THE races on Broadheath common, Presteigne, are one of the traditional meetings of Mid Wales, the good open track always popular with competitors and public alike.
A heavy shower an hour or so before the start of the races turned the going from good to sticky with staying horses having an advantage.
The first Nursery race was won by My Amazing Grace (Evans Red Roses) one of the more experienced horses in the field who managed the conditions well, coming home in front of Immortal Jackpot (Williams Brecon) while Meadowland Olympic (Evans Newcastle Emlyn) was third. Westend Kiki the new horse belonging to Ken Lloyd from New Radnor took the second Nursery race from Ithon Legacy (Hardwick & Jones, Llanbister) with Ithon JR (Thomas Llanbister) in third.
Three Novice heats were next on the card with the first going to the local stable of Oliver (OJ) Jones from Evenjobb and his own Zestthewayilikeit with Rhyds Backchat (Elder Blaencelyn) in second and Forest Surprise (Miles Merthyr) third.
Tillies Larg and her owner Mark Evans from Brecon took the honours in the second Novice heat from Dan (Rowlands Talsarn) with Tommy the Dealer (Bevan Llanddewi) in third. Purple Connection (Williams Llanwern) ran an outstanding race in the third heat to claim victory ahead of Touch of Chaps (Randell Ammanford) and Ithon Hannah (Bufton Dolau).
Chinatown Lucky with new owner Gareth Bevan from Builth ran a good race in the first Grade B heat to beat Habberley Playboy (Johns/Gittins, Shrewsbury) with Makemeamillionayr (Weigel Llanddewi Velfrey) in third.
In the second heat Brywins Jo Jo (Jones Ammanford) despite her back mark just got over the line in front with trainer Rhun Wilson in the seat, relegating Brywins Lucky Charm (Jones Brecon) into second with Beacon Sorcerer (Bevan Llanddewi) third.
Meadowland Maverick has enjoyed a spectacular start to the season and this week secured another win for owner-trainer Oliver (OJ) Jones from Evenjobb while the impressive Tyssul Opal (Atherton-Rees) Narberth) was second and Jango Fett (Hitchcock Haverfordwest) was third.
The first heat of the Grade A saw newcomer Infinatey (Jones Sennybridge) and driven by Mathew Tromans defy his 50 yard trail and surge up the home straight to claim his first victory in Mid Wales racing while Lakeside Pan (Elder New Quay) was second with Wellfieldlifestyle (Edmunds Porthcawl) running well to be third.
The people’s favourite, the grey Scoobys Dream (Williams Brecon) partnered by Lynne Boxhall took the second heat just ahead of the fast finishing Ithon Inmate (Price Brecon) with No Mercy (Weigel Llanddewi Velfrey) third.
There was an accident at the start of the first Baby Novice race which resulted in a pile up involving three horses and drivers. Due to the seriousness of the mishap it was decided to abandon the meeting, a very sad end to the afternoon’s racing. This weekend’s meeting is on Friday evening July 1st at Lyonshall starting at 4pm.