02/06/2026
Last weekend wasn't just another race meeting.
It was a celebration of 49 years of Pioneer Park. Forty-nine years of stories, friendships, champions, traditions and a community that continues to show up, year after year.
This club has always been built on people.
The staff who make every race day possible.
The trainers, owners and stable teams who live and breathe racing.
The jockeys who put on a show every race day.
The generations of locals who have made Pioneer Park part of their lives.
Forty-nine years later, the heart of this club remains exactly the same.
And the racing certainly delivered.
Race 1 – Vale Jack McGowran Handicap:
STANDARD STREET stormed home for Kerry Petrick and Lek Maloney.
Race 2 – TJ's Trailer Repairs Handicap (Div 1):
BRAT delivered a well-deserved win for trainer Carrol Hunter and jockey Deborah Barton.
Race 3 – Colemans Printing Handicap (Div 2):
CANADA BAY and Jess Philpot combined for an exciting victory in another closely fought sprint.
Race 4 – LTL Cole Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning Handicap:
BLACK ZOUS gave the Petrick stable another winner, with Deborah Barton producing a strong ride.
Race 5 – Centreline Saddlery & Country Outfitters Handicap (Div 1):
DOLCE D'AMOUR continued a big day for the Petrick-Maloney combination.
Race 6 – Maloney Kan Accountants Handicap (Div 2):
THE BIG FREEZE and Deborah Barton secured another victory for the Hunter team.
Race 7 – Pioneer Park Anniversary Cup:
The feature race belonged to VENTING, with Lek Maloney producing a superb ride for trainer Kerry Petrick to claim the Pioneer Park Anniversary Cup.
The results sheet tells one story, but the standout performances of the day deserve special recognition.
Kerry Petrick and Lek Maloney continued their remarkable partnership, combining for three victories including the feature Pioneer Park Anniversary Cup aboard VENTING.
Equally impressive was Deborah Barton, who rode three winners across the afternoon. Her victories aboard BRAT, BLACK ZOUS and THE BIG FREEZE showcased her skill, determination and ability to deliver when it matters most.
Trainer Carrol Hunter also enjoyed a memorable day, preparing two winners in BRAT and THE BIG FREEZE, further cementing the strength and depth of local racing talent here in Alice Springs.
Congratulations to all winning owners, trainers, jockeys and stable teams.
Here's to the next chapter of Pioneer Park.
Trackside with Nikki