There was a popular long-distance win in the HTA senior trail at Helton last night.
The Bell family travel from Yorkshire and Winterfell took the honours in the opening race after a tight finish.
In a desperate race for the line Winterfell just got the better of Miterdale Dusk in the last few strides.
Indeed they almost went home with a double when their hound Ron finished second to old timer General James in the open maiden trail.
Experience paid off as General James managed to push on and get front of the younger dog, timing his race to perfection.
The trails had started in wet conditions but the weather improved as the night went on.
In the open pups table leader Huntsman’s Rebel was back to winning ways collecting a not-so-unlucky 13th win of the season, to go four in front of Ned’s Gain who could only manage sixth ticket on this occasion.
The winner finished a comfortable distance clear of David Clifford’s Eden Redama.
The all-in race was won in the fastest time of the night by Debbie and Lana McGee’s Apache, winning comfortably from the Cockermouth hound of Julie Birkinshaw, Breton.
July 6 – Helton
- Hounds – 1. Winterfell; 2. Miterdale Dusk; 3. Huntsman’s Que; 4. Kirkhead Rebel; 5. Reebok; 6. Miterdale Duchess. 22 ran, time 32.15.
- Pups – 1. Huntsman’s Rebel; 2. Eden Redarna; 3. Sweet Dreams; 4. Silver Streak; 5. Busy Again; 6. Ned’s Gain. 26 ran, time 18.58.
- Open Maidens – 1. General James; 2. Ron; 3. Imagine; 4. Silver Dancer; 5. Eleanor’s Lass; 6. Overwater Eddie. 30 ran, time 19.35.
- All In – 1. Apache; 2. Bretton; 3. Denton Balboa; 4. Cracking Spirit; 5. Wild Gypsy; 6. Summer Spirit. 25 ran, time 18. 48.
