DITTMAN'S FIRST TREBLE 30/04/08

It may have only been a regular Sunday meeting at the Sunshine Coast but it was a day to savor for talented apprentice Luke Dittman who rode his first ever treble.

His first winner came in race 2 for one of his biggest supporters in John Wallace when he led all the way on Don't call Me Bruce to win by 3 lengths.

The second leg was aboard Magic Prominade in race 3 for Barry Bowditch which was a lucky pick up ride whom he guided to win by 3/4 length.

Luke completed the third leg of his treble on the Steele Ryan trained Dance Hunter in race 4 which cruised home to win by 1 1/2 lengths.

Luke nearly made it 4 winners from 4 rides finishing 2nd in Race 5 aboard Acquired.

GRIFFIN'S ON THE MARK 19/02/08

Exciting gelding Borsha’s Mark showed why he was a short price favourite in the Seppelt Wines QTIS 3YO Handicap 1200m at Eagle Farm on Saturday, February 16.

Fast away from the inside barrier, Borsha’s Mark settled behind the leader but as soon as he got clear to the outside at the 200m he shot away into the straight for a clear lead of one and three quarter lengths ahead of Conquering Spirit. Regal Castanea (Scott Galloway) ran home strongly for third.

Trainer Les Kelly was pleased with the performance. “We anticipated that to win the race we’d have to get out about five or six horses off the fence and that worked out fine. He looked to be really travelling well a long way from home.” more...
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DITTMAN'S FIRST DOUBLE 07/01/08

Rising star apprentice Luke Dittman landed his first double at Rockhampton on Friday 4^th January. 

Dittman, who was riding at the track for the first time displayed great skill beyond his years when he had the Garnett Taylor trained Emmatay Lane positioned on the fence just behind the leaders. On straightening when the other runners fanned Dittman drove his mount up on the inside and went on to score an impressive win. 

Fortune momentarily deserted Luke in the next race when his mount the short priced favourite Beautiful Mary was scratched at the barriers. However this was short lived as the very next race he guided the Stuart Kendrick trained Power City to a convincing victory from a wide barrier and with topweight. 

The next day Luke followed up where he left off with a win aboard What about Brownie and two second placings at Ipswich. 

Luke who is still only 16 has come along way in a very short time and with the likes of his master Maryann Thexton, Alan Bailey, Bryan Guy, Helen Page, etc., using his 3 kilos claim he is destined for a bright future in the saddle. 
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TM RETURNS AFTER EQUINE INFLUENZA 18/12/07

After a 3 month enforced holiday, TM is very excited to be back and racing again. There has been a few changes during this period to the TM ranks.

Danny Beasley has taken up a contract in Singapore and we wish him well. Brent Stanley remains in Macau and continues to ride plenty of winners. Pat Murphy chased an opportunity in WA and continues to ride well and we expect his return in the New Year. Kathy O'Hara returned from a brief stint in New Zealand and has already chalked up winners at Kembla and Wyong. Adrian Coome flew the TM flag in Nth QLD during EI but recently injured his hand which will see him out of action till the New Year. Daniel Griffin returned to riding where he left off with winners at Murwillumbah and the Gold Coast with Kevin Forrester chiming in with a winner at Murwillumbah and placings in town. Scotty Galloway couldn't have asked for a better return from injury guiding the Trevor Bailey trained Little Imp to victory in his first ride back at the Gold Coast. Joe Bowditch continues to recover from a broken leg and wrist sustained in a fall at he last Gold Coast meeting prior to the EI lockdown. Hopefully a full recovery is on the cards and it won't be long before Joe is back in the saddle.