Redfern Express trains Narromine winner

Local trainer, former rugby league star Terry Fahey, has struck in the first race at Narromine in western NSW, the only meeting being held in Australia.

Racing was suspended in other jurisdictions on Wednesday pending the results of COVID-19 tests on Melbourne jockey Mark Zahra who may have been exposed on a commercial flight on March 12.

Thursday’s meeting at Narromine was the only one given the go-ahead with the Fahey-trained Carnegie’s Monaco winning the 1600m-maiden to open the eight-race program.

Fahey was known as the Redfern Express during his career with South Sydney from 1976-1980 but Carnegie’s Monaco has proved a little slower, breaking his duck at his 28th start.

After retiring from football in 1987, Fahey took up training greyhounds before moving to thoroughbreds.

While happy with the win, Fahey had broader concerns.

“I just hope we can keep on racing,” he said.

Carnegie’s Monaco was ridden by veteran western districts jockey Ken Dunbar.