Whistlejacket goes to the Darwin Cup

Tuesday, 7 August 2012: Darwin Cup Day didn't get off to the smoothest start as there was heavy dew or a sea mist or something overnight which led to 16 outdoor TV screens blowing up including the big screen.

Newlyweds Greg and Kacie Connors Photo by Whistlejacket

Fannie Bay Racecourse is not far from the airport and there was an adviser on course talking to air traffic control so that the very noisy big airforce planes could be held or sent round when the horses were in the yard and the race going on lest they spook the horses.

Then there was a rush to find jockeys after Craig Moon got suspended and Jason Maskiell was indisposed.

This wasn't a problem for trainer Greg Connor as he married his jockey Kacie ten days ago. Their runner Effcee won the first race on Saturday, which was also his first start since he had turned 3 the previous Wednesday, and then he turned round and won the first race on Cup day – a great effort. Greg says they will take it step by step but the Alice Springs based trainer hasn't ruled out taking his horse further south in future.

Dom Tourneur won the second race on Brinkley Boy, which was a bit of a surprise, but nice colours. They seem to go in for much fancier racing silks up the Top End. Dom went on to ride Test The Scene at a big price for a win in Race 8.

S.A. jockey Dom Tourneur rode a double Photo by Whistlejacket

Peter Moody was there as a special guest and presented the Cup to the connections of Hawkes Bay, who defied his hefty weight to just win ahead of Stephen Baster's mount Bolton. Stephen Arnold had the winning ride, to the delight not only of the connections of the winning horse but also the large contingent of the Arnold family who were present, including his mother Sheila who is a trainer here.

Hawkes Bay wins second Darwin Cup Photo by Whistlejacket

Peter Moody & Black Caviarette Photo by Whistlejacket

Singapore-based jockey Stephen Baster Photo by Whistlejacket

David Hayes was on hand to see Patience, a horse in whom he has a share, win the penultimate race. Gai Waterhouse was another southern based trainer enjoying the sun and the atmosphere as she chatted with Michael Hickmott, whose father John is a local trainer.

Gai Waterhouse & Michael Hickmott Photo by Whistlejacket

The attendance should have been up around the 20,000 mark and the patrons all seemed to have enjoyed the day.