Nestled in Western Australia’s Avon Valley, NORTHAM RACECOURSE delivered a vibrant nine-race program today, October 16th, from 10:08am to 2:52pm. It was a compelling midweek test, where connections aimed to polish form ahead of the 2025 Northam Cup – a Listed affair scheduled for October 26. The day mixed seasoned campaigners and rising talent across varied distances, and the morning sun cast a warm glow over a course dedicated to proving grounds. For many, this was more than a routine card — it was a stepping stone toward the region’s richest event.
Race 1: PROCON DEVELOPMENTS (AUST) NORTHAM CUP – 26 OCT MAIDEN (10:08am, 2212 meters)
Opening the day, ZOOMACHINO crossed first in 02:22.04, under an assured ride by CHRIS PARNHAM. Trainer NEVILLE PARNHAM had the preparation dialed in, breeder MUNGRUP PTY LTD saw their efforts rewarded, and owners RIDGEPORT, MR N D PARNHAM and MRS C A PARNHAM celebrated a bright start. MISS GRAPHENE stayed on gallantly, while LOVE OF FAR FA rounded out the placings with a strong finish.
Race 2: SWAN DRAUGHT MAIDEN (10:42am, 1100 meters)
The second race saw HEAVEN SPECIFIED assert control in the latter stages, clinching it in 01:03.72. TROY TURNER judged pace skillfully, trainer COLIN WEBSTER had the form just right, breeder KRISMAN PARK STUD and owners MR P G BRUCE and MRS C B BRUCE shared the triumph. SHE’S CAPITANA stayed close until late, and LE FEM LE CHOIX finished with credit.
Race 3: REGIONAL MENS HEALTH – TALK TO A MATE MAIDEN (11:17am, 1100 meters)
In race three, NICCIANA showed class to prevail in 01:04.50. CLINT JOHNSTON-PORTER’s finishing effort, paired with MICHAEL GRANTHAM’s setup, gave them the edge. Breeder J R ORR and owner PETERS INVESTMENTS PTY LTD applauded the result. TORI’S WORLD ran on strongly in second, with INTOXICATING completing the top three.
Race 4: AFGRI EQUIPMENT MAIDEN (11:52am, 1100 meters)
The fourth contest turned into a real test of strength, and SALTY MISS dug deep to win in 01:04.00. TROY TURNER navigated the pressure, TIARNNA NOSKE’s preparation was solid, breeder as well as owner CAPE FALLS THOROUGHBREDS got reward and looked pleased. HERAULT challenged valiantly, while HELLAVAMOMENT stayed on well.
Race 5: CUP PACKAGES SELLING FAST THROUGH TRYBOOKING MAIDEN (12:27pm, 1300 meters)
Midday brought a tactical battle, with STATEWIDE getting the verdict in 01:17.71. STEVEN PARNHAM timed the push right, NEVILLE PARNHAM had the horse primed, breeder MRS N WILLIAMS saw value, and owners MR N D PARNHAM, MRS C A PARNHAM and MR F S KILNER rejoiced. LA EXCELLENCE rallied strongly, and SHOW ON THE ROAD kept up for a solid placing.
Race 6: AVON VALLEY TOYOTA FOTF – 26 OCT MAIDEN (1:05pm, 1300 meters)
In the sixth event, KAZANA made the difference late, finishing in 01:19.16. MADI DERRICK executed a sharp ride, SUSAN OLIVE’s conditioning paid, breeder MR A OLIVE and owner MRS S A OLIVE shared the result. ADMIRE ASTRA stayed within reach, while ALOT OF DAZZLE closed well.
Race 7: REGIONAL MENS HEALTH – WORKING WITH WARRIORS HANDICAP (1:53pm, 1600 meters)
The seventh race saw OMERTA GRACE carry resolute momentum to win in 01:36.66. ZEPHEN JOHNSTON-PORTER and JASON MILLER combined beautifully, breeder MR N BROWN earned merit, and owners MR N M BROWN, MR G ANTENUCCI, MR P J F GROOM and JASON MILLER RACING PTY LTD felt pride. VANCOUVER STORM chased persistently, and KNOCKONEBACK held its ground for third.
Race 8: TRIPLE M NORTHAM HANDICAP (2:23pm, 2212 meters)
As the afternoon wore on, LATHAMS WISH delivered another strong showing, finishing in 02:20.05. TROY TURNER judged the run smartly, PETER DALY’s plan came through, breeder MRS B CORTISSOS and owners MISS T M DALY, MR P J DALY, MRS L M DALY, MR F B DALY, MR J B BLACK, MR J FORBES, MR A L VLAHOS and MR R M MORGAN enjoyed the rewards. SLUICE BOX ran with heart, while SALARY MAN filled the frame with grit.
Race 9: TABTOUCH PAST THE POST PAYOUTS HANDICAP (2:52pm, 1300 meters)
The finale was fittingly dramatic: MIA GUSTO surged home in 01:16.22. HOLLY NOTTLE showed finesse in the finish, GREG KERSLEY closed the card strong, breeder TAUNTON VALE got the moment, and owners MR J GIARDINA and MR R S BELL left delighted. AMJAAD ran on gallantly, while VALSASSINA completed the top three in style.
Today’s meeting at Northam offered more than just results — it offered glimpses of ambition, resilience, and preparation. With the Northam Cup scheduled ahead, many performances here will carry extra weight in the build-up. The season continues to turn, and we look ahead to the weekend’s features with fresh interest and spirited optimism.
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