A day at the race track is never predictable and this was the case with Brett Bellamy following the success of Vaporetto in the Barrier Signs Maiden Handicap at Port Macquarie on Saturday.
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Victory was bitter sweet for the stable when the Ferlax filly was able to storm down the outside to finish over the top of Fused Magic and Love Wins and score after being trapped wide in the middle stages of the event.
It had been a concerning time for the Bellamy family following an incident in morning trackwork at Coffs Harbour when their star apprentice daughter, Courtney, was dislodged after one of her mounts became fractious.
Racing NSW officials reported that the popular youngster lost consciousness briefly and was complaining of soreness down the side of her body before being transported to the local base hospital for further assessment.
Brett was in charge of the early hospital monitoring before handing over the duties to wife, Julie, as the prominent trainer made the journey to Port with the racing team.
And Vaporetto didn't let the side down when Ray Spokes was able to storm down the outside on the debutante and recent acquisition from the Richard Freedman to salute before Luke Rolls was able to steer Secrets No More to victory in the final race on the program.
Ray Spokes held the early riding honours after making a lightning move from near the rear aboard the Michael Byers trained mare, Stormstarlet, to race clear from Foxy Five and Essoess while Rolls joined the club with a double on Dangerous Dan and Secrets No More later in the day.
A titanic struggle ensued in the Trackside Photography Handicap with Chief Havoc kicking back underneath Wolfram after being clearly headed to score a decisive victory.
The son of Street Cry continues the successful riding display of Belinda Hodder and the combination she has established with popular Wauchope trainer, Colt Prosser, following Chief Havoc's previous win at Port and Prince of Troy's victory in the Grafton Guineas Prelude last week.
Punters were left scrambling early in the day when the Terry Evans trained mare, More to Come, came from well back to land the opening event at cricket score odds while Stormstarlet compounded the situation in the second.
Racing was conducted under fine skies with the Soft track conditions generally providing an even playing surface while allowing an advantage to horses making runs down the centre of the course in the home straight.
The club acknowledges the support provided by Schweppes, Great Northern Brewing Company, Barrier Signs, Trackside Photography, John L Fisher Plumbing Supplies and John Oxley Motors and gives thanks for their continued assistance during this difficult time.
Port Macquarie race track goes into a winter recess for the next month with the next meeting scheduled for Monday August 10 before Camden Haven Cup day later in the month.
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