It was a late decision getting the go ahead to run the Ystrad Taf Fechan Meeting, but after some technical rearranging and some creative thinking on behalf of the Clerk of the Course Phil Williams and the very interactive landowner Tudor Harries the go ahead was finally given at 12.28 pm on Friday afternoon.
The day itself proved to be dry and warm, despite an early mist that settled over the course and a healthy crowd was in attendance. Racing kicked off at two pm with the PPORA Young Horse Maiden which saw Bradley Gibbs steering home Defence Witness for Area Secretary Beverly Thomas. It was the four-year-old’s first time on a track, but the son of Court Cave took it all in his stride and came home twenty lengths ahead of Deep Purple with Theweddingcanwait another distance back in third.
The Restricted race saw James King take the winning baton from Bradley as he steered the Luke Price trained Vermillion Cliffs home to the winner’s enclosure ahead of 5/4 favourite Secret Scripture and Harry Arkwright. Harriet Tudor who would later be heard screaming home brother Jack as he took the Bet365 Trophy in a remarkable double on Kitty’s Light was aboard Frankly Fine back in third.
The Older horse Conditions race was a two-horse affair which saw Bradley take his second victory of the day aboard the David Brace trained Classic Concorde, who came home one and a half fences ahead of their rival Danny Archer steered by Ellie Jefferson. It was in the next race however that Bradley’s day took a turn for the worse.
The John Lovell Memorial Men’s Open was the feature race of the day and it was sad to see only two runners state their intention to take part. One, LooksnowtlikeBrian, was partnered by Bradley Gibbs the other Ofalltheginjoints ridden by Bradley’s work rider and stable jockey Josh Younge. The pair headed out onto the downhill run of the first circuit side by side, only for Looksnowtlikebrian to take a lunge at the downhill fence and plant both himself and his rider on the turf. Josh continued until the horse ran wide at a marker coming uphill so Josh pulled up, he was then advised he could retrace his steps which he did only to be unceremoniously decanted at the twelfth fence, the race was then declared void.
The Ladies contest was a more traditional affair and saw Voodoo Doll and Ellie Williams come home fifteen lengths ahead of Fern O’Brien and co-favourite Grageelagh Girl. This was Voodoo Doll’s second victory in seven days and the efforts of both granddaughter and horse reduced Mary Evans to tears. Harriet Tudor came home third aboard Golden Card.
The final official race of the day was the older horse Maiden which saw M’Lady May and Carys Morris see off the long-time leader Riteplaceritetime and Bradley Gibbs. The nine-year-old was having her fifth start between the flags and had chased home Sleek’N’Chic at Lydstep on her previous outing.
The day ended with three pony races; pony racing in Wales is very well supported and it is encouraging to see so many youngsters having a go and hopefully maintaining the future supply of jockeys form the area.