PONY trotters took to Greenwald Paceway last Friday night for a two-race program, with the Glencoe Cup feature raced second.
That saw the duo of Buddy Boom and Evie Sealey take out the honours, while race one saw Just A Rumour and Jemma Glynn with the win.
A complete field of nine ponies and drivers took to the track in race one, sponsored by Dennis and Sandra Gray.
The Grays were former coordinators of the pony trots for many years and continue their support to this day.
At the starter’s whistle, Poppin Pepe and Marnee Formosa were caught off guard and began the race facing the wrong direction.
Further back in the field Glynn and Just A Rumour also hung back from their mark, hindering their start, but all ponies took off safely.
Buddy Boom Boom and 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, while 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.
Super Mario made significant ground late, right down the outside, to finish third.
Slim Dusty ran well to finish fourth with Buddy Boom Boom, Blaze and Jerry (Nicola Bowditch) not far behind, while the little Super Marley and Poppin Pepe crossed the line at the rear of the field.
The Glencoe Cup, sponsored by Glencoe’s Country Post and Bistro, saw the handicapper have a re-shuffle of the field, ensuring another great finish in the feature race.
Just A Rumour disadvantaged itself at the start by swinging sideways and after straightening up had given away considerable ground.
Jerry stretched out well early on and kept the pace on throughout.
Poppin Pepe led the field into the home straight, but the tank was empty and he tired in the run home.
Buddy Boom Boom kicked clear with 100 metres to go, giving the field something to chase and holding on to cross the line in first place with a smiling Sealey at the reins.
Super Marley battled along and put in the quick steps to finish third behind Jerry, who took advantage of the sprint lane and the inside running.
Fast-finishing Blaze ran home in fourth, ahead of Super Mario, Slim Dusty, Dark Temptation and Poppin Pepe, who crossed the line slightly ahead of Just A Rumour.
There are no pony trots scheduled for the meeting on Monday, February 25.
The next meeting on March 8 will see all pony drivers wear their teal pants, in support of the Women’s Cancer Foundation and Ovarian Cancer Research, raising valuable funds for the cause.
Senior driver Jackie Barker is an ambassador for the cause and is a regular at Mount Gambier Harness Racing Club meetings.
Fundraising tins are in place and the pony trot drivers will seek donations on the night.
