Laugh with Me took out the 2024 Lakes Entrance Cup last Sunday at the Bairnsdale racecourse for Pakenham owner-trainer, Joseph Waldron and hard working jockey, Carleen Hefel.
The four-year-old mare had a Bairnsdale connection having began her racing career with former local trainer Julie Scott, who trained outstanding local sprinter Tesbury Jack.
It was Laugh with Me’s fourth start for former New Zealander, Waldron, registering her second career win.
Waldron moved to Australian in 2018, originally training at Mornington before switching to Pakenham in recent times.
Waldron was the one-time travelling foreman for leading trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman, so he has put the bridle over some nice horses throughout the journey.
Laugh with Me ($4.80) was ridden perfectly close to the speed by Hefel, who rode a treble on the day, proving too strong for Queen of Tayrona ($13) and Cryptic Clue ($9).
Hefel also won aboard, Hot Chilli Mama for Pakenham trainer, John Sadler and Distorted for Cranbourne trainer Shea Eden.
The Eden stables gallopers are always hard to beat when set for a race at Bairnsdale.
Bairnsdale Racing Club was delighted to receive so many entries for its program, which saw two extra races facilitated to cope for the demand, the club hosting an action-packed nine race program.
Owners, trainers and jockeys were delighted and full of praise for the condition of the track, which raced in the good four region for the entirety of the meeting.
Approximately 600 patrons were on track to take in the action and the thrill of spring racing.
The Bairnsdale Racing Club’s next meeting will be on Monday, October 14, with the club deep into preparation for its biggest event of the year, Melbourne Cup day on Tuesday, November 5.
