Mobile starts in Queensland have been stopped since this accident at Redcliffe a week ago when the barrier arms failed to retract and hit bystanders.
With no mobile, Al is keeping Trojan away from harm and is likely to wait until Friday
By Barry Lichter • 31 March 2019
Trainer Al Barnes is likely to scratch Trojan Banner from his race on Tuesday as the aftermath of last week’s serious accident at Redcliffe impacts on racing at Albion Park.
No mobile starts are being held in Brisbane while an inquiry is held into why the arms of the gate did not retract at Redcliffe, striking a family that was watching the race from a spectators’ area alongside the track.
Barnes is good friends with the Whittaker family, who live just down the road, and says his heart goes out to Gary and Joedy whose two-year-old daughter Lara is still in a coma.
“It was a very serious accident and we’re all hoping Lara pulls through.
“It was also tough on a lot of people who saw it, including my young fella Hayden, and there are a lot of health and safety problems now.’’
Trainer Al Barnes with son Brendan.Barnes says he believes Queensland Transport has ruled the mobile vehicles to be non complaint because the mobile structure is too heavy for the back of the ute.
“They’re trying to get it rectified by Tuesday but in the meantime they’re doing walk up starts.
“Trojan Banner isn’t used to that and I don’t want to put him in any danger - there have been a lot of false starts with horses shying and locking wheels.
“And they’re just not very professional - with the rolling starts you’re supposed to stay level with the clerk of the courses, on the inside and outside of the field, but all the kids are cheating the system and pinching half a length. The starts aren’t fair.’’
Barnes says he will wait until the last minute but it’s more likely he’ll pull Trojan Banner out and start him instead on Friday, when the gate issue is expected to be solved, and where he would also meet easier company.
When the race he planned to run Trojan Banner in on Tuesday was scrapped, Barnes put him in the c2 to c3 event, even though ther colt is still rated a c1.
While he says the opposition doesn’t really worry him, the fact the best chances are drawn one and two, means from five Trojan Banner will probably have to sit outside them.
“Left A Terror and Smart As Camm Be are two of the better three-year-olds in Queensland, and it would have been a good test for him, but we don’t have to meet them just yet and it only means waiting for three days.’’
Barnes reports Trojan Banner is in fantastic condition.
“He’s really bright and doing well and should continue on his (winning) way.’’
Barnes will also nominate Lincoln Farms’ other resident Lincoln’s Girl for Friday’s meeting.
“I was going to trial her but her work has been good enough for the grade she’s in.
“I’ll race her if the three-year-old maiden field holds up, because they’re pretty weak, but if she can only go in a c0-c1, I’ll trial her.’’
Trojan Banner is carded to run at 7.17pm NZ time on Tuesday but trainer Al Barnes says he’ll likely not to start.
More news in Harness
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Onyx Shard can keep the ball rolling for Ray and Nathan at Manawatu on Tuesday
Ray and Debbie both in the money at the Park with speedy ‘Frisky’ and precocious ‘Angela’
What’s Up with the trotter? - Ray ‘guilty’ of being very optimistic for debut on Friday night
Our runners this week
Friday night at Auckland
Kevin Kline, What’s Up The Hill, Sugar Ray Lincoln, Lincoln Lou, Debbie Lincoln, Colonel Lincoln, Frisco Bay.
Our runners this week: How our trainers rate them
Ray’s comments
Tuesday twilight at Manawatu
Race 5: Leo Lincoln
6.07pm
“He didn’t go very well in his workout right-handed last Thursday but he was good on Saturday when we trained him left-handed. It’s his first race for three months so he could possibly need it but we’re talking Manawatu opposition.”
Race 7: Onyx Shard
7.01pm
“She’s absolutely a winning chance. She showed that last time when she had to do a fair bit to hold the lead. Fergie is driving her this time and we’re pretty confident she’ll go well. She’s such a well-gaited mare.”
Race 8: Lincoln La Moose
7.25pm
“He dominated them last time from the outside of the gate and, even though he can be in and out, he’ll be hard to beat again. That easier opposition makes a difference when there’s nothing good enough to eye-ball you. “
Nathan’s comments
Thursday night at Manawatu
Race 5: Leo Lincoln
6.50pm
“He was very unlucky on night one. The gap sort of opened up then closed again and I had to take hold. He was still charging to the line and if the gap had come he would have been right there with the winner. If he can step and lead, then slot into the trail, he should be a winning chance.”
Race 6: Onyx Shard
7.17pm
“Ferg said she wasn’t on the bit the whole way on Tuesday, was too relaxed. We’ll take the block blinds off this time and put half blinds on and see if that helps. She had to do a bit of work in the run on Tuesday but it doesn’t seem to have knocked her around. The outside draw makes it harder.”
Race 7: Lincoln La Moose
7.39pm
“He looks our best chance of the night. He’s definitely a different horse down here and he obviously likes it in front. Ferg didn’t pull the plugs the other night and that tells you something. He’s doing everything right, I can’t fault him.”
