After riding for 30 years Robert Beattie hasn’t lost his touch yet, he took the short way along the rails to win the Tyrepower Wangaratta Handicap, on the grey gelding, Perfect Sir.

There are no signs of retiring at present, he keeps himself fit riding track work most mornings, and any spare time is spent on his farm.

He is a well known figure around the north – east of the state and over the border, he knows every track in the area like the back of his hand, and when to make the winning run.

Racing has changed quite a bit since he was apprenticed to the late Hal Hoysted, a big punting stable; when the money was on they seldom missed out.

There was the occasion when Foxwise was backed off the card in a Maiden race at Wagga, he went on to win 15 races in all, and usually the pilot was Robert Beattie

Trials are scheduled for Yarra Glen on the 21^st of this month, at last something is becoming positive, racing should commence there soon after the course has been closed for three years.

Yarra Glen has always proved a popular racing venue, it is a great shame that the steeplechase course cannot be utilised, it is just going to waste and no one is giving it a second thought.

Jason Maskiell is doing his upmost to resurrect what was a brilliant career, one that has been literally torn to threads due to the indulgence of alcohol and drugs.

He is determined to resurrect what was a brilliant career, trainers lost faith in him and that is not always easy to regain.

Today he has a good book of rides at the Devonport Cup meeting, his Cup mount, The Cleaner, is outright favourite, a win would assist in restoring confidence.

There are still 161 horses remaining in the $1millon Blue Diamonds Stakes, after second declarations were taken today.

The Blue Diamond, to be decided on February 23, is the jewel in the crown of the Melbourne Racing Club’s autumn Carnival.

David Hayes has retained 19 of his 47 of his first declarations; Mick Price, trainer of last year’s winner Samaready, has declared 16 runners, and Peter Moody 12.

Connections of Saturday’s impressive winners, Diamond Glow at Caulfield, and Miracles Of Life, a nine lengths winner at Morphettville, will have to pay a late fee of $55,000 if they intend running in the race.

Children will not run short of activities when Kyneton race next Sunday, the theme being “Kids Day Out”

The Race Club is catering well for children, instead of the parents dragging the kids to the races, it might work in reverse, at least it is worth trying.

The Picnic meetings appear to be doing quite well, fields may be on the small side but crowds are good, while city meetings have lost their appeal, except at carnival time.