William Pike would be welcomed back on Ascot carnival runners with open arms after vaccination rule changes

Leading owners Bob and Sandra Peters have flagged an Ascot feature events reunion with champion jockey William Pike after Racing and Wagering WA cancelled thoroughbred industry COVID-19 vaccination rules on Tuesday. Pike left Perth and launched a highly successful interstate career when RWWA followed WA Government health guidelines and made COVID jabs mandatory for racing participants last February. RWWA said changed State Government policies had been adopted to allow an ease of racing’s COVID regulations. The Wizard’s racing manager Dale Verhagen said Pike had no plans for a permanent WA return in the near future, but he would ride at Ascot carnivals. A Perth feature event dominance was established by the Peters-Pike combination for more more than 10 years and they won the last four Group 1 Railway Stakes. “William will most certainly be welcome on our horses when back in Perth,” Bob Peters said on Tuesday. “Patrick Carbery, Clint Johnston-Porter and Chris Parnham have formed a very good jockeys’ panel on our runners since William’s departure. “They would not be displaced from our starters because of William’s presence, but I’m sure we’ll find opportunities to book him on runners when he’s here.” Pike rode Peters-owned stars including Arcadia Queen, Regal Power, Western Empire, Delicacy, Elite Belle, Graceful Girl, Celebrity Queen, Galaxy Girl, Inspirational Girl and Tuscan Queen. The brilliant hoop has in recent weeks won Brisbane carnival Group 1 races on former WA filly Sheeza Belter and Gypsy Goddess, ahead of a Sydney winning double last Saturday. Many of Pike’s major Perth triumphs were for co-trainers Grant and Alana Williams, who applied to resume their training partnership after Tuesday’s RWWA announcement. Alana Williams stepped down and Grant Williams trained solo after RWAA ordered mandatory COVID vaccination. “We have today lodged an application with RWWA to again be co-trainers,” Alana Williams said on Tuesday. “It’s been an emotional four months since I handed in my licence. “It’s important to our business that I attend the races and I’ll soon be back at meetings.” RWWA integrity chief Denis Borovica said racing’s former vaccination rules had been vital to keep the industry operating. “Racing participants who had their licences cancelled or suspended due to non-vaccination will be re-instated,” Borovica said. “The rate of full vaccination in the racing sector is extremely high.” Borovica said industry participants would still face rapid antigen tests at race meetings. + Top fancies God Has Chosen and Kaptain Kaos drew barriers seven and eight, respectively, in Saturday’s $200,000 Strickland Stakes (2000m) at Belmont Park. + Perth feature events winner Watch Me Dance is a late entry in the Magic Millions Perth Winter Sale on Sunday. She has won the WA Guineas, Champion Fillies’ Stakes and Sires’ Produce Stakes. A yearling half-brother to class mare Kissonallforcheeks will also be on offer at the sale. He is by leading sire Russian Revolution. + Thoroughbred trainers’ costs exceed fees charged to gallopers’ owners, according to an analysis by the WA Racing Trainers’ Association.

William Pike would be welcomed back on Ascot carnival runners with open arms after vaccination rule changes

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