took home a diamond necklace from Nowra Jewellers.
Keeping with the Tradies Day theme, Aidan Evans won the prize for best tradie and took home a five drawer toolchest, Carlton portable cooler, $500 Visa card and other prizes.
The Autumn Carnival will continue on Sunday, March 31 with the Terry Harvey Carpet Court Greenwell Point Cup.