While he won&rsquo;t have a runner in the $100,000 Wodonga Cup, local trainer Craig Widdison will present a strong hand of chances at the club&rsquo;s feature meeting of the year on Friday.
With six runners entered, the impressive Sister Shay (Sarah Field, gate 1) leads the stable&rsquo;s charge and will resume from a short freshen-up in the Benchmark 70 (1300m) event.
The 4YO Shamus Award mare was in hot form, winning two on the trot following a spell, including the Benchmark 56 Handicap (1400m) at Wodonga on September 16, before an emphatic all the way win in the Benchmark 66 Handicap (1500m) at Bendigo on October 5.
Then, tested in a metropolitan company, Sister Shay ran into a hotly contested affair, having to work overtime before fading to finish eighth, beaten 11 lengths in the Benchmark 70 Handicap (1600m) at Moonee Valley on October 24.
Sister Shay drops back to 1300m and draws beautifully with gate one at Wodonga, where she will be well in the market.
Sarah Field jumps aboard for the 1.5kg claim, and connections will be hopeful of another bold showing on her home track.
Steve&rsquo;s Way (Cory Parish, gate 1) has also drawn nicely at Wodonga and will jump from the inside gate in the Benchmark 56 Handicap (1590m).
Since resuming from a spell, the 5YO Wayed Zain mare has taken on stronger events at Albury, finishing third in a Benchmark 74 Handicap (1175m) on October 25 before running seventh in a Benchmark 66 Handicap (1500m) on November 7.
Back in grade, on her home track, and drawn well, connections will be expecting a forward showing from&nbsp;Steve&rsquo;s Way.
Of the stable&rsquo;s other chances, debutant Star Royal (Teo Nugent, gate 13) and Vickie&rsquo;s Dream (Cory Parish, gate 9) contest the Maiden Plate (1200m), Rain Queen (Sarah Field, gate 8) will take on the Maiden Plate (1400m), and having her first start for the stable, Toyz In Zouland (Sarah Field, gate 7) is set to race in the Benchmark 66 Handicap (1100m).
Continuing a busy few days, Widdison has two runners at Wagga Wagga on Saturday. Fourthtimelucky (Cassidy Hill, gate 11) has drawn wide in the Benchmark 50 Handicap (1000m), and Bold Triumph (Jack Martin, gate 1) has drawn kindly in the Benchmark 50 Handicap (1200m).
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Words: Jeff Hanson Image: Racing Photos

Craig Widdison Racing

Big team set for Wodonga Cup meeting

Craig Widdison

Craig Widdison will chance his arm with Sister Shay at Moonee Valley on Friday evening, starting the Shamus Award mare in the $130,000 Benchmark 70 Handicap (1600m) for the fillies and mares.
Respected in betting markets ($10 into $8.50), Sister Shay has been racing in terrific form, winning back-to-back races ahead of her metropolitan debut.
Raced by the Wylie Dalziel Roy Higgins Racing team, and a large cohort of owners, Sister Shay has started eight times and won three races and placed a further three times, earning connections just shy of $70,000.
She broke through for a maiden win over 1500m at Albury back in April before going to the paddock.
Following a spell and first-up sixth over 1400m at Albury on August 19, Sister Shay has put forward two bold performances.
Racing at Wodonga on September 16, the 4YO was made to work hard and hung on strongly in the 1400m Benchmark 56 Handicap.
Stepping up in class and distance, the tough-as-nails galloper then ran her rivals along in the 1500m Benchmark 66 Handicap at Bendigo on October 5 before cruising to a three-length victory.
At Moonee Valley, Sister Shay gets her chance over eight furlongs, and with three-kilogram claiming apprentice Emily Pozman in the saddle, will only carry 56.5kg when jumping from gate six.
The following day, Widdison will back up closer to home, with three runners at Albury.
The in-form Grey Lad (Ella Bent, 60kg) has drawn the inside gate in the 1600m Benchmark 66 Handicap and will be shooting for three wins on the trot.
The talented Steve&rsquo;s Way (Brendan Ward, 55kg) is first up since May after drawing awkwardly with gate 9 in the 1175m Benchmark 74 Handicap.
In the 1175m Maiden Handicap, the stable also has Thesandmancan (Jack Martin, 56kg) in gate four and Rain Queen (55.5kg) in gate 11.
Words: Jeff Hanson Image: Racing Photos

Sister Shay gets chance under Moonee Valley lights

An Albury double has continued Craig Widdison and his stable&rsquo;s fairytale start to the 2025/26 season.
Racing just across the border on Saturday, the Wodonga-based Widdison only sent two runners to the races, with Justenuffsplash breaking through, while the in-form Grey Lad continued his stellar form.
Quayde Krogh teamed up with Justenuffsplash ($4.80), which held on for a thrilling win in the 1175m Maiden Plate.
Following the sensational three-way finish, the 3YO Rich Enuff filly had to survive a protest. Still, stewards dismissed it, and Justenuffsplash was handed a well-deserved victory at just her third start.
A race later, the red-hot Grey Lad ($10) continued his career-best form, winning the 1600m Benchmark 66 Handicap.
Apprentice Ella Bent has a winning affinity with the 7YO Magic Albert gelding, having ridden him four times for three wins.
The pair broke through in a 1600m Benchmark 50 Handicap at Berrigan in late August. After a hard-fought second at Gundagai in a 1800m Benchmark 58 Handicap in early September, Grey Lad has since won a 1590m Benchmark 56 Handicap at Wodonga on September 16, followed by his impressive win at Albury on Saturday.
A front-runner that enjoys controlling the tempo, Bent doesn&rsquo;t overcomplicate things and gets the absolute best out of the popular grey warrior.
The Albury winning double adds to a remarkable run of results for Widdison and his hard-working team.
Of the stable&rsquo;s last 40 runners, they have sent out 10 winners at a 25% win rate, while earning connections $167,605 in prizemoney.
What makes their recent run all the more impressive is that Widdison is yet to unleash his stable star, The Prodigal Son, along with established gallopers Baggage Handler, Steve&rsquo;s Way, and Oh No Mikki, who aren&rsquo;t far away from racing.
The Wodonga stable will look to continue its hot run on Saturday, with meetings at Wagga, Bendigo and Wodonga.
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Words/Image: Jeff Hanson

Albury double continues Craig Widdison’s sensational season

Craig Widdison&nbsp;continued his electric start to the 2025/26 season, preparing a two-state double while bringing up 150 career winners on Sunday.
Widdison, who trains out of Wodonga, landed his 150th&nbsp;winner as&nbsp;Deekaygeebee&nbsp;($8) stormed home from last to triumph in the Class One Handicap (1200m) at Cootamundra.
Ridden by the in-form Cory Parish (8 from his past 38),&nbsp;Deekaybeegee&nbsp;travelled at the rear of the field before exploding to a 1.78 length win.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Deekaygeebee was good,&rdquo; Widdison told&nbsp;Country Punter.&nbsp;
&ldquo;The only time he has won was when he led, so it adds another dimension to him.
&ldquo;It was a good result for him, too, as he&rsquo;s been thereabouts all prep without winning, so it was nice to see him break through.&rdquo;
Later that day,&nbsp;Sister Shay&nbsp;($15) stepped out in the 1500m Benchmark 66 Handicap at Bendigo and made every post a winner for three-kilogram claiming apprentice, Sarah Field.&nbsp;
Sister Shay&nbsp;&ndash; a 4YO Shamus Award mare &ndash; started with Peter Moody and has developed into a handy galloper, starting seven times for the Widdison stable for three wins and three placings.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Following a strong front-running win in the 1400m Benchmark 56 Handicap at Wodonga on September 16,&nbsp;Sister Shay&nbsp;again ran them ragged at Bendigo.
&ldquo;She&rsquo;s been a ripper, and she is tough as nails,&rdquo; Widdison said.&nbsp;
&ldquo;She&rsquo;s taken a bit of time, but she keeps improving, and I thought her win at Wodonga was good, and she improved off it, and we were positive heading to Bendigo.&rdquo;
Sunday&rsquo;s two-state double follows on from a treble of winners at Wodonga last month, meaning Widdison is sitting on an impressive eight wins (18.2% win rate) in 2025/26.
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s been terrific,&rdquo; Widdison said.&nbsp;
&ldquo;We had a relatively quiet winter, which we knew we would, but with a few nice ones stepping out, it makes a difference, and it&rsquo;s good that they&rsquo;re all doing their job.
&ldquo;Plus, four more nice ones are jumping out tomorrow at Wang (Wangaratta), so they&rsquo;re not far off, and we have a few more runners going around on the weekend.&rdquo;
In more good news, stable star&nbsp;The Prodigal Son&nbsp;is close to a return to racing and will likely look to defend his title in the 1200m Benchmark 84 Handicap sprint at Royal Randwick on the first Tuesday in November (November 4).&nbsp;
A six-time winner, which includes a victory at Flemington in 2023 and the 2024 Wagga Town Plate,&nbsp;The Prodigal Son&nbsp;is travelling well.
&ldquo;All being well, he&rsquo;ll head to that race in Sydney on Melbourne Cup day,&rdquo; Widdison confirmed.&nbsp;
&ldquo;He&rsquo;ll have a gallop on the grass in the morning, and he&rsquo;s not far off having a jumpout.&rdquo;
In the short term, Widdison and his team are eyeing meetings at Kyneton on Thursday and Albury on Saturday. Words: Jeff Hanson/Country Punter Image: Bradley Photos

Two-state double and 150 wins up for Craig Widdison

Racing on his home track, Craig Widdison celebrated a red-letter day at Wodonga on Tuesday, training a treble of victories.
In red-hot form, having trained winners at Albury, Berrigan, and Corowa to start the new season, Widdison watched on as More Highs On Me, Sister Shay, and Grey Lad triumphed at Wodonga.
More Highs On Me had the in-form Cory Parish in the saddle, and despite being on debut and a 20/1 outsider, showcased good early speed and hung on strongly to win by a length in the 1200m Maiden Plate.
The 3YO Alabama Express filly had been well-educated before her winning debut, having trialled at Wangaratta, Wodonga, and Wagga.
Sister Shay was another good winner for the stable, with the 4YO Shamus Award mare landing her second career victory in the 1400m Benchmark 56 Handicap.
Two-kilogram claiming apprentice Amy O&rsquo;Driscoll scored the ride after the pair combined for Sister Shay&rsquo;s maiden win at Albury back in April.
O&rsquo;Driscoll was positive on the Wodonga galloper, which started at $11, and the pair powered to a 0.75 length victory.
The final event of the eight-race program was the 1590m Benchmark 56 Handicap, and the flying Grey Lad&nbsp;started a $6.50 chance and out-stayed his rivals for four-kilogram claiming apprentice, Ella Bent.
The 7YO Magic Albert gelding has found a new lease on life with Bent in the saddle, with the pair winning the 1600m Benchmark 50 Handicap at Berrigan on August 23 before finishing a gutsy second in the 1800m Benchmark 58 Handicap at Gundagai on September 7.
At Wodonga, Grey Lad found the front and made every post a winner, holding on for a half-length victory.
It&rsquo;s been a good start to the season for Widdison and his team, who will now prepare for meetings at Wagga on Saturday, Leeton on Tuesday, and Benalla next Friday.
Words/Image: Jeff Hanson

Wodonga treble for Craig Widdison

With a myriad of youngsters coming through, amongst other experienced gallopers, it&rsquo;s an exciting time for Widdison Racing.
The Wodonga stable put a luckless run behind them at Albury last Tuesday, with Lunar Mojo (Pierre Boudvillain, $2.15) breaking through in the 900m Maiden Handicap before Grey Lad ($8) bolted in for a comfortable win in the 1600m Benchmark 50 Handicap at Berrigan on Saturday.
Widdison has eight gallopers entered for Wagga on Thursday and has confirmed that six runners will likely go around, with Ellis Beach (Louise Day, 56.5kg) scratched from the 1400m Maiden Handicap to take on the 1600m Class One/Maiden Plate, while Inkantoon is set to be held back for a more suitable race in the future.
Leading his team&rsquo;s charge will be the well-named maiden Bottas (Louise Day, 57kg), which is second-up in the 1400m Maiden Handicap.
Named after and part-owned by Valtteri Bottas, the champion Finnish F1 driver and 10-time Grands Prix winner, Bottas impressed first-up when finishing fifth, beaten five lengths in a 1200m Maiden Plate at Wagga on August 10.
A 3YO Tagaloa gelding, Bottas was doing his best work late, and still learning on the job when on debut, and connections will be hoping for an improved second-up effort at Wagga.
Recent Wagga trial winner Justenuffsplash (Louise Day, 55kg) takes on a very strong $50,000 Super Maiden Handicap over the 1200m, which appears to be a good starting point for the 3YO Rich Enuff filly, which jumps from gate three.
Old warhorse Bold Triumph (Louise Day, 57kg) will be better suited over the mile trip in the 1600m Benchmark 58 Handicap.
Having run close seconds at Leeton and Albury before a short freshen-up, the 7YO has since had two runs over 1400m under his belt heading to Wagga, but any more rain might cruel his chances, as he races better on top of the ground.
One of Widdison&rsquo;s runners that won&rsquo;t mind the wet is Mansiere (Louise Day, 55.5kg), which takes on the feature event, the $35,000 Ian Reid Sprint (1200m).
Boasting good first-up form (5:1-3-0), heavy track form (6:2-1-0), and nice performances in more challenging races, the Wodonga runner could be a value pick in the six-furlong sprint.
Rounding out the stable&rsquo;s chances will be Deekaygeebee (Louise Day, 55kg) in the 1200m Class Two Handicap.
The Russian Revolution gelding is lightly raced, and has won at Wagga, where he broke his maiden over 1000m back in April.
A capable type, and with a placing from his only start on a heavy track, the 3YO is another chance for the team. &nbsp; Widdison Racing also has four horses trialling after the Wagga meeting, with maidens&nbsp;Black Fang, Lecraigdiway, More Highs On Me, and Thesandmancan&nbsp;getting a chance to strut their stuff. Words/Image: Jeff Hanson

Bottas leads big team of chances at Wagga

The Widdison Racing team was back in the winner&rsquo;s circle at Albury on Tuesday, with Lunar Mojo triumphing in the 900m Maiden Handicap.
The stable&rsquo;s first win of the 2025/26 season, it took a perfect ride by Pierre Boudvillain as Lunar Mojo ($2.10) announced himself with an impressive 2.2 length victory.
Following seven consecutive placings, including five successive runner-up finishes, Boudvillain rode the 4YO Reward For Effort gelding just in behind the early leaders before peeling wide on the turn.
Despite a heavy 8 surface at Albury, Lunar Mojo ranged up to the leaders before demonstrating a good turn of foot when exploding to a comfortable victory.
A well-deserved result for Lunar Mojo and connections, Craig and the team will be hoping the penny has dropped going forward, with Lunar Mojo likely to have one more run before going to the paddock for a spell.
Widdison Racing will now turn its attention to Berrigan on Saturday, with a handful of runners entered for the non-TAB country NSW meeting.
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Words/Image: Jeff Hanson

Winning mojo found at Albury

Craig Widdison is chasing a big payday at Echuca&rsquo;s Good Friday meeting.
Racing the ever-consistent Majestic Reward, Teo Nugent will be in the saddle as the 3YO contests the $100,000 Country Trainers Series Final Benchmark 70 (1200m).
The Reward For Effort filly has done little wrong in three runs, commencing her career as a debut winner at Wodonga over the 1100m on January 5.
Following a solid second-up effort in the Benchmark 64 Handicap (1100m) at Bendigo on March 2, Majestic Reward went to Geelong on April 1. It was game in defeat when on speed and just missed out when second in the Benchmark 64 Handicap (1143m).
That runner-up effort at Geelong gained the Wodonga galloper a start in today&rsquo;s $100,000 final, and despite drawing awkwardly with gate 9, Majestic Reward appears to be a good each-way chance in an open event.
Widdison and the stable will have their tails up heading to Echuca following some good recent form.
Racing at Wagga Wagga on Sunday, talented 2YO Deekaygeebee was a class above his rivals when winning the 2YO Handicap (1000m).
Raced by Rick McIntosh, Greg McNulty, Brent Nally, Ross Smith, and company, they have enjoyed a terrific run of late, winning the $150,000 Capricornia Yearling Sale Classic QTIS 2YO Plate (1200m) with Kerzner for trainer Liam Birchley at Rockhampton on Saturday.
Deekaygeebee, a Russian Revolution gelding out of Dip Dye, was a $25,000 purchase at the same 2024 Capricornia Yearling Sale (21) as Kerzner, and it appears connections have another nice horse.
Ridden by Nick Souquet, the 2YO showed good early speed before kicking clear for a good win at Wagga.
The stable continued its good run at Albury on Thursday, with Explosive Rosie ridden by Brendan Ward to victory in the Benchmark 74 Handicap (1400m).
Ward rode the 5YO Smart Missile mare midfield before the pair unleashed with a winning finish.
Raced by the Tobin family, Explosive Rosie has now won five out of 18 races, earning connections just shy of $120,000 in prize money.
While Widdison will race Majestic Reward in the $100,000 Country Trainers Series Final at Echuca today, it&rsquo;s set to be a busy period for the stable.
The team will race Fleet Destination in the Benchmark 45 Handicap (1300m) at Tocumwal on Saturday before starting up to five chances at Wodonga on Tuesday. Words: Jeff Hanson Image: Bordermail&nbsp;

Widdison chasing rich reward in Country Trainers Series Final

Craig Widdison will prepare for another bumper Albury carnival, with up to nine runners set to go around on Thursday and Friday.
Headlining our stable&rsquo;s chances on Thursday, Craig will have three runners in the $50,000 Albury Mile (1600m), including Secret Glamour (Nick Souquet, 63kg), Duped By Spin (Louise Day, 55kg), and Steve&rsquo;s Way (Brendan Ward, 55kg).
Duped By Spin is also entered in Friday&rsquo;s $200,000 Albury Gold Cup (2000m), where Jason Lyon (55kg) is down for the ride, so stay tuned for any updates.
In the Albury Mile, last-start Corowa Cup runner-up Steve&rsquo;s Way is the stable&rsquo;s leading chance after drawing gate 6.
The 4YO is racing well and was unlucky not to win the Corowa Cup, and the Wayed Zain mare finds a nice race at Albury.
Stablemate Secret Glamour is a chance on her best form, but 63kg is a lot of weight to carry for the awkward draw (gate 10).
On a big first day of the carnival, the stable also has recent Wagga Wagga placegetter Sister Shay (Brendan Ward, 56kg) taking on the $50,000 Super Maiden Handicap and last-start Towong winner Deloris (Louise Day, 56kg) stepping up in distance to take on the $30,000 Class 1/Maiden (2000m) event.
Rounding out the meeting is Doogan&rsquo;s Design (Brendan Ward, 55kg), which has drawn the car park (gate 17) in the $75,000 City Handicap (1175m).
On Friday, the stable will be led off by Explosive Gold (Daniel Moor, 56.5kg) in the $50,000 Maiden Showcase Plate (1175m)
A first starter by Smart Missile and out of Gold Fontein, we&rsquo;re looking forward to seeing what the 3YO filly can do first-up from gate 8.
Next up is Fourthtimelucky (Nick Souquet, 59kg), which is set to jump from gate 6 in the $30,000 Benchmark 58 (1175m).
A nice maiden winner over 1175m at Albury in October, the 3YO Prized Icon gelding resumed at Wagga Wagga earlier this month, running a decent fifth, beaten just over a length over the 1000m journey.
Majestic Reward (Brendan Ward, 55kg) is the stable&rsquo;s next chance when taking on the $30,000 Class 2 Handicap (1000m), and connections have drawn kindly with gate 4.
The Albury carnival could lead into a big few days for our Wodonga stable, with runners also entered at Berrigan and Benalla on Saturday and Goulburn on Sunday. Words: Jeff Hanson Image: Widdison Racing

Steve’s Way primed for Albury Mile

The Craig Widdison Racing team will send five runners to Wagga today (Saturday), with the stable confident of a strong showing.
The $40,000 Tom Patton Cup is the feature staying event on the eight-race Country Championships program, and Duped By Spin (Nick Souquet, 57.5kg) is the current $4.20 favourite after drawing gate 4 in the 1800m contest. &nbsp;
Two starts back, the 5YO Duporth mare was tested in town before recently finishing 4th in the 2000m Benchmark 82 Handicap at Wagga on January 26.
It was Duped By Spin&rsquo;s first test over ten furlongs, and she has since trialled at Albury on February 24 in anticipation of this event.
It&rsquo;s worth noting that Craig opted to scratch the five-time winner from another race at Wangaratta today, hoping that the Wagga event would be more suitable.
Recent Cowra Japan Cup winner Doogan&rsquo;s Design (Brendan Ward, 57kg) is back on track at Wagga when contesting the 1200m Benchmark 82 sprint.
A good event, our 5YO Master Of Design mare has drawn gate 1, and she&rsquo;s being kept safe by bookmakers, currently sitting on the third line of betting at $5. &nbsp;
Earlier on the card, Sister Shay (Brendan Ward, 56.5kg) kicks off our day at Wagga when taking on the $50,000 Super Maiden Plate (1400m).
The 3YO Shamus Award filly is first up for the stable after debuting at Kyneton earlier this month, and connections have drawn kindly with gate 4.
In the 1600m Class 1/Maiden, Deloris (Amy O&rsquo;Driscoll, 53kg) steps out over the more suitable 1600m journey, but the 4YO Prized Icon mare, who is still a maiden, does draw awkwardly with gate 11 and runs into a nice race.
Our fifth and final runner at Wagga is Fourthtimelucky (Nick Souquet, 59kg), who returns in the 1000m Benchmark 58 Handicap.
The 3YO Prized Icon gelding won his maiden impressively over 1175m at Albury on October 26 before heading to the paddock.
Following a spell, he trialled at Albury over 900m on February 11 and should be primed for a solid first-up effort at Wagga. Words: Jeff Hanson Image: Racing Photography

News Detail

Big team set for Wodonga Cup meeting

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