Stawell Harness Racing

19/06/2026

🐎 Stawell Connections: Weekend Racing Watch

Big Bad Bart has the analytical ledger working overtime! Our top drivers are flying the flag at metropolitan headquarters tonight before the focus shifts to a massive local showing down the highway at Horsham on Monday.

Here is your comprehensive, ready-to-publish pre-race breakdown for our local connections:

Melton (Saturday, June 20)

While our core stables don't have runners tonight, a couple of our finest local drivers have picked up some prime catch-drives on the metro stage.
Race 1

• Artigas (Aaron Dunn)
• The Inside Word: Aaron Dunn takes the reins on his own runner early in the card. Dunn frequently steers for our local Owen Martin stable, so we will absolutely be cheering him on as he looks to dictate terms here.

Race 9: Swift Signs Trot

• Unnamed Gelding (Kerryn Manning driving for Jennifer Douglas) — Fr2
• Ranger Rick (Jackie Barker driving for D.M. Lewis)

• The Inside Word: Kerryn Manning picks up a handy catch-drive, landing a highly competitive front-row draw at barrier 2. She is joined in the race by Jackie Barker, the go-to driver for the Kate Hargreaves yard. Expect a tactical masterclass from our two leading local drivers as they navigate the metropolitan trotting ranks.

Race 10: Hygain Edge Pace

• Soap And Bubbles (Kerryn Manning driving for Lisa Pitt) — Fr1
• The Inside Word: Kerryn jumps in the gig for Lisa Pitt and has been gifted the absolute perfect pole position. This draw gives Kerryn massive tactical control over the race. If she can hold the top or secure a soft trip directly behind the leader, she will be extremely hard to run down in the closing stages.

Horsham Harness Racing Club (Monday, June 22)

The action returns to the regions on Monday, and the local contingent from Deep Lead, Concongella, and Stawell are coming out swinging.

Race 1 (1700m Pace): The Front-Row Duel
The local camps dominate the middle of the front row right in the opener:
• Alook To Like (Jackie Barker) — Fr3
• Torque In Heaven (Peter Manning) — Fr4
• Tell A Tall Story (Daryl Crone) — Fr5

• The Inside Word: This is going to be an intense tactical battle early. With all three drawing side-by-side, it will be a game of chess to see who fires off the arm and who looks for an early trail.

Race 4 (1700m Pace)
• Watch Him Dance (Owen Martin)
• The Inside Word: Owen Martin sends Watch Him Dance out as the Concongella stable representative in the fourth event. The camp will be looking for a strong showing to get into the money over the short trip, hoping the gelding can put his best foot forward.

Race 6 (1700m Pace): The Two-Pronged Attack

We have a double dose of Stawell Connections looking to take out the sixth:
• Starzinhereyes (Marnie Bibby)
• Tallaras Shadow (Jason Ainsworth)

• The Inside Word: Marnie Bibby brings the speedy Starzinhereyes, who is known as a lightning-fast beginner. Expect her to use that early gate speed to potentially cross the field. Meanwhile, Jason Ainsworth takes the reins on his own runner, Tallaras Shadow. If the early speed is hot, expect Jason to be stalking the leaders and waiting for the right moment to pounce in the run home.

Race 7 (2200m Trot)

We have a major local footprint in the trotting handicap:
• Supreme Doll (Laurie Young)
• Rastamon (Daryl Crone driving)

• The Inside Word: Laurie Young saddles up Supreme Doll for the local yard, with Jackie Barker likely taking the reins. They'll have to navigate the standing start alongside our other local connection, Daryl Crone, who picks up the catch-drive on Rastamon.

Race 8 (1700m Pace): The Local Showdown

This race features an incredible local clash right on the front line:

• Gold In Paris (Jackie Barker driving) — Fr2
• Optimal (Jason Ainsworth) — Fr3
• The Sportz Star (Kerryn Manning) — Fr4

• The Inside Word: Optimal is always a massive threat, and getting the Fr3 draw puts Jason Ainsworth in a commanding position. However, with Kerryn Manning right next door on The Sportz Star and Jackie Barker just inside them, the early speed map is going to be fiercely contested by our local camps. This is safely the race of the day for our region.

Also Stepping Out

Keep an eye out elsewhere on the card for a couple of other local runners looking to make their mark:
• Callinan (Peter Manning)
• Sparkie Devine (Ashley Ainsworth)


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The content in this newsletter is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only to keep you up to date with our local participants.

It is not intended for wagering or betting purposes.

Chances are you’re about to lose. For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.

🐎 Stawell Connections: Weekend Racing Watch

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15/06/2026

Charlton Post-Race Wrap (Monday, June 15)

The local stables were out in force across the card at Charlton yesterday, highlighted by a fantastic trot win and a string of brave placings:

• Robert John (Trainer: Toby Ainsworth / Driver: James Herbertson): The winning form continues! Backing up his recent Ballarat victory, the 6YO gelding took out Race 3 (the North West Ag Services Trot). A great drive by James Herbertson to get the job done and keep the Ainsworth stable's momentum rolling.

• Starzinhereyes (Trainer: Marnie Bibby / Driver: Jordan Leedham): Put in a fantastic, brave effort in Race 2 (the Community Bank Charlton & District Pace). Stepping out from the pole position (Fr1), she fought hard to secure 2nd place behind the winner, To The Nines.

• Imallattitude (Trainer: Ken Taylor / Driver: Luke Sutherland): The incredibly consistent 3YO gelding came agonizingly close in Race 7 (Charlton Caravan Park Maiden Pace), finishing a brave 2nd—just a half-head (0.1m) behind Maddaleez. A maiden win is surely just around the corner.

• Huxham Chubb (Trainer: Peter Manning / Driver: Kerryn Manning): Put in a solid effort in Race 5 (the GMG Financial Group Pace). He held his ground well to finish 3rd, 4.8m behind the winner, Watch Your Back.

• Tell A Tall Story (Trainer / Driver: Daryl Crone): Daryl stepped out in Race 6 (the Ames USA 4th July Meeting Pace). While he finished outside the placings in a race won by The Regulator, it's always great to see the Crone stable represented on the track.

• Watch Him Dance (Trainer: Owen Martin / Driver: Jordan Leedham): Owen Martin’s 4YO gelding took his place in a very competitive Race 7 Maiden Pace, but unfortunately finished unplaced behind Maddaleez.

• Just Like Nugget (Trainer: Kate Hargreaves / Driver: Ewa Justice): Also stepped out in Race 7 but finished outside the placings.

• Torque In Heaven (Trainer: Peter Manning / Driver: Kerryn Manning): Contested Race 7 alongside Imallattitude, Watch Him Dance, and Just Like Nugget, but finished unplaced.

Stawell Connections: Maryborough Harness Racing Club Pre-Race Preview (Wednesday, June 17)

• Rastamon (Trainer: Tina Ridis / Driver: Daryl Crone): Stepping out in Race 3 (1690m Trot). The 7YO gelding has drawn out wide in barrier 7 (Fr7). He's had a busy few weeks, most recently stepping out at Bendigo on June 10 where he finished unplaced behind I Am Harro. Daryl Crone takes the reins for Havelock-based trainer Tina Ridis, and they'll be looking to overcome the wide draw to make an impact over the shorter trip.
• Argyle Muse (Trainer / Driver: Jason Ainsworth): Stepping out in Race 6, the Graduation Series 3YO & Older Trot (2nd Heat) over 2190m. The Pastor Stephen filly resumes from a spell, and drawing the coveted pole position (Fr1) gives Jason the ideal opportunity to dictate the early tempo, keep her out of trouble, and ensure she makes her presence felt right from the mobile.



Friendly Reminder: The content in this newsletter is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only to keep you up to date with our local participants.

It is not intended for wagering or betting purposes.
Chances are you’re about to lose. For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.

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13/06/2026

Stawell Connections: Weekend Wrap & Mid-Week Preview

🏆 Star of the Weekend: Daisy Bouchea at Globe Derby
The absolute highlight of the weekend came from across the border! Our very own Jason Ainsworth and his partner Natasha were celebrating interstate success as their mare, Daisy Bouchea, secured a brilliant victory at Globe Derby. While Jason didn't have to pack the float and make the drive himself since he doesn't train her, there's nothing quite like the thrill of ownership success. A huge congratulations to Jason and Natasha on a fantastic win!

🌟 Friday & Saturday Night at Melton

It was a busy weekend under the lights at Tabcorp Park Melton for Kerryn Manning and our local stables:

Friday Night: Kerryn got the weekend started with her own mare, Our Ultimate Gracy, driving a solid race to secure a respectable 4th place finish in Race 4.

Saturday Night: Kerryn had a packed book of drives to bookend the Saturday card:

Race 1: She kicked off the night steering Lovemeto for the Svanosio stable, putting in a tough effort against a strong Free For All Trot field.

Race 2: The highly anticipated run for the Peter and Kerryn Manning combo with Kamaran didn't quite result in a win this week. In a deep Hygain Edge Trot field, the talented trotter couldn't quite find the right spot in transit but will certainly be better for the run.

Race 9: Kerryn closed out the massive card jumping back in the sulky behind Muselet for the Douglas stable in the final event of the evening.

📍 Mid-Week Focus: Charlton (Monday, June 15)

The Stawell army is right back to work for the mid-week grind. The action kicks off at Charlton on Monday afternoon, and we have a fantastic contingent of locals stepping out:

Race 1 (12:40 PM): Jason Ainsworth gets things started for the locals, taking the reins on his own runner, Optimal.

Race 2 (1:14 PM): Marnie Bibby sends out Starzinhereyes from an inside draw, with Jordan Leedham in the sulky. Jason Ainsworth is also back in action here, steering Tallaras Shadow.

Race 3 (1:54 PM): A heavy Stawell presence in the Trot! Toby Ainsworth brings his dynamic duo, Robert John and Rasengan (driven by Ada Massa)—both fresh off that incredible stable quinella at Ballarat last week. Jason Ainsworth joins them in the field with Baarlinee.

Race 5 (3:08 PM): The Peter and Kerryn Manning combination strikes with Huxham Chubb. Marnie Bibby also has Emjay Jazz engaged in this race, with Jordan Leedham taking the drive.

Race 6 (3:43 PM): A dual Stawell interest here! Daryl Crone steps out with his experienced campaigner Tell A Tall Story, looking to make an impact. He will be up against the Manning stable, who return in this same race with their 2YO filly Torque To Farroh.

Race 7 (4:18 PM): A huge clash of the locals in the Maiden Pace to close out the card!

Owen Martin sends out Watch Him Dance with Jordan Leedham in the sulky.

Ken Taylor Jnr brings Imallattitude to the track, steered by Luke Sutherland.

Kate Hargreaves joins the fray with Just Like Nugget, driven by Ewa Justice.

🛣️ Looking Ahead
As the week progresses, we expect to see our local stables targeting the regular mid-week circuits. We will be keeping a close eye on the acceptances to see where the rest of the Stawell flagbearers—including Paul Rousch, Chris Blake, and Laurie Young—will be stepping out next.

💰 Big Bad Bart’s Early Week Watch:
"The Stawell crew is buzzing after that Globe Derby win! Keep an eye on Toby Ainsworth's trotters in Race 3. They dominated at Ballarat, and they absolutely have the form to do it again at Charlton!"


Friendly Reminder: The content in this newsletter is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only to keep you up to date with our local participants.
It is not intended for wagering or betting purposes.
Chances are you’re about to lose. For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.

Send a message to learn more

12/06/2026

Yes please

11/06/2026

Stawell Connections: Ballarat Post-Race Wrap (Thursday, June 11)

It was a busy night under the lights at Ballarat for our local contingent. While we didn't quite manage to bring home a winner, there were some very promising signs—particularly in the Maiden Pace!

🐴 Standout Performances
Race 6: Dr. Daniel Lightley Maiden Pace
This race was heavily contested by the Stawell faithful, and our locals put up a fantastic fight:

The Manning Stable: Peter and Kerryn Manning teamed up with 3YO gelding Torque In Heaven. Kerryn drove a great race to bring him home for a strong 3rd place finish. At massive $31 odds, he definitely rewarded the each-way backers and looks to be building some nice form.
Racing and Sports

Owen Martin: Right on Kerryn's heels was Owen Martin’s Watch Him Dance. Driven by Jordan Leedham, the 4YO gelding put in an honest effort to finish 4th, missing the placings by just a small margin.
Racing and Sports

Ken Taylor Jnr: Ken also sent out his runner, Imallattitude, in what was a heavily Stawell-flavored event, though they unfortunately finished back in the field this time around.

🏁 Around the Track
It was tough going across the rest of the card for our stables, with a few tricky runs and bad luck:

Race 1: Both Toby Ainsworth (with Ada Massa driving Zwick) and Marnie Bibby (with John Caldow steering Emjay Jazz) stepped out in the opener. Unfortunately, neither was able to figure in the finish in a very fast-run race taken out by The Final Dance.

Race 2: Big Bad Bart’s tip of the night, Im Eddie, couldn't quite get the job done for Peter and Kerryn Manning. Despite the front-row draw, they couldn't reel in the leaders in a trot won by Dels Destiny.

Race 4: Kerryn Manning was back in the sulky for her own runner, The Sportz Star, in the tough Winter Series NMW Pace heat, but they were unable to secure a spot in the top three against a strong field.

It’s back to the training track for the Stawell crew today, but with the way Torque In Heaven and Watch Him Dance hit the line last night, our next winner isn't far away.



Friendly Reminder: The content in this newsletter is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only to keep you up to date with our local participants.

It is not intended for wagering or betting purposes.

Chances are you’re about to lose. For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.

10/06/2026

Stawell Connections: Mid-Week Wrap & Preview

🏁 Post-Race Wrap: Bendigo (Wednesday, June 10)

It was a quiet night out at Lords Raceway for the Stawell crew. Just a quick update: Those from our local stables who did make the trip faced some tricky draws and tough racing luck, but they'll be looking to bounce back quickly.

🐴 Pre-Race Preview: Ballarat (Thursday, June 11)
The action shifts to Bray Raceway tonight, and it is an incredible turnout for our Stawell Connections. We have trainers, drivers, and local owners all looking for a win across the card. Here is the individual rundown for every local stepping out tonight:

• Toby Ainsworth & Ada Massa: This duo kicks things off for us right away in Race 1 (Dr. Holly Taylor Pace). Toby sends out Zwick from a handy barrier 2 draw, with Ada taking the reins. They have the gate speed to be right in the mix early.

• Marnie Bibby: Also stepping out in Race 1 is Marnie Bibby with Emjay Jazz. Driven by John Caldow, the mare has been hitting the line hard lately (including a recent runner-up finish) and is a genuine threat if she gets the right cart into the race.

• Peter & Kerryn Manning: The iconic father-daughter duo teams up in Race 2 with Im Eddie. Peter has the trotter primed, and Kerryn will be hunting for the front from a great row-one draw.

Kerryn is also back in action in Race 4, steering her own runner, The Sportz Star, while Peter sends out Cooper Chubb later in the evening in Race 6.

• Owen Martin: Owen has Watch Him Dance engaged in a very competitive Race 6 (Maiden Pace). With Jordan Leedham in the sulky, they’ll be looking to cause an upset at good odds and break their maiden.

• Ken Taylor Jnr: Ken is also heavily involved in Race 6, bringing Imallattitude to the track. It’s setting up to be a fantastic battle of the locals in the back half of the card!



Friendly Reminder: The content in this newsletter is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only to keep you up to date with our local participants.

It is not intended for wagering or betting purposes.

Chances are you’re about to lose. For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.

10/06/2026

🌙 Stawell Connection's TONIGHT: BENDIGO (Wednesday, June 10)

A select group of our locals are chasing wins under the lights at Lord's Raceway tonight:

• Peter & Kerryn Manning: Teaming up to kick things off in Race 1, Peter sends out Five Cent with Kerryn taking the reins, looking to navigate the traffic from a second-row draw.

• Jason Ainsworth: Jason makes the trip with a dual-pronged attack, driving two of his own trainees. He steers Redbluenpurple in Race 4 and follows up shortly after with Tallaras Shadow in Race 5.

• Daryl Crone: Has picked up a catch drive in the square-gaiting event, steering Rastamon from the second row in Race 2.

💥 TOMORROW: BALLARAT (Thursday, June 11)

The highway will be busy on Thursday as a massive contingent of Stawell stables heads to Bray Raceway!

THE MANNING POWERHOUSE

Peter Manning is launching a massive four-prong assault on the program:
• Im Eddie (Race 2) – Driven by Kerryn Manning
• Cooper Chubb (Race 6) – Driven by Lochie Cook
• Torque In Heaven (Race 6) – Driven by Kerryn Manning (lining up right alongside stablemate Cooper Chubb and Owen Martin's runner!)
• Snickers Express (Race 7) – Driven by Kerryn Manning

Kerryn Manning also steps out a smart type from her own stable:
• The Sportz Star (Race 4) – Kerryn taking the drive herself!

THE AINSWORTHS & ADA MASSA

• Toby Ainsworth has a brilliant double-handed look at Race 8, sending out both Robert John and Rasengan, with the talented Ada Massa booked to drive Rasengan.

THE RAIDER TEAM

• Marnie Bibby: Kicks off the night early in Race 1 with Emjay Jazz, linking up with veteran reinsman John Caldow.

• Ken Taylor Jnr: Adds even more Stawell flavor to that massive Race 6 battle, lining up Imallattitude with Luke Sutherland in the cart.

Good luck to all the local trainers, drivers, owners, and stable hands heading down the road over the next two nights. Let's bring home some more winners! 🏁🏆



Friendly Reminder: The content in this newsletter is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only to keep you up to date with our local participants.

It is not intended for wagering or betting purposes.

Chances are you’re about to lose. For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.

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08/06/2026

🏆 THE CUP DAY TRADITION

A huge shoutout to OWEN MARTIN, who is fresh off an incredible victory yesterday, officially claiming the Warragul Pacing Cup as an owner with his 4-year-old gelding Longtan Viper (driven superbly by Ellen Tormey)! The Warragul Cup shares the exact same unique heat-to-final format as our own beloved Stawell Toyota Pleasant Creek Plate run every Good Friday. What a phenomenal effort by Owen and the team to take out the provincial feature!

Owen will be looking to keep that winning momentum rolling this Thursday at Ballarat, sending out Watch Him Dance in Race 6 with Jordan Leedham taking the reins.

💥 THE MANNING POWERHOUSE
Peter Manning is launching a massive four-prong assault on the Ballarat program:

Im Eddie (Race 2) – Driven by Kerryn Manning

Cooper Chubb (Race 6) – Driven by Lochie Cook

Torque In Heaven (Race 6) – Driven by Kerryn Manning (lining up right alongside stablemate Cooper Chubb and Owen Martin's runner!)

Snickers Express (Race 7) – Driven by Kerryn Manning

Kerryn Manning also steps out a smart type from her own stable:

The Sportz Star (Race 4) – Kerryn taking the drive herself!

🎯 THE RAIDER TEAM
MARNIE BIBBY: Kicks off our night early in Race 1 with Emjay Jazz, linking up with veteran reinsman John Caldow.

KEN TAYLOR JNR: Adds even more Stawell flavor to that massive Race 6 battle, lining up Imallattitude with Luke Sutherland in the cart.

TOBY AINSWORTH: Has a brilliant double-handed look at Race 8, sending out both Robert John and Rasengan, with the talented Ada Massa booked to drive Rasengan.

Good luck to all the local trainers, drivers, owners, and stable hands heading down the road on Thursday. Let's bring home some more winners! 🏁🏆

Friendly Reminder: The content in this newsletter is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only to keep you up to date with our local participants.

It is not intended for wagering or betting purposes.
Chances are you’re about to lose.

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.