Local trainers take clean sweep at Geraldton Turf Club on Melbourne Cup day; Megadon, Billy Jack among winners

Mid West trainers took a clean sweep at Geraldton Turf Club on Melbourne Cup day.

Birthday celebrations also came early for local Rhona MacPhilomey while a big crowd enjoyed a full card of local races.

MacPhilomey’s horse Billy Jack beat predictions in race two to win ahead of The Chaser, trained by Geraldton’s Willie Parker.

City horse Friar The Gun, trained in Karnup by Adam Durrant, had been expected to win but did not place.

Former jockey Macphilomey, who had two placings from three runners on the day, two days ahead of her birthday, said she was reminded of her first ever treble as a trainer, at Geraldton on Melbourne Cup day 10 years earlier.

“I’ve been fortunate down the years to have some very good horses,” MacPhilomey said.

A Steamy Affair ran third in race three while Aurman Zoo did not place in race four over 1600m, and probably needs to run at 1400m, she said.

She said all the horses would go around next meet, and stay local.

“They’re Geraldton horses,” she said.

“We’ll stick where we can run in the money or, hopefully, try to win.”

Three Sessions, trained in Geraldton by Barry Newnham, started with a win in race one.

There were tense moments as jockey Angela Johnston fell from What Planet You On after the finishing post in race three. She was given medical treatment on the turf and taken to hospital. Racing and Wagering WA said on Wednesday and Thursday that Johnston had been in good spirits and was in hospital for observation for two nights. It is understood she did not suffer any significant injuries.

Ron Cowl Jr-trained Black Trumpet won that race.

Heavy favourite Megadon, trained in Gingin by Ashley Maley but a local at the Geraldton track, won in race four.

Maley-trained Warm ‘N’ Fuzzy won race five.

Geraldton trainers Kim Anderson and Tony Scally had wins in races six and eight with Startrade and Significant Hero, while Dongara trainer Scott Eyre had a win in race seven with Fandazzle.

Philippa Kupsch took out the Fashions on the Field ahead of Tessa Daly and Tarien Swanepoel, with white accessories the order of the day.