THERE was plenty happening at the Greenwald Paceway on Saturday night, with the running of the annual Gold Cup meeting.
And pony trotters did not miss out on the action, with the field of eight all vying for the honours.
The feature race was won by Amity Formosa, driving Slim Dusty to the 2019 Pony Trot Gold Cup victory.
Before the main event, all eight ponies contested the 2019 600-metre Prelude, which was sponsored by Des and Heather Glynn.
At the starter Buddy Boom Boom, in the control of Marnee Formosa, ran up the track a little before straightening up and trotting towards front marker Super Marley and Holly Phillips.
Dark Temptation with Jorja Glynn on board put in the big strides out wide, in an effort to make ground.
Nicola Bowditch settled a wobbly Jerry early and closed the gap ahead, while Just a Rumour driven by Jemma Glynn peeled to the extreme outside, putting in the long strides to catch those in front.
As they turned into the home straight a close finish was eminent, with Slim Dusty (Amity Formosa) pinching a good break to try and hold off the rest of the field.
Back markers Super Mario and Blaze (Keeley and Amber Formosa) covered a lot of ground, weaving in between runners with Blaze saluting the judge in first place, closely followed by Slim Dusty and Super Mario in third.
Just A Rumour finished fourth, with Buddy Boom Boom crossing the line in fifth.
Jerry and Dark Temptation completed the pack, with Super Marley and Holly Phillips doing everything right, but finishing off at the tail end of the field.
The main event for the year was next up, with the 2019 Pony Trot Gold Cup – also sponsored by Des and Heather Glynn – hotly contested.
Thanks to the work of handicapper Barry Carraill, another tight finish was the result.
All ponies stepped off their mark cleanly, with drivers keen to add a Gold Cup win to their achievements.
Front markers Super Marley and Buddy Boom Boom led the field out of the back straight, with Slim Dusty and Dark Temptation in hot pursuit.
Jerry worked his way towards the pack, while Just a Rumour followed closely behind.
Back-marker Blaze did not have the rhythm in his stride from the first race and consequently had too large of a gap to put pressure on the leaders.
Super Mario continued his consistent year, trotting smoothly and navigating his way through the field.
As the runners turned into the head straight, Buddy Boom Boom (Marnee Formosa) hit the lead, but Slim Dusty (Amity Formosa) put in the quick strides and secured the lead with 50-60 metres to go and held on for the win.
Jerry and Nicola Bowditch powered home to secure second and Super Mario (Keeley Formosa) flashed home for third, in front of Buddy Boom Boom.
Blaze (Amber Formosa) ran home to finish fifth, ahead of the stylish pair of Jemma Glynn on Just a Rumour and Jorja Glynn on Dark Temptation.
Despite a much better run, Super Marley and Holly Phillips crossed the line at the rear of the field again.
Presentations of a rug, trophies and prizes were made to all participants and pony sweep winner Archie Milich was presented with his prize, while other youngsters who drew a pony in the sweep also received gifts.
