Vomo Island secured a commanding victory in Albany on Thursday, marking a highlight in a dramatic day of racing. Local trainer Indianna Weinert continued her impressive run, achieving a winning double on her home turf, while apprentice jockey Rosie Mahony delivered a stellar performance aboard Vomo Island, which clinched the day’s most significant win.
The seven-race card featured an array of exciting events, but it was not without its challenges. The final race faced a delay of over 20 minutes due to multiple incidents, including one horse getting loose and fleeing into nearby bushland. Vomo Island, a five-year-old gelding making his return after a break, was sent off at odds of $5.50. Trained by Steve Wolfe, he took the lead early in race six, a 1230-meter sprint, and maintained control throughout, fending off challenges from competitors like Puro, Secret Stones, and Hezangelic.
Earlier in the day, Weinert showcased her talent with wins from both Pure Chino and Astonisher. Pure Chino, priced at $9.50, made a powerful charge from the back of the field in the 1600-meter race, narrowly defeating Makin Prophets by half a length. Astonisher, a three-year-old filly, won the first race after leading wire-to-wire at odds of $10, marking just her third career start.
As the day progressed, the final race’s tension escalated due to numerous incidents. A shoe had to be refitted for Pretty Devine, causing an eight-minute delay. When loading began, General Grant collided with the tractor linked to the barriers, resulting in the rider being dislodged and the horse withdrawn after being found lame. Shortly after, Some Sort became agitated in the gate, pinning jockey Alex Hearn‘s foot before breaking through the front of the gates. After being recaptured, he was scratched due to leg injuries.
The situation escalated further when jockey Zephen Johnston-Porter dismounted from Storm Commander to assist Hearn. During this time, Storm Commander forced his way out of the barriers and galloped off into the bushland, prompting stewards to unload all runners for safety reasons. Once the loose horse was secured, the race finally commenced.
In other notable performances, three-year-old Calathinite broke his maiden status in race three, winning at odds of $15 for trainer Brett Pope and jockey Elisha Whittington. Former Albany resident Mitchell Pateman also celebrated success with Fantaxtic, who triumphed at $9 in race four, securing a strong finish under jockey Holly Watson.
The day concluded with Fight In Flight making a triumphant return for small-scale Albany trainer Liam O’Loughlin, as jockey Lucy Fiore guided her to a two-and-a-half-length victory in the Emu Export Handicap over 1500 meters. The events in Albany not only showcased thrilling races but also highlighted the potential of young trainers like Weinert in the competitive world of horse racing.
