 TIGHT FINISHES AT THE GREEN
Sunday 28 February 2010 NO ALEX MURDOCK OR VINTY FITZSIMMONS BUT COMBER RACES RETURN TO THE TOWNLAND.
CHARLIE BLACK WINS TOP PRIZE IN '100 CLUB' DRAW
The going was good at Castle Lane where the scheduled 9 races produced some exhilarating finishes.
First up was the Don Shields sponsored 'Presidents Cup' won by 'Donald Davidson' owned by Davy Donaldson. In the absence of the winning owner, the President was encouraged to visit and present the award some time in the near future.
Erskine Willis and President Don Shields discuss the form
The Bookies intent on making a killing
Race 2, 'The Jiminy Crickets After Schools Club Claimer' was another thriller with 'The Vice Chairman' owned by Robin Haire getting the verdict. Representing the sponsors 'Jiminy Crickets After School Club', Carol Carser presented Robin with his prize.
Robin Haire and Carol Carser
The North Down Glentoran Supporters Club Stakes provided volume as the finishing line was approached and fittingly race sponsor Ricki Rea won the race with his 'Still the Daddy'
Sam Magill, Senior Race Steward, hands over the prize to Ricki Rea
The Sam Magill sponsored 'Open Mortgages Cup' was a closely contested affair with many fallers adding to the despair amongst the punters. Sam's 'Loan Arranger', 'The Great Grey', and 'Sweet Cartoline' contested but Denis Bowers' 'Denis's Donkey' pulled off a great win.
Gillian & Marylin
One of the top races of the evening was 'The Ulster Cricketer Stakes', the favourite allegedly being trained in Barbados by Sir Michael Stout. The 'Peshawar Pony' started favourite but was ambushed in the last few strides by Ryan Haire's 'Leeds, Leeds, Leeds' Ryan was congratulated by the bar staff who stated that it was a fitting win as Leeds had won nothing for years.
Representing the sponsors 'The Ulster Cricketer', Peter Shields presents winning owner Ryan Haire with his Champagne.
Group One race of the evening was the 'Premier Sports Derby' with George Harper's 'Grass Wicket', Andrew Haire's 'Nani Goat', Roger Graham's 'Net Minder' and Jamie McKee's 'Hockey Star' to the fore in the betting. It was the 'Castle Lane Flyer' that came home in style shouted home by owner Marty Moreland.
Premier Sports proprietor, Peter Shields with winning owner Marty Moreland who stated that 'the Flyer' was now for the Dubai Classic after the Irish Cup final in September!
No anti climax followed the big race as 'The Cullybackey Chase' brought thrills and spills. As Gavin Rodgers had sponsored the race and owned all the horses he was the proud recipient of the magnum as 'Young Blud' scraped home from 'Juicy Jabber'
Gavin Rodgers with Race organiser Sam Magill
Race 8 featured the 'One Stop Mortgage Shop Stakes' with favourite 'Peter's Papa' failing to impress. Marian Maguire had called her horse after husband Mervyn and 'He's Electric' proved what a stayer Mervyn is. Reluctant to start, 'He's Electric' burned up the field with 'The Power' and 'Piggery Wall' performing below par.
Marian shocked with the success of 'He's Electric'
Senior Race Judge for the evening Raymond Moreland auctioned the horses for the last race, the 'North Down Cricket Club Auction Race', and 'Ballydrain Harrier' was top seller. Islandhill was much in demand but David Wishart secured his mare with big bids. The 'Bookies' after some debate were allowed to purchase 'Scrabo Stallion' and in the absence of the President, Ballyhenry Boy was bought by the shrewd eye for a filly, Gavin Rodgers who got the bargain of the night.
It is reported that Mr Rodgers is unaware that he purchased Ballyhenry Boy, has certainly no proof of purchase and that the Race marshalls have donated the substantial prize money to a Charity very close to Home.
Chairman Carser informs Gavin that 'Ignorance is Bliss' won the last race.
Ricki and Debbie organised the ballot
'Crock' admires the ball signed by the Glentoran team
Sam has it ready for the winner who is....
Chairman Carser!!
Wire and Gatch
Sam's Yer Man for ballot prize
Guest Gillian wins the wine
Raymond, Gillian and Robin make the '100 club' draw
Charlie Black won the £200, David Napier £100 and WJ Baxter £50. After many attempts Gillian drew out Big Raymond's number for the £50 Spot Prize!
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