PONY Trots returned to the Greenwald Paceway on Sunday.
The night saw two newcomers to the spotlight – but not to the venue – as sisters Jemma and Jorja Glynn made their racing debut.
Having been around harness racing their whole lives, with dad Jason and grandfather Terry driving and training horses, it was a natural progression for the two girls to join the pony trotting ranks.
Race one saw the eight ponies and their drivers set off, with Jemma Glynn and her pony Just a Rumour taking out their maiden win.
Starting from the front marker, the pair made a speedy start, followed closely behind by Poppin Pepe driven by Marnee Formosa.
Super Marley and young driver Holly Phillips quickly gained ground on the front runners, while Buddy Boom Boom driven by Evie Sealey followed, making good pace.
At the back end of the field Super Mario (Keeley Formosa) and Slim Dusty (Amity Formosa), were chasing the front runners, with Blaze (Amber Formosa) and Jerry (Nicola Bowditch) following suite.
First to cross the line was Just a Rumour, while Super Marley finished second and Super Mario rounded out the podium.
Race two saw a shake up in the handicapping with Just a Rumour, now driven by Jorja Glynn, starting alongside Blaze off the back mark.
Poppin Pepe led the field toward the bend with Super Marley, Buddy Boom Boom, Jerry, Slim Dusty and Super Mario all overtaking as they turned into the home straight.
Just a Rumour made up a lot of ground, but fell short of a placing, while Blaze stormed home down the outside to claim third place.
Super Marley and Phillips finished second, with Super Mario striding out taking home first place.
Buddy Boom Boom ran home in fourth position, closely followed by Jerry, Slim Dusty and Poppin Pepe.
Jorja and Just a Rumour completed the race not far behind them.
In other news, ponies Blaze, Super Mario and Buddy Boom Boom recently qualified in Adelaide for the Inter Dominion, to be run at Tabcorp Park in mid December.
Drivers Amber and Keeley Formosa and Evie Sealey have put in a lot of work preparing the ponies for the big race and all look forward to representing Mount Gambier and the state in the iconic race.
