Fun times for Mad Hatters

Derby’s Mad Hatters race day was at its quirky best last Saturday as part of the West Kimberley Turf Club horse racing season.

Broome TV & Audio Handicap, race one was won by Northern Jewel, ridden by Michael Heagney, ahead of Scotland Street and jockey George Scimone by a nose, and closely pursued by Snitches, ridden by Paul Marks.

The 1150m Max Simmonds Memorial Handicap was won by Sultan Pippa, ridden by Mark Forder, chased by the favourite Size Fivez and All Ruby.

There were only four horses in the Leamy Construction Derby Sprint and it proved a relatively clear-cut victory as Hussars, ridden by Simone Altieri, won the race two lengths ahead of the closest rival, Chilly Reception.

Broome trainer Robert Gulberti had wins with Little Sincero in the DWA Industrial Resources Handicap and The Chorister in the Wattnow Electrical handicap.

Bookmaker Mike Windle said it was a fantastic day, attended by several hundred racegoers dressed for the occasion by wearing a variety of creative hats.

“It’s a big effort to get everyone and everything there, so the turn-out made it worthwhile,” he said.

The next highlight on the BTF calendar will be Race Day Six tomorrow, from 10.30am-8.30pm, featuring the Max Simmonds Memorial Handicap and the Roebuck Bay Hotel Triple Crown with $50,000 in stake money up for grabs.