It's an addiction

Well Wingara Slide N Out has now had his second race. 

And wow. 

Although we came third in a 3 horse race in our first race and fourth in a four horse race in our second race I am very excited about the improvements in just 3 short weeks and 2 races and a total of 8 short weeks of training.

Before going up to Mareeba to be a sprint race horse Slide N Out was, what you could call, a paddock ornament. He was started as a 3 year old and had about 8 months work before coming home to serve a few mares and have the occasional ride. 

When I got a call from Chris Chalmers asking if I would start a horse at the few races that are to be run on thoroughbred tracks in Far North Queensland.  I had to put my money where my mouth is and get behind quarter horse racing.  Slide N Out was pulled out of the paddock and sent droving for a few weeks to help prepare him for race training.

Once back from his stint as a drovers horse he was trucked up to Mutchilba near Mareeba in FNQ to Julie Atkinson to begin his race horse career.

He missed the first race of the 3 races that where held starting on the 3rd of August as I had concerns that he was not striding out properly when he was being trotted out and Julie had an Equine Therapist visiting her other thoroughbreds so we had Slide checked out also.  It was decided to send him to the vets to have an ultrasound done.  It turned out Slide had a spur on his lumber 6 vertebrae, which was causing the shortness in stride.  After an acupuncture treatment and some specific drugs and herbs he was back in work again and getting ready for race 2.

Julie and I where pretty excited for Slide leading up to his first race.  His barrier trials went well.  The other horse he was up against in the barrier trials was Honey (J Bee Swallows Gold who is mentioned in an earlier blog).  This was a great confidence boost for Honey and it showed Julie and myself what Slide was capable of. 


Unfortunately I was unable to go to Slide's maiden race due to property commitments.  I can tell you I was that nervous and excited and hopeful and nervous I had to go out and help with some cattle work to get my mind off the race.  Although I had my daughter reminding me every 5 minutes that Slide would be racing very soon.  This did not help much, but now we can laugh about it.

All I could have asked for in this first race was that he do everything he was asked and to the best of his ability.  And the main thing was we had a horse in the race to show our support for quarter horse racing in Queensland.

When I first spoke with Julie after the race, she filled me in on the results.  3rd by a few lengths.  Slide drew the inside barrier and when the gates opened he ducked to the right a bit.  At this stage Julie said he did everything right except for the ducking to the right.  He behaved himself and had quite a few comments about how well behaved he was for a stallion.  This is pretty well all I could have asked for at this stage.  It wasn't until we saw the video of the race that we could see if it was worth continuing his training. 

And for me it was a no brainer.  Lets get him ready for the next race.

I truly thought I was going to see him run his second race.  I cursed my husband and this continuing dry spell in western Qld when I wasn't able to go and watch my mates race again.  I was a very cranky gal processing cattle and getting dusted with hot dry winds as I counted down til the start of the race.


Our goal for Slide in this race was to improve tremendously on his first race.  Although the horses that placed before Slide where more experienced he ran a much better race.  Although it seemed he wanted to be a gentleman and not pass his favourite golden girl Honey.  All in all Julie was very happy with him.  He has tried very hard for her and done everything Julie asked of him.


I am yet to see the race.  I am looking forward to seeing the video footage and I am looking forward to continuing to support quarter horse racing in Queensland and Australia.

Next year is going to be very exciting for Wingara Quarter Horses as we will have another 3 starters with a Slide gelding Wingara Flash N Out, mare, Superiors Savannah and another colt GF Illusion.

Thank you to everyone who has helped me with my dream to race Slide N Out.  Julie Atkinson and her family, Mark Baker and Daryl and the Hamdini Arabian team and the race day strappers and Chris and Amanda Chalmers for pushing me along and to all the jockeys, horse owners and people behind the seen who are making this all happen.

 I look forward to the future of quarter horse racing.

And this from Tez Chinner
If you weren't nervous and excited your not a Sprint enthusiast . When your in the gates as a head holder in a ten horse field and the gates open ,its like being amongst 10 -V8's as they Blast from the start. And to ride one is something else!!! Its Infectious!!!

Wingara Slide N Out will be standing at stud up at Mt Garnet before coming home at the end of December 2013.  If you would like to breed a foal by him please contact Nicole Buck on 07 40979490 or 0428024788.

Service fee is $500 + feed and ajistment and vet.