WALES AND WEST HARNESS RACING ASSOCIATION

(HELD UNDER BRITISH HARNESS RACING CLUB RULES)

 

Chairman: Stella Havard Burghope Farm Dinmore, Wellington, Herefordshire. HR4 8ED (01568) 797403 +  (0374) 419982

Secretary: Heulwen Bulman Delfryn Llwynpiod, Llangeitho, Tregaron, Ceredigion. (01974) 398367

WALES & WEST DRIVERS WIN WASHINGTON MATCH

A team of local amateur harness racing drivers recently invited to Washington, USA for a friendly ‘match’ returned with a glorious victory under their belts and several new personal bests.

Wales & West chairman, Stella Havard, received an invitation from the Capital Area Amateur Drivers Association, and was accompanied to the USA by Brian Davies, David Bevan, Sarah Mould and Gareth Price.

Despite it being the first time that the majority of the team had ever partnered a trotter, they made a great showing at Rosecroft Raceway, Maryland to accrue a solid points total.

Gareth Price, and RT Um Jim controlled the pace from the outset with Stella Havard and fast-leaving Hayleigh Marie looking dangerous. As they turned for home, David Bevan produced High Noon Corrie for a blistering challenge and looked the winner before going into a frustrating break, allowing the American Jewett Pumphrey and Keystone Torre to snatch the honours. Sennybridge man Brian Davies chased into second, half a length in front of  Brecon man, Gareth Price, in a race time of 2:03.

The second leg of the competition was at Colonial Downs, in Virginia, on a breath-taking mile circuit. After a flying start, Gareth Price looked as if he was about to win his first American race with Magical Reward, but Brian Davies dug deep and TM’s Tin Soldier got up by a short head in 1:57.3 to foil the ambition. David Bevan ran on into 4^th with Adrienne’s Mark, and it was the first time that the three British drivers had broken the two minute barrier.

Brian, a well-known breeder, was uncharacteristically speechless after his victory, which sealed the success for the British challengers. “It’s a dream come true,” he said eventually, “I can’t believe it!”

The members of CAADA will be visiting the Wales & West region to try to gain revenge next summer. “But these matches are all about making friends and enjoying opportunities to visit other countries,” commented Ken Weckstein, a renowned Washington attorney who arranged the challenge.

Local reinsmen are certainly gaining a reputation for making the most of their chances and this triumph will encourage the British drivers flying the flag in the Florida match in early November.

Stella Havard