A huge well done to the members that took part in the Wincaton Pony Racing
day On Saturday 8th May.
!st race of the day ponies 128cm and under.
1st place went to Oliver May on Twiglet.
2nd Place went to Declan Kavanagh on a Spoonful of Suger
Declan was also awarded Best rider who rode the most technical race and this
prize is awarded by the British racing society.
Race 6 Ponies 148cm or under
5th Place Clare Kavanagh on Cannon.
Dan Magee groomed for the day and there was a great club spirit between riders
and supporters.
The day was cold and wet however it didn't dampen the spirits of the children.
Their ponies were turned out immaculately and a credit to the club. The first
race saw two of our members take part and with Twiglet striding out in the
parade ring she soon became bookies favourite for the race. The riders safely
mounted they set off down to the starting post.Nervous with anticipation they
were under starters orders and away. Twiglet and Spoonful of Suger took an early
lead leaving the other ponies well behind first leader was a spoonful of suger
with i slight head in front however twiglet determined not to be beaten fought
hard to gain the lead it was a close run race between the boys as they
approached the home straight with a sudden sticky moment when Oliver became
unbalanced and Declan looked like he would take the lead, Oliver quickly
adjusted his position to stay just half a length in front to take first place.
Race 6 Clare and Cannons turn this race saw a huge field with many competitors
and riders all out for their introduction to pony racing. As always Clare's pony
sparkled with not a speck of dust to be seen (not sure if this was down to the
groom or the rider). With all the competitors mounted and bets placed we raced
round to the stands to asses the competition as they were escorted down to the
start line. With the bigger height classes you start to see some lovely little
thoroughbreds ponies appear.Clare looking a little nervous was holding her own
well. They were under starters orders and away Cannon got off to a flying start
leaving the field behind him all the hard work and training was paying off and
he was away and running only suddenly it appears Clare begins to pull up and the
other riders begin to overtake then once again we see Clare up on her knees and
giving chase she ran a superb race coming in a very respectable 5th. Following a
quick chat with Clare it turns out that Clare had been so shocked to be in the
front and couldn't see anyone else around her she assumed it was a false start
and tried to stop. I think this is a credit to her character always the polite
and caring rider.
A huge well done to to the riders who experienced racing for the first time and
to everyone else that came along to help and support i think you will agree a
great day was had by all.
Sarah Magee reporting from Wincanton.