THE Warwick Turf Club meet at Allman Park on Saturday proved to be an emotional affair, as it heralded several new beginnings and one significant ending.
Race-caller Barry Jones retired after 32 years at the Warwick Races. “I am sad to be leaving, but happy to be handing the reins over to such a talented young man like Anthony Collins,” Mr Jones said.
“I just felt it was the right time to let Anthony take over,” he said. Anthony Collins has been training with Mr Jones since 2007.
Despite the threat of dark clouds earlier in the week the weather cleared for perfect conditions for the winter meeting at Allman Park on Saturday. Historically, the meeting is one of the least patronised in terms of nominations but this was challenged on Saturday with capacity fields in most races and close finishes. The irrigated track now means that a good grass cover can be provided for racing all year round and this is evident in the number of horses starting and distances travelled by trainers. Stables from Roma to Southport were represented, however it was the local horses which stood out with two wins and a quinella from local yards.
