The racing season ends on July 31 and, as usual, Darren Weir will win countless training awards through remarkable achievements.
Part of Weir’s success is due to the 23 full time and six casual workers that oversee the 70 horses he has in work in Warrnambool.
Weir’s foreman there, Jarrod McLean, said this week the record-breaking year was incredibly satisfying to the staff.
“Weiry has trained more than 420 winners for the season and there’s still a few more meetings to go,” McLean said.
“I’m not sure what our breakdown is but we’ve produced more winners from Warrnambool this season than the last one.
“Group 1 racing is where the big money is and Weiry won eight this season — seven were trained from Warrnambool. That’s a remarkable performance. We’ve got a great bunch of workers here and Weiry always acknowledges their work.
“It’s just great for the region that so many  people who love horses can get a job in Warrnambool.”
One more before the barn?
Handy mare Forgeress may have one more start before heading to the breeding barn.
Crossley trainer Quinton Scott said Forgeress, who won at Caulfield last Saturday, had already been booked into Swettenham Stud, where she will be mated with Toronado.
“She has been a very honest mare who seems to have improved with racing,” said Scott.
Forgeress took her stake earnings to more than $280,000 with her victory last weekend.
Proud pony club ...
Over a long period of time the Heywood Pony Club, which has a proud history, has played a significant role in developing the skills of many people who have had great success in the racing industry.
Modern day participants who honed their skills at the pony club include Ciaron and Declan Maher, Jarrod and Brad McLean and James McNamara.
Sharnee Rose, who works at the Ellerton-Zahra stable, and Lucy Mallen, who is   involved in racing in Western Australia also started off with Heywood.
And the latest to come off the “production line” is Melissa Julius, who got her first city winner (Forgeress) at Caulfield last Saturday.
Her big brother Josh, who trains at Bendigo, was also taught at the pony club.
Ones to follow
BEATNIKS: Nice effort making good ground to run third over 1200 metres after a brief let-up. Punters can follow her with confidence in races over longer trips.
EUREKA STREET: Raced keenly in the early and middle stages of a 2000-metre race before finishing off well. He’ll be worth following in races in that distance range.
ANGELOLOGY: Sensational performance to carry 71kg and win an open steeplechase over 3280 metres at Murray Bridge on Sunday.  Master jumps trainer Patrick Payne will find another suitable race for the top class jumper over the next few weeks.
JOHN HICKMOTT: Under-rated South Australian trainer who has the knack of getting good-priced winners like Danouli, a $50 winner last Saturday. Hickmott, only has a small team but his horses should always be respected.

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