Graham Fischer

THE Gawler and Barossa Jockey Club meeting last Wednesday was the first in South Australia to be run with restrictions due to the COVID-19 virus, with the day dedicated to life members.
Racetrack entry was restricted to trainers, jockeys, strappers and race-day officials, and all participants had their temperature taken on entry to the course to ensure none were running a fever.
Several people who tried to gain entry were turned away as the meeting was staged with no general patrons with the Terrace Function Centre deserted, as was the normally busy Wolf Blass Pavilion.
On the track, Angaston based trainers Tony and Calvin McEvoy had a good win with three-year-old filly Hills.
A well-backed $3 favourite, Hills, ridden by Jake Toeroek, dashed away to score a two-and-a-quarter length win in the ‘2020 Barossa Cup – Easter Monday Class One Handicap’ over 1200m.
Coming from the outside draw in the field of eight, the three-year-old, carrying 59kg and tackling older horses, began well and Toeroek had her quickly across and settling second.
Turning for home, the jockey asked Hills to extend and she dashed away to win easily from With Pleasure ($15), with Antrim’s Secret ($3.70), a neck away third.
Toeroek, who started his apprenticeship with Tony McEvoy, before moving to the city, was delighted to notch another winner for Kildalton Park.
“My last winner for Tony was a horse called Our Sphinx back on September 22, 2012,” Toeroek said.
“So, it has been nearly eight years – I hope it doesn’t take that long for the next one.”
SA stable foreman John Cornell said it was good to see Hills return to winning form.
“We were really happy with her trial at Oakbank in preparation for today,” Cornell said.
“We asked for a strong trial, and it was, with about seven or eight lengths back to third… we didn’t think she would lack anything in fitness today.
“It was a good effort from a wide gate, and carrying 59kg and she did a bit of work early – it was a strong win.”
After a difficult period following its maiden win, Cornell said it was very rewarding to see Hills start to turn the corner.
“We’ve always thought she was Saturday grade, but she lost her way a little bit when last in work,” he said.
“She has come back from a spell, a bit stronger and a bit more mature in herself.”
Cornell said he felt Hills would get out over a bit more ground this preparation.
Elsewhere on the card, jockey Justin Potter rode two winners, taking the opening event on Helpeny for co-trainers Wayne Francis and Glen Kent, then the last race on Lady Pavli Chenko for trainer Shane Oxlade.
The next Gawler meeting is the Cornerstone Stud Barossa Cup day on Easter Monday, April 18, with the COVID-19 restrictions still in place.