WYONG MARE GETS A GOAL OF HER OWN

IT’S a pretty good bet Bridget Bailey likes the name The Netball Queen.

But that wasn’t always the case.

Following the equine The Netball Queen’s breakthrough at her home track yesterday, Wyong trainer Rod Bailey today related the story of how the four-year-old mare got her name.

“Bridget used to play netball as a young girl, and my son Callum jokingly referred to her as the netball queen,” Bailey said.

“She hated it, and that’s why he named this mare after buying her for $10,000 at the Inglis Classic yearling sale highway session.

“I’m sure Bridget doesn’t mind the name now, especially as her name is in the ownership.”

Having only her seventh start, The Netball Queen went to the post as a dominant $1.55 favorite in the Provincial 4YO & Up Maiden Plate (1000m).

With Jess Taylor aboard, she made short work of her opposition.

The Netball Queen jumped to the front, and had more than three and a half lengths to spare over main rival, fellow Wyong trainer Kim Waugh’s Blue Suede Hooves ($3.80).

Bailey’s mare had run an excellent second to Showtime Shadow at Gosford on February 11 in a Midway 4YO & Up Maiden Handicap (1100m) after also making the running.

Realising she had a tremendous chance of putting her first win on the board yesterday, the long-time Wyong resident planned a special day.

Unfortunately, neither he nor his daughter could be at the track to witness The Netball Queen run hoops around her rivals.

“Bridget was sick and not well enough to get to the races,” Bailey said.

“And I’m in Gosford Hospital after cutting a hand in a stable accident recently.

“It became infected, and I have been in hospital on a drip for eight days.

“I’m not sick, and looking forward to getting out in the next day or so.”

Whilst Bailey and daughter Bridget weren’t trackside, son Callum did the honour saddling The Netball Queen – and there was another special moment to the victory.

“My 92-year-old mother Joyce went to the races, and cheered The Netball Queen home,” Bailey said, proudly.

STORY JOHN CURTIS, FEBRUARY 22, 2026 - PICS BRADLEY PHOTOS