Streamers, Santa and the pitter-patter of some proud pony hooves will engulf Tabcorp Park Melton this Saturday, when the trots celebrate the harness racing season with the Kids Christmas Race Night.
The much-loved Christmas pony trots race and parade will again steal the show, while children can also enjoy a special night out via the jumping castle, fairy floss, face painting and a visit from Santa.
Among those embracing the Christmas family flavour will be the Alfords, with trainer and mum Alison, dad and famed driver Chris and children Katie, 9, and Sam, 6, set for a jolly night.
And Dad, reigning Victorian state and metropolitan driver of the year, is going to have to share the limelight with Sam, whose enjoying his debut season as a pony trots driver.
“Pony trots are such a great way to start in the sport,” Alison said. “Sam grew up looking through the fence at the big boys and now he feels like a big boy himself.
“He goes to every meeting I can get to. He works his pony at home and dresses in Lennytheshark colours, because he wants to replicate his dad and David Aiken, who are his heroes.”
Sam’s loyal steed is Sir Bai, or Bailey when the 23-year-old doesn’t have his race face on, a veteran who has guided many to the pony trots finishing post.
Alison said he had helped provide a great education to her six-year-old.
“(Sam) knows the drill,” she said. “Our rule is if you don’t work him, you don’t race him. He works him a few times each week, rugging him up before and after school. (Bailey’s) great for him. I’ve never seen a kid so happy to run last.”
But it doesn’t come without its challenges, one of which is presented by Saturday night’s seasonal celebration.
“We are agonizing over the outfit for the Christmas parade,” she said.
It’s a problem they’ll potentially tackle as a family, with nine-year-old Katie, a show jumper and part-time pony trots stablehand, among those helping her brother in the “big family involvement”.
The family activities start from 6pm on Saturday, December 17, with entry free to all.
The night will also feature some great racing, including the $30,000 Popular Alm Free For All Group 3 and the $20,000 Group 3 Aldebaran Park R C Freestone Trotters Cup.
And there will be two big Group 1s, with the Empire Stallions Vicbred Platinum Home Grown Classic three-year-old trotting colts and geldings and fillies finals, each worth $50,000.
For more details about the Kids Christmas Race Night see the flier.
For more details about the pony trots click here.
Michael Howard (HRV Media/Communications Co-Ordinator)