S.A. Pony Trots

The Samara Stables sponsored race saw Sheza Ginger Ninja and Amity Formosa off to a flying start, from the 530 metre mark.  Front runner Poppin Pepe and Molly Hinch, fresh from their double at the previous meeting, led the way, and by a good margin around the bend.  Little Miss Geri and Kloe Phillips held onto second position, making an impression on the breakaway leader, with Buddy Boom Boom, Marnee Formosa, and Super Marley, Holly Phillips, tussling for third position.  Back markers Blaze, with Evie Sealey on board, and Super Mario, Keeley Formosa, bringing the charge from the rear.  As the majority of the field rounded the bend, Sheza Ginger Ninja looked dangerous.  They turned into the home straight, Poppin Pepe was going strong with sixty metres to go, the finish line couldn’t come quick enough, as Molly Hinch was happy to cross the finish line, holding the field at bay and taking the win.  Sheza Ginger Ninja again took the outside running, and whilst had a glimmer of hope for the win, ran home to place second, with Buddy Boom Boom sneaking up the inside for third.  Super Mario again made solid ground to run into fourth, Little Miss Geri fifth, with Blaze and Super Marley making up the remainder of the field.

The Produce Store sponsored second race saw all ponies again start well, stepping off their marks cleanly.   The smaller ponies up front trotted well, whilst the back markers, in particular Super Mario, put in the big strides, covering the ground quickly to close the gap on the front runners.  Poppin Pepe again led into the home straight, closely followed this time by Little Miss Geri, running very well, and beautifully driven by Kloe Phillips.  Buddy Boom Boom and Super Marley were in close pursuit, as Sheza Ginger Ninja headed to the outside running lane, Blaze making ground.  Little Miss Geri hit the lead, albeit briefly, as any one of five ponies could’ve taken the win in a very close finish.  Super Mario got up in the concluding stages and flashed home for first, Little Miss Geri second, the ever consistent Buddy Boom Boom used the sprint lane for third, and Sheza Ginger Ninja fourth.  Holly Phillips got Super Marley over the line in fifth, Poppin Pepe slowed considerably in the dying stages to run into sixth, Blaze closing out the field, in what was an exciting finish.

The ponies and drivers enjoyed a Christmas Fancy Dress Parade, much to the delight of all the children on course, who were able to get up close and pat the ponies as they lined the fence.  Father Christmas was escorted out onto the track by Blaze, greeting the excited children and gifting lolly bags to them all.  The Mount Gambier Pony Trotters would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year.