Elmore Harness Racing Club's Boxing Day meeting was on fire in more ways than one.
With the temperature hovering near 40c and a good crowd in attendance, no less than six winners broke previous track records for the mobile start distances of 1780m (4) and the 2180m (2) on the 800m track.
The track record mile rate of 2:01.0 for the 1780m distance was smashed by the three-year-old filly Lady Rocknrolla with a time of 1:57.9. Other winners to break the record were Winkn Nod (1.58.3), Flyin Circles (2:00.8) and Hayjoshandco (2:00.9).
The record of 2:02.0 for the 2180m distance was bettered by Dot the Eye (2:00.7) and Upanatom 1.58.9, who now holds that honour. Both new track record holders are trained by Jess Tubbs.
A new track record was also created in the stand start Elmore IGA Trotters Cup.
Love the Aces (pictured above), who came off the 20m mark, is part owned by her trainer Phillip Ralph of Ararat and was bred by his family members.
The mare (Jess to her ‘family’) was driven forward by driver Neil McCallum, who with 500 metres to run steered her three wide and surged to the lead turning for home.
The mare maintained her lead to win by more than four metres in a mile rate of 2:07.3 for the journey, with her enthusiastic connections willing her to the line from the sidelines along with a number of patrons chiming in to barrack for ‘Jess’. The elation of the connections reflects the family spirit of the Elmore Race Day.
As well as winning an inscribed rug and trophy, the connections also received a free stallion service to Centurion ATM, kindly donated by Ken and Jan Wills of Niota Bloodstock.
The feature race of the day was the O’ Sullivans Transport Pacers Cup won by Dot the Eye, who was bred and is part owned and trained by Denis McIntyre of St Arnaud and was driven by Chris Svanosio.
Starting from barrier five and travelling one out one back at the bell, driver Svanosio moved three wide with 300 metres to run, hitting the lead at the top of the straight. Dot the Eye never looked like being headed in the run to the winning post. The winning margin of five metres was produced in the good mile rate of 2:00.7. This race carried a free stallion service to Guaranteed, kindly donated by Goodtime Lodge and Mark and Sue Thompson, as well as a rug and trophy.
Pictured right is Gavin O'Sullivan with Dot The Eye's trainer Denis McIntyre.
Other winners on the day not already mentioned were I Its Me, Ima Sassygirl and Life Long Voyage. All winners received an inscribed rug.
Driving honours went to Greg Sugars and Damian Wilson with two winners apiece and training honours to Jess Tubbs for her two winners.
The trainers $200 stockfeed vouchers, donated by P&B Rothacker and Sandhurst Stockfeeds were won by Simon Turnbull and Trish McVeigh.
The Elmore harness racing committee sincerely appreciate the support of our sponsors, owners and trainers, HRV and club volunteers in making this day a success.
A shout out to on-track roving reporter Paul Campbell for his informative interviews and podcasts on the day, and to Joelene and Clinton McSwain of McSwain Racing for kindly donating prizes to each last placegetter and to the best presented horse in both cup fields, which was won by Levina and Dot the Eye.