Overcast conditions and the threat of showers failed to deter a large crowd from attending the eight race program set down for last Wednesday night at the Young Paceway.
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Local father and son team of Garth and Nathan Hoy got the locals off to a good start when the three-year-old Sportswriter filly Cherry Express ($4.30) led throughout to defeat equal second favourite Perfect Paradise ($4.30).
In doing so she posted a creditable 1:59.8 mile rate for the 1720 metre journey.
Grenfell trainer Mark Hewitt almost stole the prize when third placegetter My Blakeyed Susan ($12.50) just failed to secure an inside run finishing a close half neck behind Perfect Paradise after sitting behind the leader for most of the trip.
Regular and long-time supporter of the club, Temora trainer Ray Walker was rewarded for his consistency with a win behind the American Ideal gelding Ideal One ($4.50) who took full advantage of the one gate to lead throughout in race two.
Pressured for most of the 1720 metre trip by first starter and race favourite Star Writer ($2.40), the winner was not going to be denied, holding on to record a head margin over the Sportswriter three-year-old.
Eglington trainer Nathan Hurst claimed third prize with a lightly raced Changeover gelding in Haunui Tiger ($7.30) who will be improved by the outing and should be one to follow.
Making it three wins in succession for the four-year-old Grinfromeartoear gelding, Smiling Cullen ($6.90) showed he will be a horse with a bright future when he trounced the opposition in race three.
With a 13 metre winning margin, the last start West Wyalong winner ran away from the perusing and fast finishing Bettor Charm ($6.30) and Flying Cruza ($36.20) in an exciting race.
Nathan Hurst collected his share on the money on offer when his reliable recent Dubbo winner Tulhurst Courage ($8.90) came from the coveted one, one to defeat Burra Sullivan ($4.80) and Upsey Daisy ($6.10).
In an open betting race, pole marker We Own The Knight ($4.00) favourite came out of gate one, raced midfield throughout to finish fourth.
The first leg of the daily double, race five had all the thrill and excitement of a major event, most interest being in the locally-owned and bred Crusty ($4.20) from the Rachael and David Micallef Christy Park at Monteagle.
Trained by Steve Turnbull at Bathurst, the Aces and Sevens daughter of the top race mare Christy, sat outside the leader Pure Cam and showed great courage to score a narrow win over Major Sunset ($9.40) and the Ray Walker-trained Fortyeighthenson ($18.80) in a tight finish.
Having had two close placings at Bathurst and Penrith at her only two starts, Crusty should develop into a nice type as she races through her early racing career.
Campbell Advisory Pacing managed by long time participant in the sport Graham Campbell provided the Million Dollar Cam three-year-old gelding Old Jack Compo ($3) driven by Emma Turnbull to give trainer Wendy Turnbull a win in race six.
In a thrilling finish, the gelding was to rein in the leader Gina Gina ($9.70), who had looked the winner until the last stride after she had galloped in the score up but was able to improve her racing manners to begin quickly and take up the role as pacemaker.
Second favourite in the race Cheeky Jerula ($3.20) finished third after holding that position at the bell while McQueen Regal ($30.30) was relegated to fourth.
Aptly named the “Battlers Stakes” race seven catered for horses that had been unplaced in their last six starts.
Ganmain trainer Ray Turner, son of the late Col Turner, produced the Attorney General NZ five-year-old Owen John ($3) and from gate 10 rallied a strong finishing burst after being sixth at the bell to defeat Tenofus ($4) and pole marker Mister Matty ($8.40) in another close finish.
The mile rate of 1:58.6 and a winning margin of a head made for another exciting finish.
The final race of the night again continued to produce exciting racing with another Bathurst performer claiming the prize.
Anne Hancock couldn’t hide her excitement as young female driver McKayler Barnes showed outstanding ability in getting the five-year-old Christian Cullen gelding King Caractacus ($3) over the line ahead of Mercy Mercy ($13.90) and Highjackapipi ($6.80) for Rick Burnett.
Although the time was a little slower, the finishing burst shown by the gelding and the driving tactics adopted by Ms Barnes, was a fitting way to conclude another top night of racing at the popular venue.
Young will race again on Friday night, May 1 with a similar format and prize money as last Wednesday night.