Mt Gambier Harness Racing Club
Friday, 6th December 2019
Seven ponies and their drivers lined up for the ‘Hinch Family Pony Trot’ with Molly Hinch out the front, on the smallest pony in the field, Poppin Pepe. Working hard to make ground early were Kloe Phillips and Little Miss Geri, with Blaze and Evie Sealey trotting into contention as the field left the back straight. Marnee Formosa manoeuvred Buddy Boom Boom through the field. Stretching out nicely Sheza Ginger Ninja, with Amity Formosa aboard, shortening the gap, with Super Mario, Keeley Formosa and Holly Phillips, on a fresh Super Marley, closing out the field as they turned into the home straight.
Poppin Pepe had a great lead and headed for home with his little legs putting in the fast ones. Commentator Jim Jacques coaxing the pair along, exciting the crowd with Molly’s pending first winner. The growing crowd cheered Poppin Pepe over the line in first, Sheza Ginger Ninja storming home down the outside to take second, from Blaze who flashed home for third. Little Miss Geri ran on well in a tight finish to come fourth, closely followed by Super Mario, Buddy Boom Boom and Super Marley bringing up the rear of the field.
The second race saw Poppin Pepe re-handicapped back ten metres, all ponies stepping away cleanly at the release of the starter. Kloe Phillips and Little Miss Geri sought to close the gap on the front runner, and with Buddy Boom Boom putting up the challenge, it was looking to be a close finish. Back markers Super Mario and Blaze worked hard to make a run for home, taking the shortest path possible. Super Marley settled into his stride, doing everything right, for young reinswoman Holly Phillips. As the majority of the field rounded the bend, Poppin Pepe was already half way down the home straight, beginning to tire fast. Fortunately Molly Hinch and Poppin Pepe were able to hold on for the win, slightly in front of Buddy Boom Boom, who slipped in between runners to finish second, with Little miss Geri close behind for third. Sheza Ginger Ninja putting in another solid performance, ran on to finish fourth, Blaze fifth, Super Mario from the back mark coming home in sixth and Super Marley rounding out the field.
At the next meeting, on Friday 20th December, the ponies and drivers will parade in Christmas fancy dress, and Father Christmas will drop by with treats for the children.
