Pony racing on Sunday evening was an exciting event with the smaller ponies dominating the races in 2 very close finishes with the crowd cheering them on.
Race 1
The first race, sponsored by Neil & Helen Shepherd, started with Josh Micallef driving Run Jemma Run out hard in front. Behind the leader Frankie Under Fire & Aaron Shepherd were making ground steadily, while Snoopy (Kylie Shepherd) & Willow (Abbey Gull) struggled to gain advantage.
Blaze, under the direction of Courtney Sealey, progressed forward & worked his way past Snoopy & Willow.
It was nice to see the return of Interdominion finalist, Zena, previously raced by Kayla Gray who has progressed on to undertake her senior drivers licence. Now with Jhett Perry holding the reins Zena proved her worth by forging a path through the field & holding off the challenge of Minty & Emma Shepherd.
Down the home straight Jhett urged Zena on with a well- timed run and passed the line ahead of Frankie Under Fire & Run Jemma Run.
Following on were Minty, Blaze, Snoopy & Willow. Pumpkin & Emma Greenfield retired from the event.
Jhett Perry and Zena racing to vicotory in the Helen and Neil Shepherd Pony trot and Jhett Perry receiving his trophy for the Helen and Neil Shepherd Pony trot with Barry Carraill MC and Neil Shepherd.
Race 2 The Naracoorte Pony Cup
The Naracoorte Pony Cup sponsored by the Scholefield Racing Stables marked the end of this season’s Summer Cup series & the last opportunity for the competitors to win a pony rug.
Backmarkers Minty & Matthew Shepherd started well & eagerly made their way forward through the field, while Zena struggling with her new handicap found it difficult to make ground.
Settling midfield Blaze trailed Willow into the straight but was unable to close the gap on Snoopy.
Minty was working her way through the field but broke stride in an attempt to challenge the leaders on the turn.
Out in front a battle was raging between Run Jemma Run & Frankie Under Fire. Neck and neck with only centimetres between them, both ponies broke stride under the relentless pressure of their young drivers as they hit the line. Pony handicapper & Judge, Barry Carraill, announced Run Jemma Run & Joshua Micallef the winners amidst cheers of support from an enthusiastic crowd. An unlucky Frankie Under Fire & Aaron Shepherd were awarded 2nd place from a fast approaching Minty ahead of Snoopy, Blaze, Willow & Zena.
In a presentation at the end of the night a very happy Joshua Micallef received a pony rug & trophy for his win, and 2nd placed Aaron Shepherd received a saddle rack. All prizes were donated by the Scholefield Racing Stables, while the last placed driver Jhett Perry received a basket of goods from South East Stockfeed & Saddlery of Naracoorte.
Josh Micalleff (Run Jemma Run) neck and neck with Aaron Shepherd and (Frankie Under Fire). Winner of the Naracoorte Pony Cup Josh Micalleff and Gayle Davies trophies and rug sponsored by Greg Scholefield.
THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN PONY HARNESS RACING STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
Six local ponies will be travelling to the S. A. State Championships at Globe Derby over the Easter Long weekend.
There will be 40 or more ponies from around the state racing over 2 days for the state titles.
In the Miniature Division Willow (Abbey Gull) & Run Jemma Run (Joshua Micallef) will be fighting for the title, while entries for the Shetland Division are Frankie Under Fire (Aaron Shepherd) & Snoopy (Kylie Shepherd). The Pony Division will be contested by Minty (Matthew Shepherd) & Pumpkin (Emma Greenfield).
Perpetual trophies for the 3 divisions have been donated by P & L Livestock & Real Estate, & Mt Gambier Rural Supplies.
Globe Derby have been very welcoming to the junior competitors, with Mr Keith Preston allowing the ponies to have free stabling, & Harness Racing South Australia is providing a supper following the event on Saturday evening. Local trainer Mr Andrew Clarke will be transporting the ponies to Globe Derby with funds raised from the Christmas raffle helping to cover costs.