Craig Widdison will start up to eight runners across the two-day Albury Gold Cup carnival on Thursday and Friday.
Headlining the team&rsquo;s chances will be stable stalwart The Prodigal Son in Thursday&rsquo;s $75,000 City Handicap (1175m).
Jason Lyon is booked for the ride, and the 6YO will start from gate eight in the feature sprint.
A six-time winner, The Prodigal Son, who claimed victory in the 2024 Wagga Town Plate (1200m), has been taking on tougher events in recent starts at Royal Randwick, Pakenham, and Flemington.
Back to a country feature sprint, the Wodonga galloper will carry some weight (61kg) in what will be an epic race, featuring some very nice horses.
Also on Thursday, Blushing Tycoon (Quayde Krogh, gate 3) and Grey Lad (Ella Bent, gate 17) are set to contest the $50,000 Albury Mile (1600m), although the latter is currently the third emergency.
Last-start Wagga winner Bottas (Cory Parish, gate 7) will be a major player in the $30,000 Class One/Maiden Plate (2000m) and Kiwi Harmony (Cory Parish, gate 13), which opened the early favourite, has drawn a tad awkwardly in the $50,000 Super Maiden Handicap (1400m).
On Friday, the stable has three potential runners, and leading off their chances is last-start Albury winner Justenuffsplash (Quayde Krogh, gate 1), which resumes from a spell in the Class Two Handicap (1000m).
After back-to-back trial wins at Wangaratta and Albury last month, Tutto Finito (Jason Lyon, gate 15) will likely line up in the $50,000 Super Maiden Plate (1175m) despite drawing wide.
Rounding out a big two days will be Fourthtimelucky (Cassidy Hill, gate 14) in the Benchmark 58 Handicap (1175).
To keep up to date with results over the two days, stay tuned to the Widdison Racing socials.
Also, there is a chance to join the Widdison Racing team, who have purchased the lovely Inglis Race Series-nominated Jacquinot x Madonnica filly.
From a winning dam line, Madonnica has produced two-time winner Cashbook ($160,350) and three-time winner Battle Abbey ($125,080).
Bred to be fast and eligible for rich Inglis bonuses, Craig, Kelly and the team are looking forward to the youngster arriving.
To get involved
0418551180
widdo4@hotmail.com Words: Jeff Hanson Image: Border Mail Sport
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Craig Widdison Racing

Widdison gearing up for busy Albury carnival

Craig Widdison

The well-named Bottas, named after co-owner and F1 driver Valtteri Bottas, landed a win that would make the Cadillac driver proud as punch.
A timely result as Valtteri Bottas gears up for Sunday&rsquo;s Australian Grand Prix, the Craig Widdison-trained Bottas, known fondly as &lsquo;VB&rsquo;, stormed down the outside for Cory Parish when triumphing in the 1600m Class One/Maiden Plate at the Murrumbidgee Turf Club.
Well-supported from 25/1 to 9/1, the 3YO Tagaloa gelding landed a popular result on Wagga&rsquo;s big SDRA Championships Qualifier meeting.
Valtteri Bottas, who&rsquo;s in Adelaide in the lead-up to Sunday&rsquo;s F1 opening round race at Melbourne&rsquo;s Albert Park Circuit, still found time to celebrate the victory on social media.
&ldquo;First one of many! Well done to everyone involved,&rdquo; he wrote on Craig Widdison&rsquo;s Instagram post.
For Widdison, it was a good result for a galloper that he has a lot of time for.
&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve always had a big rap on him,&rdquo; Widdison said.
&ldquo;I actually backed him at his first start over 1200m as he works well enough and his trials were good enough, but he gets to race day, and he&rsquo;s a bit dour,&rdquo; Widdison said.
&ldquo;Over a bit more ground and with blinkers on, we knew he was going to be better suited, but we still thought he needed a bit further.
&ldquo;It was a good win from that position, as he probably wasn&rsquo;t entitled to win, but once he got clear air, he attacked the line.&rdquo;
Widdison praised Parish for having Bottas primed for a strong finish.
&ldquo;He is a big horse, and to pick himself up that close to the post, it was a good effort,&rdquo; Widdison said.
&ldquo;Cory being on him and knowing him well helped, as he never panicked, and had him on the bit and travelling when they found that clear air.&rdquo;
Next up, Bottas will race at Albury over their carnival.
&ldquo;There is a 2000m Class One showcase during the Albury carnival, and we&rsquo;ll go there with him,&rdquo; Widdison said.
It&rsquo;s been a good period for the Wodonga stable, who landed a victory at Albury on Monday with Needawinna&nbsp;(Ella Bent) too good in the 1000m Maiden Handicap.
This Saturday, the stable&rsquo;s attention turns to Towong and Corowa, with Grey Lad and Blushing Tycoon nominated for both the Towong and Corowa Cups, along with a variety of other chances in accompanying races.
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Words/Image: Jeff Hanson

Bottas drives to victory at Wagga

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

Needawinna gets on the board at Albury

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.
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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;
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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).
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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

News Detail

Widdison gearing up for busy Albury carnival

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