Wait over for Snowden as Lunaite makes country championships bid

Sydney Morning Herald

by Ray Hickson

February 21, 2026

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Wait over for Snowden as Lunaite makes country championships bid

Lunaite, Paul Snowden’s first horse and winner from his Port Macquarie stable, is set to make history as his inaugural entry into the Evergreen Turf Country Championships. Trained by Snowden, who boasts an impressive record with 20 Group 1 wins and two TAB Everest victories alongside his father Peter, Lunaite will compete in the Mid North Coast Country Championships (1200m) on Sunday. Her participation marks a significant milestone for Snowden, as he had to wait over a year due to eligibility requirements before being able to enter the series. Lunaite’s journey to this race has been methodical, with a recent fourth-place finish in a Benchmark 78 at Taree and a successful trial win last week. At four years old, she demonstrates consistent performance and adaptability, having primarily raced over 1200m but showing potential for longer distances as well. Snowden is confident in her readiness, attributing her success to a well-planned training regime that includes rest periods to maintain peak condition. The race at Port Macquarie holds special significance for both Lunaite and her trainer. Snowden emphasizes the importance of racing on home ground, where Lunaite’s form shines brightest. He plans to utilize Mitchell Bell, who has previously ridden Lunaite, to maintain consistency and capitalize on her strengths. With a middle draw expected to allow a stalking strategy, Snowden is optimistic about securing a strong finish. Lunaite’s bid not only highlights the growing talent from Port Macquarie but also underscores the dedication of local trainers like Snowden. Her participation in the championships serves as a source of pride for the community and a testament to the region's competitive spirit in horse racing. As she competes, fans will be watching closely to see if she can build momentum toward the final $1 million Evergreen Turf Country Championships Final at Randwick on

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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/21/2026