The powerful Kris Lees and Paul Perry stables led in winners when Wine Country Race Club opened its new season, but it was Muswellbrook trainer Mark Schmetzer who claimed the honours on the day.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Both his winners were having their first starts for the stable and what a way it was to bring them to the races for the first time.
Schmetzer opened his account with One Cat Wonder, a 4-year-old mare who had two career starts and was having her first start since February.
The trainer added to his score when Speed of Light toughed out a game win The Advertiser Maiden Plate over 1150 metres.
The 5-year-old gelding’s last run was at Gosford last December. Apprentice Samantha Clenton rode both winners.
Robert Thompson rarely leaves a Cessnock meeting without a winner and it came in the form of Handled, a 5-year-old gelding prepared by leading local trainer Todd Howlett.
It was Handled’s third win and was coming off two minor placings at Kempsey and Tamworth. Kris Lees led in the last winner on the program, the consistent Archibald, ridden by Serg Lisnyy.