MINTY WINS PONY OF THE YEAR
The 2009/10 pony racing season at the Greenfield Paceway drew to a close on Saturday night in spectacular fashion.
The Sportscene Handicap started well with Frankie Under Fire (Matthew Shepherd) shooting off from his frontmark to take the early lead. Down the straight he led the field until Slim Dusty (Stacey Barker) closed the gap with Snoopy (Kylie Shepherd) & Willow (Abbey Gull) close behind.
From the back mark with blistering speed Pumpkin (Emma Greenfield) showed her true form. She stormed through the field & after being forced to the outside of the track she cruised to the finish line for the win.
Minty (Hayley Greenfield) followed Pumpkin over the line for 2nd place & Marmalade (Jackie Barker) for 3rd after passing the unlucky frontmarkers in the closing stages of the race.
4th place was Slim Dusty ahead of Frankie Under Fire, Snoopy & Willow.
Race 2 sponsored by Faiths Jewellers was the deciding race for Pony of the Year. Only 1 point separated the top 2 ponies prior to this race.
The backmarkers flew away from the start with Pumpkin having an extra handicap to overcome.
Minty headed off after Marmalade who after throwing in a few rough strides was overtaken in the straight. They passed the frontmarkers & Minty with Hayley Greenfield in the sulky flew home to take victory.
Marmalade & Jackie Barker showed the same consistency they have shown all season coming in 2nd, while Pumpkin (Emma Greenfield) with a huge effort came 3rd.
They were followed by Slim Dusty (Stacey Barker) Frankie Under Fire (Matthew Shepherd) Willow (Abbey Gull) & Snoopy (Kylie Shepherd).
A final presentation was held afterwards to congratulate all drivers & their ponies. The Best Presented Pony award went to Jackie Barker & her pony Marmalade, while Minty driven by Hayley Greenfield was awarded Pony of the Year. She won this by a mere 5 points cementing the honour by winning the final race of the season.