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Jeff Crawford’s purple patch of greyhound racing success continued with a winning farewell to Thursday night racing at Albion Park
With the focus quickly turning to The Q as the code’s headquarters
Crawford was prominent in the final two features to be staged at ‘The Creek’
He took out the Young Guns Final with Star Turn
placed second in the time-honoured Winged Runner Trophy with Hooked On Kisses
who finished two-and-a-quarter-lengths behind Sandra Hunt’s Mustang Hayze
and also collected a fifth grade 520 metre event early in the night with Blue Blend
“We are going through probably the best stage of our training career for the kennel as a group,” Crawford said.
Star Turn ($2.40) held out the fast-finishing
second-placed Simulate (trained by Tom Tzouvelis) with Mossy Boots (John McCarthy) third
“I have had faster dogs and been fortunate enough to win bigger races before
but haven’t had such an exciting group of dogs before," Crawford said.
“It is a combination of a lot of things as to why we are going through a good stage at the moment
“We are really focusing on the dogs as individuals
but realistically we have two litters that are young and very good
early pace and they chase hard.”
the Buccan-based Crawford feared that kennel ace
may have been feeling the effects of a busy campaign
with three trips back and forth to Rockhampton recently for the Cup there,” Crawford said
“I was a little worried about how he was going
was able to jump well and do what he had to do
“Any dog that led was going to be hard to beat and fortunately for us it was him.”
Part of Crawford’s focus will now turn to the rich and event-packed 2025 Queensland Winter Greyhound Racing Carnival at The Q which starts with next week’s QGOLD heats at the Q1 Lakeside on Thursday
“I spent three hours trying to work out what races to target for each dog during this carnival,” Crawford said
“This dog will probably go down to Gunnedah for the Chief Havoc Cup (heats are on June 1)
I believe it is a race that will suit him and he travels well
“We have great racing coming up here including the QGOLD races and some age races
“I never talk Group 1s with any of my dogs because they are so hard to qualify for
but there will be races that we will aim this dog (Star Turn) for which have Group 1 next to them
I believe he is good enough to go into those races.”
experienced local trainer Sandra Hunt said ‘goodbye’ to Thursday night racing at Albion Park in the perfect way
winning the Winged Runner Trophy Final for the second straight year.
On Thursday night Hunt saluted with Mustang Hayze
but a complete surprise,” the Atkinsons Dam-based trainer said
“This was her first 520 metre race for about a month so that was part of the reason that I just didn't think she would figure in the finish
she is fresh and I just hoped she got around that first corner
It was a change of luck for her and a beautiful race to win
So nice to win on the last Thursday night at Albion Park.”
Mustang Hayze has raced much of her career in the shadow of Kahlo Hayze
who suffered a career-ending injury late last year
scooted to a clear lead down the back and won convincingly ahead of Hooked On Kisses
well I have to admit I didn't even realise that Kahlo had actually won it last year,” Hunt laughed
“It was very special to win on what will most likely be the last night of Thursday night racing at Albion Park
Tom Tzouvelis may have taken out a classy 600 metre race at Albion Park on Thursday night with Seriously
but the happiest face on track after that finish belonged to the trainer of second-placed Red Dirt Road
The Space Star and Shiny Bright chaser was shaping as a genuine Group-class distance performer before disappearing off the track with a serious Achilles problem in October last year
His safe return to racing on Thursday night was met with jubilation by Britton
but probably more relieved than anything,” Britton said
“I don't think I have ever been so nervous before a race during my entire training career
I know how good a dog he can be so I was just hoping that in his first race back he would get around safely
The target now is to get him race ready for the Winter Carnival’s distance events
“At the moment I am looking at the Dashing Corsair on the one-turn track (heats are on May 29)
the (Group 1) Queensland Cup over 710 metres (heats are on June 26).”
Picture from NSWPFAn Albion Park woman has learnt her fate for brazenly nicking a postie's mail straight from his trike after he pulled over to deliver a parcel
All articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxInteractive Crosswords
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueAmber Jade Lee
was sentenced at Wollongong Local Court on Tuesday after pleading guilty to appropriating mail and two counts of larceny
Tendered court documents state Lee was in the steel city of Newcastle when she stumbled across a parked three-wheeler mail delivery bike
which was pulled over in a driveway while the postman was delivering a parcel on May 31
CCTV from the trike showed one of its doors wasn't shut properly when Lee looked around before bolting off with a mail bag she took from the back of the vehicle
Lee jumped into the passenger seat of a black sedan which drove away from the scene
Police arrived at the owner of the vehicle's home the following week
who told them Lee had gone back to Wollongong
The court heard Lee also stole hundreds of dollars worth of hair products that had been delivered to a resident's home
Lee also swiped three pairs of pants totalling $187 in value from Forever New in Stocklands Shellharbour
She handed the items back after being busted by police who were patrolling the mall
Defence lawyer Anthony Stewart told the court Lee had a series of mental health diagnoses including agoraphobia
He said Lee had no recollection of her thefts due to being under the influence of ice at the time
Magistrate Geraldine Beattie told Lee her actions inconvenienced many who missed out on their anticipated deliveries
"I'm sure you wouldn't like it if someone took your mail," the magistrate said
Magistrate Beattie accepted Lee suffered memory loss due to trauma and drug use
and that she was willing to engage in psychological treatment
Lee received a 12-month intensive correction order
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Picture by Robert PeetThe explosion was a sound Wilma and Lou Bloemen have never heard
and it not only shook them but left their Albion Park home damaged
All articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxInteractive Crosswords, Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThey were sitting at home when a vicious storm struck on Wednesday night
It sounded like it was thundering all around them
"I heard this really loud bang above my head
I heard this crash and I saw all this really bright orange light
it was about a metre wide," Mrs Bloemen said
there was a very strong fire smell and this stuff was floating around [in the air]
Illawarra Stormchasers reported more than 3700 lightning bolts within 50 kilometres of Wollongong during the storm; and the Bureau of Meteorology issued multiple weather warnings ahead of its impact
Moments after they heard the explosion at 8.30pm
the shocked Albion Park couple got up to walk outside and see what happened
The floor tiles inside their front door were smashed
and particles hurtled into the gyprock ceiling above
Skirting boards had come away from the wall
they noticed a hole in their roof and damaged roof tiles
Their nextdoor neighbour Margaret Kilpatrick also had damage to her adjoining unit
we lost the TV and the internet's gone and then we saw the plaster on the floor," Mrs Kilpatrick said
probably three inches by two inches [7.6cm x 5cm]
It's taken out all the gyprock and it's back to the metal."
A lightning strike captured during a storm in the Illawarra on Wednesday
Picture by David HunterDespite a spectacular lightning show and bone-chilling thunderclaps
the storm caused minimal damage in the region
with SES volunteers called to only 19 jobs overnight
Most jobs were to trees that fell onto fences
"After a pretty decent storm last night and a lot of lightning and rain
it was a relatively small number of jobs," SES spokesman Andrew McCullough said
Kiama recorded the most rain with 58.8 millimetres
Albion Park had 38.6mm and 34.4mm fell in Bellambi
The storm left thousands of Illawarra homes and businesses without power
with Endeavour Energy crews still working to restore services many hours after the storm struck
Mrs Bloemen said she was still unsure how much damage the lightning bolt had caused
"I don't know if the electrical items are damaged because we still have no power," she said
The couple's fridge and other electricals are currently plugged into the neighbour's place via a long extension cord; and they praised them for being so supportive
Showers will continue in the Illawarra in the coming days, with up to 50mm of rain possible until Sunday in Bellambi, 35mm in Albion Park and 25mm in Kama. Friday is expected to be the peak day for rain.
Nadine Morton covers emergency services and breaking news for the Illawarra Mercury. She takes pride in regional journalism which she believes is crucial to informing our towns and cities. Have a story? Email her at nadine.morton@austcommunitymedia.com.au
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Picture by NSW Rural Fire ServiceAn Albion Park home was saved from fire overnight after a blaze erupted in a 20-foot storage container alongside the home
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueFirefighters were called to the property on Hughes Drive
"On arrival, firefighters located a shipping container along the side of a house which was a fully involved fire," Fire and Rescue NSW Albion Park crews said
View +8 Photos"Firefighters immediately started firefighting operations and the fire was upgraded to a second alarm."
The upgraded alarm meant further resources were needed for the emergency incident, with fire trucks deployed from Dapto and Shellharbour. Police and paramedics were also sent to the emergency scene
"As the fire was against the side of the house and had started to burn under the eaves
FRNSW firefighters entered the roof space of the house with a thermal image camera to check if any fire had entered the roof cavity," firefighters said
the fire was prevented from "entering the roof with the fire contained to the side of the house and in the container
fire crews used a thermal image camera to ensure there were no remaining hot spots in the shipping container
FRNSW Albion Park's Denis Cornell said the cause of the fire is yet to be determined, but at this stage, crews do not believe it was suspicious.
HomeTributes & FuneralsDeaths & FuneralsBANKSBarryof Albion Park1954 - 2024
Passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on the 9th of July 2024
Devoted father and father-in-law of Monique
Barry will be sadly missed by his loving family and many dear friends
Gained His Angel Wings and No More Suffering
Relatives and friends of Barry are invited to attend his Funeral Service to be held at Hansen & Cole
Kembla Grange on Thursday 18 July 2024 commencing at 10am
Picture by Adam McLeanAdam Lowe has overcome many obstacles in his life
but vandals and a ruling by transport authorities have left him reeling
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe young Albion Park man was homeless for five years and struggled day-to-day
he got a stable job and saved up to buy his first "good car"
recently made the news for all the wrong reasons
When the Mercury photographed Mr Lowe's GTI, it had been totalled - all its windows were smashed, every seat ripped out and even the carpet on the floor was gone.
He had a minor accident on the on-ramp onto the M1 Prince Motorway, off Tongarra Road, at Albion Park and, being Christmas Day, he struggled to get a tow truck. So, he left his car and planned to call for a tow the next day.
"I'd had a minor bump in the front of my car, barely any damage, just a dent," he said.
"The next day it was towed, I wasn't sent a message, no text, I thought my car was stolen. Nobody rang me to tell me my car was taken."
Cars left in a "safe location" at Kembla Grange, beside the northbound on-ramp from Northcliffe Drive to the M1 Princes Motorway. Picture by Adam McLeanA Transport for NSW spokeswoman recently told the Mercury it authorises local tow truck drivers to remove abandoned vehicles from the side of the road and tow them to the "safe locations" to keep road users safe.
But, almost as soon as they are left, they quickly become the target of criminal activity.
Mr Lowe's GTI was towed to the Kembla Grange safe location which is a grassed area beside the Northcliffe Drive northbound on-ramp to the M1. When the Mercury visited the site two other cars there, including a Mercedes C200 Kompressor, were all significantly damaged.
Owners are not notified when their vehicles are towed.
TfNSW admitted owners are not notified when their vehicles are towed, and Mr Lowe only found out where his car was when police called him, with officers suspecting the GTI had been stolen and dumped.
"They [police] found it there with the door open and the windows smashed," he said.
"How can I get there to make sure my car's OK if I don't know where it is? It's a lose-lose situation.
"The same night it was dropped there, the next day it was trashed."
Adam Lowe at the Kembla Grange site where his car was dumped. Picture by Adam McLeanDistraught with a huge debtMr Lowe's insurance won't cover the cost of his car being trashed, he has been left with a huge loan for a vehicle he no longer has, and he almost lost his job as a roofer because he no longer had a way to get to work.
"I'm only young, I'm 24 and I still owe $28,000 on that car. I shouldn't have to fork out $28,000 for something I didn't do," he said.
"I was initially pretty distraught and upset. I haven't had the best life and this has been ripped away from me. I came from homelessness. I was homeless for five years and it's been really hard."
Mr Lowe has been left so upset by the loss of his car and the lack of communication that it was towed that he has sought legal advice.
Meanwhile, his partner now gets up at 5am each day to drive him to work, and he's started saving for a car again.
"I guess I'll keep paying my debt and save for a new car ... they're not going to give me another loan," he said.
View +2 Photos"I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy."
TfNSW declined to comment on whether compensation or reimbursement would be available for vehicle owners who had their vehicles destroyed/damaged after being towed to "safe locations". Instead, owners are advised to contact their insurer.
As a result of recent community feedback, TfNSW installed CCTV cameras at both safe locations to "prevent the incidence of vehicles being damaged".
While the sites will continue to be used for the relocation of vehicles, TfNSW is considering its options.
"We will continue to explore other options in consultation with a range of stakeholders," the spokeswoman said.
The eagerly awaited harness racing clash between star mares Chynchilla and Rylee Rhayne Bow in the Mares Open Pace at Albion Park on Saturday night turned out to be a non event when the race was abandoned
Chynchilla and Rylee Rhayne Bow had both been in rare form and the former was backed into favouritism due to an inside barrier draw
Nathan Dawson found the lead on Chynchilla while Pete McMullen couldn’t cross over as Diamond Shooz booted up on the inside to keep him outside the leader
However along the back straight Rylee Rhayne Bow was able to have a breather to drop in and look to outsprint Chynchilla
But Jungle Baby was on the track out wide in the home straight after an unfortunate race incident and all drivers suddenly took hold of their horses
There was no prospect of moving Jungle Baby before the runners came to the home turn
It looked that before the incident that Chynchilla was going to hold off Rylee Rhayne Bow but patrons will have to wait for another day to see these two mares again in action
Stewards then declared the event to be abandoned
The one highlight for the night was the final race appearance of grand performer Northview Hustler (Bettors Delight) who bowed out after competing in the Divided Open Pace
The veteran raced on 212 occasions for 36 wins (including 22 at Albion Park) and 49 placings after starting his career in New Zealand
After arriving in Australia he only ever raced at Albion Park and Redcliffe
He ended up winning $539,713 in prize money
In addition the gelding posted a best mile rate of 1.50.6 at Albion Park over the 1660 metre trip Trainer and part owner Al Barnes has decided to retire the gelding who will now enjoy the rest of life off the track
For complete race results, click here
By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink
Harnesslink.com is the only harness racing website dedicated to covering news and events in the Standardbred Industry world-wide
© 2024 Harnesslink | All Rights Reserved | NV
© 2024 Harnesslink | All Rights Reserved | NV
Picture suppliedHundreds of primary school children have been evacuated from a school in Albion Park after a fire erupted on top of a building
When crews arrived the unit flames and smoke were coming from the unit
Fire and Rescue NSW crews and volunteer firefighters from Albion Park extinguished the blaze
FRNSW Inspector Chad Wallace praised school staff for their quick evacuation of about 200 students
Fire crews attend the scene at Albion Park Public School
Picture supplied"Staff followed their evacuation procedures to the letter," he said
"Because of the great actions of the staff we were able to concentrate on the fire and didn't have to worry about the children
"All students are safe and they've gone back to class."
but Inspector Wallace put it down to a "hot day and it's probably working non-stop"
Albion Park school evacuated after air conditioning fireFirefighters are so concerned about the number of house fires in the Illawarra
they've teamed up with the Illawarra Mercury to provide free smoke alarms (including free installation) and fire safety advice for residents
the smoke alarm is free and so is the fire safety advice
If you're reading this story on your mobile phone click here to book, otherwise scan the QR code above to request a free smoke alarm.
Picture suppliedTwo missing person cases have ended in tragedy in Albion Park and Fitzroy Falls
The 49-year-old man was reported missing from South West Rocks
who was last seen in Kangaroo Valley on Tuesday
February 25 has been found at Fitzroy Falls
Jason Lawrence, the son of missing Wollongong woman Pauline Sowry, told the Mercury his family has been left heartbroken by the 30-year mystery.
If you have information on any missing person in the Illawarra contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
For help in a crisis call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
All articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxInteractive Crosswords, Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueBlayke Murray and Jacob Camara, both 19, were arrested over the alleged fracas which left a man wounded, and faced Wollongong Local Court on Thursday
Murray and Camara are yet to enter a plea to a common charge of wounding a person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm between 7pm and 9.30pm on December 14
The court heard a heated argument erupted inside a house which turned physical before moving outside where it escalated
Shocking video was played during the pair's respective bail applications
showing a group running from the property and into a garage
where Murray allegedly threw several punches at a man's head after he fell to the ground
"The complainant has suffered a very serious injury," the prosecutor said
Camara allegedly raised a machete in the air and swung it downwards
Murray wiped away tears with his handcuffed hands when the video was played
His lawyer Abbas Soukie accepted the allegations were serious
however argued the strength of the case was the "elephant in the room"
Mr Soukie disputed his client had a machete in his waistband
and that this could not be seen from the footage
He said the weapon had not been seized from the scene
"There is simply no evidence proving the existence of that machete," he said
but there are issues with identification at this point."
Camara's lawyer Caitlin Drabble also conceded the allegations were serious
however said a defence of provocation and excessive self-defence may be available
Ms Drabble said the charge may also result in a downgraded offence of reckless wounding rather than wounding with intent following negotiations
She said her client presented a strong subjective case as he had a very troubled upbringing and was introduced to drugs at age nine
with suspected PTSD as a result of childhood trauma
A community-based jail sentence is potentially available to Camara if he is convicted of the charge
The police prosecutor opposed bail for both teens due to the presence of a weapon and seriousness of the "explosive violence"
adding that Murray was on bail at the time
Mr Soukie said Murray had a need to be at liberty to care for his sister who is battling Hodgkin's lymphoma
Magistrate Greg Elks denied bail on account of the strength of the prosecution case and adjourned the matters to March 5
Racing Queensland advises feature race date changes at Albion Park in April and May 2025
The changes are necessitated by the planned transition of racing from Albion Park to Q2 Parklands in early May 2025
As such the following feature events have been brought forward one week:
Eric Thomson Memorial Maiden/Grade 6 520m
Full programs for April can be found on the Racing Queensland website.
What a night we have of greyhound racing across the country with feature heats and racing left
We focus on Albion Park as per usual and have four heats of the Brisbane Young Guns over 520m
the Legacy Classic Final worth 12k to the winner plus a range of cracking races over all three usual distances for a Thursday night
The first race is set for 6:42pm and the lucky last
Staggered at the opening price of $10 considering the favourite off the eight seems very poorly drawn
Backed into $4.60 now and still a wonderful price
Speed in the race from 2,5 & 6 which should give us some space early
winning 4 of his past 7 gives confidence he runs them down
Sizzled over 600m two back in 34.99 so can carve out splits
Two wins from her past three starts and both come from inside draws (Box 2) and led on both occasions
5.56 & 5.58 to the first split Is sharp enough to lead this
wide runner with pace who gives us a saloon path to the first bend
Enormous the past couple and finds a race full of unknown commodities
Slow beginner who is desperate for the inside and is as strong as the days are long
Will settle a fair way back and storm home
Boasts a handy 30.26 PB which will go close to winning this
Veteran of the track with 147 career starts and 121 of those at the creek but wound back the clock last week showing glimpses of her old self
pushes mid track and with clean running makes good ground in the back half of the race
Maps well to settle 3rd to 4th mid race and storm over the leaders
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Crafted by Project Diamond
Team Teal supporters will have more than a passing interest in the Ultimate Drivers Competition at Albion Park this weekend
a Team Teal ambassador since its inception 11 years ago
will take part in the inaugural series where participants and slot holders vie for the $250,000 up for grabs over Friday and Saturday nights
The first three placegetters receive $100,000
while all other drivers/slot holders will earn $5000
Gath will be sharing the Creek circuit with some of the best drivers in the world
which raises funds for ovarian cancer research
I would be at Melton on Saturday for Team Teal’s big night at the Breed For Speed race meeting,” Gath said
“It took Andy and myself a while to get our heads around it
but then we both thought it would be a great thing to be part of if we were lucky enough to secure a slot and it would create more awareness and publicity for Team Teal.”
Gath has been taken aback with the global exposure the series has already received prior to a race being run
“It’s an exciting concept and great the awareness Team Teal is receiving from all over the world
Canada and Sweden where they have drivers taking part,” she said
“I have received messages from people I don’t even know personally in the U.S
wishing myself and Team Teal well in the series
“It has really taken off with a lot of drivers flying up here to Brisbane just to watch.”
Gath Racing Team Teal is also the slot holder and as such receives 100 per cent of monies won
Gath is thrilled to be part of the ground-breaking series and is quietly confident of a competitive showing
Gath acknowledged the assistance Gath Racing Team Teal received from leading Brisbane racecaller Chris Barsby at the draft on Wednesday
“Chris was a big help as he is across the form of all the horses
whereas Andy and I aren’t of course,” she said
“It will be fascinating to see all these horses being driven for the first time by these drivers and I think they will be truly-run races which should make for a great spectacle.”
Gath also recognised the contribution of Garrards Horse and Hound in raising funds for Team Teal
“Darren Garrard has donated a new UFO sulky which Yannick Gingras will use during the series
and then on Sunday he will auction it off with all proceeds going to Team Teal which is fantastic,” she said
“There will also be Team Teal fundraising tins around the course at Albion Park
I will make a donation towards Team Teal at the end of Saturday night
so hopefully Gath Racing Team Teal can be right up there at the finish.”
The great Wondai’s Mate is one of the several pacers that stands out in Michael Brennan’s mind when he reflects on growing up on the Darling Downs and attending the races at Albion Park
Many decades on from Wondai’s Mate’s sparkling career
Brennan will get his own chance to create history around Brisbane’s premier harness track over the coming years
Previously based in Western Australia while preparing his stable
the multiple Group 1-winning conditioner has shifted across the country with the Inter Dominion prize on his mind
It will be Pinny Tiger first who he hopes can emulate some of his favourite’s such as Wondai’s Mate
the barn should also have a production line of smart young horses coming through the ranks after being busy at sales across the country recently
The 49-year-old took a detour into hockey for a large portion of his life but has landed back in his home state around the code he grew up around
we had tracks at Toowoomba,” Brennan recalls
“I used to come to Albion Park with my dad and a few guys I played hockey with
“I still fondly remember going to watch champion horses such as Wondai’s Mate and others at Albion Park
“My uncle Clive was a gallops trainer at Toowoomba and I used to get down to the stables a fair bit and I remember going to the races in the transport track back in the day
“I have always been a very avid horse racing fan.”
Labelled as one of the best pacers to come out of Queensland
Wondai’s Mate ended his racing career with the remarkable record of 121 starts for 73 wins
the Albion Park club have named a race in Wondai’s Mate’s honour and it is always hotly contested through the carnival
Wondai’s Mate collected a total of 43 victories at Albion Park and was later inducted into the Queensland Harness Racing Hall of Fame
Brennan will have a team of around 20 pacers in the Sunshine State
Brennan’s current stable star Pinny Tiger has raced in Group company across Australia throughout his career
claiming victory at the highest level in his four-year-old season in WA
With the Queensland Constellations and Inter Dominion Championship on the horizon in 2025
the trainer is hopeful Pinny Tiger will be able to compete against the best
“He is a proven Group 1 horse,” Brennan said
“He has travelled over really well and I am really happy with how he is coming up
“He will look to start by hopefully the middle of May and he is definitely the type of horse that will really suite Queensland racing
Everyone knows about his gate speed – he has scintillating speed
“Just the opportunity to train him here at this property
it gives me a few more avenues with his training program
Brennan has also recruited Kiwi driver Korbyn Newman to join his Queensland team
The 25-year-old Newman has around 80 winners to his name in his home country and has recently shifted across the ditch
The team have combined with a couple of Queensland starters and trialers in recent weeks as their presence on race day ramps up
They nabbed their first winner together around ‘The Triangle’ on Wednesday evening when Ultimate Miki landed the prize in comfortable fashion
it is something different as I think I needed a change,” Newman said
“Obviously Michael has done a good job and trained Group 1 winners and does a really nice job with his horses
he was bloody good to talk to and it seemed like the right now.”
Newman also tried his hand at training in NZ with his biggest driving triumph a $100,000 country event
He has been in the bike behind Pinny Tiger since the 20-time winning gelding lobbed
I got to drive him the other day and he went super,” Newman said
Brennan and his group of owners – headed by Joshua Davine of N40 Racing – were active at the recent Sunshine Stars Yearling Sales and aim to be major players on the QBRED front over the coming years
The trainer first broached the idea of a return to the Sunshine State when he travelled across in January to inspect a property at Biddaddaba
it was decision made – it was pretty much instantaneous” Brennan said
“Once we drove up over the hill and looked down over the property
“Josh has given us a great opportunity; we have settled in now and we are really looking forward to what is ahead for us.”
While Brennan has made a name for himself in the pacing code
it was another game that he departed Queensland for to chase his dreams in as a teenager from Toowoomba
He won two Olympic medals for Australia in men’s hockey: bronze in 2000 and gold in 2004
The Queensland midfielder retired after Sydney
but returned to the sport and was instrumental in the Athens success
which was Australia’s first gold medal in men’s hockey
Australasia’s premier harness racing event will headline the Queensland Constellations Carnival for the next three years
the Inter Dominion Championship will call the Sunshine State home from 2025 to 2027
acting as the centrepiece for the nation’s most exciting and innovative winter carnival
Brennan says ‘ID’ finding a home in Queensland was ‘critical’ to his decision to move across
“I think harness racing and racing in Queensland is definitely heading in the right trajectory,” he said
“We were heavily involved at the sales this year with a view to the QBRED bonuses
which I think is an incredible bonus system and is probably the best in the country
“The lure of the three Inter Dominion carnivals over the next three years is also something that enticed us to come and solidified the decision.”
by Jordan Gerrans
© 2024 Harnesslink | All Rights Reserved | NV.
Picture by Adam McLean.Wollongong United coach Rob Jonoski is banking on a more solid defensive display from his team in their Illawarra Premier League showdown against Albion Park White Eagles on Saturday at Macedonia Park
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueUnited won their opening game of the season 3-0 against South Coast United but were upstaged last week by Shellharbour FC 3-2
playing a scoreless draw with Tarrawanna before losing 2-1 to Coniston in their last outing
Despite this, Wollongong United coach Jonoski expects a tough challenge against one of the competition's powerhouses
Jonoski is also banking on his team being more defensively solid against the visiting White Eagles
It's two traditionally strong sides looking to establish themselves early in the season
We're just focusing on ourselves and trying to pick up three points tomorrow," he said
"We know they are going to come here and fight hard
United head into Saturday's stoush in good form
having hammered Fernhill FC 10-0 in their Australia Day clash on Tuesday night
Jonoski said United played good attacking football but needed to shore up defensively
We scored three in our first game and another couple against Shellharbour
Two of the goals we conceded against Shellharbour were unacceptable," he said
We definitely need to shore up defensively
"I was pleased with how we played midweek against Fernhill
but we need to improve defensively against Albion Park."
In the other Saturday afternoon games, Tarrawanna Blueys battle Cringila Lions at Tarrawanna Oval, Oak Flats Falcons host Port Kembla at Keith Bond Oval and Coniston FC play Helensburgh Thistle
South Coast United take on Shellharbour FC at Ian McLennan Park from 7pm
Round three wraps up on Sunday with Wollongong Olympic hosting competition leaders Bulli FC at PCYC
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
All articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxInteractive Crosswords, Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueAlso known as the Albion Park bypass
the road would run parallel to Tongarra Road
providing those who don't need to visit the suburb's CBD an easier east-west route
the growing Calderwood area has just one main road east
which takes drivers straight through the Albion Park CBD and its ever-increasing congestion
The detailed design on the project that has been part of Shellharbour City Council's long-term strategic plan since 1961 is almost complete
The council is seeking the final approvals from Transport for NSW and various utility providers
A view of the proposed Tripoli Way bypass of Albion Park
looking west towards the Calderwood Road intersection
The first stage of construction will include the relocation of electrical utilities
such as the removal of overhead power lines on Tripoli Way
alongside the installation of underground power lines
New property connections via private poles will be provided for existing residences
Tenders from the three shortlisted companies for the construction of roads
bridges and traffic signals will be provided in early 2025 with a planned construction start date in June 2025
and while it promises great benefits for many in our community
we will continue to work closely with those most impacted to keep disruptions to a minimum," Mayor Chris Homer said
and some of our residents have concerns about what's ahead
But the Tripoli Way Project is about improving a key transport link in the city
and the early works signify the beginning of a broader vision for a more connected and sustainable future for our community."
I'm an award-winning senior journalist with the Illawarra Mercury and have well over two decades' worth of experience in newspapers. I cover the three local councils in the Illawarra for the Mercury, state and federal politics, as well as writing for the TV guide. If I'm not writing, I'm reading.
Picture by Darren MaloneA young girl was airlifted to a Sydney hospital after being hit by a car at Albion Park Rail
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueEmergency services were called to the intersection of the Princes Highway and Tongarra Road just after 5pm on Saturday
where an 11-year-old girl had been hit by a car
She had been hit by a Toyota LandCruiser while crossing the street
with early reports suggesting she was riding a bike at the time
The girl was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics at the scene before being airlifted to Randwick Children's Hospital in a stable condition
was uninjured and returned a negative breath test
Pictures from Facebook and InstagramAn Albion Park couple are facing serious drug supply charges as police accuse them of dealing a commercial quantity of an illicit substance
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueDallas Richard Cooke
were arrested when police raided their home on the morning of Wednesday
Documents tendered to Wollongong Local Court the following day said Cooke allegedly had 1.66 grams of meth on him
A search of the home revealed numerous items of interest which were seized by police
These included an alleged 6.02 grams of methamphetamine in a clear resealable bag
two boxes of capsules believed to be peptides
Officers also uncovered several bottles containing a liquid
which police alleged contained gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) or gamma butyrolactone (GBL) with an estimated total weight of 1.5 kilograms
Police said a review of Hobbs' mobile phone allegedly revealed "extensive digital evidence that the pair were involved in a large scale drug supply operation"
Cooke allegedly admitted in an interview to possessing the GHB/GBL
Hobbs refused to take part in an interview
Cooke was charged with supplying a commercial quantity of a prohibited drug
supplying an indictable quantity of a prohibited drug
recklessly dealing with the proceeds of crime
The three latter charges relate to an alleged police chase that occurred early on the afternoon of October 5
when police detected a red Honda motorcycle registered to Cooke allegedly travelling at 113kmh in a 70 zone
The rider allegedly went through two red lights and reached speeds of 110 to 120kmh before police called off the pursuit for safety reasons
Cooke applied for bail at Wollongong Local Court on Thursday
Lawyer Hannah Dreher said the information on how police reached the estimated weight of the GHB/GBL was ambiguous and there was no indication the alleged drugs had been tested
There had been a "very large gap" in Cooke's criminal history
and his mother - with whom he proposed to live in Wollongong if granted bail - said she would contact police if he used drugs
But prosecutor Sergeant Richard Novatin said there were serious allegations surrounding the pursuit which had put the community at risk
and Cooke had warrants and a history of non-compliance with orders on his record
Magistrate Claire Girotto said there was room for the charges to be negotiated and noted Cooke had not "been in trouble for a while"
She granted him bail with strict conditions
a ban on contacting Hobbs and a prohibition on leaving the house without a specified chaperone
you will not get bail again," Ms Girotto said
Hobbs was charged with supplying a commercial quantity of a prohibited drug
The court heard Hobbs had a less serious record than Cooke and Sergeant Novatin said strict conditional bail would be appropriate for her
She must live with a friend in Shell Cove and can only leave the home during the day for work
The pair's matters will return to court in November
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs and education. Our Watch award winner. If you've got a story, let me know.
Picture by Robert PeetMcDonald's wants to get rid of security guards at its new Albion Park outlet
The restaurant opened its doors on October 8
having to abide by a condition of approval that security guards were on-site 10pm to 6am Friday and Saturday nights
The owners have now lodged a modification request to remove that requirement from the approval
"The Albion Park operation has demonstrated
in implementing the strategies found within the plan of management
the risk of anti-social behaviour is significantly reduced and able to be effectively managed by staff on site," the request stated
and operational protocols have minimised the risk of anti-social behaviour [in] the area
It is therefore considered an unnecessary requirement for the operation."
A crime risk assessment lodged as part of the application said the design of the store "creates an environment that dissuades offenders from committing crimes by manipulating the built environment in which those crimes proceed from or occur"
The restaurant was also subject to a trial of 24-hour operations and now want the council to make those hours permanent
"The location of the site at an intersection to a classified road sees constant traffic passing the site during all times of the day and night," the statement of environmental effects said
"By providing late night and early morning services
the McDonald's will be able to service the demands of this passing traffic including early morning and late-night shift workers."
The development application is on public exhibition until January 30
File picture by Robert PeetAn Albion Park man who launched a tirade against his wife over the way she had prepared dinner and stormed into a neighbours' home in pursuit of her when she fled has avoided full-time imprisonment
but is banned from returning to the family home
All articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxInteractive Crosswords, Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe 37-year-old faced Wollongong District Court for sentencing on Tuesday after pleading guilty to charges of intimidation
aggravated break and enter and committing a serious indictable offence
breaching an apprehended domestic violence order (ADVO) and damaging property
In October 2023 the perpetrator became agitated and questioned his wife about why the chicken she prepared for dinner had not been marinated
He threatened the woman with divorce and told her to get out
the offender snatched the phone from his wife and insulted his sister-in-law too
He continued shouting at his wife to get out and threw her phone to the ground
The man also grabbed his wife's blouse and pushed her with force
fled to the home of neighbours from whom she had previously sought support when she experienced relationship issues
The female neighbour was comforting the woman
when the perpetrator reefed open the screen door to the home and entered
The female neighbour told the man to get out but he paid no heed and went into the loungeroom
To stop the offender getting to his wife the female neighbour stood in front of the him but he pushed her
During the struggle the male neighbour sustained bruising and scratches to his arms
while a pot plant was knocked over and damaged
The offender managed to break free and ran
swinging the door on his way out so hard that the handle hit and damaged the wall
Police arrived a short time later and arrested the man
the man was subject to an AVO protecting his wife
Judge Christopher O'Brien noted the neighbours were "treated appallingly" by the offender while trying to help a young woman in need
"People who commit offences of domestic violence must be held accountable for their behaviour," he said
The perpetrator sat in the dock with his head bowed as the judge made his sentencing remarks
who comforted each other during the hearing
Judge O'Brien said the breach of the ADVO was a serious offence and any person subject to such an order was not free to regard it as merely a "piece of paper"
He noted a pre-sentencing report which said the offender described a close relationship with his wife and denied anger issues
"He is said to feel guilt and shame but strongly denies physically hurting his neighbours or his wife," Judge O'Brien said
The court heard the man had undertaken a men's behaviour change program
Judge O'Brien said the man's prospects of rehabilitation were somewhere between guarded and reasonable
given his lack of insight into his offending
the man's wife said she did not want him in full-time custody and described the dire impact his imprisonment would have on the family's financial circumstances
assault occasioning actual bodily harm and ADVO breach offences all crossed the threshold where a prison sentence was the only available option
But he said the man could serve this in the community through an intensive correction order lasting two years and seven months
Judge O'Brien handed down a two-year community correction order on the remaining charges
He also imposed a three-year AVO protecting the man's wife
under which the offender cannot go 100 metres of where she lives or works and can only make contact under certain strict circumstances
and a five-year AVO protecting the neighbours which prohibited the man from contacting them or going within 100 metres of their home
Experienced wagering and gaming leader James Waddell has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Albion Park Harness Racing Club
but calling Queensland home for the last 20 years
Mr Waddell takes the role after successful stints at UBET where he served as GM Wagering (Fixed Odds) and more recently at PlayUp Ltd
where he held the position of Chief Operations Officer
he spent 10 years working with Carnival Cruise Lines
APHRC Chairman Greg Mitchell welcomed Mr Waddell to the new role
where his personality and charisma has unveiled the true potential of great organisations," Mr Mitchell said
"The board is looking forward to this exciting appointment and what James will bring to our club and industry
"With such an iconic event like the Inter Domnion just around the corner
James will have a great opportunity to hit the ground running."
Mr Waddell said he could not think of a better time to be involved in harness racing with the upcoming Inter Dominion Series in July
The finals will be held at Albion Park where champion Queensland pacer and recent Hall of Fame inductee Leap To Fame will be on show as he continues to push his claim to be the greatest harness horse of all time
Mr Waddell will step into his new role from Tuesday
File picture by Adam McLeanA deer has been killed in an early-morning passenger train strike in Albion Park
All articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxInteractive Crosswords, Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe southbound train was travelling on the Dapto-Albion Park single line section
The train limped to the station as large panels scraped along the tracks
with about 20 passengers on board transferred to an Endeavour rail service to continue their journey
The incident caused damage to the train's underskirt and the train horn was broken
A train technician arrived just after 5am to help remove the damaged parts
and Fire and Rescue NSW attended to assist
Repairs were completed and the train departed before 6.30am
A Mercury report from 2021 revealed trains struck a deer 242 times between 2011 and 2017 and the cost of dealing with the problem was estimated to be $1.4 million.
Another week rolls on and somehow we’re into the third week of April
the Q has launched well and truly and dogs are being plunged as if there is no tomorrow
Nevertheless we race at the helm of Queensland racing
Albion Park where 9 of the best will take place
The first is scheduled for 6:42pm and the lucky last
Tune into SENTRACK 1593am on the dial between 6 and 10pm for all racing action
Comsistent old boy who relishes these small fields
Drawn ideal to win something he has only done twice in his past ten outings
Likes a wider draw and with speed in 2 and 8 he should be able to do his thing mid race
Lost to Rockhampton cup winner BACKCREEK BENNY last start so the form lines are good
Was exceptional on debut but found one slightly better but flips the script tonight on my data and maps
Draws inside of the favourite which is a huge plus
expect to ping and burn straight to the front
Has tremendous mid race acceleration and hopefully utilises that tonight
Minimal speed in 1 to 3 so unless we walk out we should find the rail with ease
Highly talented and expect big things in future starts
Maps sensational and is a dog in serious form
Winning 3 of his past 4 races beating class types he comes into this with the form of the race
no speed outside is better and mad railers in 3 & 4 should give us room to whip round mid race
If we stay out of bother and get clear running he’s the best value play you’ll see in a while