Clinton Taylor loves short northern move

By Jordan Gerrans

While it was only on a temporary basis, premier Rockhampton trainer Clinton Taylor settled into his new environment at Cluden Park beautifully over the last couple of weeks.

With river levels rising rapidly in his native Central Queensland, Taylor made a dash north to Townsville with a team of 14 horses so he could continue to keep his runners up to the mark.

The Townsville Turf Club accommodated the leading Callaghan Park horseman with on-course stables at their newly opened complex.

The 41-year-old trainer made full use of the welcome from the North Queensland club as he prepared four winners on the local track during his fortnight or so stay. 

“I can't think the Townsville Turf Club enough,” the premier Rockhampton trainer said.

“They were more than accommodating and the facilities were very, very good. The stables were all brand new and the horses settled in well.

“They were a real lifesaver for me. We took 14 up so not all of them raced. We just took some young horses and jumped them out up there and just for experience.

“We just took them for a drive and just for educational reasons.

“But, the horses we did take there all raced super. I think we had four winners, three seconds and three thirds. So, that is good for the two weeks.”

While Taylor was away in Townsville, his home stables at Berserker was inundated with flood waters and left plenty of mess. 

Townsville’s new stables at Cluden Park were officially opened in June of last year. 

Located on the back straight of the racecourse, the $10 million project delivered close to 100 on-course stables.

Townsville Turf Club CEO Wayne Croton said Taylor’s northern sojourn was a positive example of how the new stables can support trainers during challenging circumstances. 

"In situations like this, it's really about looking after people and their horses,” Croton said.

“We were glad to be able to welcome Clinton and his team to Cluden and give them a temporary base during a tough period.

“Racing is a close-knit community and supporting each other when times are tough is something the club truly believes in".

As for the remainder of his team at Rockhampton, Taylor’s wife remained to look after some horses while others went to fellow local trainers Kerrod Smyth and Kevin Miller. 

The Taylor team tasted victory with Pride Of Venus at Cluden Park earlier this month while Heart 'N' Power, Old Gold and Lady Willpower all scored to land a treble at a meeting in late January.

Lady Willpower broke maiden ranks as a short-priced favourite at Cluden Park and will step up another level on Friday when she tackles the Mackay qualifier for the 3YO QTIS Jewel.

The Central Queensland zone has historically been a strong breeding ground for QTIS Jewel runners with several contenders over the years hailing from the region.

Top conditioner Taylor believes the Georgie Holt-prepared Satisfied Mugs will be hard to hold out over 1200 metres on Friday.

But, he does think Lady Willpower will be competitive in the event. 

“I think the win was better than it looked as she drew a bit sticky there,” Taylor said of the Cluden Park result.

“Jockey Ron Stewart sort of had to give her a dig from the wide alley and she sort of never really come back to him from then on.

“I think she's going to be a filly better ridden off the speed.

“On the nominations, Satisfied Mugs looks pretty difficult, especially to beat it, especially at set weights.

“But look, I think you'll see a different filly when she's ridden a bit quieter off a hot speed.”

Taylor has a team of five nominated for Friday’s Mackay meeting.