25/09/00 Cyberhorse Provides Prize for Racing Victoria Ownership Promotion

Cyberhorse principals, Bill and Berni Saunders have combined with Racing Victoria, Slade Bloodstock and trainer Stuart Webb to provide the ultimate prize for horse racing fans - a free lease of a well bred three year old racehorse (stable name 'Milton') with all training fees paid for 12 months.

By simply filling out an entry form in the racebook for any metropolitan or country cup meeting during the Spring Racing Carnival, race-goers and their friends can win the prize - lease of a superb Super VOBIS qualified gelding by Western Symphony from the stakes producing mare Michette.

In order to maximise the racing enjoyment for the lucky winners, Bill and Berni have already had the horse broken in and trained up to "jump-out" stage. While he is still unproven in an actual race, he has shown enough promise for the Saunders to believe he will give the winners a pleasant introduction to racing. While 'Milton' is his stable name, he is currently unnamed, so the lessees will have the fun of working out what his official racing name will be.

They are pleased to see that Racing Victoria is getting serious about promoting racehorse ownership. By their appointment of Melanie Hill to handle Owners Liaison, the racing industry is providing an official industry focus on what has been the most unmanaged part of the industry - getting new owners involved in a way which will ensure that their ownership experience is as good as it can be.

The role of Slade Bloodstock will also be important. As properly licensed racehorse syndicators, they will provide the necessary experience to manage Milton's racing career as well as ensuring that each of the lessees is informed about the horse's progress. Rob and Corrina Slade have over 20 years experience of racing and will be providing their services free of charge.

The trainer, Stuart Webb, is one of Victoria's up-and-coming young trainers who represents the new face of horse racing. Son of an accomplished horseman, Charlie Webb (who co-incidentally broke in Milton), Stuart has already enjoyed significant success and has a large team in work at Cranbourne.

The competition commenced last week at Moonee Valley and has so far proven extremely popular with over 200 entries received during race meetings over the weekend. Entry to the competition is via an entry form that can be found in each metropolitan racebook and each Country Cup racebook until Sandown Classic Day on 18th November, when the winning entry will be drawn.

For further information, contact Melanie Hill at Racing Victoria on (03)9258 4235 or melanie.hill@racingvictoria.net.au