Set in the scenic Great Southern region of Western Australia, ALBANY RACECOURSE welcomed racegoers for a lively seven-race meeting on Sunday, November 2nd, running from 11:40am to 3:00pm. This mid-week card brought together maidens and competitive handicap contests for three-year-olds and older, offering both fresh talent and experienced runners a warm afternoon platform under the autumn sun. The relaxed regional setting didn’t sacrifice competitive spirit — a perfect blend for local racing fans and serious form watchers alike.
Race 1: COUNTRY COMFORT MAIDEN (11:40am, 1240 metres)
In the opener, HYPERREAL claimed victory in 01:15.00, under a well-judged ride by jockey TASH FAITHFULL. Trainer MISTY BAZELEY had the horse primed for this moment, breeder ROSEMONT STUD saw their investment pay off, and owners MRS M L BAZELEY and BAGDEN PTY LTD celebrated the early success. QUESTIONEVERYTHING ran on gamely for second, while BAGGER PRINCE stayed on strongly for a solid third.
Race 2: WELLINGTON & REEVES MAIDEN (12:15pm, 1000 metres)
The second race proved a worthy test and OPTIMAL emerged victorious in 01:00.66, guided by jockey AMY JO HAYES, with trainer ASHLEIGH WOOLLETT’s preparation showing through. Breeder J NEWMAN FAMILY TRUST and owner MR A M GUELFI both had cause to be pleased. CRASHED AND BURNED chased well for second, and AMERICAN QUE TEE rounded off the frame with credit.
Race 3: WEST CAPE HOWE HANDICAP (12:55pm, 1000 metres)
By the third contest, CAVILL TYCOON showed both class and composure to take the race in 00:59.04. Under jockey ALEX HEARN’s steady handling and trainer INDIANNA WEINERT’s fine tuning, the result was a reward for breeder EMMANUEL BLOODSTOCK PTY LTD and owners MR R J DEGENHARDT, MR S M DEGENHARDT, MR J ROWE and MISS I WEINERT. MARYBEE ran a brave second, while OUTLAW MUSIC held on well for third.
Race 4: GRAHAM MANLEY AUTO REPAIRS HANDICAP (1:25pm, 1100 metres)
Mid-afternoon, SABINO asserted control in the finish, crossing in 01:05.92. Jockey ROCKY CHEUNG delivered a composed ride, trainer PAUL TAPPER had the horse ready, and breeder CORUMBENE STUD and owners MISS N JORDAN and MR P D TAPPER enjoyed the payoff. SECRET STONES stayed close until the line, and VIA MONTE kept up to claim third.
Race 5: MONTYS LEAP HANDICAP (1:55pm, 1000 metres)
The fifth race sharpened the competition, and PADDY’S FLYIN’ rose to the challenge, finishing in 00:59.69. Jockey CHRIS NICOLL timed the run perfectly, trainer FIONA J SCOTT’s game-plan worked well, breeder MR C B ATWELL’s efforts were rewarded, and owners DARLING VIEW THOROUGHBREDS, BRIDGE PATROL LODGE and MR G A BURNS savoured the win. THE SPRUIKER made a bold bid for second, while RUPERT’S EMPIRE stayed on strongly for third.
Race 6: ALBANY STOCKFEEDS HANDICAP (2:25pm, 1240 metres)
In the sixth event, WINEACLOCKSUMWHERE delivered a strong run to win in 01:13.88. Jockey TASH FAITHFULL’s timing and pace judgment stood out, trainer SAMANTHA FAITHFULL had the horse primed, breeder OAKLAND PARK STUD’s stock rewarded, and owners MS S J FAITHFULL, MR D A BROWN, MR R K DRAGE, MR D PEARCE, MR W A PEARCE, MRS S COLLINS and MR L C KINGSTON enjoyed the moment. CHERYL’S SHOUT closed well for second, and KARNUP QUEEN maintained spirit to take third.
Race 7: WESTERN RACEPIX HANDICAP (3:00pm, 1500 metres)
The finale rounded off the afternoon nicely as OUR NEMESIS stormed home in 01:30.92. Jockey TASH FAITHFULL guided the run masterfully, trainer DAVE HOPPERTON sealed the day’s story, breeder MUNGRUP STUD added one more winner, and owners MRS J K HOPPERTON, MR D H HOPPERTON and MR M J JENKINS left delighted. SACRED OATH ran a gutsy second, while CAPE DOCTOR held on for third.
Albany’s mid-week gathering once again offered the kind of regional charm and competitive racing that gives the sport its breadth — where emerging horses find their footing and seasoned ones keep building form. With the 2025–26 season already underway, keep an eye on the next fixture at Albany — today’s winners may well be the ones you’ll hear of again.
Read the full article and more race updates on RaceBuzz.
