2020 - What a Ride.
We might be stating the obvious, but 2020 was certainly a unique year for all.
Aside from the challenges faced during this pandemic year, we could not be prouder of the efforts of our team, our colleagues and all involved with the racing industry in Tasmania for coming out the other side to finish the year with a bumper season. We’re also pretty lucky that we get to spend our days with our gentle racing giants whose big brown eyes are none the wiser to the goings on in the world!
… And it’s not time to hang up the bridles just yet, we’ve got an action packed summer ahead - things are just ramping up!
Here’s the latest from us:
Team JKB
Our team of superstars have certainly outdone themselves this year with countless hours spent on the road, prepping and tending to the horses in the lead up and on race days, cleaning out stables, strapping, general maintenance - and so, so much more! We have a nice lot of horses in work, and keeping them happy and healthy is always the top priority for the team.
It was an even bigger year for our much photographed strapper (and stablehand) Brittany Kirkman, who welcomed her first child, Grace. We cannot wait for the time when Britt realises she misses us too much and returns to JKB Racing.
2020 also saw us welcome Alexandra, Darian, Haylee and Rachel to the team. All hard workers and not at all afraid to get their hands dirty (which is probably one of the key elements to what we do!).
2YO Update
Our crop of 2 year olds are coming along in gallops and bounds. Continuing to impress in their track work and settling into life at the stables. We are really excited to see what the new year brings racing wise for these young boys and girls. So far we have only had the one 2YO to race, Champagne Cinders. She put in a terrific first up effort to run 2nd, and then went on to finish 4th in the 2YO Vase. We are definitely looking forward to watching her progress through her races.
Keep an eye out for the 2YO names below because now they have their official titles, you will be seeing them at the racetrack in 2021.
Alpine Assault (Alpine Eagle x Striking Bride)
Alpine Affair (Alpine Eagle x Elusive Affair)
Alpine Blast (Alpine Eagle x Rose of Woorim)
Angeli (Artie Schiller x Papiria)
Butterball (Choisir x Forgiveness)
Champagne Cinders (The Factor x Champara)
Dawn Eagle (Alpine Eagle x Diggers Sunrise)
Glamella (Alpine Eagle x Grisbi)
Mira Flores (Tough Speed x Why For)
Page (Alpine Eagle x Tycoon Gypsy)
Power Magnum (Magnus x Titania Star)
Silent Snow (Lionhearted x Snow Festival)
Topanga Miss (Alpine Eagle x Marina Miss)
…We haven’t named them all yet, so stay tuned for more introductions.
Summer racing and the ‘Cups’
Excitement after last years’ Longford Cup win
Heading into the remainder of 2020 and into 2021 we go into the real business end of the racing season in Tassie - the Summer Racing Carnival, with some big race days on the cards. The always popular Longford Cup on New Year’s Day is always guaranteed to be a fun day out for all - young and old.
The first of our Cups, the Devonport Cup will take place on 6th January.
Hobart Cup (G3) is on February 7th, supported by the G3 Bow Mistress and Listed races, the Stutt Stakes & Thomas Lyons.
February 24th, Tassie’s biggest race day, will see the running of the G3 Launceston Cup, the G3 Vamos Stakes and the Listed Mowbray Stakes
Of course, in between all of them, we have the Conquering, the Sheffield Cup, Tasmanian Guineas, Tasmanian Stakes, Brighton Cup, Launceston Guineas, the Lady Lynette, the Thousand Guineas, Elwick Stakes, Ladbrokes Stakes, Summer Cup, Tasmanian Derby, Gold Sovereign, the 2YO & 3/4YO Magic Millions, Tasmanian Oaks, Royal Rambo and the 3YO Cup.
What an exciting time to be involved in racing!
See you in 2021!
Thanks to all who support and are involved with team JKB Racing. To our owners for sticking by us in what were very trying times for a while during 2020, for our team and everyone who works so hard behind the scenes. We’re looking forward to a really exciting and action packed year in 2021 so you’ll be seeing lots of us and we promise to keep you up to date on all things JKB via our website and of course Facebook. So stay tuned and come along for the ride!
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2021 from all the team at JKB Racing.