Local Stratford trainers had a good day out on their home track on the Stratford Racing Club's "Farmers Day Out" Race day last Thursday.
The day kicked off with former top jumps jockey and local trainer Tina Egan rocking punters with a $26 shot in the first race, a first starter by Shinko King named Such A One. The horse is raced for long-time supporters of her stable and Stratford Racing Club, the Terry family of Lepperton, and Tina says she felt quite emotional after the filly won.
In the second race of the day local trainer Jeff Bliss scored with his mare Hotshot Lass who has been knocking on the till of late. The mare by Mettre En Jeu and under the guidance of talented apprentice Danielle Hirini (one of four victories on the day for Danielle) won with consummate ease, revelling in the tough track conditions. Jeff says the mare hadn't been the easiest to train but he appreciates the assistance of co-owner Sharon Stevens in preparing her.
The last Stratford trained winner of the day was the Chris Bothwell trained Blazing Opal who was owned and bred by Stratford racing personality Tony Dravitzki. The Librettist gelding always looked the winner throughout the running and was too strong in the finish to claim a well deserved win by some four lengths.
Stratford Racing Club president John Gray says the day was a great success for the club considering concerns over no power being available on course before the first race.