Saturday, 16 July 2011: A win by the Mark Mason-trained Masaya at Moree Monday would provide an ideal tonic for injured racing journalist, Geoff Newling.
Newling, racing editor of the Northern Daily Leader, Tamworth, suffered a fractured C2 vertebrae in his neck following a fall at Grafton midweek. After initially being treated in Grafton, Newling was transferred to John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, for further treatment.
Newling and former jockey turned journalist Bill Poulos are part-owners of the impeccably bred Gooree three-year-old by Encosta de Lago.
“We were all saddened to hear Geoff's misfortune. It would be great if Masaya can win on Monday,” Mason said. “Geoff's a real good fella.”
Masaya has had four starts for one third, Mason believing the best is ahead of the gelding.
“Robert Thompson has ridden him at his past two starts and suggested he's looking for further,” Mason added. “Barring bad luck he should be hard to beat.”
Masaya, to be ridden by Ramornie winning rider Andrew Gibbons, tackles the Dane Fever Maiden (1300m).
