Peter Hibberd, The Buloke Times
The association between the Charlton Harness Racing Club and Ames Australasia continued with the running of what has been one of their feature meetings of the year, Charlton celebrating the 4th of July, “Independence Day” race meeting.
Ames Australasia is home to some of the most trusted and iconic brands in the garden and hardware industry, such as Cyclone, Hills, Nylex, Northcote Pottery, Tuscan Path, Kelso and Westmix.
Chief financial officer of this company, Dale McGrath, has a very close connection to Charlton. Dale was born in Boston, but was on course to present a wide range of her company’s products to all winning trainers, which were certainly gratefully received.
A very good crowd was on course to take advantage of a very big range of American food. One member of the crowd was Peter Ogden, from Nathalia, who came back to Australia after spending 33 years in the U.S.A.; 5 years in Los Angeles and 28 years in Manhattan. Peter and Dale spoke together of their times in America. President Joe Thompson thanked Dale for her company’s continued support of this meeting.
A small, compact meeting was held with seven races. Yankee Lover and Yahoo were both impressive winners.
Race Results
Race one: Treacheroustimes raced, trained and driven by Glen Bull led all the way to start favourite punters off on a good day.
Race two: In what was nearly a local area win, Poppy Popstar won the Mobile Start Trotters’ Race. Trained by Nick Youngson from Berimal, this trotter was bred by local vet Greg Hargraves. The sire was Youngson’s star trotter, Danny Bouchea.
Race three: The run of favourites continued with the win of Tropical Storm, which led all the way at the short quote of $1.65, driven by Tayla French, who also owns the horse.
Race four: Kyabram trainer, Mick Blackmore has his most promising trotter back in winning form. Yankee Lover has returned from a spell recently and won easily by a widening margin. It has raced on 30 occasions for 5 wins and 12 placings.
Race five: Leading is a big advantage when the early
sectionals are not quick. Such was the case with Ultimate Missile, driven by Michael Stanley. He slowed the field early and came home in a 56.8 last half.
Race six: This race was won by what could be a very promising pacer called Yahoo. Trainer/driver Michael Stanley made it a double for the day. Caught wide early, it went to the lead and kept the field running along. He won by the big margin of 18 metres in a 1.54.6 mile rate. Not bad for a horse which has only raced on four occasions. Bred in New Zealand, it is the eighth foal from the mare Shakeilah and every foal has won races.
Race seven: Driver James Herbertson finished off
the day well for favourite punters, leading all the way on Asmileandawinx. Trained at Hamilton by Shannon Edwards, was very confident of success before the race.
Coming Up
Donald races next Monday, July 10.
Charlton trots, Thursday, July 20.
Donald races, Friday, July 21.
See all the pictures in the issue.
This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 7 July 2023.
