RACING NSW stewards will call in another punter to give evidence in their long-running inquiry into suspect betting patterns in a series of country and provincial races last year.
Already, two jockeys have supplied phone records and a professional punter has been interviewed.
"We've already spoken to a betting account holder," chief steward Ray Murrihy said. "At this stage at least one other punter will be required to appear before the inquiry. We're continuing to look closely at the matter."
Murrihy said the inquiry could be widened further.
In other news, Northern Rivers steward Michael Costa has been transferred to the metropolitan panel. Tate Hudson, whose father Michael served with Murrihy at the VRC, replaces Costa in Grafton under Bill Fanning. Pretty in pink
A totally pink theme - from the bubbly to the saddlecloths - will be in vogue at Coffs Harbour today.
And Joe Janiak's international sprinting star Takeover Target is set to make an appearance.
The meeting marks the third running of Pink Silks Raceday. So far $60,000 has been raised for women's cancer services.
The meeting ranks as the club's second biggest.
The seven-race program features a $12,000 Open Handicap (1200 metres) with comeback sprinter Starlactic the topweight with 63 kilograms. Leading local trainer Brett Bellamy is in for a busy day with 12 starters. Moniker mayhem
Two horses with the same colours and similar names, with only different caps to distinguish them, can be a race-caller's nightmare, especially if there is a tight finish.
Col Hodges was faced with the dilemma at Orange last weekend when Monte Dreamer and Monte Flash crossed the line seemingly locked together in a 2100m race. Fortunately he got the horses and finish right - Monte Dreamer scoring by a bare half head.
Monte Dreamer and Monte Flash are both from the Vic Bates stable at Hawkesbury. Bates, who has 12 horses in work all with the Monte prefix, races the horses in partnership with his wife, Yvonne.
It was a big day for the Bates, with Monte Primo finishing third, Monte Abbey runner-up to Atomode in the Tilston Cup and Monte Eve second in a barrier trial after the races.
Atomode (Joe Galea) is prepared by comeback trainer Johno Johnson. Canberra trainer Matthew Dale, who previously worked for Johnson, organised his former boss to buy Atomode for $5000. The gelding has now won at Dubbo and Orange for Johnson. Dont' dare blink …
Taree trainer Ross Stitt will saddle five horses at today's Tamworth meeting, four owned by local businessman Errol French. French is involved with Opalomine, Figure Dancer, Blinkin Quick and Youthful Angel. Stitt owns four-year-old gelding Zipper Bay.
The performance of Blinkin Quick, which resumes in the Rotary Cup (1000m), will be keenly watched. The eight-year-old, a noted first-up performer, has won 16 races.
Mark Mason's South Grafton Cup winner Laogan also resumes in the race. Lundholm mulls switch
Clint Lundholm, the champion apprentice forced out of the saddle because of rising weight, could become a steward.
Now based at Dubbo, Lundholm rode more than 200 winners during his short but successful career as a professional and amateur rider and had a stint with Gai Waterhouse in Sydney.
"I reckon I've grown 4½ inches since I started as an apprentice and had no peace with weight increases," Lundholm said. "Eventually it caught up with me.
"I'm still riding a bit of work at Dubbo. I haven't got any real plans but I'm considering an offer to become a steward."
He farewelled race riding with a bang at the Macquarie Picnics at Trangie on December 29, riding four winners - Miss Lillydale, Tails Of Fortune, Clunes and Gobi King. Matt will be missed
The ranks of quality track riders in Grafton has lessened, with Matt McGuren electing to pursue another career.
McGuren, who was also a noted horse-breaker and who rode up to 20 horses most mornings, has taken up an apprenticeship as a tiler. Jones tops table
Good to see Ballina's Joshua Jones atop the country apprentices' premiership with 28.5 wins.
Twelve months ago, his career was at the crossroads after his involvement in a race fall that led to the death of Coffs Harbour's Daniel Baker. He was suspended for three months.
Under the guidance of his master, Stephen Lee, Jones has managed to come to terms with the tragedy and ride his way to the top of the ladder.
Senior riders enjoying a great season include Michael Travers (40), Joe Galea (37), Andrew Bloomfield (36) and Brendan Ward 32.5. They trail leaders Greg Ryan (80.5) and Peter Graham (63). They're racing
TAB meetings: Today - Coffs Harbour, Tamworth. Monday - Dubbo, Nowra. Tuesday - Cessnock. Thursday - Grafton. Friday - Gunnedah, Wagga. Saturday - Queanbeyan.
Non-TAB: Saturday - Deepwater, Tumut. Stable secrets
TROUBLESHOOTER: On target.
CHOICE OF MANY: Could be the one.
DISPLAY: Will put on a show.
tony_white3@bigpond.com
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