The $34,000 CHG Integrated Wealth Tweed Coast Classic Final lived up to its name with Halfahope (Ben Hull) and Magic in Me (Garry Schwedke) sharing the honours in a dead-heat. The race was run at a strong tempo with a winning time of 1:11.13 on a Soft (6) track and a 35.54 last 600m sectional. Magic in Me, ridden by apprentice Sophie Wilcock led from start to finish, Halfahope, piloted by Rikki Jamieson, came from mid-field, taking a wide run at the home turn to run home and share the honours despite the 62.5kg.
The co-feature, the $27,000 Lotza Signs Ballina Cup Prelude was won by local warhorse Dorset Coast winning its 10th race for apprentice Mollie Fitzgerald and trainer Matthew Dunn. Stephen Lee had a strong day on Day 2 of the Series with Irish Exchange winning the Riverview Hotel Benchmark 66 Handicap (2020m) and Serenade the Cat taking out the Viva Racing Country Boosted Benchmark 58 Handicap (1550m).
After two days of the Tweed Coast Summer Racing Series, a clear leader has emerged in the Barry Charman Medal. After riding three winners and a second on Day 2, Elione Chaves takes the lead by 6 points on 2nd place, apprentice Mollie Fitzgerald, who rode one winner and a second and after not riding on Day 2, Jag Guthmann-Chester moves to 3rd on 7 points.
In the Bernie P. Quinn OAM Trophy for Horse of the Series, Halfahope (Ben Hull) takes 9 points for the dead-heat in the Tweed Coast Classic which moves him to 1st place on 16 points. Stephen Lee holds 2nd place with Serenade the Cat and Irish Exchange on 15 points followed by Kris Lees' Gerety on 13 points after his 5th in the Tweed Coast Classic Final.
Day 3 of the Tweed Coast Summer Racing Series will be held on Tuesday 23rd of January 2024 featuring the Tweed Summer Dash Benchmark 58 Handicap (1010m). Gates open at 12:00pm with a 7-race card kicking off at 1:50pm (subject to change). For more information, visit tweedriverjockeyclub.com.au.
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