News

Binalong Road en route to Randwick following dominant victory in Country Championship qualifier

5th Mar 2015

Daily Telegraph - Nic Ashman - Sunday, 1 March 2015

Binalong Road is off to Randwick for the $300,000 CDRA Country Championship (1400m) after a dominant victory in the qualifier at Bathurst on Sunday.

The six-year-old’s career was halted with injury and Sunday’s was only his second in 15 months.

“But it’s been worth the weight. This horse has a lot of ability,” trainer Mack Griffith said.

“And what about the ride from H Bowman, that’s why you put blokes like him on.”

Bowman had with the outside barrier in the 14-horse field to contend with but found himself one off the rail in a beautiful position at the hallway mark.

“He jumped well and I wanted to make use of that,” Bowman said.

“He travelled so well and had a bit on them.”

Binalong Road will now head to The Championships on April 11 to tackle the winners and second placegetters of the Country Series Qualifiers. Sunday’s race was the first of seven heats.

“What a great concept this is and Racing NSW should be highly commended for what they’ve introduced,” Bowman said.

“People from all around the state are getting involved and the crowd here today is loving it.

“I’ve been coming here for years and this is as good as I’ve seen it.”

Binalong Road firmed from $15 to $11 with the TAB for the Country Championship Final after his win.

Meanwhile, Racing NSW boss Peter V’landys has announced next year’s Country Championships Final at Randwick will be worth $500,000.

V’landys was hard up against the fence among a strong crowd at Bathurst on Sunday watching the first of the Country Championships Qualifiers.

“We want to increase every race on this card to be worth $100,000,” V’Landys said.

“And then make the final worth $500,000 but this largely depends on what happens with the wagering situation.”

Racing NSW has led a vigorous campaign to bring wagering taxes for the state into line with Victoria which would potentially provide up to $70 million in additional revenue.

The NSW government takes 3.22 per cent from every dollar invested in TABs across thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing, while Victoria only takes $1.28.

Premier Mike Baird has indicated he will consider the proposal if re-elected on March 28.

(Photo: 2010 Inglis HTBA Scone Yearling Sale where Binalong Road was purchased by Mack Griffith for $30,000)