NSW MINI TROTS | @nswminitrots
A RECORD of 187 ponies contested the 33rd New South Wales Mini Trot Championships at Tamworth Paceway over the Easter Weekend.
A total of 133 registered drivers travelled from 12 affiliated clubs across the state as well as visitors from Victoria, Queensland and a guest driver from New Zealand.
On Saturday 45 heats were held to determine the fields for the Finals and Consolation events.
Riverina driver Charlie Harris and his pony Chesters Lad took out the Midget Division Maureen Mordue Memorial, ahead of driven by Caitlyn McElhinney from Shoalhaven Club with Newcastle/Maitland driver Chloe Formosa bringing Midnight Express home for third.
In the Shetland Final sponsored by Harness Racing NSW it was a popular win for Jimmy Cunningham aboard Bobby Bouche from Capital Club defeating the grey Pocket Watch driven by Brooke Harris from Riverina with Queensland visitor Awesome Wind taking out third for Zac Davis.
Meanwhile in the Garrard’s Horse and Hound-sponsored Pony Division was a commanding win to Velvets Little Star patiently driven by Menangle Park Club driver Grace Panella.
Local Tamworth hope Mr Fantangle finished a gallant second for retiring driver Rory Brown while Bye Bye Rusty took out third for Caitlyn McDougall from the Sunshine State.
The feature event on Sunday was the Champion of Champions contest which saw the three division winners handicapped on metres per second in a run off.
Chester Lad held a handy lead into the straight, however, Bobby Bouche was picking up ground.
With 50 metres to travel Grace Panella drove a tactical race with Velvets Little Star to run away and win the event by five metres from Chesters Lad (Charlie Harris) a neck in front of Bobby Bouche (Jimmy Cunningham).
When asked if she was going to follow her sister Lauren Tritton into the senior driving ranks, Grace Panella stated she was not going to follow Lauren she was going to beat her!
Harness Racing NSW chief executive John Dumesny was on hand to announce Tamworth Showground would now be known as Tamworth Paceway and the venue would become the home of NSW Mini Trot Championships in future years.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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