Wales and Border Counties Racing Association enjoyed a scorching day of sun and trotting at Presteigne.
There were two divisions of the Nursery competing for the Dennis Hardwick Perpetual Trophy, and it was fitting that the trophy was won by Dennis’ son Tony and the homebred Ithon Ghost.
In the second division Rhys Jenkins’ new acquisition Fairyhouse led from pillar to post, much to the delight of her connections. Fold American (Perks, Presteigne) seemed to enjoy being on home ground and fended off attacks from the speedy Clare’s Own (Evans, Newcastle Emlyn) and The Red Devil (Greenway, Michaelchurch) to take the first heat of the Novice.In the second heat the useful Wellfield Inspired (Griffiths, Pontardawe) forced Greenhill Raque (Thomas, Rhymney) and Saunders Playboy (Pritchard, Rhosgoch) to settle for the minor placings.
Scooby’s Dream (Lloyd, Kington) is a new horse with WBC this season but he has very rapidly proved himself as a force to be reckoned with, and seized the third heat from Fold Be Nimble (Perks, Presteigne) and Abernant (Greenway/Hardwick, Brecon).
In the first heat of the Grade B, backmarker Ithon Eagle (Neville, Guilsfield) notched up yet another victory beating Pembrokeshire horses Family Circle (Barton, Clunderwen) and CU Boykin (Hitchcock, Haverfordwest).
The formidable square trotter Belleheir (Ladek, Cleobury Mortimer) flashed past the field in the second heat and although Serenity (Jones, Llanllwni) finished like an express train she couldn’t catch him in time.Serenity’s stablemate Chinatown Maori made amends in the third heat by defeating East of Eden (Pritchard, Rhosgoch) and Ladyford Chaps (Bevan, Llanddewi).
Brian Jones from Llanllwni’s Meadowbranch Mike then secured him a glorious double by winning the first heat of the Grade A with the indomitable Debbie Hitchcock in the seat.
In the second heat Obi Wan Kenobi (Williams, Llanafan) looked back to his dangerous best as he and Mathew Tromans cruised to the lead and pulled away from the field in the fastest time of the day.Razzle Dazzle (Thomas, Llanybydder) gets better every week and after defeating Little Man II (Wozencroft, Llangurig) and The Crusader (Greenway, Michaelchurch) in the Baby Novice, she now earns her place in the Novice where she is sure to give them a run for their money.
Zip Along (Harries, Llanllwni) made easy work of the next division, with Greenhill Megan (Morgan, Rhymney) second and the speedy but erratic Hold The Cards (Williams, Pencader) third. Glan Levit (Evans, Talgarreg) floated to victory in the third heat, from the fast finishing Luck Matters (Roach, Llanybydder) and Ashbrooks Billyboy (Ward, Talsarn).
Local horse Fold Eventful (Perks, Presteigne) looked all set to take the fourth division, but Ithon Gypsy (Jones, Llanbister) forced her to settle for second place with a courageous late run.
In the saddle race Maple Star (Prosser, Libanus) scuttled away in the lead with Vyrnwy Chef (Barton, Clunderwen) looking prominent as usual, but Master Tom (Owens, Shobdon) and the wily Jayne Bevan crept up on the leaders and pounced just in time to win for the third week in a row.
Jayne’s 12-year-old niece Elin Bevan notched up an impressive double for the family stable, guiding the faithful Scoot 66 to victory in the Junior Race from Sunnyside Geoff (Clarke, Brecon) driven by Dale Williams and Glan Master (Price, Guilsfield) driven by Lewis Parr.
Scoot 66 is the only horse on the track who is older than his jockey, and they make a brilliant team. The Dash was a blinder but Bon Betti (Evans Jones, Rhymney) gamely hung on to push Blackfield Willy (Barton, Clunderwen) and Ithon Artist (Wozencroft, Llangurig) into the minor places.
Scooby’s Dream (Lloyd, Kington) followed up his heat win by scorching to victory in the final with Debbie Hitchcock in the seat, defeating Clare’s Own (Evans, Newcastle Emlyn) and Wellfield Inspired (Griffiths, Pontardawe). Chinatown Maori (Jones, Llanllwni)’s terrific stride carried him to victory in the Grade B final, forcing fellow Pembrokeshire horses CU Boykin (Hitchcock, Haverfordwest) and Family Circle (Barton, Clunderwen) to settle for second and third.
The Grade A final was a heart stopper with the lead changing hands several times, but it was the beautiful grey Live The Dream (Langford, Pontardawe) who showed his class by streaking to the finish line in front, with Obi Wan Kenobi (Williams, Llanafan) and Bellieve (Pritchard, Rhosgoch) hot on his heels.
The day finished with the Consolation race, and Presteigne youngster Radnor Chips delighted his owner Mike Lewis by holding off Murray and Duggans Domino.
WBC meet again on July 10 at Caersws for the televised meeting.