Hard Working President Chasing Kununurra Cup Success
27 August, 2015
Thoroughbred
Gary King is a man of many roles at the Kununurra Race Club: president, assistant steward, barrier attendant and track curator are just some of the key duties he has undertaken over the past 15 years.
A role King has yet to perform and one he is keen to address is accepting the winning trophy and prize purse as owner of the Kununurra Cup. That outlook and ambition becomes a real possibility on Saturday.
King has a share in Idatrice, a Keltrice eight-year-old who staked his claim for the $20,000 Kununurra Cup (1800m) by posting a dominant 2 ½ length victory over Moore Alpha last week, his first run over the course.
King said Idatrice, who is prepared by Darwin trainer Dick Leech and will be ridden by Stephen Riddler, had relished a return to the grass after a disappointing campaign on the dirt in Darwin and Alice Springs.
King said he was enjoying the experience and build up to the Kununurra Cup.
“It’s the first time I have had a runner in the Kununurra Cup,” said King.
“I’ve only been in the horse for a short time.
“I can’t say I am nervous but I’m really excited to have a runner.
“There is a real buzz about the town and I think we will get up to 2000 people attending.
“Everything is in readiness and the track is looking in good order.”
Leech, in search of his first Kununurra Cup triumph, says little separates the small field of five runners but he can’t hide his respect for Arrised after the Stratum gelding posted two powerful all the way wins at Wyndham
“The horse is going the best ever and is in form,” said Leech.
“If he goes hard in front Idatrice will sit behind and hopefully finish over the top.
“But there is not much between them all.”
Cruziero and Air Comet, two entrants for Phillip Cole and Dave Casey’s Bit Of Value complete the Kununurra Cup line up.
Julio Santarelli