The latest HTA meeting at Bridekirk was probably well received by the dogs after the recent spell of hot weather, even though it was wet and damp for the supporters.
There were 18 runners for the opening senior trail and Hunter’s Flame, sent off the favourite, wasn’t in contention having to settle for the sixth and final ticket.
It was one of the outsiders, Bill Mellon’s Cracking Last One Two who returned to form over one of her favourite courses. Runner-up Martha was close-up in second and is also showing good signs of recovery after a recent injury.
Nicola McMaster’s Silver Dancer took the senior maidens by beating Brian and Joy Lister’s Imagine. There were only nine in the pups but it produced a good finish between Silver Streak and Dream Catcher.
It looked as though Dream Catcher would continue her good form as she came with a lead but for some reason she decided to run off down the trail. That allowed Silver Streak to come through and score a fourth win over the Bridekirk course in as many runs.
Silver Streak has now six wins in the Puppy Championship behind Ned’s Gain (10) but both have a fair bit to do to catch leader Huntsman’s Rebel (18).
The puppy maidens was disappointing with seven entries but they got to half-way and then spun round and ended up coming back so none got round and it was a void trail.
The veterans only attracted five runners bit it was the fastest short trail of the day as the old timers showed they can still do it.
It was course specialist, Bill Birkett’s General James who beat Foxparke Hooligan and Hawkswood, followed in by double champion Miterdale Shadow and Foxparke Golden Balls.
Hawkswood still leads the veterans championship but only by one point now from General James.
Trails this afternoon are at Kirkstone.
July 30 – Bridekirk
- Hounds – 1. Cracking Last One Two; 2. Martha; 3. Miterdale Dusk; 4. Lily; 5. Thorn Pop; 6. Hunter’s Flame. 18 ran, time 26.33.
- Maidens – 1. Silver Dancer; 2. Imagine; 3. Thorn Crackle; 4. Foxparke Joey Elliot; 5. Trev. 5 ran, time 26.53.
- Pups – 1. Silver Streak; 2. Dream Catcher ;3. Busy Again; 4. Foxparke Beep Beep; 5. Sas; 6. Foxparke Mysteriously. 9 ran, time 18.38.
- Puppy Maidens – Void, 7 ran none got round.
- Veterans – 1. General James; 2. Foxparke Hooligan; 3. Hawkswood; 4. Miterdale Shadow; 5. Foxparke Golden Balls. 5 ran, time 18.05.
