Mt Gambier Pony Trots
Friday, 9th February 2019
Pony trots write-up from 08/02/19
A complete field of nine ponies and drivers took to the Greenwald Paceway in race one on the program, sponsored by Dennis and Sandra Gray. The Grays were former co-ordinators of the Pony Trots for many years, and continue their support to this day.
Poppin Pepe and Marnee Formosa were caught off guard at the starter’s whistle, and were facing the wrong direction. Further back in the field Jemma Glynn on Just A Rumour also hung back from their mark, hindering their start, but all ponies got away safely. Buddy Boom Boom and Evie Sealey made good ground on Super Marley and Holly Phillips early, closely followed by Slim Dusty (Amity Formosa) who led the charge of the back markers. Dark Temptation, with Jorja Glynn on board, performed well throughout the race, whilst Super Mario (Keeley Formosa), Blaze (Amber Formosa) and Just A Rumour began to make some good ground turning into the home straight. With 200 metres to go the challenge was on for first place. Just A Rumour sprinted down the outside, in a good performance, to take the honours, closely followed by stablemate Dark Temptation who made a good run home at the right time. Super Mario made significant ground late, right down the outside, to finish third. Slim Dusty ran home to finish fourth with Buddy Boom Boom, Blaze and Jerry not far behind, and the little Super Marley & Poppin Pepe crossing the line at the rear of the field.
The Glencoe Cup, proudly sponsored by the Country Post & Bistro at Glencoe, saw the handicapper have a re-shuffle of the field, ensuring another great finish in the exciting event.
Just A Rumour disadvantaged itself at the start by swinging sideways, after straightening up had given away considerable ground. Jerry (Nicola Bowditch) stretched out well early on, and kept the pace on throughout. Poppin Pepe led the field into the home straight, however the tank was empty, and he tired in the run home. Buddy Boom Boom kicked clear with a hundred metres to go, giving the field something to chase, and holding on to cross the line in first place with a smiling Evie Sealey at the reins. Super Marley battled along, putting in the quick steps, and finished third behind Jerry, who took advantage of the sprint lane and the inside running. Fast finishing Blaze ran home to finish fourth, ahead of Super Mario, Slim Dusty, Dark Temptation, Poppin Pepe crossed the line slightly ahead of Just A Rumour.
No pony trots at the meeting scheduled for Monday 25th February. All the pony drivers will be wearing the teal pants, in support of the Women’s Cancer Foundation and Ovarian Cancer Research, at the meeting on 8th March, raising valuable funds for the cause. Senior driver Jackie Barker is an Ambassador for the cause, and is a regular at the Mount Gambier Harness Racing meetings. Donation tins are in place, and the pony trot drivers will be seeking donations on March 8th #GetRealSupportTeal
