Latest news with #DarwinCup
News.com.au
30-06-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
‘Misplaced attempt at humour': Hasseltoff trainer Dick Leech fined $3000 over ‘getting held' video comment
Alice Springs trainer Dick Leech has been fined $3000 for a 'misplaced attempt at humour' in which he declared Darwin Cup candidate Hasseltoff would 'held back' from trying to win a lead-up race last Saturday. Leech made the prejudicial comments in a video update to owners of the last-start Alice Springs Cup -winning gelding, previously trained in Victoria. 'He'll go around next Saturday in the 1300m … but we'll only be going for a look,' Leech told owners. 'We'll get beat … we gotta get beat then we'll go for the Chief Minister's (Cup) a fortnight later, mile. 'We got to win that and then on towards the (Darwin) Cup but going quite good.' • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! A person behind the camera then asked Leech, 'all right, so hopefully the jockey can hold him?' 'Yeah, yeah, he will be getting held,' Leech smirked. 'The worst jockey in Australia put on him.' Northern Territory stewards obtained the leaked video update last Thursday. Leech faced NT stewards last Friday and pleaded guilty to a single charge of engaging in conduct prejudicial to the image, interests, integrity, or welfare of racing. "Yeah, yeah, he will be getting held." Alice Springs trainer Dick Leech has been charged with conduct prejudicial for comments made in a leaked video about a top Darwin Cup-bound candidate in a lead-up race on Saturday. — Racenet (@RacenetTweets) June 27, 2025 • Exiled trainer Darren Weir loses appeal against terms of disqualification 'Mr Leech was provided the opportunity to explain the comments made in the interview,' NT stewards said in a report published on Monday. 'He clarified that he was attempting to indicate that in his opinion, whilst Hasseltoff was commencing this preparation over 1300m, the gelding would be more suited to racing over an increased distance and that his comments were the result of his misplaced attempt at humour. 'In hindsight, he acknowledged the inappropriateness of the comments and was remorseful for what had transpired.' NT stewards considered the 'seriousness' and 'circumstances' of Leech's conduct in the decision on penalty. Hasseltoff breaks the Alice Springs track record as he takes out the Alice Springs cup. 7 wins from past 9 starts. Congrats to all. — ATBloodstock (@ATBloodstock) April 6, 2025 Hasseltoff was nominated for the ROANT Cup (Div 2) 1300m last Saturday when the video was recorded at Leech's stable on June 20. Hasseltoff was accepted for the race last Wednesday and scratched the following day. Leech advised stewards last Thursday the gelding pulled up lame from a gallop and would be withdrawn from the race as a result. 'The fact that Hasseltoff was scratched from the event avoided further potentially negative inference about the comments,' the NT stewards report noted. Leech received a $3000 fine on Monday, partly suspended ($1000) for two years.
News.com.au
27-06-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
'We'll get beat': Alice Springs trainer Dick Leech charged after prejudicial comments in leaked video
Alice Springs trainer Dick Leech has been charged with conduct prejudicial for comments in a leaked video about stopping Darwin Cup-bound Hasseltoff from winning a lead-up race on Saturday. In a video sent to owners of the former Victorian-based galloper Hasseltoff, Leech said the Alice Springs Cup winner would go around Saturday 'for a look' in the 1300m ROANT Gold Cup (Div 2). 'He's getting a fair bit of spark in him now,' Leech said after initial commentary about the gelding's condition. 'He'll go around next Saturday in the 1300m … but we'll only be going for a look. 'We'll get beat … we gotta get beat then we'll go for the Chief Minister's (Cup) a fortnight later, mile. 'We got to win that and then on towards the (Darwin) Cup but going quite good.' A person behind the camera then asked Leech, 'all right, so hopefully the jockey can hold him?' 'Yeah, yeah, he will be getting held,' Leech laughed. 'The worst jockey in Australia put on him.' NT Stewards obtained the leaked footage on Thursday and ordered Leech to front an inquiry on Friday. NT chairman of stewards David Hensler said Leech pleaded guilty to a conduct prejudicial charge. Stewards expect to hand down a monetary penalty in coming days. 'It's of great concern to us, the stewards, that (vision) would be in the public arena,' Hensler said. 'We've treated the matter very seriously. 'I only saw it (video) yesterday (Thursday) and we acted on it today … that's how seriously we've treated (this matter).' Leech scratched Hasseltoff on Thursday after the horse pulled up lame from a track gallop. 'It saved a further issue for us to deal with, really,' Hensler said. 'Hopefully, for the connections, the horse can get over the lameness and progress to the (Darwin Cup), because that's obviously its target.' Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock Director Darren Dance, managing owner of Hasseltoff, lamented the 'unfortunate situation' as a prank gone wrong. 'Turns out to be an unfortunate situation as Hasseltoff was always going to be first up in the Chief Minister's Cup, en route to win the Darwin Cup as his main mission for the preparation,' Dance said. 'After a super preparation in Alice Springs, where he was unbeaten … the team up there appeared to be joking around about him running this Saturday. 'To stir me up, as they know I am keen for him to go through the carnival undefeated. 'It was never the intention to run (Saturday) as he was always going to be weighted out with his rating … now, it's a big story.'
News.com.au
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Why you should go all in on Darwin Cup carnival this year
There's a reason Darwin Cup Carnival has earned its spot as the most anticipated social event on the Top End calendar. It's not just a race, it's a rite of passage, a party, a style statement and a Territory tradition. Whether you're frocked up in fascinators, or just chasing a good time with your crew, Cup Carnival delivers on all fronts. Here are five reasons to go all in this year — and maybe even take the whole week off. 1. One day? Try eight There's truly something for everyone across the eight-day program. From Ladies Day to the iconic Palmerston Sprint Day, you can dip into the action with a day ticket or do the full stretch and become part of the turf-side faithful. Whether you're a race purist, fashion fan, social butterfly or casual Cupgoer, there's a day (or five) with your name on it. 2. The colours of the Top End are on show Nowhere does racewear quite like the Territory. Fashions on the Field brings together bold colour, fearless style and that classic Darwin flair — with sweat-proof elegance, of course. Expect feathers, prints, linen, boots, heels and some seriously good people-watching. This year's Carnival Ambassador is leading the style charge and setting the tone for a week of bold, brilliant looks. 3. Racing like no other, on a track like no other The Darwin Turf Club's iconic black sand is like nothing else in Australia — and the racing is top-tier. The Great Northern Darwin Cup is our grand final, and the atmosphere is electric. Just ask anyone who witnessed Hadouken's stunning 2024 Cup win. If there was ever a time to take a staycation in your own town, this is it. 4. Off track? We've got that covered The race days might draw the crowd, but the off-track events are where the magic really happens. The Darwin Turf Club Gala Ball is the black-tie stuff of legend, held under stars and festoon lights. Add in the Let's Talk Racing Luncheon, the Calcutta, and a spin at Mindil Beach Casino Resort and you've got a week of glamour, laughs and late nights. 5. The volume's up this year The Carnival doesn't stop when the last horse crosses the line. With live concerts after the final race and trackside afterparties that go well into the night, Cup Week keeps the energy high. This is where race day stories turn into dance floor memories. So dust off the hat, line up the crew, and clear the calendar. Cup Carnival is calling — and you're not going to want to miss a minute of it.
