Racing: Apprentices in form at Hedland meet

Apprentice jockeys dominated the second meeting of the Port Hedland Turf Club season, winning four of the five races on Sunday.

The Workers Day meeting attracted a crowd of over 400 people and although the fields were small, the racing was exciting.

Picture by Steve Ferrier: Jockey Shane Gilchrist

Alex Hearn rode his first winner aboard the Shane Harcourt trained Dan The Fox in the $9,000 BGC Handicap.

Hearn didn’t want to give early leader Rex The Robber an easy run out in front so he sent Dan The Fox forward in the middle stages. The move paid dividends as Rex The Robber felt the pressure being applied and Dan The Fox kicked away in the straight under the riding of Hearn.

Aaron Rogers continued his good run with a double on the program, both of his winners were trained by Dixie Solly.

Rogers bounded out of the gates early on Moss Street in the $8,000 South Hedland TAB Handicap and he was never headed. Moss Street always travelled well and never looked in any doubt, beating Mr Solitary, who now looks very close to winning, while Spitfighter came third.

Rogers’ double came with the victory of Corolla in the $7,500 Newcrest Handicap.

Corolla showed good speed early to lead from Steel Blue with the two horses fighting it out all the way down the straight. Corolla fought on well to just hold off Steel Blue with Spicks and Specks running third.

Lady trainers and jockeys were not to be outdone on the day with Jacqueline Henderson and Anne King both training a winner each.

Henderson had her first winner with the former South Australian galloper Enuejeune in the $7,250 Pilbara Constructions Handicap.

Enuejeune was very impressive coming from last early to quickly run around the field near the home corner before kicking away for an easy win with Hayley Diener in the saddle.

Kingtar who was well backed last week quickly made amends for his narrow defeat and breaking his maiden status in the $7,250 Pilbara Mine Workers Union Handicap. Jockey Shane Gilchrist quickly made the decision to go to the front and he held on well to win from the unlucky Northern Comfort.

Racing heads to Roebourne this Saturday for their first meet of the year. Racing returns to Port Hedland on June 12.