Second up, following a 14-month break between racing, the well-named Needawinna scored a good victory at Albury on Monday.
Well-ridden by apprentice Ella Bent, the pair raced just behind the early leaders after jumping well from gate one in the 1000m Maiden Handicap.
Bent then opted for the rails run on Needawinna ($7.50), finding the front and holding on for victory by 0.7 of a length from the red-hot favourite Initiate ($2.15).
The 5YO Trust In A Gust mare was second-up after a first-up fifth at Holbrook in an 800m Maiden Plate on February 14, and Widdison said she had come on nicely following the run.
&ldquo;It was the right race for her, and she obviously improved after that run at Holbrook, even though it wasn&rsquo;t the strongest company,&rdquo; Widdison said.
Bent, who&rsquo;s indentured to Ron Stubbs in NSW, is riding in fabulous form, having won five of her past 20, and Widdison praised the youngster for yet another good ride.
&ldquo;She&rsquo;s got great hands and a great attitude,&rdquo; Widdison said.
&ldquo;Every day, she comes over and rides three before she goes back to Albury.&rdquo;
It was also a great result for connections, Ross and Brett Holburt, with Needawinna, who started her career in Queensland with the John Smerdon stable at the Gold Coast, running placings at the Gold Coast and Ballina before a decent stint.
Widdison was pleased to land a well-overdue victory for the pair.
&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve known them for a long time, and they are nice people, and they breed nice horses,&rdquo; Widdison said.
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s good to see them win with her.&rdquo;
For Widdison, he nearly had two winners on the Albury program, with Fourthtimelucky (Brendan Ward, $6) running well in the 1175m Benchmark 66 Handicap.
The 4YO Prized Icon gelding found the front but was overtaken late, only beaten a long neck when running third.
Widdison will travel to Wagga on Saturday for the Murrumbidgee Turf Club&rsquo;s massive Country Championships program.
The stable has Bottas and Lecraigdiway entered in the 1600m Class One and Maiden Plate, and Eyewhykaywhykay, Lecraigdiway, and Kiwi Harmony in the 1400m Maiden Plate. Words/Image: Jeff Hanson

Craig Widdison Racing

Needawinna gets on the board at Albury

Craig Widdison

Despite being first-up since October, the Craig Widdison-trained Grey Lad will be primed for a strong showing in Saturday&rsquo;s Holbrook Cup.
The seven-year-old Magic Albert gelding is coming off his best-ever preparation, where he won three of his past five starts, not finishing any worse than second during a stellar five-race stretch.
Enjoying a winning affinity with apprentice jockey Ella Bent, Grey Lad progressed through the ranks, kicking off his good run of results with a victory in the 1600m Benchmark 50 Handicap at Berrigan on August 23.
Late in the preparation, Bent helped the Wodonga galloper to victories in the 1590m Benchmark 56 Handicap at his home track on September 16 and in the 1600m Benchmark 66 Handicap at Albury on October 11.
Bent remains in the saddle, and following a jumpout at Wangaratta earlier this month, Grey Lad has drawn gate three and will only carry 53kg in the Holbrook Cup, where he is expected to offer a strong showing.
It&rsquo;s a good Country Cup, including 2025 champion Kahawaty, recent Tumbarumba Cup winner Copperfield, and recent Tumut Cup winner Astunner.
Grey Lad will continue on after the Holbrook Cup toward the Towong Cup on Saturday, March 7, while other Country Cups at Carrathool and Towong aren&rsquo;t out of the question.
Widdison and Bent could be in for a big day at Holbrook, combining with three chances.
The stable has Needawinner (57kg, gate 6) in the 800m Maiden Plate and emergency&nbsp;Fleet Destination (57kg, gate 5) in the 1400m Benchmark 45 Handicap.
Widdison then heads to Wagga on Monday, with Bottas (Cory Parish, 58.5kg) and Surreal Grace (Jess Penza, 57kg) contesting the 1600m Maiden Plate and More Highs On Me (Cory Parish, 56.5kg) drawing gate nine when resuming in the 1000m Benchmark 62 Handicap.
&nbsp;
Words/Image: Jeff Hanson

Widdison eyes Country Cup campaign with Grey Lad

Hands-on trainer Craig Widdison, who kicked off his solo training career at Wodonga in December 2016, has worked with some talented horses &ndash; including one who continues to influence the Australian racing scene. He answered our QUICK QUESTIONS&hellip;
What is your first racing memory?
Tagging along to country racetracks from a very early age.
Who is your favourite horse and why?
The Prodigal Son, an absolute gentleman of a horse who has been very good to me.
Who are the best horses you&rsquo;ve been involved with?
I Am Invincible and Oasis Bloom; both were very unlucky not to be Group 1 winners.
And the best horse you have seen?
Black Caviar.
Who do you admire most in racing?
Anyone who keeps fronting up and having a go in a tough industry.
Who is your &lsquo;what if&rsquo; horse?
Mr Fergus, a city winner who injured a tendon in an Albury Cup; he was a very promising stayer.
What&rsquo;s the funniest moment you&rsquo;ve experienced in racing?
Always love the stories from the old-time trainers.
What is your favourite racing moment/biggest thrill?
Winning the Albury Cup &mdash; I grew up in Albury.
What is your favourite pastime outside of racing?
Spending time with family and friends.
Best concert you&rsquo;ve seen?
Red Hot Chili Peppers.
What slogan summarizes your outlook on life?
No one cares, work harder!
Favourite food?
Steak.
Favourite racecourses?
Flemington and Wagga.
If you weren&rsquo;t a racehorse trainer what would you be doing?
P.E. teacher. Words: Kristen Manning/Just Horse Racing Image: Bruno Cannatelli

Quick Questions – Get to know trainer Craig Widdison

Rain Queen put the exclamation mark on a terrific 2025 for the Craig Widdison Racing team at Corowa on Tuesday.
Ridden aggressively by Jason Lyon, it appears Rain Queen ($9.50) appreciated a key gear change as she went to the front and ran her rivals ragged when triumphing by three lengths.
&ldquo;We probably expected her to win a bit earlier than this, but a few things went against her, and she did have a bit of bad luck,&rdquo; Widdison said.
&ldquo;She definitely put everything together today, which was good to see.&rdquo;
Widdison&rsquo;s stable has been in flying form, but he was the first to admit it was a quiet start to the year by his lofty standards.
The early part of 2025 saw the stable land nine wins between January and May, and no victories in June and July, but Widdison and his team hit their stride late in the peace, bringing up 13 winners between August and December.
&ldquo;We had been in a bit of a quiet patch, but that happens, and we&rsquo;re out of it and bouncing back with some good results," Widdison said.
Another good result Widdison spoke of was Fourthtimelucky (Cassidy Hill, $21) getting the chocolates and delivering the stable an early Christmas present with an eye-catching victory in the 1000m Benchmark 56 Handicap at Wangaratta on December 22.
&ldquo;I thought he was terrific,&rdquo; Widdison said.
&ldquo;I went into the race thinking he might need a touch further, but it was a great ride by Cassidy, and he was soft on the line.
&ldquo;He won easily, and he&rsquo;s a horse I&rsquo;ve always had a bit of an opinion of. He&rsquo;s a typical Kooringal type, improving as time goes on.
&ldquo;Plus, he&rsquo;s a big, strong boy, and a more mature horse now, so we&rsquo;ll see where we go with him.&rdquo;
While the team has enjoyed a strong finish to the season, there&rsquo;s no rest for the wicked, as Widdison prepares for meetings at Gundagai on Friday, Royal Randwick on Saturday, and Wodonga on Sunday.
Stable stalwart The Prodigal Son will headline the Wodonga stable&rsquo;s chances over a busy period, after being entered in the 1200m Benchmark 88 Handicap at Royal Randwick.
Jason Lyon has been booked for the ride, and Widdison hopes to draw a gate in the $160,000 event.
&ldquo;I think he is going every bit as good as he can,&rdquo; Widdison said.
&ldquo;He had no luck at Pakenham, and he got crowded, and they pinballed him.
&ldquo;He needs a bit of room, and the way the race was run, it was a horror watch, but he&rsquo;ll go to Sydney as good as he can be, so we&rsquo;ll see what happens.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
Words: Jeff Hanson
Image: Racing Photos
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Widdison ends year on high as Rain Queen wins at Corowa

Craig Widdison will travel to Sydney on Thursday, giving last-start winner Sister Shay every chance ahead of Friday&rsquo;s meeting at Canterbury.
Travelling down in the morning, Widdison wants to get Sister Shay to Sydney before the summer heat sets in, meaning she will stay the night before taking on the 1550m Benchmark 72 Handicap at Canterbury&rsquo;s night meeting.
The 4YO Shamus Award mare has been racing very well this preparation, starting five times for three wins, which has skyrocketed her career earnings to almost $100,000.
Racing at Wodonga on September 16, the Wodonga galloper 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.
Following a tough run at Moonee Valley on October 24, Sister Shay backed up at Wodonga in the Dunstan Sprint (1300m) on November 28, and broke their hearts, leading all the way and winning by the best part of two lengths.
Three weeks between runs, Sister Shay has drawn nicely in gate four and will carry only 56kg with Coriah Keatings on board with her three-kilogram claim.
The event does jump a little later than usual, with the third at Canterbury to go around at 7 pm. Words: Jeff Hanson Image: Racing Photos

Sister Shay set for Sydney excursion

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).
&nbsp;
Words: Jeff Hanson Image: Racing Photos

Big team set for Wodonga Cup meeting

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

News Detail

Needawinna gets on the board at Albury

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