By Duane Ranger
Woody Point resident and first-time driver, Kellie Kelly, has won race 113 at Dicelands Raceway – the Group One Lillian ‘Joybell’ Memorial Pace.
Kellie, who finished down the track in the curtain raiser – the Albert Park Farewell Pace in Redcliffe, won the big race with her 3-year-old filly, Boom Boom Boom.
“What a fantastic game! It’s just like the real thing. I actually felt like a driver. You must hug the rails and save ground. It was just as good as Redcliffe Paceway.
“I went there a couple of weeks ago for the first time and the racing, hospitality, and the food was absolutely awesome.
“I’ve always loved horses for as long as I can remember. I used to go to the Moonee Valley Trots in Melbourne many moons ago, and I’ve always loved the atmosphere, but just haven’t got around to going,” Kelly said.
“Dicelands and Redcliffe Paceway have fueled my fire for the sport. I’ll be returning to both very soon,” the 50-year-old added.
Kelly, who drew six in the feature pace, was always in the first few throughout the 1,609m standing start event.
Then in the lane she out-sprinted runner-up, Parker and Duane Ranger by three lengths. Joker and Dave Arney, who blew a tyre at the 600m, were third.
Race sponsor, Wendy Spencer, said it was heart-warming to hold a Dicelands meeting in honour of her late mother, Lillian.
“Mum died 13 years ago on April Fool’s Day. Many, including her doctors and nurses never thought she would see April 1, but she had the last laugh.
“Mum loved the trots and I’m so pleased that my long-time friend, Kellie, won the race just two days after her death date. I’m looking forward to the next meeting at a new venue,” Spencer said.
Albert Park in Redcliffe hosted three meetings in 2021 and 2022.
“This is the first time I’ve ever won anything,” exclaimed Kelly. “I never met Lillian, but I’m so pleased I won this race for Wendy’s Mum.”
The prelude – the Albert Park Farewell, was won by Jango and Storm Spencer for trainer Keanu Spencer. Fenrir and Troy Spencer were second, while Joybell and Wendy Spencer filled the minors.
Footnote: A movie on Lillian Spencer’s life, named ‘Run The Gauntlet’ is currently being entered in film festivals throughout the world.
Boom Boom Boom by The Outhere Brothers:
