Belfast, IE – A fantastic afternoon’s harness racing awaits those who make the journey up to Racetime Raceway this Saturday afternoon when the Patsy Dean Memorial Cup is staged at the Lisburn venue.
Patsy was a legendary figure in Northern Irish harness racing down through the years being father to both Greg and Brenda with the horses campaigned by the Dean family through the years including some of the finest to ever grace the tracks of the British Isles – Ragman, Mayfly, Silent Running, Disco Kid, RB Greystar, Rambling Rover, Dorney Reveller, Double M, Spice Girl, Stormy Reveller to name but a few of them. Such is the popularity of this family that fierce competition is expected on Saturday in order to lift the cup which was last won by Walter Stewart and Porterstown Courage.
Getting underway at 3:00 pm a total of 21 pacers are set to go to post over 3 heats and a grand final with a consolation pace also held on the day giving all unplaced horses a second bite at the cherry.
In the opening heat, Fairdays Dixie appears to be a standing dish having looking like a winner on his debut a fortnight ago only to tire badly late on. Expected to strip fitter for that run the Jimmy Long bred gelding looks the one to beat in this. Peter Lyttles latest stable star Rio Bravo is improving with every start and could give Fairdays Dixie most to do despite a 10 yard handicap trail. Others to consider are the consistent Back In Time and the skewbald Big Pete whilst Despicable Me needs to put in a clear round to figure.
Frisco Hold Up has been knocking on the door in recent weeks at Racetime and this time around that door just might open for owner-trainer-driver Darren Smith giving him a well-deserved winner. Waverly Jane has taken time to adjust to the Northern Irish air since her recent importation from Scotland but shes very capable on her day and could spring a surprise. Lucky Cam is returning from injury picked up a couple of months ago and may just need the run in this whilst it wouldn’t be a major surprise should Mystical Carbs upstage them all.
The remaining heat looks a very tricky puzzle to solve on paper as it boasts no less than 4 last time out winners. Newcomer Hilltop North Art was victorious on his last start at Amman Valley in Wales and is expected to run a very big race for new owner Eamonn Griffin. Ladyford Jim won a heat a fortnight ago on the day that Valentine Camden and John Barley dead-heated in the Charlie Finnegan sponsored consolation final and all three will take their chances again here. Don’t rule out the luckless Monugs Boy who has been placed on his last three starts for the days main sponsor Greg Dean. A valid case can be made five runners in what looks like a mouth-watering clash worth the admission fee alone.
In between the heats a square trotters contest will also be held and although quantity of runners is not at the forefront, the quality of runners participating almost certainly is. Evan Jive has tasted victory already this season at Racetime and if he puts in a clear round he will lead them a merry dance from the front. Bocage De Fornet was won twice this campaign but had his colours lowered by Socrates Du Noyer the last time they clashed in a very tactical affair. Finbarr Brickleys striking chestnut takes on Bocage De Fornet on slightly worse terms on Saturday and a close call is expected between these two titans of trotting when they lock horns.
Also on the day will be a series of Rising Stars pony trotting races and these continue to prove popular in bringing the crowds to Racetime. At the time of writing this article the track can still welcome the general public to spectate on Saturday but as ever strict Covid-19 protocols are in place and NIS request all participants and spectators to adhere to Northern Irish Health Board guidelines.
by Thomas Bennett, for Harnesslink