REVIEW
YSTRAD TAF FECHAN
YSTRADOWEN
SUNDAY 4 MAY 2003

by Colin Cross

GOING GOOD 

Although the Ladies race only attracted 4 runners they were all useful animals and the race was one to remember. Mr R Willcox's HEE'S A DANCER and Emily Jones prevailed by 6 lengths from BALTIC MAGIC with BRETECHE one and a half lengths away in third place. HEE'S A DANCER set out to dictate the pace but BRETECHE headed him at the 13th and from then on the action was fast and furious. HEE'S A DANCER was back in charge at the third last, where BALTIC MAGIC made an untidy jump and lost ground, only to rally again to challenge at the last. However, HEE'S A DANCER is a real terrier and he would not be denied . Indeed this owner's dance of delight as his horse approached the winning post was something that will long remain in the memory!

The Men's Open in contrast was a rather more sedate affair. DAWN'S COGNAC and Christian Williams made most of the running to beat DEXTER GORDON and Tim Vaughan, only two finished.

COURT LENEY and Evan Williams scored a workmanlike victory in the Confined race from SAFFRON MOSS, WELSH WARRIOR and LOUGH LEIN SPIRIT. COURT LENEY is never the most impressive of performers but his victory, by 7 lengths, was never in much doubt as he allowed his rivals to make the pace for most of the race before going on at the 3rd last fence.

The Intermediate race was robbed of much of it's interest when odds-on favourite CRACKER TICKET was pulled up before half-way. However, the race produced a rousing climax with COOLE'S ABBOT and Mark Walters holding off a determined effort from DETROIT DAVY and Evan Williams

MR NEMO  finally got his act together in the Restricted race when scoring a comfortable victory from UNDER MILK WOOD and GERRY&TOM . Evan Williams did not appear to have any problems with MR NEMO'S jumping this time and a follow up before the season's end is a distinct possibility.

The maiden race was won by the 5 years old LIKE THE BUZZ and Evan Williams. They overhauled SING CHERRY RIPE and Charlotte Owen approaching the last and held on well to the finish. IT'S DIGITALIS and START IT UP filled the minor places.

The Hunt race was won by VALJEAN , who finished alone. Unfortunately BRAD'S BOY was fatally injured and local favourite RAJATI  was pulled up and is most unlikely to race again.