By Tony McMahon
Mackay training colossus John Manzelmann is likely to start as many as 20 horses at the Moranbah Race Club’s races on Saturday.
Manzelmann, who oversees a team of 40 horses at his stables at South Mackay, pleasantly delighted while albeit stunning Moranbah secretary Bianca Bulst when she viewed Saturday’s entries.
That’s because of the 40 horses nominated for the Moranbah program, which offers $57,500 prize money, Manzelmann nominated 30.
“It certainly is terrific support from John but he regularly brings teams of horses to Moranbah meetings however not that size before I don’t recall”, Bulst said.
On Tuesday afternoon when asked just how many horses he was likely to race at Moranbah, the trainer replied “about 20”.
“I’ll be bringing three truck loads out to Moranbah. I have jockeys Chris McIver, Colin Lennon, Erin Molloy and Natalea Summers engaged to ride the horses," Manzelmann said.
Fellow Manzelmann - Joshua - will also fly the family flag at Moranbah where the younger family member is likely to start another two horses.
As well, John Manzelmann has five horses entered to race at Richmond on Saturday, which will be ridden by stable jockey Jade Doolan.
It will be a busy week for John as he has accepted with 20 horses to start at the Mackay races on Thursday.
Back at Moranbah on Saturday, it is a certainty that John will win the QTIS Maiden Plate over 1170 metres as he has the entire field of 11 nominations.
That feat is nothing new for Manzelmann as he recalls doing it twice before including on one occasion in May, 2014 at Mackay races with the whole field of nine runners.
Bulst said the Moranbah club is going all out on Saturday to provide for children at the family fun day.
“We have heaps of unlimited free rides and goodies lined up for the kids - jumping castles, super slides, merry-go-rounds and a bucking bull," she said.
"Thanks to BP Moranbah there will be lots, lots more including a local kids band and a teen rock band playing."
Gates open at the racecourse at 11am and the much community mind race club will donate 10% of the gate takings to Moranbah Netball.
“It promises to be a great afternoon of racing and fun for families. I hope the local community get behind the race club and come on out to the course," Bulst said.