Great day for trots at annual race meet

Stratford trotting club annual race day was held on Saturday, February 27.

We had a good day, and the weather held off for us until the last two races. Until then just a few showers came across, but didn't make too much difference to the supporters or the racing.

We had full fields and great support from locals who enjoyed good racing from not only their local trainers but from the favourites as well, although many punters thought the pickings were hard to find.

Race 2 saw Gotta Go Wild Spirit, (Davey Jones) lose any chance by breaking after the crossing and settling towards the rear of the field.

Race 3 saw River Emperor and Wave Song (Phil Fleming), and Aces & Eights (Fred Mitchell) finish down the bottom end of the field.

Race 4 saw Burning Reign (Jim Mair) on its debut race well until the final straight, where another horse bore down on him and caused Burning Reign to break. This horse showed some promise for the future, so it's definitely worth keeping an eye on.

Race 5 was the highlight for Stratford trainer Fred Mitchell whose horse Jack Bates ran a very good race to pick up first place, paying $5 and $2.10 for the each way bet. Congratulations to Fred Mitchell for also picking up the Best Placed Taranaki Horse of the Day at our meeting.

Other Stratford runners in race 5 finished mid-field.

Race 7 saw Megatron finish in the first 6 and Our Wicklow breaking at the start and not really going on with the race competitively.

Race 9 had Cut the Cards finishing 5th for the Mitchell team on what was a good day at the races for Fred.

In the cup race, Race 8 McRoyal trained by McGowen and driven by Todd Mitchell took out the Don Oakes Motors/Quintin Oakes Builders Stratford Cup.

Jet Black Shadow was placed second and Major Star was third.

Thank you all who helped make this day a success for the your local Trotting Clubs annual meeting. For more photos from Saturday's event, see our photo gallery online: www.stratfordpress.co.nz