The Audi Centre Toowoomba Weetwood Handicap has thrown up some special winning stories during its long history and another cracker beckons at Clifford Park on Saturday if Jadentom can arrive for her cheer squad.
Abruzzi’s legendary win in 1944, jockey Stathi Katsidis’s five race victories and Miss Imagica’s historic success under Skye Bogenhuber are a mere snapshot of memorable Weetwood moments.
Jadentom promises to add another unique page to the Clifford Park history books when she chases a Hatch family victory in Toowoomba’s premier race.
Jadentom will be the first Weetwood runner for long-time successful Toowoomba trainer Lindsay Hatch who prepares the mare for his wife Tracey.
Rounding out Jadentom’s Hatch family connection are Lindsay and Tracey’s children Jade and Thomas who combine to share the seven-year-old’s name.
Jadentom is the winner of 10 races and more than $250,000 in prize money.
She resumes racing in the Weetwood after a break and was out of luck at Wednesday’s public barrier draw where she landed gate 17.
But Lindsay quickly put the disappointment of the unwanted draw behind him as he looks forward to experiencing his first Weetwood tilt – win, lose or draw.
“It’s a shame she drew where she is – it’s the best we’ve ever had her,” Lindsay said.
“But it is what it is, and plenty of horses have won Weetwoods over the years from wide barriers.
“Andrew (jockey Andrew Mallyon) is going to do the form and look back over the last five Weetwoods and have a look at the race patterns.
“On the postive side, she goes good fresh and has an impeccable ride here and we’ll just ride her for luck from back in the field now.
“This is my first Weetwood runner and every local trainer wants to win our Weetwood and it’s a huge advantage racing here at home where a lot of visitors struggle.
“But win, lose or draw we are just going to enjoy the day as a family and walk off the course proud that the mare was good enough to give us a runner in the Weetwood.”
By Glen McCullough
