Entries were down for the HTA’s return to Oulton on Sunday but the trails produced some exciting entertainment.
There was much anticipation ahead of the first as to how the in-form Rex the Rocket would get on against Silver Streak, a strong finisher who appeared to getting into her stride.
As the seniors came onto the finish there wasn’t much between them all but Rex the Rocket was about a yard ahead as they came up the hill.
Silver Streak had moved into second and it did look as though she was going to get up near the line but Rex the Rocket just held on for a thrilling win.
Tony, Marlene, Connor and Carter Irving’s charge was winning for the second time to move second in the early championship table.
There were only six contesting the puppy trail but again it produced an exciting conclusion.
Silver Dream and Embrace battled it out up the finish but the former just had enough speed to make the line ahead of her rival. Consolation for Embrace was that second spot was enough to take her into top place in the puppy championship ahead of Mel.
The Open non winners race followed and it was Bill Mellon’s Artist which came with a lead and was able to maintain that advantage up the hill.
Bill has just acquired Artist from Reg Smith, who hasn’t been too well, so it was a nice win for him and his family.
Glenis Farren’s Miss Stanhope finished second while Neil and Gillian Brown and Derek and Joel Bulman’s Hey Mac finished in third.
It proved a great day for Bill Mellon and co as their other hound Cracking Spirit ran well to win the open maiden race to complete a popular double. She came home in front of Linda Neal, Mark, Josh and Georgina Bryden’s Eagle Rock.
Action now switches to Cobra Castle tonight for the third meeting in a series of four with the last one taking place on Wednesday.
The first trail tonight slips slightly later than first advertised and is now at 6.15pm.
April 16 – Oulton
- Hounds – 1. Rex The Rocket; 2. Silver Streak; 3. Overwater Eddie; 4. Thorn Pop; 5. Cracking Last One Two; 6. Denton Shamrock. 15 ran, time 29.23.
- Pups – 1. Silver Dream; 2. Embrace; 3. Money Talks; 4. Sarah Jane; 5. Eagle Aveya; 6. Delta Samba. 6 ran, time 16.35.
- Open Non-Winners – 1. Artist; 2. Miss Stanhope; 3. Hey Mac; 4. Hunter’s Zodiac; 5. Thorn Gift; 6. Thorn Bear. 15 ran. time 17.23.
- Open Maiden – 1. Cracking Spirit; 2. Eagle Rock; 3. Splendid Mickey; 4. Shine On; 5. Eden Romina; 6. Thorn Thunder. 18 ran, time 17.01
