Belynda Kliese chasing maiden win

By Glenn Davis

Townsville’s Belynda Kliese is only a few months into her new training career and will rely on a veteran sprinter to hopefully celebrate her first win at Cluden Park on Tuesday.

Belynda is the wife of popular Townsville jockey Graham Kliese who took out a dual licence in June last year when on course stabling became available.

Graham has won three Cleveland Bay Handicaps as a jockey and just about all the main North Queensland features with the exception of a Townsville Cup.

“Graham won a few Cleveland Bays, but I couldn’t tell you how many jockey premierships he won as it’s been so many,” Belynda said.

“The only major race he hasn’t won yet is the Townsville Cup but hopefully he can tick that off before he eventually retires from riding.”

Belynda stepped up to the plate to train in her own right when her husband decided to scale back from the training caper to concentrate on his riding career.

“I’ve taken over from Graham and the only horse he’s training is out in the spelling paddock,” Belynda said.

“It was getting a bit restrictive for him being a jockey, as well, so all his horses are with me now.

“I’ve got 10 boxes at the new stables on course and seven are already occupied.

“Sue Hammer is our main owner and I’ve got three in work for her while I’ve got a couple for (former trainer) Ben Williams who decided to take a break from training for a while.”

Belynda has been involved in racing most of her life.

She had her first starter as a trainer in October last year when You Are King was beaten in a Benchmark race at Cluden Park.

Despite saddling 11 starters since, Belynda is still searching for her maiden winner but is hopeful the nine-year-old Molongle Surprise can provide her with the breakthrough in the Open Handicap.

She has another chance with Winning Saga in the Ratings Band 0 - 60 Handicap.

Molongle Surprise is owned by Williams and is coming off a last start win when under the care of husband Graham in a 1000 metre Open Handicap at Townsville on January 6.

“He’s had a trial since then just to keep him ticking over,” Belynda said.

“He’s going well and he should appreciate the cooler weather we’ve had lately as he doesn’t like the heat.

“Molongle Surprise had a stifle problem early in his career for Ben (Williams) which is why he’s only lightly raced.

“If he’s in the right mood, hopefully he can be my first winner.”