The GERALDTON TURF CLUB, located on the stunning Mid-West coast of Western Australia, opened October racing with a spirited seven-race flat card on October 1, running from 10:24am to 1:57pm. The meeting offered a balanced mix of maiden, class, and rating events — a perfect blend of promise and experience — as trainers, jockeys, and owners looked to start the month on a high. The warm sunshine and sea breeze added to the relaxed yet competitive mood that defines racing days at Geraldton.
Race 1: TABTOUCH MAIDEN (10:24am, 1113 meters)
The day began with a breakthrough win for GINGERIFFIC, who finally found form to secure victory in 01:09.13. Ridden patiently by jockey ELISHA WHITTINGTON and trained by DANIEL & BEN PEARCE, the horse showed the improvement expected after earlier efforts. Bred by MS E E GILES and owned by MR D S PEARCE, MRS D L PEARCE, SHOWUSDMONEY, MR G W PRINCE, MR S D MUSSON, MR E DI STEFANO, TOPWEIGHTS2.0, ASACARTEL RACING, COMFORTABLYNUMB, SLEDGE ME RACING and DIRTMAN RACING, this maiden triumph marked a bright start to the day. CELEBRITY ANGEL gave a bold chase till the line, while BLACK CILLA settled for a close third.
Race 2: WESTERN RACEPIX MAIDEN (10:59am, 1413 meters)
The second maiden contest produced a commanding run from MUST BE NICE, who travelled sweetly and took the lead inside the final furlong to finish in 01:28.83. Jockey LUKE CAMPBELL delivered a confident ride for trainer FELICITY FORBES-IVES, while breeder MR P BERMINGHAM and owners MR P J BERMINGHAM (JNR), MISS F A FORBES-IVES, MR J S BRENNAN, MR D B MAPLESON and MR G J GRLJUSICH were rewarded with a first win on the board. FLAMING RONDA fought well in the straight, and BLOWIN’ SMOKE stayed on gamely to claim third.
Race 3: CONGRATULATIONS BRIGADES, GNFL PREMIERS 2025 HANDICAP (11:34am, 1413 meters)
Stepping up in grade, BATTLE ON BATTLER showcased class and maturity to land the Class 2 in 01:28.14. Jockey BAILEY WEBSTER judged the pace perfectly, trainer SEAN RAINS’s preparation paid off, and breeder MR A OLIVE saw the horse’s development reflected beautifully. Owners MRS S S THREADWELL, MR S L J RAINS, MR D PARKER, MR S J RAINS, MR C HUTCHISON and MS J O’NEILL enjoyed a well-earned success. PAT’S LAST BANG kept up the challenge until the end, while TALK TO WYN took a deserved third.
Race 4: VALE NOEL BURTON HANDICAP (12:09pm, 1213 meters)
The Class 1 event brought a thrilling finish, with HEWILLDOUS pulling clear in 01:15.20. Jockey LAQDAR RAMOLY produced a strong, measured ride for trainer MERYL HAYLEY, while breeder MR P SKINNER could take pride in the horse’s continued progress. Owners MR S E FLEMMING, MR N E THOMPSON, MR J L DAVIES, MR A J STEWART, MS D L GIBLETT, MR K M LEAMY and MR W B DAVIES had every reason to smile as KIMBERLEY CURRENCY and BLITZ filled the minor placings after a spirited run.
Race 5: COURTNEY KEEFFE ELDERS REAL ESTATE HANDICAP (12:44pm, 1413 meters)
Race 5 saw experience make the difference as DIVINE INANNA proved too good in 01:27.78. Jockey LAQDAR RAMOLY guided the horse confidently through the pack for trainer MERYL HAYLEY, while breeder MR G HARVEY and owners R L & G P HUMBERSTON RACING and MR G J SIMMONS shared the satisfaction of another strong effort from a consistent campaigner. AMARLIE MISS fought bravely to the line, and NEVER SOBER stayed on to complete the frame.
Race 6: THANK YOU WITTEN’S IRRIGATION & DESIGN HANDICAP (1:22pm, 1113 meters)
The feature of the afternoon — the Rating 70+ contest — went to SNIPPY WHICH, who justified the tag of top-class performer by finishing in 01:08.11. Jockey JOEY AZZOPARDI executed a flawless ride, trainer ADAM DURRANT had the horse primed perfectly, breeder SCENIC LODGE THOROUGHBRED STUD witnessed quality shine through, and owner MR A G DURRANT, MR P A CONLAN, MR C M GAULT, MRS C A MOORE, MR B PASH, MR B N RANDALL, MRS M C RIDLEY, MR N K RIDLEY and MRS K J WILSON celebrated in style. PRINCE RAGNAR gave a valiant chase, while UNDER INFLUENCE ran a solid race to finish third.
Race 7: LADIES DAY SUNDAY 12TH OCTOBER HANDICAP (1:57pm, 1113 meters)
The finale brought the crowd to its feet as THEHORSEMAN stormed home impressively in 01:08.32, closing the meeting on a high note. Jockey AUSTIN GALATI’s well-timed push and trainer ALLAN HUGHES’s strategic preparation proved spot on. Breeder AMELIA PARK RACING & BREEDING PTY LTD and owner MR F S KILNER could take pride in ending the day with a strong, emotional victory. LUCKEE FLORAN stayed close to the winner till the end, while MASTER ALEX rounded off the day’s results with a steady third.
The Geraldton meeting perfectly captured the spirit of Western Australian racing — relaxed yet competitive, traditional yet full of fresh ambition. From maiden breakthroughs to seasoned winners, every race told its own story of effort, endurance, and excitement. It was the kind of afternoon that reminds fans why regional racing remains at the heart of Australia’s turf culture.
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