North Wales, UK – Autumn was in the air as we lined up for the seventh meeting of the season at Tir Prince Raceway on Tuesday night but the blustery weather did nothing to dampen the spirits of the crowd and some frenetic action in the betting ring helped take the mind of the cold!
Race 1 was The Praka's Trot and Wildcat Supreme was the easier winner with Brachie Wildcat in second and Bars Spirit a long way back in third. World Champion Driver Dexter Dunn took the honours in the second race on Meldoon, this 3 year old daughter of Doonbeg won cosily in a time of 2.02.7 with Brywins Magician four lengths back in 2nd and Plan B in third. This was Meldoon's second win in 3 days and she will be well fancied wherever she goes next after this performance.
In Race 3 Blytheview Peach was subject of strong support in the betting ring beforehand but could never get past Wellfield Dreamer who led from pillar to post to win by 2 lengths in a time of 2.04.2 with Wellfield Ginger 3 and a half lengths back in third.
Race 4 was The Tir Prince Le Trot race and Univers De Crennes looking to make it three wins in a row was quickly sent to the front by Jason Podmore. Sire Pazenais took over at the mile mark and looked to be pulling away in the back straight however Sacha Of Carless came sweeping round the home turn to take the honours by a length with Vif Du Layon back in third.
Brooklyn Howard repaid the faith and patience that connections have shown in him in race 5 winning in a time of 2.04.1 from Rhyds Merlin in second and Brywins Tonto in third. The winner has not been without his problems and was quite unruly in some of his races at the start of the season so full credit to Joanne Cairns as he shaped like a nice horse last night.
Ontop Shoulder Cuda was very impressive in race 6 winning in a time of 2.01.6 from the 7 draw this horse could be in the frame for a tilt at a big handicap judged on this performance. Credit to James Haythornwaite for a very canny drive his decision to tuck back in behind leader Elysium Sparkle at the half mile mark and wait until the three quarter pole before making his race winning move worked handsomely as he ran out a six length winner from the aforementioned Elysium Sparkle with Oakview Duke sneaking into third on the rail.
Race 7 Saw Mr Brightside try to make all from the one draw but all the time Blue Incredible was getting a dream trip on the rail in behind and when the gap opened at the three quarter pole Jason Podmore's nine year old grey gelding ran the long time leader down to score in a time of 2.01 with Mr Brightside staying on for second and Democrat ran into third.
Race 8 Was the top grade handicap and the Mound family were double represented by Lyons Mischief and Lyons Eryl Hall speaking to the brothers before the race they were split on which one they fancied! As it turned out Lyons Eryl Hall led out under Dexter Dunn and never relinquished the lead winning from Lyons Mischief by 1 and a half lengths in a time of 1.58.7 with Mikey Camden in third. Next stop is the Crock Of Gold Final for Lyons Eryl Hall and he is a live contender based on this performance.
Next meeting is Saturday 20th August more details to follow very soon.
by Eric Witherspoon for Tir Prince Raceway