IN TRADITIONAL Leeton style, Australia Day was a scorcher, but late afternoon seven Leeton mini trotters and their drivers headed to Lin Gordon Paceway for the finals night of the Breeders Plate.
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Between the “big events” on the card, the children contested three races, which were called by Terry Judd who is also NSW Mini Trotting’s state president.
Nikkita Smith was back on the track with My Little Rocket after an unplanned break.
Annie Painting’s pony was still unable to race, but Jaxan Pitt came to the rescue once again, giving her the three drives for the night on his pony Sugarloaf Boy.
Missing from the track was Layla Forrest, but even though she didn’t have a drive she was still on hand to show her support, showing great sportsmanship.
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The first event was the Judd’s Stockfeeds Pony Pace. Berry’d Treasure looked set to take the prize from early on, giving driver Siarne a dream run, but this was not to be with Wongalea Licorice catching her just before the post. The little pony skipped side-ways, and the glory was all Lily’s on the line! Smiling Jed Driscoll aboard Nanna Smoke finished third just ahead of the rest of the field.
In races two and three Lily’s pony was naughty and, as a result, she was relegated to the back of the field.
The kids hit the track for race two after the first of the “big horse” races for the evening.
Nanna Smoke (Jed) came away with the prize, while Sugarloaf Boy was driven beautifully by Annie to finish with second place. Third was awarded to Nikkita aboard My Little Rocket.
The last mini trot of the night was the Southern Central Engineering Trot and again Annie did a fabulous job with Sugarloaf Boy to salute the judge.
Despite some rough running early on, Little Secret and Danika Stevens found the line in second place and My Little Rocket backed up with another third place.
Shaiila Ogilvie tried hard all night and could be heard loud and clear encouraging her little pony. Little Midget with gusto, but those little legs just couldn’t find the line ahead of its counterparts despite some hefty handicapping.
With no more Leeton meets coming up, preparations for the State Mini Trotting Championships will need to involve either lots of travelling or plenty of hard work at home.
Leeton club president Barry Pitt was hopeful the group might run some fun days between now and the Tamworth 2018 Championships to aid in keeping pony fitness within scope for the hectic weekend up north. The closing date is drawing closer so get in quick with nominations.
