Friday, 12th February 2016
Mount Gambier Pony Trots ponies and drivers took to the track again for the running of the Mount Gambier Navy Cadet Discretionary handicap and Cup race. Greenwald Paceway also held South Australia’s first ridden Monte race for the pony trotters, this proved to be a popular event for the crowd, although there were only 3 starters.
RACE 1
The Mt Gambier Navy Cadet discretionary handicap was won by Jackim and Jacob Opperman. Ponies jumped off their marks without hesitation. Buddy Boom Boom (Evie Sealey) struggled to keep up with Jackim (Jacob Opperman) who took the lead on the home straight. Blaze (Amber Formosa) received second placing ahead of Jerry (Nicola Bowditch). Marmalade (Bryce Bygate), Minty (Jessica Shepherd), Buddy Boom Boom (Evie Sealey) and Slim Dusty (Keeley Formosa) were close behind the bunch, struggling to get up in the placings.
RACE 2
The Mount Gambier Navy Cadet Cup was next in the race book. This race was difficult being over 820 metres. Slim Dusty and Formosa took the lead early in the race with Jerry close behind. This was only until the home straight when Marmalade (Bryce Bygate) and Buddy Boom Boom (Evie Sealey) chased down the leaders. Marmalade was driven by Bryce Bygate flawlessly for the first placing ahead of smallest pony Buddy Boom Boom (Evie Sealey), third went to Blaze (Amber Formosa) who was half a length in front of Jerry driven by Nicola Bowditch. Minty (Jessica Shepherd), Jackim (Jacob Opperman) and Slim Dusty (Keeley Formosa) were driven with effort, but unfortunately didn’t make the placings.
RACE 3
The third and last pony race for the night was a spectacular race for the crowd at Greenwald Paceway, being South Australia’s first ever pony monte race. There were three entries in this unique type of race that is quickly gaining popularity across the nation within Harness Racing and pony trots. All three ponies and riders had experience in both riding and driving. Marmalade and Bryce Bygate were handicapped on 530 metres ahead of Pablo and Jessica Shepherd on the 560 metre mark. The biggest pony in the race, Jackim, was ridden by Jacob Opperman and was racing as the backmarker. The whistle was blown, and the ponies trotted off their marks quickly. There was no stopping Marmalade and Bryce Bygate, taking the lead without effort. Jackim and Jacob Opperman stuck at the back of the field waiting to make a move. It wasn’t until the home straight when former pony trotter, Pablo and rider Jessica Shepherd made their move to the lead. Marmalade and Pablo went neck and neck for 150 metres down the home straight. Pablo (Jessica Shepherd) made it over the line by just a length and took out the victory. Marmalade (Bryce Bygate) who raced 3 races maintained the speed receiving second placing. Jackim was ridden excellently by Jacob Opperman and took the third ribbon.