The Archer sparkles in Rockhampton

By Tony McMahon

Rockhampton racing rocketed to unparalleled heights on the crest of the inaugural running of Saturday’s $652,000 The Archer race day - the richest ever run in the city since horse racing commenced in 1868.

Pillared by regional Queensland’s wealthiest race the $440,000 The Archer, the occasion did not disappoint the 3,000 Callaghan Park patrons - the biggest attendance in over 30 years.

The local crowd were treated to a dream hometown result in The Archer, when Ashley Butler - the only local jockey represented - rode the race of his life to snatch victory on Emerald Kingdom in the last stride.

Even though high-profile Brisbane trainer Rob Heathcote’s Emerald Kingdom had nabbed courageous leader and heavily backed favourite Apache Chase, sentiment rose to the occasion.

Punters and racegoers lined the winning enclosure vantage points and the packed grandstand to cheer Butler as he trotted Emerald Kingdom back to an emotive winners’ reception.

There to greet him were Emerald Kingdom’s The Archer slot holders, Rockhampton’s Rob and Leonie Carr, trainer Heathcote and his wife Vicky who owns Emerald Kingdom.

Officially, the winning margin was adjudged to be 0.2 lengths from Apache Chase, with Dawn Passage a half-length away for his Sydney trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott.

As if scripted, The Archer produced a blanket finish with fourth placed Annabel Neasham’s Holyfield and fifth home Kris Lees’ Gem Song both within one length of the winner.

The trainer had gone on record in his preview thoughts about Emerald Kingdom’s big race prospects, noting that Ash Butler was the go-to man for the occasion.

“Nobody rides Callaghan Park better,” Heathcote said beforehand, and reiterated post-race with the popular local hoop‘s well timed winning ride a justifiable endorsement.

“This is just brilliant. I am so happy naturally for my wife and of course the Carrs and Ash.

“This race put on by the Rocky Amateurs is really something special for racing. It is huge for Rockhampton and you only have to see the sea of people here on course to feel that.”

Man of the moment Ashley Butler, quick witted at the best of times when asked to express his feelings on winning The Archer replied that it sure beats winning the Newmarket.

He was referring to his previous biggest feature win at Callaghan Park on Only Chance in the Rockhampton Newmarket last July.

It was a memorable day for Rob Heathcote as well as he revelled in double celebrations after winning the Gold Coast Guineas with Prince Of Boom two hours earlier on Saturday.

Co-trainer, Sydney’s Adrian Bott’s appearance at Callaghan Park with third placed Dawn Passage was also a feather in the cap for Rockhampton racing.

Bott had bypassed the $2million race meeting at Gosford - where the stable won with Resonator - as well as Morphettville in South Australia on Saturday where the stable won the Port Adelaide Cup with Splendiferous.