Rocklea Punters Paradise

IT'S ONE MINUTE TO MIDNIGHT ON THE DOOMSDAY CLOCK...TIME RUNS OUT FOR "THE ROCK"..

2009-07-23T05:22:37Z

Rocklea Penultimate Raceday

Race crowds have been enormous at the last few Rocklea race meetings it would have be great to see all these people there over the last few years. I would be the difference in closing and going ahead in leaps and bounds.
You can’t beat advertising and telling how great a product is and how much you will miss it, if not here anymore!!
Make sure you go to the last day next Saturday and then on to Marburg the following the week, to support something that is special to us and is not to be lost to the city people who would not know what is on this side of town. Be there this Saturday July 25 for the wake!

Race 1 Victorian yearling sale purchase Smooth Dilinger by D M Dilinger for Alan & Lucy Brown (owners of champion Keen Edge) and partners was an impressive winner for Tim Gillespie beating Gemma Khan. This fellow has taken awhile to hit his straps, but Tim has him putting in at the right end and has the key to him winning.

Race 2 A magnificent winning-drive from the standing start, was instrumental in the win by Ricky Gordon on Dreams On Spot, giving the field something to chase in good time for the distance. The daring and rewarding drive gave his mother Margaret Gordon a thrill with her favorite mare by Westburn Grant.

Race 3 Miss Falcon by Ultimate Falcon, another yearling sales buy showed her ability to win is getting better with age and keep winning on TAB tracks in the future for the McGuire boys. Chris the trainer and Tom the driver are a great combination and are a good advertisement for the families in the industry.

Race 4 Jennifer Learoyd has taken over the training and driving of Torque Control from the Scott Neaves stable and we saw instant improvement with this winning drive at the Rock. A 5yo gelding by Perfect Art and is owned by industry stalwart Ian Corazzol and family, who deserve all the wins they have on all tracks.
Race5 Treacles, a 10yo Bonamax was at this best for Bev Hanrahan, giving the rest of the field a lesson in toughness and speed. Turned out in great order the son of Bonamax is great advertisement of the breed, and his full-brother Sam McCool a winner of 7 races for the stable has all his brothers’ ability as well.

Race6 Lombo Gold Wish by Prince Of Gold completed the winner’s list for Mick Lacey and driver Scott Neaves beating Smooth Joe in easy style after a slightly slow start and a tough run. Mick has been patient with gelding and he has made adjustments in his training and gear to make this gelding a much better racehorse.
Rocklea winners came from: Hattonvale, Haigslea, Wulkuraka, Karrabin, Gatton and Cominya.
What does that say for the future of racing at Marburg from August 1...TREVOR PERRIN..>/font.

TREVOR PERRIN KEEPS US UP TO DATE AS THE DOOMSDAY CLOCK TICKS DOWN FOR ROCKLEA..

2009-07-15T11:42:26Z

They come to Rocklea for money and fun!
Race 1 Thagoona lady trainer Ann Perrin with a small, but select team was successful with the wonderfully-bred Life Sign gelding Life Of Franco with young Dan “Red” Russell in the sulky coming off the lone 20m mark for his first Queensland win after racing consistent in NSW previously. The cool patient drive from the back mark was the winning move and the tough fitness of the well-bred gelding was a telling factor to give stable punters a nice return for not too much drama.

Race 2 Gary Vernon’s nicely driven and trained mare Panamagic by Panorama had the punters cheering her home with a sizeable punt place on her to win. The Pallara Pin-Up Boy has a long and victorious history at Rocklea and his winning drives and executed plunges are legendary with the locals and regulars of the Bookmakers Ring. Brad Jones, a man of the Bookie Ring, describes Gary, as one of the best money drivers to ever drive around the tight, step and go circuit.

Race 3 History seems to be the Rocklea theme in its last month and it was great to see the win of Ourscottishprince by trainer/driver John May from Toowoomba for mother Doreen May, the First Lady Of Trotting and Queen of the Downs, one of the loveliest and kind people of the industry, plus the wife of the (late) experience horseman Bill May, not many trot goers will ever forget those blue and red colors around the country show and racetracks. Rocklea will miss those of us who bring these qualities!

Race 4 Former Mackay, now Waterford trainer Brian Manzelmann bought his family to be nearby Rocklea a few years ago to keep the winners flowing and to bring the kids into the mini trotting ranks and gain more experience in life in the near city country –side. Brian and stable driver Steven Doherty made sure Sunshine Sam was a good thing to win this race, with a professional approach to racing and driving a winner, as has been to way for many years in this stable. Brian will miss Rocklea, but he has the team and ability to win many good races elsewhere with a wealth of help from the family. Steve Doherty is another kid of the future and his talent, he will only get better with time and better horses to drive

Race 5 Wulkuraka’s Chris McGuire, trained and driven Amazing Oliver by Armbro Oliver was a good winner for the boys who are great supporters of the Rocklea and Marburg races and trials and it is great to see them win in the last month of racing here. Chris and Tom do a very good job with all their horses and they deserve all the wins they get.

Race 6 Eightgreatmates won the last for ex Wagga trainer/driver Glenn Walsh for Marburg identities and Marburg Hotel drinkers to their delight and profit after starting as the Bookies favorite. Glenn does a good job with his team and has now settled in Marburg and is enjoying the quiet surrounds of the showgrounds and hotel veranda. This horse, even though an open company class will win many more in races that suit his style of going.
Look where the winners came from:
Ipswich area: 1 Wulkuraka, I Thagoona, 1 Marburg.
Towoomba 1 – Brisbane 1 and Waterford 1.
What does that tell you for the future of the industry at Marburg!..Trevor..

TREVOR PERRIN RECORDS THE LAST DAYS OF ROCKLEA..

2009-07-07T11:59:41Z

Rocklea July 4 Winding Down
July 4 was a day of fireworks at Rocklea with an exciting 6 race card program and plenty patrons soaking up the last rays of sunshine in the picturesque city track of dreams.

Fittingly the first race was taken out narrowly from Best Decision (Scott Neaves) by one of Rocklea’s favorite sons Ricky Gordon from Haigslea with Mister Attitude for Rocklea President Steve Jory and himself.
The name of Gordon is a great family name in the industry and there is no better trainer/driver than youthful Rick, with his aggressive driving style and cunning front running ability that complements his well-prepared team of horses.
Noel Doyle, a man of the older era, but is a very wily trainer with that certain edge with horses from other stables, showed he is good with the Stature bred Stature Junior winning the second race with Chantal Turpin in the driver’s seat for an impressive hard fought finish.

Willwin Auctions purchase Last Ditch took out the third race for the Jennifer Buitenhuis-Corke and driver Scott Neaves winning combo that has been a uplifting revelation for the patrons and punters at Rocklea looking for a consistent stable to follow on the punt.

This lady has hit the ground running in the winning stakes and mostly from purchases from Lou Cini’s Marburg Horse and Gear sale on a quarterly basis with astute selections from the list and getting great advice from Alan.
Race 4 was an interesting betting race with the winner Bull Tossa by P B Bullville shading the second place getter Sunshine Sam by a length giving trainer Teddy Rolfe and driver Lola Weidemann the gold chocolates. Owners Kaye and Jack Waltisbuhl and good friend Terry Macdermott were over the moon and even though it was only Rocklea, the exciting win meant more than a big city winner to them. Bull Tossa is out Ellie Adios by the great broodmare producer Vanston Hanover.

Piper Findlay gave the Purga Pensioner Brigade a reason to cheer with a tough fast finishing win after an inspired tactical drive by Gordon McCrae (A man of history and 50 years of harness racing experience and a man of the grass roots people). Trainer Denis Smith had the 8yo Holmes Hanover gelding in fine fettle and the will to win was still embedded in his desire for racing and to put in at the right end of the race. Owner Kathryn McLachlan and Elizabeth Smith were thrilled by the Rocklea win and feel the old horse and trainer are just starting to hit their prime and with the injection of a bit of Gordon McCrae magic, the Purga stable will be in the winning stall in the near future at Rocklea or at another track nearby.

The lucky last was a gift for Smoot Art and his trainer Bruce Wyborn plus driver David Litzow who are part of the history of the Rocklea track, where they race most of their horses on a Saturday, as they are workers during week days.
Qbred horse Smoot Art by Perfect Art has worked his way up from the maiden grade to his latest win and has given the owners and trainer great enjoyment and a way of having the horse and he paying his way.

The Rocklea races on again this Saturday afternoon and will run each Saturday until July 25, when there will be a fitting conclusion to the end of an era!...Trevor..

ROCKLEA ROCKS AND ROLLS TO THE END..

2009-06-29T11:40:42Z

Metropolitan Harness Racing Club is on its short road to completion in July with Saturday July 25 the last race day at the Rocklea Showgrounds.
It is a shame to see a mighty grass-roots club close after many glory decades in the industry, introducing many punters and trotting people to the course with high expectations of a win and the locals made it their regular watering hole and tote/bookie betting.

The Rocklea Club or The Rock, as it is affectionately known, will be missed by a large crowd of people, who not only found it charming and old school, but also people friendly and safe for all the family for a day out when looking for a place nearby that was cheap and clean for all to enjoy.

Racing won’t be the same with step and go horses, and the thrill of close up racing and cheering action with the small and professional punter standing side by side urging on the favored runner.

They say the Bookie is dead breed, well this is one place that will never see a bookmaker again and what a shame that is, in this fancy mechanical computer world, there was nothing like, beating a bookie!
Go along for a last look and see what you will be missing out on and maybe rue not going more often, just like the song says, you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone!

Rocklea will be missed, but don’t fear there is always a golden rainbow around the corner...Trevor

FROM THE ROCK..THE WORD ACCORDING TO TREVOR..

2009-03-19T11:39:44Z

Rocklea Results March 14
Race 1. Heza Gentleman Jim for MAL Charlton and driver, the elusive Steve Doherty was another impressive winner from form punters in the first and will be well-backed if he steps out on the front line this week.
Race 2. Veterans, but talented, Bruce Hopper and Gary Lefoe won with Davids Pass gelding Pocket Pass to beat the younger brigade in a well- driven race win. Both are very well-versed in the art of training and driving and the punters will know of their previous winning exploits.
Race 3. Oz Striker, a gelding by Atom Away and trained and driven the likeable Walloon mentor Justin Pascoe was another reason why the Sokys Atom sire will be missed by the local breeders after his demise. Justin does a great job and normally breeds, owns, trains and drives the pacer and he must get a great thrill to do the lot and win also.
Race 4. Tibetan Tiger is a good reason to go to a Lou Cini Auction at Marburg, by winning for connections in great style. Scott Neaves took the reins again and with an air of confidence, the gelding showed he is open company bound and a winner on the TAB tracks shortly.
Race 5. Vanartist for father / son Col and Brad McDougal was a welcome win for the camp and with a little luck this Prefect Art gelding will be pressing home the winning form. Brad is an underrated driver, he has ability to lift pacers in races, they don’t want to try too hard.
Race 6. Yarraman Big Time, 11yo by champion pacer and lightly-used sire Keen Edge for trainer Ray Cross gave Scott Neaves a driving double and a win for owner Tess Neaves. Big, strong and tough is his racing style and it is refreshing to see a horse in the open ranks.
Rocklea News: Rocklea racing is under pressure to stay at the outer suburban centre and it takes people on course to make it all stay where it is and the club is asking all patrons and punters to come to Rocklea on a Saturday afternoon to support a tradition of harness racing and gallops punting in a very friendly atmosphere with no stress of traffic and crowds.
President Steve Jory and committee are working for good result at Rocklea, but economic time s are making the job difficult, but I’m sure things will turn around for the better with some on track promotions being planned and incentives for the punters to be there to bet.
The hearts of patrons and punters at Rocklea are big and so are the horse that race there and it is important for these same horse to be able to race for their owners and trainers who work most week days to race and earn money somewhere.
Trevor Perrin

"WHY YOU SHOULD BE VOTING FOR THE LNP ON MARCH 21...THE LNP STANDS FOR RACING OF ALL CODES..

2009-03-14T00:23:07Z

Horan calls on Fraser to respect ‘Caretaker Convention’

Mike Horan MP

13 March 2009

LNP Shadow Minister for Racing Mike Horan has called on Treasurer and Racing Minister Andrew Fraser to prevent the Rocklea Trots from being closed during the ‘election caretaker’ period.

Mr Horan said Harness Racing Queensland had directed that the Rocklea Club (Metropolitan Harness Racing Club) cease operations on June 30.

"This is a major and unpopular decision and I call on the Minister to use his residual powers under the Racing Act to give direction to the Control Board to withdraw this decision and await the election result," Mr Horan said.

Mr Horan said the LNP had a policy to provide a statutory independent board and would provide $500,000 a year boost for the harness racing industry.

"In addition, the LNP supports the development of grass roots regional racing. Rocklea is an integral part of that development and there is also real potential for Marburg and Toowoomba.

"Under these circumstances it is the responsibility of the Minister to act and respect the caretaker provision of the election period," Mr Horan saID.

"RED ALERT" AS ROCKLEA THREATENED WITH CLOSURE..SCROLL DOWN FOR LETTER TO MINISTER

2009-03-11T05:08:18Z

Future of Rocklea
Dear 113 members of Metropolitan Harness Racing Club Rocklea
On the 9th March, Harness Racing Queensland (HRQ) convened a meeting with the Rocklea Executive, namely insert names
Amongst other matters, the Chief Executive Officer advised that funding for Rocklea would “cease operations” on the 30th June 2009 and that the program could be transferred to Albion Park or Redcliffe clubs.
We advised that any decision concerning Rocklea’s future should be deferred until after the State Election on the 21 st March as it appeared against Caretaker government convention and the Liberal National Party had promised to introduce a new Board across the 3 Racing Codes. HRQ denied our request.
As a result we have written to Mr Andrew Fraser Treasurer of Queensland as Minister in charge of Racing to ensure that the decision is deferred. Copies of the correspondence have been sent to relevant persons. I have enclosed the this correspondence for your information.
I would like to invite all members to a meeting at Rocklea on the Saturday 14th March at 10:00am in the top of the track restaurant to discuss the decision and obtain direction on any further action.
I look forward to seeing you at Rocklea.

Steve Jory
President.

"RED ALERT" AS HARNESS RACING QUEENSLAND MOVES TO CLOSE ROCKLEA..

2009-03-11T05:01:43Z

Closure of the Metropolitan Harness Racing Club
Rocklea Inc. (MHRCR)
Dear Minister,
On the 9th March 2009, the executive of the MHRCR met with Harness Racing Queensland (HRQ) officers concerning the future of the Rocklea club. We were informed by the officers that the Club would “cease operations at the end of the current financial year.” We were also advised that the Rocklea Program may be transferred to a number of other Harness Racing Clubs.
We at Rocklea are not against change but believe it should be made in an appropriate and meaningful way.
The Rocklea club has a strong tradition of being the nursery of Harness Racing in Queensland. It has some 113 members plus 500 associate members and is patronized by some of the leading trainers in Brisbane including Darryl Graham, Lola Weidmann, Ricky Gordon, Peter Greig, John McMullen, Simon Burrows, Scott Neaves and Lou Cini.
We are disturbed at the timing of the announcement to defund Rocklea after 30th June 2009. According to the Cabinet Handbook, major policy decisions by caretaker governments or their subsidiaries should not be made during the official lead up to an election.
Furthermore, the Opposition’s public policy is to establish a new Board across the three Racing Codes. It seems that actions of the current HRQ administration could bind a new government into an arrangement in which they have had no input. As you know this action would also appear contrary to caretaker government convention.
At the meeting of the 9th March we appealed to HRQ administration to defer any decision regarding Rocklea until after the forthcoming State Election on 21st March because of Caretaker government convention to which HRQ responded “business has to continue.”
We believe that the actions of HRQ are against caretaker government convention and also adversial. In this circumstances we ask that the decision to “cease operations” on the 30th June 2009 be deferred until after the state Election and not before proper and timely consultation occurs.

Thank you for your consideration of this matter.

Steve Jory
President
Metropolitan Harness Racing Club
32771995
rocktrot@bigpond.net.au

Glen Macdermott
Committee Man

Glenda Rolfe
Committee Women

Hon. Treasurer
Cc Mike Horan Shadow Minister for Racing
Cc Bob Lette Chairman of Harness Racing Queensland Ltd
Cc Mike Godber Chief Executive Queensland Harness Racing
Cc President Of Botra.
Cc Journalist of Queensland News papers Dennis Smith
Cc Nicole Johnston Local Member of Tennyson Ward
Cc Steve Griffiths Local Member of Mooroka Ward
Cc Kerry Ebert President of Redcliffe Harness Racing Club
Cc Warwick Stansfield President of Albion Park Harness Racing Club
Cc Alan Boyd President of Gold Coast Harness Racing Club
Cc Russell Lehman President of Marburg Pacing Association
Cc Scott Neaves Young Bloods Inc
Cc Pat Kynoch leading Bookmaker at Metropolitan Harness Racing Club
Cc Phil Purser Justracing.com
Cc Clive Palmer Cold Mountain Stud

HOW IT ALL HAPPENED AT THE ROCK..

2009-03-10T01:35:47Z

Rocklea Results March 7

Race 1 Strong indication of the Panorama female line is the winners this sire has produced and then the mare has gone on to be a good broodmare. Mare, Belles Vision by Panorama trained and driven by Glenn Walsh, a first race winner is going to be a worthy winner in the future as well.
Race 2 Jeans Promise by As Promised is going great guns for young Pete McMullen and owners, the Mitchell family and this little tough mare is certainly giving the dearly departed Jean a thrill a minute watching down from above with a knowing smile of a well-done training and driving assignment.
Race 3 Another mare winner in the shape of Two Macs was a slightly surprised winner for the punters, but not the well-informed, they knew the best way to get a winner at good odds. There is no doubting the class and determination of the Ricky and Lola combo at Rocklea and it is with great pride the club promotes them at all times.
Race 4 Itchyskityrichie a versatile 10yr gelding, was a well-backed winner for trainer Brian Manzelmann and catch driver Rod Herr, knocking the well-backed favorite Mdina. A well-travelled pacer from a few different stables and a patchy form of late was a welcome return to form for the owners and staff.
Race 5 In The Fast Lane driven by Gary Whitaker out toughed the leader Sebastian Prince driven by Steve Doherty after an outside the leader run. Jay Edmunds of Thagoona has transformed the ex Newcastle pacer into a nice step and go horse at Rocklea.
Race 6 Sunshine Sam by Slug Of Jin driven by Steve Doherty for ex Mackay trainer Brian Manzelmann was an easy winner for the stable with most punters looking to get out on this solid 4yo gelding.

Rocklea News:
It’s simple, be at Rocklea on March 14 to cash up and make the big bucks for a bank for the Marburg MARCH 15 raceday of 9 races and plenty of southern races to bet on with the bookies. Rocklea patrons and members will be there in support and will be on hand to let you know the workings and good value of sponsorship and racing at the Rock.

Glen, Steve and the boys are keen to see the punters and patrons at Rocklea every Saturday for free entry and parking, with easy ground level access to the tote and bookies, with bar and food facilities close by.

Many of Queensland’s best punters and tote watchers are the Rock and it is with some coincidence you can win at the Rock when you watch the tote tumblers in the south and on the local trots.

March 15 next Sunday GATES OPEN 9:30- First race 11am - Fun runs all day!!Trevor Perrin..

"THE MESSAGE TO THE FAITHFUL"..FROM THE ROCK...

2009-03-02T23:46:13Z

Rocklea Results February 28

Race1 A big cheering crowd in the restaurant witnessed a thrilling first race, with the in-form McGuire stable with Tom steering his Miss Falcon by Ultimate Falcon pacer home for trainer Chris, knocks off the odds-on favorite Rocky Rogue to the delight of the silent punters.

Race2 Triumphant Lass with Grizzly Whitaker in bike gave the McPhee family a boost in stocks with an excellent winning drive on the 6yo daughter of Perfect Art bred from family mare Timtam. A late starter in the racing world and having her only second start the strong mare will win more races with the polish of the experienced Campbell McPhee doing to work.

Race3 More and more wins for punting winners in restaurant and social punters in the bar saw a fair bet or two on the Stoneridge Scooter mare All The Best Bye for Jennifer and Alan, a great combo presenting winner after a winner for new owners, so much so, they are buying more horses to races, they’re hooked, great isn’t it!

Race4 The heat of the day was on in the high 30’s and the best place on course was the air-conditioned restaurant, you too should be there next Saturday. Most punters were on the favorite in the race and 2mins afterwards they were at the bar. Lombo Gold Wish for trainer Mick Lacey and driver David Litzow made the race their own and sent the confidant MDINA confidant punters to the bar for an early drink to recover.

Race 5 The day was shortening and the profits were getting higher for Max Jones and Woogaroo Meals On Wheels volunteer workers in the Trackside Restaurant from a social day at the races. David Litzow on My Aachen Tooth gave the group extra profits from his brilliant drive on front runner and favorite of the race.

Race 6 At close of day, the win by No Fakem Anvil off the 20m mark and driven by Man of Rock Gary Whitaker gave the each-way punters at 4’s and 5’s a nice collect to take home and make a good reason to come back next Saturday, with other friends and work mat4es in the cool of the day in a great viewing room at the trots at Rocklea.

Rocklea news:

Metropolitan Harness Racing Club AGM is on March 23 at 7:30pm in Trackside Restaurant at Rocklea and it is in the best interests of you as a member of the club to attend. The present boys and girls are doing a great job to keep the Rock operating as it is and the place is jumping with new incentives for the Trackside Restaurant patrons and the race programming has been given facelift to help alleviate race dominance by bigger stables.

The future is bright, but as always the people doing the job are under pressure to keep doing it and they need you backing and support to make this little club with a big heart a survivor of the present day economy.Trevor Perrin..

ROCKLEA REPORT...21/02/2009..

2009-02-23T10:25:56Z

Rocklea Results February 21
Race1 a race over at the start, with 3yo gelding Rocky Rogue making the field catch and pass, with no change in finishing order for the John McMullen Stable of Glamorganvale on the 1st leg of a Trio Of Wins. In typical Red and White dazzling colors, the Jennette McMullen bred and owned pacer from My Cheral was backed from 8’s to 2’s in quick time.

Race 2 Young Pete was in command on the vastly improved Jeans Promise for the Mitchell family after a clear win last week, she backed up for another all the way win with an impressive determination to run even quarters. Father John was the trainer in a middle leg of a winning trio from stable.

Race 3 Popular by nature and popular by punting, Gotta Win One was taken over for owner and driver Denis Rosenthal by youthful Tamborine trainer Brad Brooks who is turning out, out of form pacers in to gold at the rock.

Race 4 A nice win, but a unexpected win by punters was seen by All The Best Bye ( An Willwin Auction purchase in an earlier sale and has greatly improved under the new trainer) for driver Ricky Gordon with bold front running driver and a clever drive to the finish. New people in the industry are the owners and lady trainer Jennifer are enjoying good success and deservedly so.

Race 5 The smart early punters were in tune with this tough open company pacer Sutton with the electric David Litzow in the sulky for wily experienced trainer Pat Beagan coming off the 10m mark beating the in-form Treacles.

Race 6 John McMullen turned out his 3rd winner on the program in Melton Royal Bonn, a mare by Bonamax, standing at Melton Stud for George Michael. Pete McMullen was on hand to let the family take a back seat to watch a top drive in typical low key casual manner of a lad with a very bright future in the game. (Melton Stud has a number of horses for sale at the MARBURG March 1 Lou Cini Willwin Auction starting at 10am this Sunday).

Rocklea News:

Money is tight on the on social stage for families and fans of harness racing, so it makes sense to be at Rocklea trots each Saturday, for free parking and free entry, low priced meals and drinks, plus an air-conditioned tote room and the most fearless bookies in town fielding on all events.

Several social groups and volunteer charity workers are having a very casual day in the restaurant this Saturday and the Rocklea club wished them happing punting and a great friendly day where we all win!

On a sad note:

The Rocklea Committee and members wish to pass on their deepest sympathy to the Hill Family of Riverview, Rod and Lee Hill on the passing a good friend and eager race-goer in her day and also the mother of Lee.
She was wonderful woman, full of life, loving a joke and Rod calling the trots and also having an interest or two on the Rollicker’s Tips.
Olive will be missed by family and friends and she would have had enjoyable times with the pacers raced by Rod and Lee and the association with Lou Cini with Banka...Trevor Perrin..

THE ROCKLEA REPORT..14/02/2009..

2009-02-20T10:30:37Z

Rocklea Results February 14

Race 1 A sound start to the day’s punting with a front running display again by My Aachen Tooth, winning at $3.00 for stable punters with in-form driver of Karrabin David Litzow steering a well-judged race.

Race 2 A nice win by Armour Rama in open company for Gold Coaster Paul Rowland gave the same old week in and week out open class pacers something to think about in the future when this pacer by Panorama gets the front line with the undisputable winning driver Lola in the bike.

Race 3 A welcome win for owner Wally Mitchell and family on their special memorial day for Jean Mitchell, wife and mother of this wonderful harness racing family. An added bonus to the family bred and owned filly, was the fact she was driven by Pete McMullen, grandson of the famous John McMullen Snr, a long time family friend and visitor for the day’s celebrations.

Race 4 The Rock was really rocking by this stage, with the party in the restaurant and the winning punters in the bookies ring betting up big. In a great drive by the bearded Gary Whitaker for Marburg trainer Jay Edmunds on In The Fast Lane, ex Newcastle pacer, we saw 2009 Jean Mitchell Memorial sensational winner produced. The Schick Award should go to Gary on a top drive. Family and friends of Mitchell’s were on hand to present this rug and gifts to winning connection with the club committee welcoming all patrons to a free entry day each Saturday top a great place to bet and see racing.

Race 5 Great odds, wonderful mare Mdina win, top drive, big training effort, but where were the stable faithful! The odds were unbelievable at $6.50 and bookies were keen to see part owner having a Nano Nap during the race, but true to form President Steve has said he was helping the local battling bookies to restock for another punting onslaught in March!

Race 6 Well, What a good race for the punters in the last for some funds to start again next Saturday with Falcons Spark owned by fiery red, Tess Neaves, wife of trainer / driver Scott Neaves. Starting at good odds and well-backed to start at $3.90, this Ultimate Falcon low class horse will win plenty more under the guidance of the Lake Clarendon mentor.

Rocklea News:
The club is experiencing some highs in attendance and increased sales over the bar and food canteen with bigger than normal raceday crowds during February, so this goes good for the future in autumn and winter.
The Rock is a great place for free entry m parking a quiet place for family get-togethers and social punting in the covered betting ring and tote room.

UI believe the club has some exciting news coming up for race goers and club patrons, so we look forward to a bright 2009 after a very ordinary 2008...Trevor Perrin..

THE WORD FROM THE ROCK..

2009-02-11T11:34:39Z

Rocklea Results February 7
Race1. Ive Gotta Go, a gelding by Barnett Hanover was up and gone for trainer Bob Moffat and teenage whiz kid Pete McMullen to win in good style and even had to withstand a protest from the second placed The Holy Grail.
Race2. A good race for the short-priced favorite punters, with David Litzow steering My Aachen Tooth in an all the way win to cheers of stable and professional punters.
Race 3.Top drive by Steven Doherty on Ball And Chain mare, Shalma for a 2 in-a-row Rocklea welcome victory out of 2 starts for new trainer Brad Brooks, who has energized this mare at the races.
Race 4.Lola Weidemann gave the Gold Coast Rowland family the winning thrill in winning on the Paul Rowland expertly trained Armour Rama, by the great mare producer Panorama.
Race 5.The well-bred Sutton returned to good form with a nice win for trainer Pat Beagan and Scott Neaves in the open company race of the day in slow time, after very slow lead times.
Race6. What’s Next 3yo filly Whatwillbenext took out the final event for Ricky Gordon with Lola in the sulky for Rick as the owner as well. The filly has had only a few starts, but with breeding like hers, she should win more races like half-brother Warman 1:56.3, 25 wins and half-sister Just Kos.
Rocklea News: 2009 Jean Mitchell Memorial is on this Saturday for R3/r4 pacers with $1500prizemoney and inscribed rug to winning connections.
The race card is very open on the day for punters, but the value is in the best drawn pacers over the shorter distances on this particular day.
Free entry, car parking, great family atmosphere in a area that in easy access to City and Country visitors for a very cheap day out on the lawn in the air-conditioned restaurant or tote room.
Don’t forget the value is in the situation of being at the venue and instead of staying at home looking at the work you may have to do! Take a break and be at Rocklea for a great Saturday relaxation day with friends and relatives..Trevor Perrin..

FROM THE ROCK LAST SATURDAY..

2009-02-01T10:37:27Z

Rocklea Results January 31

Race 1 Former Oakhampton trainer / driver Graham Dwyer trained and drove a well-planned double at the Rock, starting with stylish Midnight Cinderella, a 3yo filly by Day In A Life in the first race.

Race 2 Ex Newcastle mare, Panamagic was a nice winner for the mercurial Pallara mentor Gary Vernon after a short stint in Queensland for the new local owners, starting favorite.

Race 3 Another mare Prima Bella Rosa gave owner/ trainer Gordon Stevenson and driver/friend Gary Lefoe in an all the way win, with more slashing wins to come.

Race 4 Fast Hands a gelding by Albert Albert gave Graham Dwyer his second half of his double from the 20m mark, winning easily in good time. Fast Hands is a regular winner for the stable who do a great job at Greenbank with a mostly young team.

Race 5 Shalma a mare with a recent stable change of trainer and driver, in her first start after the change made the race, a no-contest from the start, with Steven Doherty speeding along in front.

Race 6 Colby Pride for Len Cross and dual winning driver Steve Doherty gave favorite punters a easy collect in the last race after being attached front, but a cool head got the horse home to the cheers of the patrons.

Rocklea News:

Bernie Burke Memorial is on next Saturday, February 7, if you check your internet race codes for next Saturday you will find some nice race programmed in reconigition of these loyal Rocklea

The club has also programmed on February 14 a $1500 race for R3/R4 horses, plus a rug for winning connections for the 2009 Jean Mitchell Memorial, with many of Jean’s family and friends in the Trackside Restaurant for family and friends celebrations. Please cheer your race codes and we hope all patrons and former Rocklea patrons will be there to cheer on the feature race winner.

Steve Jory is pleased with the patronage on the restaurant and wishes to invite all social groups and company clubs to call in at Rocklea to sample the food and service for a future booking with Fun At The Rock on a Saturday.

Bookies are very keen to see the punters for the Summer and Autumn races at the Rock for a value packed punting say in the future, but you need to be on course for value and service.

Trevor Perrin

"ROCK NEWS"..SCROLL DOWN FOR RESULTS..

2009-01-26T10:34:52Z

Rocklea News - Saturday January 24

One biker approached a well-known trainer last week about the prospect of him having a drive on pacer at his property during the week. After the usual instructions about not falling out and not going to fast, he sets off for a jog and the trainer returns to the stables. One hour later the trainer is worried about the Biker, he hadn’t returned up the laneway. “John” goes down and finds the horse and driver, both eating grass, apparently it was safer for both of them to be on ground on the in-field, after the long-time chain smoker decided to put the reins down to light up a smoke!

Bookies reported the visitors looked great and bet well, and were winning on horse’s names and what price they were, go figure! Throw the form guide out when it comes to logical and theory betting.

Trevor and Ann Perrin shouted new people (who are helping Ann with the horses) for a day out on them at the Rock, they are so wrap in the place, they are now bringing people along for work and social outings.

We should start a campaign “ Bring A Friend To Rocklea” the best kept secret in harness racing Saturday afternoon family entertainment for low costs. For $30, a couple can have a hot meal and dessert in the air-conditioned restaurant, watch the trots live, watch the gallops on the monitors and enjoy the thrilling atmosphere of a race track.

Marburg dasher, Dale Chalk has a new nickname after his slashing win on the Bill and Ben Crosby trained pacer “Le Brique”, a full-brother to The Ultimate Axe (Named after Broncos Trevor Gillmeister, now Assistant Coach of the Titans).

This 3yo pacer’s names is French for The Brick, hence Chalkie is now known at the Marburg Hotel as, The Brick. Solid and always there for support, plus great under pressure… Reminds you of his driving ability.

They may not be pretty, but they sure can sell raffle tickets those 2 Rocklea icons, Paul and Les. I’m not sure if people feel sorry for them selling on those terribly hot days or they just loved those meaty meat trays on offer. Ernie Anforth and Jenni Mitchell are our high roller ticket purchasers, they must be big meat eaters?

Several regular Rocklea trainers and drivers have been competing at Tamworth during the past week, but from reports them just can’t wait to be back at the ROCK for a closer and friendlier race meeting. The cheer of the Rocklea winning punters and the jeers of losing experts is missed by our men and women of the ROCK! It was said recently we miss the characters of trotting, I can tell you now, they are all here at Rocklea on a Saturday afternoon, just listen to the grandstand drivers and conditioners.

That’s me

Trevor