The HTA’s first week of the new season saw action at Cobra Castle last night.
What a difference a day makes weather wise, for after a gloriously sunny Tuesday only the real hardy hound trailer ventured out for this one.
The senior trail saw 18 hounds entered and it was Stephen and Ian Donaldson’s Huntsman’s Quartz who came with the lead and maintain this to the line to beat Sophie Steele’s Miterdale Dusk.
Last year’s senior championship runner-up Duchess Ava finished third for James and Ava McLelland.
There were 14 pups involved in their trail in worsening conditions and it was Graham Reid’s Mel that showed in front and was able to go on and win followed by four kennelmates – Foxparke Side Kick, Foxparke Dealer, Foxparke Majesty and Foxparke Brum Brum for the Napiers.
The time of the race was 27.52 so just as well that the rule was changed at this year’s AGM in February to give an extra five minutes on the maximum time from 25 minutes to half an hour otherwise the race would have been declared void.
The final race of the night for open maidens only had seven runners and the weather turned even worse.
So much so that only three of them finished – led in by Tony Jackson and co’s Kinniside Mick with Stephen Irving and Caroline Graham’s Hunter’s Zodiac in second.
Jake and Zak Green’s Green Flyer was the only other finisher in third.
Here’s hoping the weather is kinder tonight when the trails are back at Oulton.
April 5 – Cobra Castle
- Hounds – 1. Huntsman’s Quartz; 2. Miterdale Dusk; 3. Duchess Ava; 4. Kinniside Jacko; 5. Kinniside Bobby; 6. Cautious. 18 ran, time 29.44.
- Pups – 1. Mel; 2. Foxparke Side Kick; 3. Foxparke Dealer; 4. Foxparke Majesty; 5. Foxparke Brum Brum; 6. Hey Mac. 14 ran, time 27.52.
- Open Maiden – 1. Kinniside Mick; 2. Hunter’s Zodiac; 3. Green Flyer. 7 ran, only three finished. Time 27.42.
