Peter Donegan

Oaks day becomes blokes day

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:49:00 -0800

Flemington has thrown up another remarkable day and another remarkable Cup story.

Yesterday we saw one of the great performances of the Melbourne Cup, especially since the horse had no luck from a wide barrier.

Both jockey Corey Brown and trainer Mark Kavanagh were despairing of its chances probably throughout the race as it covered too much ground but Shocking was simply outstanding in the final 400m. ...

Plenty of intrigue ahead of wet Derby day

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 06:01:36 -0800

Anything can happen on Derby day, and it usually does.

It is absolutely pelting down in Melbourne. It will be interesting to see how the Flemington track comes up.

Track manager Mick Goodie has had the problem of having to irrigate the track throughout the preceding week of good weather and he is now left to deal with this downpour.

The rain will suit a few of the internationals as it will give the track cushion. ...

Carnival ends... and I can't wait for 2009

Sun, 09 Nov 2008 11:05:58 -0800

Not only is Bart Cummings a genius with stayers but he's just as good with sprinters which was evident as Swick swept to Group One win number 251.

Swick is an excellent straight track horse and when he was given the run of the race he was able to produce the sprint he has done regularly in the past at Flemington.

The disappointment of the day was, however, Apache Cat. ...

Bart Cummings - genius

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 04:34:28 -0800

One word describes Bart Cummings – genius.

It's incredible to think he has won the Melbourne Cup a dozen times.

When he won with Rogan Josh in '99 it seemed that was going to be the most remarkable achievement we would see but he’s managed to surpass that.

Nine years later with a horse that's had reasonable form, the timing behind his horses preparation – not to the hour but almost to the minute - shows the mastery of the man. ...

Cup day - Christmas Day for adults

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 03:46:46 -0800

Melbourne Cup Day is Christmas Day for grown-ups. I've said that over a few years and it is still a day we all look forward to.

The first sighting of Flemington in the morning always makes you realise what a special day it is - not only in Australia but increasingly around the world.

It's my favourite day of the year and I can't wait.

Melbourne is a bit overcast at the moment and there is talk of some thunderstorms. I don’t think these will be a factor. ...