Rocketing to 11 wins in 2026/27, Craig Weeding and his team continued what has been a stellar start to the new season, landing another winning double, this time at Cootamundra on Sunday.

The leading trainer in the Southern Districts kicked off a big day at the races as Brave Summit finished strongly to win the 1100m Maiden Handicap.

With stable jockey Jake Duffy on holidays, Blaike McDougall was charged with riding the 4YO Bivouac mare, who was having just her second career start.

The Wangaratta galloper was impressive first-up at Corowa on September 14 over 900m, flying home to finish fourth, beaten less than a length.

Stepping up in distance at Cootamundra, Brave Summit ($4.80) raced on the rails just behind the early leaders, and with McDougall hugging the inside, the pair powered to an eye-catching win.

Later on the program, enigmatic galloper Paparazzo was well-backed into $2.50 favourite and claimed the third win of his 19-start career.

The 5YO Holler gelding, again ridden by McDougall, was stepping up in grade when taking on the 1100m Benchmark 66 Handicap. Drawing gate two, he began moderately before settling in the back half of the field.

Last turning for home, McDougall remained patient, waited for the gap, and from there the pair prevailed in a thrilling head-bobbing finish.

The Weeding Racing team almost completed a treble, with stable favourite Fox Appeal running another honest race to finish second in the Cootamundra Cup (1600m).

Third-up and ready to fire, Brodie Loy was aboard the 7YO Foxwedge gelding, who raced outside early leader Belleistic Kids ($10, Jordan Quince) from the Barbara Joseph, Matt and Paul Jones stable.

The Canberra galloper carried 1.5kg less than Fox Appeal and that showed as he kicked clear on the turn, and despite the best efforts of Loy and Fox Appeal, who finished strongly, they were unable to peg back the winner, going down by a half-length.

Fox Appeal has grown into a terrific country cup horse, now boasting a record of 51 starts for eight wins, 21 minor placings and just shy of $240,000 in prizemoney.

With a big October long weekend of racing in the books, Weeding has runners entered at Kyneton on Thursday, along with Manangatang and Albury on Saturday. 

Words/Image: Jeff Hanson

“We haven’t had as many runners this year just because we focused mostly on a lot of young ones,” Weeding said. 

“I would say 80% of our stable is unraced, but they are all getting to the point they will be going to the races as 3YOs, and I think we have a lot of nice ones coming through and we have old timers that are putting their hand up and are racing well. 

“That means we have a good mix, and we’ve got good owners, and next season is looking very bright.”

Words/Image: Jeff Hanson/Dusty Hooves Media