This years Kousciuszko is worth $2,000,000 and we are sure you know by now that we are keen to secure a slot with our courageous COMMANDO HUNT. Stable Newsletter R E C E N T N E W S F R O M O U R B A S E A T S C O N E A N D O N S U C C E S S E S A L L O V E R W H A T ' S I N S I D E . . . E N D O F S E A S O N E D I T I O N A N D M A N Y W I N N I N G H I G H L I G H T S We couldn't fit all we wanted to in the last edition so are back again with more results and stories as we look back on the 2021/22 racing season as a whole. The season was the most successful in the stable's history and we are incredibly proud of the efforts of the horses and staff in their hard work and service to help achieve such good results. Thanks too must go to you, our owners and supporters of the stable for all your involvement along the way. We hope you have enjoyed it as much as we have. This season the stable also brought up its 200th winner with Cracking Mo's comeback win at Tamworth. This was a super result for his owners and you can read more about his turnaround further on in the newsletter. C A M E R O N C R O C K E T T R A C I N G I T ' S G E T T I N G C L O S E R S E A S O N A T A G L A N C E H E L L O A G A I N ! https://thekosciuszko.com.au/ A sad goodbye Quality joins the team C A M E R O N C R O C K E T T R A C I N G Up-and-comers Ticket sales close this Wednesday 7th of September and the final draw is on Friday the 9th so make sure you've got yours and keep Commando in mind! 30 winners from 244 runners and a healthy strike-rate of 16.40% A S A D G O O D B Y E T O O U R L O N G E S T S E R V I N G F R I E N D This stipulation was never required as Cobby proved to be a mammoth in his loyalty and reliability at Gooree, taking on work that would falter most horses after a week for nearly two decades. C A M E R O N C R O C K E T T R A C I N G Cobby's name won't be found engraved on a trophy or even printed in a racebook, however he has played an undeniable role in the careers of many of those whose names have. Diamond Head (his proper name) was gifted 20 years ago to Cameron and his late father Max by the late John Cobcroft as a breaking pony at Gooree Park Stud and his dutiful deeds there have echoed throughout wider racing history having set champions such as Desert War, Northern Meteor, Smart Missile, Hallowed Crown, Tempest Morn...among many others, on their fledgling paths to racing and studbook fame. Cobcroft himself is connected to many thoroughbred families who have raced on (including breeding star mare In Her Time- who raced in his colours) and it is fitting that the part quarter- horse who would go on to influence racing in his own small way should be nicknamed after him. Cobby was given under the condition that if he was not needed or didn't make the cut as a breaking pony he was to be returned and not moved on. Heartfelt was the loss of the stable's most loved and longest serving member back in June. Particular of his achievements was the breaking- in of the notoriously unruly Smart Missile- which you can read about HERE Cameron describes him as a 'once in a lifetime' horse who knew when the saddle went on it was time to work. A horse who never raised a leg to another under saddle despite how they behaved towards him, yet was always the boss in the paddock. E N D O F S E A S O N E D I T I O N As though it were meant to be, the day following Cobby's passing Darby Racing gelding SCARZEL broke through in his long promised maiden win. A victory which Cameron credited to Cobby's assistance at trackwork, which couldn't have been achieved without. A S A D G O O D B Y E T O O U R L O N G E S T S E R V I N G F R I E N D C A M E R O N C R O C K E T T R A C I N G Cobby carried many different staff on his back over the years and was well known to many of the stable clients and also the people of Mudgee who saw him giving calm influence leading racehorses walking around the roads in Bombira. More recently Cobby had been retired from breaking but continued on as a track pony for the stable at Scone and as a float companion for horses making an otherwise solo trek down to race in the city. His is a loss that won't only be felt physically. He will also be missed for the characteristics he embodied and the lasting effect he had on others (two legged and four) as only very special horses do. As a true testament to his character, he worked right up to his last day. E N D O F S E A S O N E D I T I O N Rest In Peace COBBY C A M E R O N C R O C K E T T R A C I N G S C E N E S F R O M T H E R A C E S & T R A C K W O R K A S E A S O N W E L L D O N E Thank Thank Thank you! you! you! It has been a fantastic season with many satisfying results for the team. The stable chalked up its 200th winner, won three times in the city, fielded our second Listed runner and so very nearly captured big races like the Country Championships Final and the Tamworth Cup. This is all possible thanks to the support of our owners, stable followers and hard work of our staff. Key to this too has been our partnership with jockey Brooke Stower whose services on both race day and at trackwork have been integral to our performance and output. We believe there are many bright things in store for the future and look forward to the new challenges the next season will bring with all the horses who are the true stars of the show. E N D O F S E A S O N E D I T I O N C L I C K H E R E T O H E A R C A M ' S S E A S O N W R A P A Q U A L I T Y G A L L O P E R J O I N S T H E S T A B L E It also marked the horse for higher aspirations and the team continued to ready him for the $200,000 Cup which was 20 days later. Although the horse prepared perfectly as older geldings usually do, a blow was struck with the drawing of Barrier 15 in the event. Such is the nature of racing and we pressed on to the race hoping Constant Flight's good gate-speed might allow him to easily cross and not use up too much of his stamina. (cont) C A M E R O N C R O C K E T T R A C I N G Earlier in the year an older Darby Racing Syndications horse with a strong previous race record was sent to Scone for a change of scenery. When the then 7YO Written Tycoon gelding Constant Flight arrived in the stable, he immediately endeared himself to the staff who were full of praise for his gentlemanly attitude and work ethic. His first trial for the team was not missed by his trainer, who on checking the winning time became confident the horse had settled in well and began etching a plan to target the 1400m Tamworth Cup. This signalled a great day for the team including stable jockey Brooke Stower and brought a nice collaborative double after Darby's DETHRONED saluted earlier in the afternoon. Photo: Katrina Partridge Nine days later Constant Flight was sent for a first-up preparatory run in the 1280m Wayne Harris Showcase at Muswellbrook and he went forward, never to be caught, and romped home on the heavy track in a superb effort. E N D O F S E A S O N E D I T I O N Photo: Katrina Partridge A Q U A L I T Y G A L L O P E R J O I N S T H E S T A B L E C A M E R O N C R O C K E T T R A C I N G He broke away beautifully in the race and found the front and the fence which was all to plan, but was then challenged when Stower attempted to steady the pace. This pressure ensued a leadership change and some momentary over-racing, which told in the final margin when running a very gallant 2nd. Things may have transpired differently with a softer barrier draw, but with this Constant Flight lost no admirers, and in fact likely gained more when it later transpired that the race was run in record time. With the horse's courageousness so evident, he was then tasked at Stakes level in the $200,00 Listed Takeover Target at Gosford over 1200m. There he was brave again running 7th and only beaten 3 lengths. His preparation came to an end after finishing down the track in a deep race at Randwick and he was sent for a well earned spell in the paddock. He is now back in work at the farm and soon to rejoin the stable. Owners: Mr S G Darby, Beckman Brothers, Two Nations, Mr P J Hall, Chanceux Racing, Mr P O Clarke, Mr R A Clarke, Mr T A Clarke, Mr D Nicholas, J and G Racing E N D O F S E A S O N E D I T I O N Photo: Katrina Partridge Well done to Darby Syndications and his owners on a good preparation that was nearly even better and best of luck for the one to come. D O N ' T F O R G E T M O N I C A R E S U M E S I N S T Y L E A N D C L A I M S A N O T H E R M E T R O P O L I T A N W I N . C A M E R O N C R O C K E T T R A C I N G Starting for only the second time in a year and not expected to hit her best until later into the preparation and over more ground, 5YO mare Don'tforgetmonica impressed with her first-up victory at Rosehill in June. The excellent result made it her second Highway win (and fourth from fourteen starts) and she responded extremely well to confident riding by her apprentice jockey Reece Jones, urged forward into a nice spot behind the pace and steering a passage through the field to the outside where she let down strongly over the 1200m trip. Her race record now stands at 15:4-2-3 and she has earned $145,910 with more to come. Photo: Bradley Photographers Congratulations to all her owners which includes her breeder Peter Barry: Owners: P A & A J Barry, Mr J Drayton, Mr G K Capararo, Mr P H Keast, Mr P A Barry, Mr E Johnson, Mr S R Harris, Mr M C Chapman, Mr J T Shepherdson She returned to Rosehill a month later, hoping to strike again when stepping to 1400m and had a forgettable experience, but was able to make amends somewhat with a recent fast-closing 2nd in the 1280m Bengalla Cup at Muswellbrook. Her ownership group have been particularly rewarded by her recent efforts as her last preparation did not go entirely to plan and were comfortable with allowing her to go to the paddock rather than continue on when the team were not quite happy with her progress. E N D O F S E A S O N E D I T I O N A S P O T L I G H T O N O U R P R O M I S I N G F U T U R E H O R S E S C A M E R O N C R O C K E T T R A C I N G There is plenty of new blood coming up through the stable and number of horses have recently secured their maiden victories in good fashion. Amongst them we saw encouraging wins and preparations from geldings Indicative, Taborca and Star On Fire who look to be showing a good deal of promise. Then 3YO gelding Indicative was first to register his maiden win at the end of May with an impressive 4L victory at Gunnedah, but not before a proud 2nd in the 1300m Country Magic Maiden on Scone Cup Day a fortnight earlier. Purchased as a tried horse and offered to clients early in the year, the Snitzel gelding had solid previous form and was quickly populated by a good group of owners with the goal to have him running in the Maiden on our biggest local day. He fulfilled that promise and did everything but win coming a very narrow second to future Randwick Highway winner Bootscooter. E N D O F S E A S O N E D I T I O N Jockey Kerin McEvoy was full of praise for the gelding's effort and race manners when held in tight on a heavy track and indicated the horse could have a good career ahead of him. Cameron too was pleased in the horse, knowing the race had come up quickly and there was fitness benefit to come. At Gunnedah things were slightly easier. Up to 1400m and able to lead and control the race, Indicative comfortably accounted for his opposition and even showed signs of greenness when left out in front, which is- indicative- there is more to come. With a narrow 2nd and now this victory in his first two starts for the team he is shaping up as a very nice tried horse acquisition with a bright future. I N D I C A T I V E Owners: Mr C Crockett, Mr P R Wilson, Mr T Cottam, Mr C J Brennan, Mr P M Chilton, Miss S Paxton, Mrs A Beaman, Rodeo Racing, Mr B K Tucker, Mrs T A Corkery, Mr A J Piddington, Mr I A Duus, Mrs K A Campbell, Mr A J Campbell, Mrs B Wilson, Mr R E Archer, Mr P Carlile, Mr B A Jones, Mr A Cecchini, Mr B J Crain The stable would like to thank all the owners, new and old, for joining in when he was offered earlier in the year. A S P O T L I G H T O N O U R P R O M I S I N G F U T U R E H O R S E S C A M E R O N C R O C K E T T R A C I N G Purchased still as a maiden from an online auction earlier in the year, Taborca was offered out to our clients as a great prospect to convert his metropolitan placed form to consistent success in a slightly lower grade. A relatively straightforward horse with some maturity still come, he had a smooth preparation and was sent for his first start under the stable banner over 1200m at Dubbo where he ran a strong second despite race circumstances and first-up fitness not assisting him. Photo: Bradley Photographers It was excellent to secure the good prize-money of this Showcase Maiden win for them so early in his time with us and given the manner in which he won and the development in the horse we feel is still to come, we hope this is the first of many more successful days at the races. E N D O F S E A S O N E D I T I O N Thank you to all the owners who came aboard for the faith they have placed in Taborca and the team. This wasn't a problem over 1400m at Tamworth and jockey Brooke Stower gave him a good ride, moving forward and relaxing him beautifully, leaving plenty in reserve to come out at the turn and leave his rivals behind. S T A R O N F I R E T A B O R C A It was excellent to see STAR ON FIRE improve with experience from his first start at Dubbo and win next time out over 1000m in a Maiden at Gunnedah under a confident forward running ride from jockey Brooke Stower The Stratum Star gelding has taken time to develop while showing signs of good ability along the way and is always positive to see when raw horses adapt quickly with close racing like this. He is currently spelling and will return into work soon for a preparation where we hope he can continue his upward path. Owners: Mr C Crockett, Mr J O'Connell, Mr M V Swanson, Mr S Panetta, Mrs J Johnson, Mr M J Elliott, Mrs B Wilson, Mr R Stone, Mr B S Cowan, Mr M A Cowan, Ms K E Harding, Mr M Saad, Mrs D Crowther, Mrs A Hellyer, Mr G C Magee, Mr T Pritchard, Mr R Barrow Owners: Mr D M Kennedy, Mrs C A Kennedy, Mr R S Granata, Mr S Fung, Mr I J Van Huisstede, Mrs J Van Huisstede P A T I E N C E R E W A R D E D I N C R A C K I N G M O ' S S E C O N D P R E P A R A T I O N W I T H T H E S T A B L E The news was delivered to his owners that Cracking Mo had slipped on the rain affected surface and very badly quartered his heel and additionally had bled from both nostrils, receiving the mandatory 3 month ban- a deflating post-mortem for all concerned. While the team's efforts to unlock the racing Cracking Mo had promised had been derailed, Cam was philosophical that it now allowed the horse time to reset and return into work with a better handle on his particular needs to manage moving forward. C A M E R O N C R O C K E T T R A C I N G When Cameron and the team left a Tamworth race meeting in the middle of winter last year a post-race update for gelding Cracking Mo was sent out that was as gloomy as the weather that had met them that day. The (then) 4YO gelding by Uncle Mo had just failed at his first start for the stable after a good lead up preparation at home leaving the team rather dejected. After a decent spell, the 5YO Mo returned to pre-training late in 2021 and went on to have a good summer and early autumn of racing in the new year. Close to seven months after his bad day out, he returned to Tamworth to salute first-up in a confidence bolstering an all- the-way win over 1200m. Celebrations rightly followed in this reward well earned for his ownership group who had been so patient with all that had happened before and, as was later noted, it was also a fantastic way for the stable to herald in it's 200th winner. (cont.) Cracking Mo had joined the stable around 3 months earlier as a horse with more to offer but perhaps the reputation of underachieving. As a highly strung gelding from a previous trainer, he had some eccentricities that required special management but he had settled into his routine at Scone well enough to build his fitness sufficiently to head off to the races after two trials. The aim of this run, as with any new horse to the stable, was to learn more about him under race pressure and try to identify areas where he could improve. The team learned a great deal that day, although not in the easiest of manners. Photo: Bradley Photographers E N D O F S E A S O N E D I T I O N P A T I E N C E R E W A R D E D I N C R A C K I N G M O ' S S E C O N D P R E P A R A T I O N W I T H T H E S T A B L E C A M E R O N C R O C K E T T R A C I N G Sixteen days later, Mo replicated his effort again with an emphatic front running and 3.3L win at Mudgee to further repay everyone's faith. Key to both these wins have been excellent race day stewardship from jockey Brooke Stower who partners well with the horse and knows his little quirks so well from her valued assistance riding his trackwork. His next few weeks were a disjointed path of acceptences and scratchings dodging rain drenched tracks, including an hours long trip all the way to Canterbury and back to only to have the meeting abandoned due to heavy rainfall. To his credit the lively gelding showed no distaste for disruption to his routine and eventually made it to Royal Randwick to run a super 3rd at a double figure quote in the 1200m Highway Race during the Sydney Autumn Carnival on All Aged Stakes Day. No longer considered a potential underachiever, this character filled gelding is now piecing together a consistent race record and has provided some great thrills for his owners and the team along with $40,980 in prize-money for his last preparation. Following that he has run 5th twice in a subsequent Highway Races at Randwick and Gosford, with the former behind winner and quality stablemate Mr. Hussill. This is in great contrast to where his prospects lay one year prior and demonstrates the importance of keeping the faith and giving racehorses the time they require even when the skies are somewhat darkened. Well done and congratulations to his patient ownership group on a great turn around and, now that he is back in work once again, hopefully a crowning Highway victory isn't too far off on the horizon. Owners: Mr S Stavrou, Mr A G Fraser, Mr B R Anson, Mr C S Jones, Mr C D Conte, D J Thomas, Mr G Matthews, Mr J Ivankovic, Mr J Salib, Mr M V Sztajniger, Mr N Preston, Mr Z Krklinski E N D O F S E A S O N E D I T I O N