Sponsored by the Northern Ireland Standardbred Association (NISA) , a coach load of their members made the ferry journey across the Irish sea to be on hand to present the winners trophy and celebrate with jubilant connections Shane & Claire Fletcher from Wolverhampton.
Driver Haythornthwaite was visibly relieved in the winners enclosure having been narrowly denied in the final of the geldings previous start at Musselburgh stating that a big classic win was a long time in coming, but resulted a much deserved victory for the honest genuine No Pan Intended bred.
Another classic event was held on the day when 5 colts lined up for the Bells Field 3 Year Old Championship and this ended in somewhat controversial circumstances.
A visibly tiring Lose My Mind (Betterthancheddar) drifted off the rail in the home straight causing Oakwood Spur and Bobby Camden to take evasive action but in the subsequent stewards enquiry, the interference was deemed as unintentional and Lose My Mind kept the race, to the delight of connections the Gilvear family from Auchenbowie, Stirlingshire.
Having first been staged in 2005, Bells Field has become one of the biggest and most prestigious harness racing meetings in the British Isles and with increased prizemoney year-on-year, this seasons renewal format of £1000 for each heat winner and £3000 for the overall winner of the final was adjudged to be a great success by all in attendance.
Sponsors plus guests were treated to a 3 course lunch and complementary drinks in the specially erected marquee whilst a country and western band played late into the evening for all patrons. This type of hospitality is unparalleled in the UK and the hardworking Bells Field Committee are to be applauded for their efforts in ensuring that the meeting was such a huge success.
by Thomas Bennett, for Harnesslink