Penybont Racing Results
The 81st Annual Penybont Races were a huge success, with a large and enthusiastic crowd and over 100 horses jostling to pick up the spoils at this most prestigious of venues. Grey clouds threatened in the morning, but by the time the racing started the only remainder of rain was the heavy ground underfoot which favoured only the toughest of horses.
The rapidly improving Ithon Gem (Walker, Kelsall) notched up the first victory of the day for the Perks stable of Presteigne in the Nursery. Overland (Thomas, Llanybyddr) seems to appreciate the dangers of belonging to a butcher, and held off Aberelan to win the second and fastest division.
With only the first two horses in each heat qualifying for the final, the Novice heats were fast and furious. Faraway (Atherton, Narberth) led the first in style but Man Of The Day (Harries, Llanllwni) lurked on her shoulder all the way and got up just in time to win the race. The second heat was a heartstopping battle to the wire, but Clare’s Own (Evans, Newcastle Emlyn) managed to stick her whisker in front of Saunders Playboy (Pritchard, Rhosgoch) in the nick of time. Abernant (Greenway/Hardwick, Brecon) hit his impressive top gear to plough through the mud and fend off Brywins Snowflake (Weigel, Llandewi Velfrey) and Fold American (Perks, Presteigne) in the third heat, and in the final heat the Red Devil pipped long-time leader Greenhill Racque (Thomas, Rhymney) just in time to secure a glorious double for the Greenway family.
CU Boykin (Hitchcock, Haverfordwest) fought like a lion to get to the front of the first Grade B heat, and refused to give up his position despite a late attack from Family Circle (Barton, Clunderwen). In the second heat Fold Be Nimble (Perks, Presteigne) secured a handsome cup for the fastest time of the day, narrowly beating Scooby’s Dream (Lloyd, Kington) and Bon Betti (Jones, Rhymney).
Ithon Eagle (Neville, Guilsfield) led away in the first heat of the Grade A but he was no match for Bellieve (Pritchard, Rhosgoch) who stormed past him to win quite comfortably. The second heat went to another crowd pleaser as the gutsy Live The Dream (Langford, Ammanford) made mincemeat of his 30 yard handicap to push Vodka Express (Weigel, Llandewi Velfrey) and Ithon Ace (Williams, Shrewsbury) into the minor placings. Merrington Man (Thomas, Rhymney) may not be very big but he is as tough as old boots, and fended off attacks from Bon Bethan (Weigel, Llandewi Velfrey) and the old stager Shermanator Sam (Tromans, Newcastle Emlyn) in the final heat.
Matty Thomas ‘the racing chef’ had a resounding success in the Baby Novice division, winning with the fiery little Brywins Jojo for owner Keith Jones of Ammanford, and then following up with another victory with gentle giant Cross Current (Sisto, Ammanford). The muddy track seemed to suit Glan Minstrel (Lloyd, Cribyn) who flashed to the wire after a tough battle. The fastest division went to the very speedy Boomshakalakka (Lloyd, Kington) driven by Sarah Price.
In the Saddle race Ithon Cracker (White, Porthcawl) led in fine style flanked by Classic Day (Miles, Merthyr), but Melanie Langford craftily slipped through the inside on the last corner and cruised away to seize the honours riding Wellfield Inspired for Melvyn Griffiths (Pontardawe). In the Dash Duggans Domino (Gwatkin, Evenjobb) earned his ticket to the Grade B by forcing Coalford Time (Harries, Merthyr) and Scoot 66 (Bevan, Llanddewi) into the minor placings.
The real excitement began with the finals, with the best horses on the track scrapping to earn the thrill of a big victory at Penybont. Saunders Playboy ran the race of his life in the Novice final, stuck on the wide outside all the way but still battling heroically at the finish to fend off the classy Abernant (Greenway/Hardwick, Brecon) in second and the equally formidable Clares Own (Evans, Newcastle Emlyn) in third.
Scooby’s Dream (Lloyd, Kington) hurtled into the lead of the Grade B final, flanked by a thick pack of tough campaigners all hungry for victory. He floated over the mud and despite strong attacks from Fold Be Nimble (Perks, Presteigne), Chinatown Maori (Jones, Merthyr) and Bon Betti (Jones, Rhymney), he managed to keep his nose in front.
The highlight of the day was the £1000 Grade A Final, and what a race it was! As the front horses jostled for the lead, Bellieve put her head down and motored around the outside to pick up the lead at the bell with Merrington Man hot on her heels. The incredible little chestnut firework slowly drew away from the others to win by several lengths, much to the joy of her owners and trainers, Derek and Ruth Pritchard.
In the Mile & a Half, Mark Bevan proved he was none the worse for a spill earlier in the day as he notched up another win for the tough little Master Tom (Owens, Shobdon), beating Ithon Gypsy (Jones, Llanbister) and Top Cat (Duggan, Llangunllo).
Detailed Results
Race 1 - Nursery | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Position | Horse Name | Handicap | Prize | |
1 | Ithon Gem | Gate | £0 | |
2 | Betty Blue | Gate | £0 | |
3 | Royal Fella | Gate | £0 | |
4 | Dreamcatcher | Gate | £0 | |
F | Murray | 20 | £0 | |
Time: 2.445 | ||||
Race 2 - Nursery | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Position | Horse Name | Handicap | Prize | |
1 | Overland | Gate | £0 | |
2 | Aberelan | 30 | £0 | |
3 | King Creole | Gate | £0 | |
4 | Nia Patrol | Gate | £0 | |
5 | Koh Lanta | Gate | £0 | |
Time: 2.404 | ||||
Race 3 - Baby Novice | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Position | Horse Name | Handicap | Prize | |
1 | Glan Minstrel | 20 | £75 | |
2 | Greenhill Megan | 10 | £25 | |
3 | Ithon Ghost | 10 | £15 | |
4 | Strike A Light | 10 | £0 | |
5 | Quick Silver II | Gate | £0 | |
Time: 2.431 | ||||
Race 4 - Baby Novice | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Position | Horse Name | Handicap | Prize | |
1 | Brywins Jo Jo | 10 | £75 | |
2 | Glan Levit | 20 | £25 | |
3 | Little Man II | Gate | £15 | |
4 | Golden Nugget | 10 | £0 | |
5 | Zip Along | 20 | £0 | |
Time: 2.437 | ||||
Race 5 - Baby Novice | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Position | Horse Name | Handicap | Prize | |
1 | Boomshakalakka | 10 | £75 | |
2 | Luck Matters | 10 | £25 | |
3 | Bon Hasty | 10 | £15 | |
4 | Ithon Hannah | Gate | £0 | |
5 | Durham Direct | 10 | £0 | |
Time: 2.414 | ||||
Race 6 - Baby Novice | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Position | Horse Name | Handicap | Prize | |
1 | Cross Current | 10 | £75 | |
2 | Village Tom | 10 | £25 | |
3 | The Crusader | 20 | £15 | |
4 | Dragon Penlan | Gate | £0 | |
5 | Fold Eventful | Gate | £0 | |
6 | Ashbrooks Billyboy | 20 | £0 | |
7 | Fairyhouse | Gate | £0 | |
Time: 2.426 | ||||
Race 7 - Novice H1 | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Position | Horse Name | Handicap | Prize | |
1 | Man Of The Day | Gate | £30 | |
2 | Faraway | 10 | £15 | |
3 | True Grit II | Gate | £0 | |
4 | Hasty Flight | 20 | £0 | |
Time: 2.353 | ||||
Race 8 - Novice H2 | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Position | Horse Name | Handicap | Prize | |
1 | Clares Own | Gate | £30 | |
2 | Saunders Playboy | Gate | £15 | |
3 | Wellfield Inspired | 10 | £0 | |
4 | Katie Blue | 20 | £0 | |
5 | The Sizzler | Gate | £0 | |
Time: 2.410 | ||||
Race 9 - Novice H3 | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Position | Horse Name | Handicap | Prize | |
1 | Abernant | 10 | £30 | |
2 | Brywins Snowflake | 10 | £15 | |
3 | Fold American | Gate | £0 | |
4 | Alpine Heights | 10 | £0 | |
5 | Ithon Gypsy | Gate | £0 | |
6 | Dafydds Boy | Gate | £0 | |
Time: 2.344 | ||||
Race 10 - Novice H4 | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Position | Horse Name | Handicap | Prize | |
1 | The Red Devil | 10 | £30 | |
2 | Greenhill Raque | Gate | £15 | |
3 | Duggans Domino | 20 | £0 | |
4 | Razzle Dazzle | Gate | £0 | |
Time: 2.389 | ||||
Race 11 - Novice Final | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Position | Horse Name | Handicap | Prize | |
1 | Saunders Playboy | Gate | £150 | |
2 | Abernant | 10 | £75 | |
3 | Clares Own | Gate | £30 | |
4 | Fold American | Gate | £0 | |
5 | Brywins Snowflake | 10 | £0 | |
6 | Faraway | 10 | £0 | |
7 | Man Of The Day | Gate | £0 | |
8 | Greenhill Raque | Gate | £0 | |
PU | The Red Devil | Gate | £0 | |
Time: 2.372 | ||||
Race 12 - Grade B H1 | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Position | Horse Name | Handicap | Prize | |
1 | C U Boykin | Gate | £50 | |
2 | Family Circle | Gate | £15 | |
3 | East of Eden | 10 | £0 | |
4 | Ayr Force One | Gate | £0 | |
5 | Top Cat | Gate | £0 | |
6 | Belle Heir | Gate | £0 | |
7 | Glan Master | Gate | £0 | |
F | Ladyford Chap | 10 | £0 | |
Time: 2.365 | ||||
Race 13 - Grade B H2 | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Position | Horse Name | Handicap | Prize | |
1 | Fold Be Nimble | Gate | £50 | |
2 | Scoobys Dream | Gate | £15 | |
3 | Bon Beti | Gate | £0 | |
4 | Chinatown Maori | 10 | £0 | |
5 | Blackfield Willy | Gate | £0 | |
6 | Master Tom | 10 | £0 | |
7 | Coalford Time | Gate | £0 | |
8 | North West Art | Gate | £0 | |
Time: 2.333 | ||||
Race 14 - Grade B Final | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Position | Horse Name | Handicap | Prize | |
1 | Scoobys Dream | Gate | £500 | |
2 | Fold Be Nimble | Gate | £100 | |
3 | Chinatown Maori | 10 | £30 | |
4 | Bon Beti | Gate | £0 | |
5 | Family Circle | Gate | £0 | |
6 | East of Eden | 10 | £0 | |
7 | C U Boykin | Gate | £0 | |
8 | Ayr Force One | Gate | £0 | |
Time: 2.356 | ||||
Race 15 - Grade A H1 | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Position | Horse Name | Handicap | Prize | |
1 | Bellieve | 10 | £50 | |
2 | Ithon Eagle | Gate | £15 | |
3 | Wellfield Xpense | Gate | £0 | |
4 | Springhill Horizon | 40 | £0 | |
5 | Meadowbranch Mike | Gate | £0 | |
6 | Shifty | Gate | £0 | |
Time: 2.345 | ||||
Race 16 - Grade A H2 | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Position | Horse Name | Handicap | Prize | |
1 | Live the Dream | 30 | £50 | |
2 | Vodka Express | Gate | £15 | |
3 | Ithon Ace | 10 | £0 | |
4 | Serenity | Gate | £0 | |
5 | Lucky Nipper | Gate | £0 | |
6 | Classic Day | Gate | £0 | |
Time: 2.375 | ||||
Race 17 - Grade A H3 | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Position | Horse Name | Handicap | Prize | |
1 | Merrington Man | Gate | £50 | |
2 | Bon Bethan | 20 | £15 | |
3 | Shermanator Sam | Gate | £0 | |
4 | Mahogany Duke | 40 | £0 | |
5 | Wilbro Douglas | Gate | £0 | |
6 | Forgeside Jack | Gate | £0 | |
Time: 2.371 | ||||
Race 18 - Grade A Final | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Position | Horse Name | Handicap | Prize | |
1 | Bellieve | 10 | £1000 | |
2 | Merrington Man | Gate | £100 | |
3 | Bon Bethan | 10 | £50 | |
4 | Live the Dream | 30 | £0 | |
5 | Ithon Eagle | Gate | £0 | |
6 | Wellfield Xpense | Gate | £0 | |
7 | Ithon Ace | 10 | £0 | |
8 | Shermanator Sam | Gate | £0 | |
9 | Vodka Express | Gate | £0 | |
Time: 2.339 | ||||
Race 19 - Saddle | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Position | Horse Name | Handicap | Prize | |
1 | Wellfield Inspired | Gate | £100 | |
2 | Classic Day | 30 | £50 | |
3 | Ithon Cracker | Gate | £20 | |
4 | Blackfield Willy | 10 | £0 | |
5 | Mahogany Duke | 70 | £0 | |
6 | Maple Star | 10 | £0 | |
7 | Shifty | 30 | £0 | |
Time: 2.358 | ||||
Race 20 - Dash | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Position | Horse Name | Handicap | Prize | |
1 | Duggans Domino | Gate | £140 | |
2 | Coalford Time | Gate | £35 | |
3 | Scoot Sixty Six | Gate | £25 | |
4 | The Sizzler | Gate | £0 | |
5 | Katie Blue | Gate | £0 | |
Time: 1.430 | ||||
Race 21 - Consolation | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Position | Horse Name | Handicap | Prize | |
1 | Master Tom | 40 | £100 | |
2 | Ithon Gypsy | Gate | £25 | |
3 | Top Cat | 30 | £15 | |
Time: 3.545 | ||||