Home

Royalty rocks Roebourne Cup

Nigel Weston and Courtney FowlerPilbara News
Top 10 from Ladies Fashion in the Field competition.
Camera IconTop 10 from Ladies Fashion in the Field competition. Credit: Pilbara News

Thousands of punters turned out to the Nor West Jockey Club last weekend for the Roebourne Cup, one of the most highly regarded race meets in the North West.

Trainers, punters and bookies travelled from all over the region to partake in the prestigious races - the Publicans Purse over 1600m, the Settlers Handicap over 1200m and of course the feature event of the day - the $40,000 Chameleon Resources Roebourne Cup over 2200m.

South Hedland-trained Rock Prince caused an upset win over track favourite Eyes Don't Lie who got caught wide in the feature race, surging to victory in the final 100m.

It was a great battle for the top prize, with Devilish Intent looking the winner until Rock Prince took the lead.

Guest Wing ran home nicely for 3rd place, whilst Distinctive Dane ran an honest 4th.

Rock Prince's form leading into the race was poor, ranked as a 15 to 1 outsider chance to win the Cup.

It was a great training performance by trainer Bob Beattie to produce Rock Prince to victory, and apprentice jockey Casey Hunter showed great judgement in the best win of her career.

Northern Territory Jockey Kim Gladwin returned home for a lightning trip to Roebourne and was rewarded with a winning double with Alumnus and Incoherent, recording his fifth win from seven starts at the Roebourne course.

Trainer Angela Smith also made the long trip from Broome with a good team of horses.

The visit was worthwhile for the Broome trainer who recorded a double win when Little Image took out the $10,000 Ibis Styles Handicap over 1200m, and Regal Honour ran an impressive race to win in the last, the $10,000 National Tyres Handicap over 1400m.

Exmouth Trainer Peter Dellar won Trainer of the Year, Fiona Bell was Jockey of The Year and the Dellar-trained Eyes Don't Lie won Horse of The Year.

The Nor West Jockey Club said it was delighted with the crowd and turnover figures for the day.

The Roebourne Cup wrapped up yet another successful year for the club, which ran four fantastic meets this racing season.

This now leaves Port Hedland to have its big day, with the $50,000 Cervan Marine Port Hedland Cup on August 4.

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails