The large crowd at Alexandra Park were all on their feet, cheering on, the number one pony Playboy and his driver Emma Hadley.
They led throughout and it was easy to see the crowd willing the little Kumeu pony to victory as the back markers were steadily gaining ground as they turned into thehome straight, the cheers as they crossed the line for an easy victory could be heard all over the course.
If this was a tote race, this combination would have more than likely been the rank outsiders.
It’s the first time that a front runner has taken out the Kidz Kartz Auckland Cup.
Playboy from the Kumeu Club trotted the 800m from the ace draw without putting in a wrong step. In the sulky was 12 year old Emma Hedley.
Emma has only partnered Playboy on a couple of occasions and was hesitant about stepping up to an 800m race, on a faster pony than what she was used to.
Taking command of the front straight away and keeping focussed on the finish, whilst trying to keep the nerves at bay, the result was somewhat unexpected to say the least. For Emma and her large group of supporters, including family, fellow club members and Kidz Kartz founders Murray and Deneece Goldsworthy, the thrill of winning the 2018 Auckland Trotting Club and the New Zealand Trotting Hall of Fame Kidz Kartz Auckland Trotting Cup was just incredible.
Emma is no stranger in the winners circle as last year she won the Reharvest Cup on Cookies and Cream, after being introduced to Kidz Kartz at her Kumeu Clubs three day course a couple of months earlier.
Now in her second season with two significant cups to her name, Emma Hedley looks set to have a great future in the Kidz Kartz.
In second place was Like A Hurricane driven by Brittney Edwards (Franklin), third place Morning Moon and Katelyn Veacock (Kumeu), fourth Monet and Kendra Rogers (Waikato).
Best presented went to Monet and Kendra Rogers (Waikato). The Roy Purdon Driver Of The Future was won by Jordyn Bublitz (Waikato).
For anyone interested Kidz Kartz Clubs are running three day courses starting soon.
Here are the contact details:
Waikato 7th, 8th & 9th January – Peter Ferguson 027 479 9936
Kumeu 14th, 15th & 16th January – Murray Goldsworthy 021 023 56665
Franklin 21st, 22nd & 23rd January – Gary Noakes 027 338 4601
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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