Hot racing at Hatrick despite downpour

A photo-finish right at the line saw Check The Mail (5) win Race 9 from Botany Kevin (6). Photo/Bevan Conley

A bit of a downpour could not put a dampener on the Hatrick Raceway for Wanganui's turn hosting the Interislander Summer Festival yesterday.

As well as a 12-race programme, there was a children's area at the top end of the raceway where they took part in sack races and other fun activities, although the bouncy castle had to be lowered due to the rain.

For the more serious business on the track, the day's richest race was the $3600 Keenan Concrete C4/5 and saw favourite Indiana Izmir canter away for a clear victory.

Trained by Foxton's Paul Freeman and Angela Turnwald, Indiana Izmir followed behind early leader Embee Dee, then followed as Cawbourne Philip took the lead down the back stretch, both greyhound's trained by Darfield's John McInerney.

But Indiana got the inside line and powered home from Cawbourne Philip and the Lisa Ahern-trained El Jetta.

Yet the Palmerston North trainer Ahern had success elsewhere as Check The Mail got home by the barest of noses in a thrilling Race 9, the $2600 Wanganui Chronicle C2/3.

In the 520m dash, Check The Mail caught up with McInerney's Botany Kevin right at the finishing line and after the closest of photo finishers, it was judged that Check The Mail had got there on the final bound.

Bit Coin was a distance third, trained by Turakina's Andy Duganzich.

The festival consists of 40 events which take place from Boxing Day until February 8 at holiday hotspots.

Around 300 punters attended.

"We're thrilled that so many people came out to enjoy a day of fun and the odd flutter," said event manager Bridget Belsham.