Mt Gambier
Saturday, 25th January 2014
Sponsored by ~ HorseWyse Magazine and Balnaves of Penola
The 25th January saw Mount Gambier Harness Racing Club hosting their Annual Gold Cup. This night was filled with entertainment including a jumping castle, face painting, fashion on the field and a free pony sweep for the children. Also on the schedule was 2 Pony Trot Races.
Race 1-600m
The first pony trot was sponsored by HorseWyse Magazine a magazine for all young horse-lovers.
Unfortunately, two Adelaide ponies with-drew before the event. Pumpkin was a late scratching due to soreness.
All the ponies started cleanly, with Lucy (Keeley Formosa) blitzing the field off the front mark. After a few back track jitters Yoshi (Courtney Sealey) chased Lucy down. Dressed up for Australia day, Willow (Abbey Gull), Zena (Jacob Opperman) and Pee Wee Penny (Evie Sealey) caught the field quickly as did Blaze (Amber Formosa) and Slim Dusty (Stacey Barker). Jackim (Emma Shepherd) selected the outside of the track with Minty (Emma Greenfield) coming into the middle of the track.
Jackim again had an exciting win, with Minty and Zena close behind. All participants received a prize pack from HorseWyse Magazine.
Race 2-600m
Race 2 saw the 2014 Gold Cup being held. Trophy and rosettes were kindly donated by Pony Trots Supporters and the rug was kindly sponsored by Balnaves of Penola.
The Handicapper kept all ponies in the same positions as the first race. There were no driver changes.
All ponies got off to a relatively good start with Lucy getting off to a smooth take off. Blaze with Amber Formosa on board continued to move forward in their position. Quite a few ponies were a bit broken in their gait, perhaps due to the pressure of trying to win the Gold Cup. Slim Dusty carrying Stacey Barker kept the momentum going with Pee Wee Penny not far behind. Taking the lead was Jackim, Minty, and Zena for a close third placing. Once again Jackim’s confidence boost was noticeable with the convincing win. Unplaced ponies were Lucy, Blaze, Slim Dusty, Pee Wee Penny, Willow and Yoshi.
On the 4th February, Greenwald Paceway will be hosting the Pony Trots as per usual to compete in the Glencoe Cup and the Gull Family Handicap.