West Wales, UK – The preparations are almost complete, the sun is shining and the excitement is building, yes it's that time of year again when harness racing fans flock to the seaside town of Aberystwyth, in West Wales.
The weekend is set to be a scorcher and we're not just talking about the weather! Over 200 horses will take to the stage, all bidding to get their hands on a share of the £50,000+ prize money.
The two day meeting kicks off with 16 race card on the Saturday containing four heats to determine the runners for the Group 2 Travis Perkins final, four Le Trot races split into Gold and Silver divisions for the four year old and aged trotters, two divisions of the Group 2 Ceredigion three year old and a leg of the BHRC Kids Club Pony race thrown in for good measure.
That's just the first day and Sunday's card boasts a further 13 races including four heats to determine the 8 runners for the Group 1 Park Lodge Final with a £6,000 first prize as well as two division of the Group 2 Ceredigion two year olds.
As always the event has attracted support from far and wide. Alexis Laidler brings a strong team of 15 to the event including impressive three year old Merrington Movingup, recent Appleby heat and final winner Springhill Ruby and many people's one to follow for the season Easy Company. They also bring the unbeaten in 2018 Valseur Dy Cygne however Billy Roach makes the long trip from Dublin with top trotter Ultimo D'ouville to try to put an end to that unbeaten record.
A number of the top stables makes the journey with some quality juvenile contenders. Oakwood Enchanted looks the favourite to take the spoils in division 1 of the two year olds after her win in Portmarnock for the Gill camp. The second division of the two year olds sees the Mocking Jay take on Christy Camden, both being the runner up in their last two starts. With fillies getting preferential draws the Mocking Jay may have the upper hand.
In the three year old fillies division recent BHRC Oaks winner Greenhill Hanover flys the flag for team Lord and will be well fancied.
Amongst the local hopes will be My Buddy for Alan Jones, having recently made the long trip to Lyre, West Cork for the Red John Memorial where he finished an honourable third in his heat and fourth in the Consolation final. Another on the list is French trotting mare Vincita for trainer Mike Evans and owner Emyr Edwards, coming into the race off an impressive victory at Pikehall last week.
The Haythornthwaite team also bring locally owned Rhyds Nightlife who was just beaten in the STAGBI mares race at Tir Prince last weekend in a time of 1.59.7.
The beer tent will be well stocked, the ice cream van will be waiting and the bookmakers will be ready and eager to take your bets. Pack the sun screen and bring the family along to an action packed weekend at the races. First race 1pm both days, see you there.
by Kayleigh Evans