Who doesn’t love a long weekend? If you are lucky enough to live in Victoria you are in the midst of a four-day long weekend filled with plenty of footy, punting and hopefully a couple of coldies along the way!
However, the Punt Drunk team doesn’t rest and ahead of three Group 1 races this weekend, we take a look back at what has caught our eye over the past week and look to what is ahead!
Rain sours action on the track, but not off it
The Lismore Cup meeting may have been called off because of the weather, but our Punt Drunk (mainly drunk) spies tell us it didn’t dampen the spirits.
Thousands still attended the meeting at the Lismore Turf Club despite the predictions of between 100mm and 200mm worth of rain falling in the Northern Rivers.
The gods didn’t disappoint with the first two races at Lismore ran in the teeming rain, before officials made the decision to call off the meeting.
The opening race of the day was won by Swanston for Grafton trainer Greg Kilner, who has had an exciting journey with the five year old, winning over $225,000 in prizemoney.
The second race at Lismore was won by Rhythm Is A Dancer ($4.60) for former top Albury trainer Brett Cavanough, who has now relocated to Scone.
But then it became the evident that the predictions of extensive rain were accurate and the races would have to be called off.
It’s the latest blow for the battered region with it the third time in a year there has been flooding.
It did not dampen the spirits of many in the crowd, who stuck around for hours, taking advantage of the open bars and boisterous mood.
Media pile-ons ain’t good for anybody
We were sad to see reports Jamie Kah came close to quitting racing in the fallout from the Air B ’n B scandal last year.
Prominent racing identities, including Kah, were fined $5452 for breaching the rules of the Victorian Government, during their draconian lockdown measures.
It’s important for people in the media to remember the human element in these incidents. Many of the people are just young folk prone to mistakes.
Chin up Jamie, love your work and will be riding Zaaki in the Underwood with you on Sunday!
NFT horse racing game creating buzz
DarleyGo, which described itself as the first myth-based NFT horse racing game, is set to launch in September 28.
While it won’t be everyones cup of tea, games based on Non-Fungible Tokens are becoming increasingly popular.
DarleyGo incorporates many elements of horse racing virtually, including training, racing and breeding with their website boasting extensive information in how to take part.
This NFT game is based on popular cryptocurrency Solana.
Queens’ accolades continue
Queen Elizabeth’s extensive involvement in horse racing continues to be remembered, with the Kentucky Derby twitter account recalling her visit to the famous race in 2007.
We cherish our memories of Queen Elizabeth II and her love of horse racing. Her 2007 visit to the #KyDerby is one we’ll never forget
pic.twitter.com/qkpoVNTArv
— Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) September 20, 2022
The Australian Turf Club also shared some pictures of the monarch, who ruled for over 70 years:
Today, we fondly remember Her Majesty, The Queen, her love of thoroughbreds and her visits to us here at Royal Randwick.
We thank her for her 70 years of duty, service and dedication to our nation.
Rest In Peace Your Majesty
pic.twitter.com/MHfyegOIkg
— Australian Turf Club (@aus_turf_club) September 22, 2022
Don’t forget the Million Dollar Chase
It’s not often we talk about the dishlickers on this website, but we think we have a great each-way bet for the Million Dollar Chase on Saturday night.
Top trainer Peter Lagogiane is remarkably chasing his third MDC title with equal favourite French Martini, but it’s a roughie at longer odds we like.
Check out our sister website AustralianRacingGreyhound’s tips for the Million Dollar Chase to get the lowdown.
Punt Drunks’ all-time favourite Underwood Stakes
We love delving into the racing annals when there is a big group race on and the Underwood Stakes, being raced on Sunday, at Flemington is no exception.
After a bit of debate we couldn’t go past Octagonal’s blistering 1996 victory, with the race featuring the likes of Doriemus and Count Chivas.
You can relive the moment from about 1min 28sec:
About Punt Drunk
Welcome to Punt Drunk – our daily column covering all the latest horse racing and punting controversies, dramas and headline news. Have a story or gripe or issue that just grinds your gears? Just hit us up in the comments or contact us page and our jaded, punt hardened Punt Drunk staff will give it the Punt Drunk treatment it deserves. Don’t expect pleasantries or typical racing media fanboy gloss from Punt Drunk – we’re on the punt and we don’t have time to bullshit; the next is about to jump…
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