The super speedy Snapshot landed a debut win at Albury on Saturday, leading most of the way in the 900m Maiden Plate.

The 3YO Holler filly had Jake Duffy in the saddle, and while only moderately away from the gates, she showcased good speed from gate five, taking up the running before holding on for a tough victory.

Well-supported at $3.10 favourite, it was a popular result, with Snapshot continuing a successful run for her dam, Shutter Bug.

Shutter Bug was a talented mare, winning four times, including a 1600m Benchmark 76 at Royal Randwick.

Having produced four-time winner Lensman, who is also a metro winner, after triumphing in a 1500m Highway Handicap at Rosehill Gardens, Shutter Bug has a couple of promising types being trained with the Weeding Racing stable.

Paparazzo, the full brother to Snapshot, won his maiden at Benalla last year over 1106m, and will be second-up this preparation at Ballarat on Tuesday when contesting the 1200m Benchmark 56 Handicap.

It’s an exciting time for the Weeding Racing team, with a couple of fellow debutants running nicely at Albury on Saturday.

Dunnenkate Bro (Cassidy Hill, $11) raced well in the same 900m Maiden Plate, finishing fifth, beaten only four lengths.

Apple Eyes (Jake Duffy, $8) made her debut in the 1175m Maiden Plate and finished a really nice fourth, beaten only two lengths.

The pair will be better for their respective runs and will be worth following in the coming weeks.

 

Words/Image: Jeff Hanson

Cassidy Hill will make her race-riding debut at Seymour on Friday when jumping aboard Flycatcher for her master, Craig Weeding.

The 6YO Wangaratta-trained gelding has drawn gate seven in the 1100m Class One Handicap, and Hill explained that she was looking forward to the opportunity.

“I’m very excited; a little bit nervous as well, but mostly excited,” Hill said.

“I’ve ridden him a bit in trackwork, so I know him pretty well, and he will look after me; he is a nice, quiet horse as well.”

The 21-year-old has been given every opportunity by Weeding to be ready to race at Seymour.

“I’ve ridden in about 40 trials, and that has given me confidence in myself and my riding ability,” Hill said.

“It’s been good to get a bit more confident being in my race gear and around more horses.

“Things like being boxed in and learning more have prepared me to go to the races. I am really happy that Craig made me wait before going to the races.”

The young hoop is surrounded by talented riders at Weeding Racing, including Craig, and jockeys such as Jake Duffy, Hannah Edgley, Rob Kirkpatrick, Justin Stanley, and Sarah McDonough.”

“They’ve been a great support and helped me every day,” Hill said.

“Even going from the gallops to jump outs and trials, they have been there to answer questions and offer advice.”

Hill isn’t setting the bar too high ahead of her debut and wants to do everything right.

“I just want to get around,” Hill said.

“I’m not too fazed if I win or not; I want to get around safely and show everyone I am capable of being out there.”

A graduate of the Racing Victoria Rider Development Squad (RDS) and the pre-apprenticeship program, Hill will then back up at Narrandera on Saturday, taking her second-ever ride on the Weeding-trained Oimbari in the 1400m Benchmark 50 Handicap.

From everyone at the Weeding Racing team, good luck, Cassidy.

Words/Image: Jeff Hanson

Weeding Racing finished season 2024/25 on a high note, with the stable scoring eight winners from its past 35 starters, including an incredible five winners in July.

On many fronts, 2024/25 was Craig’s best season as a trainer, registering a career-high 55 winners, earning a career-high $1,405,345 in prizemoney, and training at a career-best 13.9% strike-rate.

Our ability to perform across Victoria and NSW is a testament to the class of horse in the Weeding Racing stable and the efforts of our large, hard-working team, led by Craig and stable forewoman, Dannii French.

The team has also been lucky to call upon many good jockeys throughout the season, winning races with Jake Duffy (33), Hannah Edgley (6), Justin Stanley (5), Sarah McDonough (3), Milos Bunjevac (2), Linds Meech, John Kissick, Sam Noble, Rob Kirkpatrick, Luke Cartwright and Brad Vale.  

Jake Duffy, who is integral to our operation, has also enjoyed his best-ever season, landing 74 winners, earning just shy of $2 million in prizemoney, and riding at a career-best 13.3% strike rate.

Not one to look at the past, but instead, focus on the future, Craig, with the support of his fantastic team, is excited to kick off season 2025/26 and build on a great platform of results.

Image: Racing Photos
Words: Jeff Hanson