Chinchilla trainer primed for local November meeting

By HARRY CLARKE

CHINCHILLA thoroughbred trainer Leonard “Michael” Mawn is hoping to once again take a runner to the big smoke by winning the Country Stampede qualifier at his local race club’s meeting on Saturday, November 5.

Mawn, who last weekend took home the Tara Cup with an emphatic win by “Not Liable”, is hoping the gelding’s stablemate, “Dynamic Verse”, can emulate that success in the high stakes qualifier at Chinchilla.

Together with the Country Cups Challenge, the Country Stampede offers big prize money for top horses from across the bush racing circuit – $200,000 and $105,000 respectively, with $30,000 bonuses also up for grabs.

Sixteen qualifier races are held across country Queensland over the months leading up to the finals at Doomben racecourse in Brisbane on December 3.

“These races are the reason we get out there at 5.30am every day,” Mawn said.

“We normally race for $6,500 and that’s flat out paying the bills, whereas if we win one of these it gives us a really good kick.

“Hopefully we can get the job done in Chinchilla next month. It’s always good to win at home. It’s a great race club and you get a bit of recognition out of it in the local community.”

Mawn’s partner, Jo Raynor, added: “And it’s good not to have to travel after the races, too. You can just duck home, put them back in the stables and go back to the racecourse to have a beer!”

The Country Stampede qualifier will be one of five races held in Chinchilla on November 5.

The local race club is encouraging punters to bring the whole family for a day out, with the bar operating, bookmakers, a members raffle draw and local DJ Damo playing until late.

Pre-purchase tickets are available from this Try Booking link.