Bumper harness racing card for Allensmore enthusiasts (From Hereford Times)

Bumper harness racing card for Allensmore enthusiasts

5:00pm Wednesday 1st August 2012 in Other

HARNESS racers faced a marathon card of 19 races run in glorious sunshine under BHRC rules at Allensmore to banish memories of the waterlogged early season.

Organised by Hereford & Borders HRC, it was a welcome return to grass racing that attracted runners from all over the UK.

Gladestry trainer Kim Alman began her belated season where she signed off last year — in the winner’s enclosure.

Her promising youngster, Summer’s Dream (Sarah Allen) comfortably held her close relation, Tantalizing (Martin Roberts) to take the first of the Santana Lad Memorial series, while later Sunshine Boy powered clear in a division of the Members Mile for a satisfying stable double.

The other division of the Members race was also a rewarding result, Briwyn’s Jolene (Mark Pritchard) grabbing the glory close home to delight the Allen family, who are based near Bridgnorth.

Most of the training ‘miles’ on the sulky seat are done by 17-year-old Victoria Allen, who fits it around her studies as a student at Hartpury college.

It was also a very memorable day for club member, Angharad Frieze, who partnered the six year-old mare, Ayr Vitro, to a convincing victory in one of the four Maiden divisions for her first success on the sulky seat.

Angharad, who trains Ayr Vitro near Brecon, is a recent convert to harness racing, having been a jockey of Thoroughbreds under both codes.

“There’s been a lot of hard work to get this fixture on, so thanks to everyone who’s made this special day possible — it’s so good to be racing again,” said Angharad, delighted with the tough performance.

The Newcomers Trot, where the square-gaited youngsters made a rare and welcome appearance on grass, was a breath-takingly close affair, with Bitch Buitenzorg (Peter Mather) taking the silverware to Cheshire, just thwarting the local hope, Anna Diem (Paul Evans).

Sarah Allen, Michael O’Mahoney and David Bevan all recorded doubles on the sulky seat, but Bevan was awarded the Leading Driver Trophy due to points from his placings.

Next fixture: Allensmore, Wednesday August 8, 5 pm.