Payne’s first

success

EMIRATES Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne, broke new ground this week becoming the first jockey/trainer to win a race in Victoria when she rode Duke Of Nottingham to victory in Swan Hill.

Having held the new Victorian dual trainers/jockey licence since the start of the season, she bizarrely has been shut out of New South Wales and potentially Queensland (they are still deliberating) who have chosen not to recognise the dual-licence, refusing to let her ride in races.

As a result, she has to forego riding brother Patrick’s horse Husson Eagle in the Starlight Stakes at Rosehill last Saturday. A great opportunity goes begging in Sydney considering what an inspiration she has been around the country since her historic victory on Prince Of Penzance.

Strangles outbreak

BALLARAT trainers Matt Cumani and James Wardeiner have had their stables quarantined after strangles was confirmed in some of their horses.

The outbreak of strangles, a contagious bacterial condition affecting the upper respiratory tract, has forced both stables into isolation as the wider area around Ballarat racecourse houses many stables, including that of the State’s leading trainer, Darren Weir.

Doyle on duty

GODOLPHIN have announced that James Doyle will take over senior riding duties in Australia while the inquiry into James McDonald’s alleged race-betting continues. Doyle flew into Sydney and Monday and took his first rides at Canterbury on Wednesday.

“I have really enjoyed my visits to Melbourne and Sydney to ride for Godolphin in feature races like the Golden Slipper and Cox Plate over the past two seasons,” said Doyle.

“This is a great opportunity to spend more time in Australia and I am looking forward to the challenge.”