North Wales,UK – The final night of racing at Tir Prince for 2015 did not disappoint as race goers were treated to some thrilling finishes along with a few very classy performances.
First up was the maiden / novice pace on paper it looked a very open contest and so it proved with Blue Top Gun coming late to win by a nose from a fast finishing Arts Desire with the always prominent Elysium Thunder a neck further back in third.
Next up was the novice only pace, Coalford Ollie took it up early and tried to lead all the way he finally gave it up turning into the home straight as Andrew Cairns kicked on with Sherwood Bluey, James Haythornthwaiteand My Left Foot finally saw daylight and finished like a train up the inside but Bluey already had it in the bag and won by a length.
The George Dixon Free For All Trot saw warm favourite Show Business lead from pillar to post from the plum draw of number one draw. Marc Elvin with Saphir De Brum tried his best to take the lead in a fast first half but Showbusiness was not for passing and he held them off well to land the spoils. Very Cornulaisse finished strong and nicked second spot from Saphir De Brum right on the line.
Next up was the low grade handicap and The Apprentice showed he is coming of age with a commanding performance from the front. In Demand went well for Watson Harrop in second with Lyons Royal flush back in third.
The Douglas Lewis Memorial Trot saw another great race with Soleil De Attaque prevailing under a cool drive from Paul Mather junior. Taken on by Mick Lord and Scorpio De Bulay Paul was happy to let him go before putting him to the sword in fine fashion in the home straight. Trendy Du Closet finished second with a tiring Scorpio De Bulay in third.
The Stagbi Mares race saw a straight forward victory for Maid Of The West. Steve Lees led out from the five hole and the well backed favourite never gave her vociferous Irish followers a moments worry as she held off the very game Shades Of Grey by two lengths with Rhyds Night Nurse running on for third.
In the Junior Free For All Next Generation kicked for home in the back straight but veteran Cutchall Hanover came out of the pack to lay down his challenge they eye balled each other as they turned for home and had a good old ding dong down the straight with Cutchall getting up to win by a nose. Blue Incredible was back in third.
Then it was time for the one we had all been waiting for. Meadowbranch Josh tried to lead from the four hole and got very close to Stoneriggs Mystery on the first bend but the nine year old was sure footed and went on well. Then came Bath Lane JR was forced forward from his five draw and tried to take the lead but Mystery kept him at bay in a 27 first quarter, the battle continued to the half which was clocked in 57.
Bath Lane remained parked right up until the three quarter pole then just as those further back began to make their moves Mick pushed the button and Mystery put the race to bed with Magicpotion a clear second and Ayr Majesty in third. A great nights racing to finish the season. I would like to personally thank everyone who supports the track sponsors owners trainers punters and bookies alike all part of the rich tapestry that makes TP the place it is. See you in 2016.
by Eric Witherspoon