Punters benefit early as Bundamba racing returns

Racing was back at the Ipswich track and didn’t disappoint with punters finding most of the winners before the restart.

Ipswich races

Claire Power

Ipswich was primed for a return to racing this week with a good 4 track rating that provided a superb surface.

A scheduled three-week break gave track manager Sean Tou time to lightly renovate the track ready for the warmer months ahead.

Racing didn’t disappoint with the Wednesday punters finding most of the winners on paper before the restart.

Race 3 Ipswich winner Ashzaya ridden by Angela Jones and trained by John Dann. Picture: Claire Power

Ashzaya returned to the track smartly after a three-month break to win the Benchmark 68 Handicap 800m.

Trained by John Dann and ridden by Angela Jones, the mare found a comfortable spot just behind the leaders to win strongly on the line.

Her win comes after a good trial in Toowoomba last week where she also finished ahead of the field.

Jones went on to win a double for the day also picking up a win with Destiny’s Own in the Benchmark 70 1666m for trainer Brenton Andrew.

Race 4 Ipswich winner Ascot Express, ridden by Taylor Marshall. Picture: Claire Power

Ascot Express recovered well after stumbling on jumping in the Maiden Handicap 1200m to win by half a length.

Ascot Express is trained by Barry Baldwin and ridden by Taylor Marshall who are forming a handy partnership with the five-year-old this preparation.

It was his second run this campaign after finishing third at Ipswich last month.

Mark Currie’s Doctor Teekay is two from two this campaign and proving to be a handy one to follow.

The gelding has been in the money in five of his six starts so far with Andrew Mallyon riding both of his wins to date.

Oktoberfest at the Barn

The Barn Family Restaurant is gearing up for a German-inspired smorgasbord on Saturday and Sunday, October 2 and 3.

With the recent cancellation of the major Oktoberfest events across Brisbane and the Gold Coast this is the ideal alternative to enjoy a selection of traditional German foods.

Bookings are filling fast. Call 0418 883 210 or visit www.ieec.com.au to book.

Member’s AGM

A reminder to all Ipswich Turf Club members to complete the AGM attendance form located on the website www.ipswichturfclub.com.au prior to the meeting.

You must be a financial member to attend the AGM scheduled for 10.30am on Wednesday, September 29.