Coast metro racing a boon for Edmonds yard

Co-trainer Trent Edmonds was quick to thank Racing Queensland after Loving Miss picked up a $73,000 consolation win at the Gold Coast.

Loving Miss was backed into $1.55 favourite before overcoming difficulties for an impressive win in the Aquis Two-Year-Old (1300m).

Racing in Queensland has been split into zones in an effort to continue operation during the coronavirus pandemic with strict biosecurity measures.

The Gold Coast hosts meetings in the south metro zone while Brisbane has the north metro zone days.

Edmonds, who trains in partnership with his father Toby, said credit had to be given to RQ for keeping racing going.

“The fact we were racing for metro prize money today is fantastic,” Edmonds said.

“Loving Miss was originally being set for the Capricornia Classic race in Rockhampton. But with the coronavirus restrictions we couldn’t go so we switched to this race.”

“As it turned out with prize money and bonus payments she won $73,000 today and earned about the same as going to Rockhampton.”

Jockey Andrew Mallyon maintained successful strike-rate with trainer Kris Lees and also continued the domination of NSW-trained horses in Queensland staying races when Mawaany Machine ($3.60) won the TAB Handicap (2200m).

“Andrew rides all these stayers work and it is a big advantage to know these older horses and their traits,” stable spokesman Mel Eggleston said.

Trainer Kevin Kemp renewed his association with in-form apprentice Nick Keal when Mulholland Man ($51) scored an upset win in the Maiden Plate (1800m).

Keal, who has ridden five winners in the past week, is on the comeback trail after having a struggle with his weight.

He was originally apprenticed to Kemp but is now with another Toowoomba trainer in Troy Pascoe.

Mulholland Man, who was formerly racing in Victoria, had failed to run a place in nine previous starts.

“Mulholland Man was struggling at 2200m and the drop back to 1800m suited him but it was more a case of a terrific ride by Nick,” Kemp said.