OVERCAST skies failed to stop an enthusiastic, but smaller than usual, crowd turning up for Hawick Horse Racing Association's third meeting of the season at the Moor on Saturday, when 30 entries were received for the four races on offer.
The opening race was the Drew Telfer Memorial 6-furlong Handicap which attracted four runners, and saw Croc of Gold eased from odds-on when money for Langholm newcomer Sambuka resulted in both horses starting as even-money joint favourites. At the fi
rst bend, Sambuka ran wide allowing Croc of Gold to come inside and take a five-length lead. As the runners went Indian file down the back straight, the placings never changed and jockey Tyrone Williams took Croc of Gold further ahead to win easily from Sambuka, who showed promise on his first run, with Compare the Meerkat in third place and Scraps trailing in last.
Croc of Gold takes the victory at Saturday's meeting. Photograph: Rob Gray
Langholm-trained It Takes Time was the warm favourite in the C. & R. Plasterers 1½-mile Handicap, even though the eight-year-old gelding had been beaten twice over the course and trip this season. However, his French jockey 'Ludo' made no mistakes this time when he took off at pace along with Blew, and the pair went a distance clear on the first circuit. Approaching half-way, Blew was first to tire and quickly fell away as Golden Balls and Izzy closed the gap. Just when it looked like they had caught the leader, It Takes Time found another gear and ran on strongly this time for an impressive victory.
Four lined up for the Irvine Bookmakers 7-furlong Handicap, which saw Highfield Prince opening up odds-on favourite and proving a class act. But it was The Gambler who was quickly away and took the lead for the first furlong. Coming off the bend, Highfield Prince took over and led the field down the back straight at a steady pace. Approaching the home turn only Compare the Market was left within striking distance and tried valiantly to put the favourite under pressure but to no avail as a shake of the reins by Liam Berridge saw Highfield Prince run on strongly to add another trophy to his already impressive collection this season.
The final race of the afternoon saw seven runners going to post to compete in the Lyle Transport 1-mile Handicap, which got off to a steady start with On the Run setting the early pace, and Red Raider, Rockstar and Oneroa close behind. Just a Dream, who failed to start when favourite for the Trademen's Handicap, got away on this occasion was settled at the rear. At the half-way stage, Just a Dream made steady progress to go into fourth place and sat tucked in behind the leaders. On the Run gave way to Rockstar who came wide off the final bend, and as the runners straightened up jockey Tyrone Williams came through the gap between horses with Just a Dream for a well-timed run. Unfortunately, Rockstar couldn't hold a straight line and bumped Just a Dream who likewise bumped On the Run who was on the inside and had to take a pull when colliding with the rail. In a thrilling sprint for the line, Just a Dream ran on gamely to win from Rockstar, with Red Raider claiming third place from the unlucky On the Run who was just touched off in fourth place.
As the flapping season is over the halfway stage surely a confined race could have been organised for horses that have run and not won. No fewer than 19 horses entered on Saturday came into this category. Owners of these thoroughbreds have to be considered before they are lost to the sport, and every endeavour should be made now to give some financial assistance to keep them interested as a reward for their loyal support.
RESULTS
6-furlong – 1, Croc of Gold (T. Williams) evens; 2, Sambuka; 3, Compare the Meerkat. Four ran.
1½-MILE – 1, It Takes Time (Ludo) 1/2f; 2, Golden Balls; 3, Izzy. Five ran.
7-FURLONG – 1, Highfield Prince (L. Berridge) 4/6f; 2, Compare the Market; 3, The Gambler. Four ran.
1-MILE – 1, Just a Dream (T. Williams) 3/1; 2, Rockstar; 3, Red Raider. Seven ran.
RACING continues at the Moor on Sunday at 2.30pm.
