2018 Season: Week 3 - Corbiewood in the dark & Presteigne in the sun

Or in this case, without the dark we'd never see Live In Star!

Corbiewood - 18th May

In an almost carbon copy performance of last season's victory in the Standardbred Show Trophy Final (August 3rd 2017), Live In Star proved that he's been eating his carrots once again when winning the opening meeting's final in pitch darkness.

An accident in the third race which saw driver John Allan take a bruising fall on the first bend delayed racing by almost an hour, on an evening when an 8 race card already had officials watching the clock closely to evade the fading light.  Although, not closely enough that the qualifiers before racing could get off on time...

Last season's BHRC 2YO Futurity winner DKs Happy Forever (Richard Thomson) took out the first heat from GDs Hazzard (Andrew Cairns).  In the second heat, Bono (William Greenhorn) held off the advances of Royal Mint Howard (James Haythornthwaite) as the pair secure the next two spots in the final.

In the first running of heat three, Millie May West (John Allan) was hampered by the faltering Whosurbaby (Scott Murray) on the first bend at breakneck speed, with the former tipping the driver out of the cart.  Racing was halted as the loose Millie May West circumnavigated the track whilst first aiders attended to the fallen driver who appeared to have lost consciousness.  Thankfully, John Allan (who was taken to hospital by ambulance) was reported to be back on his feet by the weekend and raring to go for the following week's racing!

In the re-run, Whosurbaby had a cleaner run, leading out and holding his front position until Live In Star (Grant Cullen) cruised past in the stretch to take victory.  The fourth and final heat saw stablemates Indie Hanover and Porcelain Seelster, and brothers Richard & James Haythornthwaite fill the last remaining places in the final.

The nine horses entered for the maiden and novice division all declared, and as the track maximum at Corbiewood is 8 horses the decision was made to split them into 2 races: one of 5 and one of 4.  Unfortunately, Ladyford Topaz sustained an injury whilst disembarking the lorry, and withdrew.  However, due to an objection from (at least) one set of connections, the two races were not combined.  Personally, in this instance I feel that the promoter has final say on issues such as this, and the decision should have been made to combine the two races into one, especially (in hindsight) in light of the unanticipated delay to racing.

Nevertheless, the decision was what the decision was, and the Castalongshadow Syndicate-owned Mahogany Martini (Gregor Menzies) won the first division, with Talavaryterminator (Richard Haythornthwaite) taking the second.

The seventh race on the card was the second leg of the national BHRC & Standardbred Horse Sales Co Star Maker Series, with 5 horses facing the starter.  The unbeaten Soul Searcher (Willie Drysdale) was a popular winner as the horse is trained at Corbiewood by one of the sport's great characters, Charles 'Chico' Inglis Jnr, who blushed uncontrollably at all the cheers as he led his charge into the winner's circle.

Under the cover of darkness, 8 horses lined up for the handicap final.  James & Richard Haythornthwaite were allegedly through their mark (looks as though the judge had either been eating his carrots as well or was wearing night vision goggles to spot that) and were immediately disqualified.  Live In Star spread-eagled the field early doors and was never being caught, with the officials clocking him in 2.05.83 and winning by a distance from GDs Hazzard.  An interesting point to note is that no other clock on the track recorded him in that time, even if those operating them had to get home to artificial light to check them.

The trainer, Keir Cullen, has advised that the horse will head to Appleby this weekend, donning a pair of large sunglasses in order to keep out the light!!

Live In Star & Grant Cullen winning the heat (in daylight) (Bill Cardno photo)

Star Maker Heat winner Soul Searcher warming up with Richard Thomson (Bill Cardno photo)

Before we look to Presteigne, I just want to shine a light (sorry for all the light references and puns, it's just too easy) on some comments made on social media following the running of the final in darkness.  Yes, it was dangerous.  No, this isn't the first time this has happened.  No, lessons do not appear to have been learnt.  However, when the videos of the racing were published on the SHRC Facebook page (a service that Scottish harness racing continues to lead the way on), I noted that one comment which strongly objected to the running of the race in darkness due to the health & safety implications was made by the connections of one of the runners.  Last year, in similar circumstances, plenty of people were up in arms prior to the race about the light conditions, however only ONE trainer withdrew their horse on safety grounds.  None did so this time.  Whilst concerns are valid, I do not think it appropriate to be making such comments when ultimately you made the decision to race your horse.  I firmly believe in actions speaking louder than words.

Finally, on opening night, Corbiewood welcomed its first international visitors of the season: two lovely ladies from Finland who are heavily involved in harness racing there.  This was their first time watching pacers racing and they were full of questions - I hope I was able to answer some of them!!  Finland has now joined the list of places I need to visit for the racing - both summer and winter!

Presteigne - 20th May

Smarty and I headed south to Wales on Saturday to deliver a mare and foal to the stallion, before heading further south into mid Wales to visit my parents (and attend a birthday party/barn dance/possible illegal rave on a mountain).  The following day we ventured to Presteigne on a beautiful sunny Sunday for the first Wales & West meeting of the season.

Racing kicked off with the first of the BHRC Kids Club Pony Races, commentated by the star of the future, Stephen Lees Jr.  I must admit, I was more than a little apprehensive about these races as there were a few niggling concerns regarding eligibility and criteria, however when I saw the five children lining up on their ponies, my heart about melted.  Joseph Ripley Jr and Flash led from start to finish to record a resounding victory, from Charley Elvin and Elvis A-Ha in second, Jake Podmore and Star in third, Terry Allen Jr and Sampson in fourth and Indianna Allen and Essex Girl bringing home the quintet.

(Sarah Thomas photo)

I won't run you through each race on the card as we'll be here all night, but I would like to mention a couple of memorable performances which I feel deserve their moment in the spotlight:

- Seal Of Approval & Angie Dyer, Qualifier - this horse was a runner up in the 2YO Colts & Geldings race at Aberystwyth last year behind Matticulous and looked an impressive sort at Presteigne last weekend.  He is sure to win races this year on the Wales & West circuit.

- The Mockingjay & Marc Jones, Qualifier - this 2YO filly is built like an absolute tank and impressed in her qualifier.  She will be one to watch in the stakes races, as Marc & Jenny Jones have had plenty of success in these types of events in the past, so this is not unchartered territory for the Sennybridge-based team.

- Easy Company & Rocker Laidler - Darren Owen's horse to follow for the season, despite his winning margins not being anything to write home about, impressed with the manner of his victories in both heat and final.

Easy Company & Rocker Laidler (Sarah Thomas)

- Valseur Du Cygne & Rocker Laidler - I'm struggling somewhat to understand the format of TrotBritain's season (although hopefully George Button & Joseph Ripley will enlighten me - and you - in some video interviews due shortly) however, this horse is sure to figure regardless of the structure.  Sans Limites (Terry Allen) and Ulysse Du Bosq (Julian Price) were notable in defeat.  I have to say this now, again, that I thoroughly enjoy watching these aged trotters race and I cannot for the life of me fathom why TrotBritain seem so intent on pushing 3 and 4 year old untried/unwanted horses onto licence holders when these proven, durable, aged horses are far easier to train and far more enjoyable to watch racing.  What is wrong with following the example set by Malta (the country which imports the highest number of aged Trotteur Francais racehorses)? #BeLikeMalta

Valseur Du Cygne & Rocker Laidler (Sarah Thomas photo)

My 'Supporters of the Weekend' award this week goes to the Ripley family, who travelled all the way from the south east of England to cheer on young Joseph Jnr in the pony race, and then not-so-young Joseph Snr with his pacer and trotter.  The cheer they gave as Espoir Lila stormed down the home straight to win the 4YO trot was ear-splitting - this is what I like to hear!!

The Ripley family & friends with Joseph Ripley & Espoir Lila (Sarah Thomas photo)

Now for the (brief) negative elements.

1.  The track.

I have been to Presteigne on a number of occasions, both when I was living and working in Wales and also since moving to Scotland.  It isn't the smoothest of grass tracks, however, I do feel that with a bit of tweaking it could be far safer and a better spectacle for the racegoers.  With the crowd being situated between the finish line and the first bend, much of the track is too far away for decent viewing.  Coincidentally, that part of the track (the last 2 bends) seems to be where a lot of horses have difficulty navigating the corners.  It appears that the track is greater than a half mile, yet the races are still run over two laps for every grade.  A lot of horses finished their races very tired, despite the going being good, and as the track is solely raced upon in the early part of the season, this isn't ideal and could be the reason why a penalty free meeting a week later was lost due to lack of entries.

My suggestion would be to create a smaller track similar to Wolsingham/Hellifield/Corbiewood i.e. just under half a mile or 3/8 of a mile, and race a greater number of circuits.  This would enable the roughest part of the track (on the final bend) to be removed; the crowd to have a better view of the racing; and the horses to not face such a stiff challenge.  In Wales, harness racing participants are blessed with some fantastic grass tracks (certainly compared to Scotland and England), most of which are a bang half mile.  In making Presteigne less than a half mile circuit, this would add an element of variety and in my opinion, the safety concerns would be somewhat alleviated.  Furthermore, at some point the committee responsible for staging the racing has made the decision to reduce the maximum number of runners in a race from 10 to 8, and I can only assume this was on safety grounds.  In light of this, I feel that reducing the size of the track would also assist on this front.

2.  A horse running 3 times in one day.

A horse raced in a qualifier, before running in two further betting races later in the day.

I have previously raised concerns over something identical which occurred in August of last year at another track on the same racing circuit.  The BHRC rulebook states that a horse cannot race more than twice in one day, for welfare reasons.  I was advised on the previous occasion that a qualifer does not constitute a race, for the purposes of that particular rule.  I have an issue with this, as regardless of whether betting is allowed on the race or not, the horse is still 'racing' over a mile.  On this particular occasion, it was a very hot day and although I'm sure most horses are more than capable of racing under these conditions, it does beg the question what the purpose of the rule is if it is going to be interpreted in such a manner that it becomes a pointless rule (as I cannot think of any other circumstances in which a horse would enter to race 3 times on the same day).

3.  Pylon violations

You'll hear quite a lot about these this summer I'm sure (wait for the next blog post).  In North America, for example, they take a tough stance on pylon violations.  Here...not so much.  Upon reviewing the DVD from the meeting, a horse raced inside a minimum of 10 pegs.  Whilst I appreciate that the stewards cannot see all things at all times, this occurred on the home straight leading directly up to the finish line in front of them.  From trackside, where I was situated, it wasn't noticeable.  From the inside of the track...well, it only took me one viewing at real time speed to count the pegs.

Nevertheless, it was a thoroughly enjoyable day out despite the sunburn and looooong drive home, which saw us get back to our house at 1am on Monday morning.  I wouldn't want to do that too often!!

Next up will be Corbiewood's second meeting of the season and the first of the four major festivals of racing, Appleby.

Remember folks, #ComeHarnessRacing

Over and out,
#1 Groom

2018 Season: Week 2 - A solid 6 for Team Laidler

On Saturday 12th May harness racing returned to its spiritual home at Tregaron for a ten-race card including the Spring Handicap heats and final, Senior Welsh Dragon and the first of nine legs of the Star Maker Series.

After picking up their first win at Tir Prince last week with Springhill Calaburn, the Laidler team hit the ground running on week 2 with a 12 length victory in the first event with my family's 3YO filly, Rhyds Sapphire.  This was her first start under new management and we were glad to see her kick things off with a win.  Fingers crossed she can play a major part in some of the 3YO stakes races this summer once she's had a spin around Appleby in novice company.

Rhyds Sapphire (Hasty Hall-CPR-Life Sign) & Rocker Laidler (Graham Rees photo)

The success of the 3YOs continued as last year's Junior Welsh Dragon winner, Merrington Movinup (bred by Rocker & Alexis and now owned by Raymond & Frank Huschka) showed real class to beat more experienced horses in the first of the two heats for the final, with Tommy Camden (Richard Haythornthwaite), Rhyds Nightlife (James Haythornthwaite) and Ghenghis Pride (Alan Haythornthwaite) - that's a lot of Haythornthwaites - taking the three remaining places for the final.

Merrington Movinup (The Preacher Pan-What A Commotion-Hopping High) & Rocker Laidler (Graham Rees photo)

In the second of the two heats, David Bevan's gutsy performer Lakeside Paddy got up from my 2018 horse to follow, Ring Of Fire after the first of my new feature "Bobby's Bloopers".  Driver Bobby Richards, who I have known for a number of years and think the absolute world of, mistook the start line for the finish line and eased up in front before the wily Bevan snatched victory.  Favourite Happy Hands faltered and finished out of the first four, and last week's impressive heat winner Rockin Mambo was a no-show after connections mistakenly thought racing was the following day!

David [Bevan] made it a quickfire double to match Rocker when steering Immortal John to a confident and well-timed victory in the second of the maiden events ahead of American Mistress and Ayr Paparazzi.

Next up it was Bobby's 17-year-old son Joel's turn to take the reins with his namesake, Wye Joels Best.  This perhaps should have been my nap of the meeting, as in his first three lifetime starts he was placed behind White Flame (fastest Skewbald pacer in the world), Rhyds Passion (BHRC Mare of the Year 2017) and Springhill Glory (Appleby, York & Aberystwyth 3YO winner).  That's pretty good company to be keeping.  Forget nap, I was nap-ping and I failed to give this out as my 'cert' for the meeting during the preview with Darren [Owen] and Kayleigh [Evans] (yes, these previews are totally a thing now and I love them).  Anyway, Joel trains all 8 horses at home and drives 4, while dad Bobby drives the other four.  Quality horses or not, Joel is going places.  To my global readers - remember his name: JOEL RICHARDS.  He could turn up anywhere in the world one day and drive winners.  You heard it here first.

Wye Joels Best (Pro Bono Best-J Vs Jiffy-Village Jiffy) & Joel Richards (Graham Rees photo)

Now at this point in the day, a certain Mr William Laidler had begun to pine for the winner's circle so he made it his mission to get back there as quickly as possible, and the fifth race was his chance to do it as he steered Wilf Burton's Blackwell Tiana to a comfortable victory from Lane House Stan & Michael O'Mahony (the Tregaron Festival superhero last August when partnering 9 winners across the 2 days).

Much like buses (you wait ages for one and then three come along at once), Rocker notched up a further two wins in as many races when Springhill Ruby overcame the favourite Rhyds Star Quality (Mick Lord) in the second of the two Grade 1 & 2 events, before taking the first of the Star Maker legs with Laneside Layla.  This mare only raced once in 2017 when finishing second to Rhyds Rock Star at York at the opening meeting of the season.  That in itself was fairly strong form, provided that she had overcome whatever issues had prevented her from racing for the remainder of last year.  It appears that she has.  I must give a mention here to runner up Laughing Buck (Julie Phillips) who looks as though he may have a rewarding season with the connections who have had previous success with his half-brother Masquerade Avenue, a multiple winner on the Wales & West circuit.  Also, a horse which caught a few people's eye was third placed Borntorun, a runner up in the Breeders Crown 2YO Fillies to Rhyds Mystique and who subsequently missed her 3YO season.  She could be one to watch in this series now that the number of runs for non-winners has been altered to unlimited.

Attention then turned to one of the two feature races on the day - the Doonbeg 4YO Senior Welsh Dragon - the last stakes race in the Dragon series.  The pessimists amongst the harness racing fans could not let go of Rhyds Rock Star's below-par peformance in the 3YO Little Welsh Dragon Final at the track last August when he broke and finished 5th, and it was such a hot topic on social media (although I missed it, as hard as that is to believe what with me being a total social media addict) during the build up to the meeting that driver James Haythornthwaite admitted in his post-race interview that he had even begun to have doubts himself about whether this super 4YO son of Hasty Hall would be able to stay down and perform to his best.  I was lucky enough once again (thanks to the officials, committee, driver John Crump and starter Conway Price) to ride in the back of the start car and come face to face with the horse as he scored up in post position 2, and before we rolled around to the start I spotted James putting Rock Star around the first two bends at half speed; I can guess only to give them both a bit of confidence.  Rock Star was keen, and gave me a right eyeball as the car pulled away - I later told Smarty that he was quite an intimidating horse to face off with as he looked to be totally in race mode: ears flat back and raring to go.  From the moment the race started, he was away, and the Rock Star that we saw last week at Tir Prince was definitely in action, winning in just under 2.07 on a dead half mile grass track.

Facing off with Rhyds Rock Star (Sarah Thomas photo)

Cruising just after the half (Sarah Thomas photo)

This was the third year in a row that owners Claire and Shane Fletcher, and trainer Teresa Haythornthwaite, have won this race (2016 - Sports Trick; 2017 - Party At The Spa; 2018 - Rhyds Rock Star).  Teresa was understandably emotional as last year's victor, 'Party', sadly passed away later in the 2017 season and this win obviously brought back the memories of what was an emotional victory last year (that's two years in a row I've had photos of you in tears Teresa!).  That's what racing does to people, and the people so deeply affected by loss and success are the kind of people I want in my life!

The last race on the card was the Camden Stud Spring Handicap Final, and the 3YO Merrington Movinup started as the favourite.  Earlier in the day, Bobby Richards had told me he wanted a 2-page spread when he won the final, as boxer Anthony Joshua had had a 4-page spread (presumably after one of his world title successes) - I LOVE this man's confidence, which is always tinged with cheeky humour.  I was watching Bobby and 'Fire' closely, and heading down the back straight he was clearly in trouble stuck on the rail with several horses in front of him and to his outside.  The box is not a good place to be, and in the style of Anthony Joshua, Bobby thought he would fight his way out of it by pushing his way up the inside of David Bevan and Lakeside Paddy.  I didn't call David 'wily' earlier for nothing - that door which may have appeared ajar came closing with a bang and I thought Bobby was for the deck as his horse faltered and shuffled back in the field coming around the last two bends.  Merrington Movinup had shot clear and came home an unchallenged and impressive winner, but imagine my surprise as I looked up from the viewfinder of my camera to see none other than Bobby and Ring Of Fire storming down the straight to finish second - the last time I'd seen them they were nearly last less than an eighth of a mile from the line.  This was "Bobby's Bloopers" #2!!

Taking nothing away from the winner though, 'Joey' [Merrington Movinup] as he's known is a real star for the future and I think he has an exciting 3YO campaign ahead of him.  This was Rocker's sixth win of the day and I have to take my hat off to Alexis [Laidler] for a sublime training performance from her team.

Merrington Movinup cruising to victory in the final (Sarah Thomas photo)

A couple of things that I took from the meeting and which I feel should be touched upon are as follows:

- the format of the heats & final; currently I believe that the format is too 'grade-specific' for an early season event.  Had the committee allowed Grades 1 & 2 to participate, the top 8 handicap horses entered could have been siphoned off for an OPH standalone race.  This, in theory, would have allowed horses such as Evenwood Sonofagun, Coalford Tetrick, Mikey Camden and Wellfield Ghost to race (Llwyns Delight, a G9 horse, raced in the high grade heat as a G7 with a C Class driver on board utilising a 20 yard lift).  This suggested format would also allow for more heats with fewer horses from each heat progressing to the final.  It is my belief that the punters and spectators (and indeed, probably the pesky bookmakers) would prefer this.  A secondary issue is that in the first 2 weeks of racing, there have not been races for the best horses in the UK at 2 of the leading venues.  Harness racing cannot allow for these horses to be standing in stables rather than racing - otherwise we face the very real risk of losing these horses to North America which quite frankly, as an avid harness racing fan, is not what I want.  I'm selfish, I want to see the best horses racing right in front of me and not on some race replay website.

- Saturday vs Sunday racing; whilst this caught the connections of Rockin Mambo out (I'm sure they'll laugh about it one day), I think the change of day affected both bookmaker and crowd turnout.  Saturdays are notoriously busy in the events calendar - point to points, Thoroughbred racing, shows etc. I appreciate that Sunday clashes with Ludlow Racecourse, however I think the move to Saturday was more detrimental than successful.  However, these things have to be tried in order to find out what works best.  I would like to work with the committee to publicise the fixture around the local area as we passed a large number of tourists on our drive to the track and it took all my willpower not to hang out of the car window and shout at them to follow us.

For those who voiced negative opinions on social media directly before the racing regarding the prize money on offer, I have this to say - the card was decent.  It was decent, despite this perceived 'poor prize money'.  Why would the committee suffer a greater financial burden when there was little improvement to be found in the quality and number of horses racing?  Furthermore, the prize money on offer was in line with recent years at this venue and fixture, where cards have been of a similar quality.  In addition, this year (for the first time in a number of years), the racing was penalty free.  I would love for us all to be racing for small fortunes, however in this economic climate within animal racing sports, I feel as though the committee should be commended rather than vilified for staging such a strong fixture so early in the season when you take into consideration the appalling weather during the winter which put so many of us behind with our training.

Coming up this weekend we have the opening meeting at Corbiewood (the home of Scottish harness racing and the centre of my universe) and the first of the Wales & West promoted fixtures, at Presteigne, both of which are staging £500 finals.  Corbiewood will play host to the second Star Maker Series leg, and Presteigne welcomes aged trotters for their first outing of the season.  There is literally something for everyone so don't sit in the house twiddling your thumbs, #COMEHARNESSRACING

Over and out,

#1 Groom

2018 Season: Week 1 - Record falls at Tir Prince

That's right folks, the 2018 harness racing season here in the UK is finally underway and what a start it was, I must say.

Harness racing fans from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales converged upon the home of the Crock of Gold, Tir Prince, and were treated to a thrilling 8-race card including the 4YO Sire Stakes divisions and the first handicap heats and finals to be staged on the same day at the track in 20+ years.

Young Stephen Lees Jnr was back at the mic calling the three qualifiers before racing, following on from his maiden call at York on Sale Day last season.  Meanwhile, race commentator Darren [Owen] and I found a quiet spot to settle down for a race night preview, which (I think if you're friends with Darren at least) you can view here.

Darren & I enjoying the racing preview on Facebook Live a little too much...

My selections for the 8 races during the preview were as follows:

1. Itsmycheck
2. Rockin Mambo
3. Teddy Camden
4. Springhill Calaburn
5. Emirat Du Levant
6. Rhyds Mystique
7. Rhyds Rock Star
8. Rockin Mambo

I got off to a stormer, despite Darren's assertions that Itsmycheck, a horse he is involved with as a co-owner, had wintered 'too well' and may need the run to get to race fitness.  The Scottish-owned Share A Smile led out; Itsmycheck and Alan Haythornthwaite committed early and sat parked for the latter five furlongs and took up the running just after the three quarter marker.  The Irish owned and trained grey, Springhill Rob, came with a strong, late run to finish second but the leader was not for beating.  Plan B finished third with Frankie Camden making up the quartet going forward to the final at the end of the night.


Jack Swagger for the champion trainer/driver team Alexis and Rocker Laidler led out in the second and made the running for much of the race.  As they rolled down the back straight for the last time I started to cheer on 'Maxi' (as he is known) and then it dawned on me that there was supposed to be a horse in the race to be a real danger to the leader.  For a split second I couldn't remember what that was; and then Marc Jones turned on the gas and Rockin Mambo came out of the clouds down the outside of the field with a blistering turn of foot to take up the running coming off the last bend and win in 1.59.2.  The long time leader finished second, with the Irish duo Springhill Biscuit and Meadowbranch Roman filling up the minor placings.

Two from two for this tipster and going into the first of the maiden and novice divisions with confidence as I'd selected the short-priced favourite Teddy Camden.  Impressive in a qualifier the week before at Portmarnock, connections weren't present on the night to enjoy his success as he held off the always-improving Oakwood Ideal to give the Irish challengers their sole victory on the night.  Bobby Camden who finished third was an eye-catcher as he appears to have come on leaps and bounds from his 2YO season last year and could be one to watch with interest this year.

The second of the maiden and novice divisions got off to a bad start when a hook up on the first bend saw drivers Vicky Gill and Jonathan Dunne (who partnered Teddy Camden in the third) landing on the deck.  American Mistress and Coffee Mate completed one further lap of the track of their own accord before pulling up and turning back to handlers to be caught before the three quarter marker.  Neither was allowed in the re-run, which meant two fewer opponents for my selection - Springhill Calaburn.  The largely unknown Hawthorns Henry with Leo Arnett set the pace up front and took the race to the more experienced horses and drivers, and as Rocker Laidler and Springhill Calaburn took up the running just before the 7/8 it looked as though they would be runaway winners.  Hawthorns Henry dug in and put up a good fight although the result was never really in question and the champion trainer and driver recorded their first win of the season on opening night.

My ability to pick winners took a nosedive at this stage as the 4YO French Trotters took to the track.  Darren and I had mentioned nearly every horse in the race between us during the preview, and he had assured me that my selection (a horse he co-owns) could not win due to the 'controversial handicap system' which was being employed by TROTBritain (the horse was on a 40 yard trail).  The horse broke shortly after the start (although came back down quickly) so I was out of the game early on during the 1 1/4 mile race.  Drama in the latter stages where they began to gallop in the same way pins fall when hit by a bowling ball, meant the level-gaited Enez Leman and trainer/driver Mike Evans shot clear coming off the bend to record a 10 length victory.  Multiple dead heats in the placings mean this writer can't remember who finished where, but it was something similar to a blanket finish just a long way back from the winner.  Surprisingly, there was only one disqualification due to breaking gait, which I wouldn't have mentioned if it wasn't for the difficulty I faced in trying to explain to holidaymaking members of the general public why the horse they had bet hadn't finished the race.  Turns out, they don't really know the difference between trotting and galloping.  But then again, neither do some of the horses.

Back to pacing races and I thought I might get myself back on track here.  I had made strong representations about the Mather family's Another Affair during the preview as she had impressed the week earlier in the qualifier and workouts at the track.  This was a big step up in class for the novice on only her third start, although she held off the early attack from Rhyds Mystique to take up the running for the first half of the mile.  When JD asked Mystique to quicken after the half, Another Affair was passed with ease and it looked as though I was right to stick by the champion 2YO and 3YO filly.  However, in the closing stages of the race veteran driver Mick Lord proved that there is no substitute for experience as he produced his charge, Rhyds Hokey Cokey, to get up close to home for a surprise (and, according to some sources, controversial) victory.

Breeders John & Grethe Wright from Rhyds Stud were certainly able to take pride in their produce as Rhyds Rock Star graced the track straight after the mares.  The British 3YO Colt of the Year was my nap of the meeting and it was a case of 'blink and you'll miss it' as he powered to victory.  I'm not kidding, in the time it took me to walk from the joint to track side with my clipboard, they were already going in to the back straight with Rock Star a solid 6 or 7 lengths clear.  My mind wasn't able to comprehend that this was the second lap so I made the assumption that he'd already gone clear in the first quarter.  As they rounded the bend he extended his lead further over the Scottish owned and trained No Brakes and Darren appeared to be calling a finish...I looked to the clock by the line to figure out what was happening and all I saw was 1.47, 1.48, 1.49...in those seconds I had flashbacks of Doonbeg at Amman Valley the night he broke the World Record for a mile-on-a-less-than-a-half-mile-track (try saying that when you're drunk, go on).  As James Haythornthwaite guided him over the line the clock stopped at 1.56, which became 1.56.1 as the official time and a NEW TRACK RECORD.  The previous record of 1.56.2 was held by Forafewdollarsmore (now standing at stud in Wales, having already stood a season in Scotland) and then equalled on Crock of Gold night last year by joint-winners Miraculous and Evenwood Sonofagun.  We knew Rock Star was good, but did we know he was that good?  Well, all the signs were there.  He propelled through last season going from one win to the next in increasingly difficult company and seemed to thrive on victory.  I know he's going to enjoy more of it this year; once the 4YO races are out of the way the next step for him has to be FFA class with the big boys...I. CAN'T. WAIT.

New Track Record Holder: Rhyds Rock Star (Hasty Hall-Tonda Star-Albert Albert) & James Haythornthwaite winning the BHRC 4YO Sire Stakes (Colts & Geldings division) (Graham Rees photo)

Coincidentally, I was back to picking winners again.  Go me!

It didn't last long, as I had put all my eggs in one basket with Marc Jones and Rockin Mambo despite their 50 yard trail.  Turns out the front markers were able to make full use of their advantage, and it was a training 1-2 for Teresa Haythornthwaite as son James partnered Plan B to victory over stablemate Itsmycheck and (husband) Alan.  Owners Les and Jean Fell were clearly delighted to be picking up the cheque and rug for the Anto Russell Memorial Final, kindly sponsored by Dean Russell and family from Ireland who were there on the night to present winning connections.

Plan B (Hasty Hall-Sassy-Abercrombie) & James Haythornthwaite winning the final (Graham Rees photo)

Sponsors the Russell family presenting winning connections of the final, Team Haythornthwaite and owners Les & Jean Fell (Graham Rees photo)

Post-racing, BHRC blogger and assistant trainer to Michael O'Mahony, Kayleigh Evans, joined Darren and myself in the commentary box for the review of the night's racing, which (again, if you're friends with Darren most likely) you can see here.  I selected five from eight which I think is a fairly solid start to the season when all I could really go on was last season's form and the advice of my fanatical in-house bookmaker (who doesn't always get it right, fortunately for all you punters).

Two points to note for those who put on these races and this meeting: the concept of handicap heats and finals on the same day at Tir Prince is GREAT.  Similarly, the Blossom Kelly heats and finals at York last year worked just as well, and I am glad to see those working behind the scenes at Tir Prince embracing this concept.  Secondly, whoever made the decision to stage the 4YO Sire Stakes races early in May deserves a round of applause for two reasons: the races work in conjunction with the Senior Welsh Dragon at Tregaron which falls a week later, thus giving connections of 4YOs two major events to prepare for early doors; and the 4YO Sire Stakes has, in previous seasons, gotten lost amongst other major events when sandwiched in the middle to latter part of the season creating walkovers (which nobody likes to see, especially me as I stand at the joint trying to explain to the holiday makers what on earth is happening).

Tir Prince is in a unique position insomuch as it attracts a large number of non-harness racing spectators.  To this end, it is of paramount importance that the public are engaged from the word go - if we can capture their imaginations in the first few races, they are more likely to stay longer, come back again, and spread the good word.  Unlike tracks such as Corbiewood, where the feature races are suited better to the end of the card, Tir Prince must ensure that the start of the meeting has two or three solid, competitive races (from whatever grade) to keep the public interested.  In the Thoroughbred world, often the last race is a bumper or maiden/novice-type event with the feature races being in the middle of the card and competitive races kicking things off, for no other reason than to suit the general public.  This may be something that race meetings across the UK without a final might wish to consider.

Onwards we march to the Spring meeting at Tregaron next weekend. Perhaps not some of the bookmakers' favourite tracks, but I can't wait - I love harness racing and for many, this is the home of it.

Over and out,

#1 Groom