It was only the loyal supporters who braved the terrible conditions at the Parkes Harness Racing Club’s June meeting last Sunday afternoon.
The weather just kept getting worse throughout the afternoon but a huge amount of credit due to the committee and the track curator, Brett Hutchings, the six races were all run.
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Former local girl, Jess Prior, was the leading driver for the day with two winners.
Her first was in race one the Parkes Mensland Maiden Pace.
Jess won the start and then controlled the race from there to win with Octavia Shannon, for leading Bathurst trainer Peter Bullock who is also Jess’ employer.
Diamond Thief ran a solid race for second after sitting without cover to be only beaten by two metres.
So Much Joy had a nice run behind the leader and finished a further 2.5 metres back in third place.
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Go Scotty in the Terry Bros Pace gave Jess her second winner of the day.
This time she kept it in the family as the winner is trainer by her uncle Terry Powter.
After settling well back in the field from his barrier 10 draw, he raced there until approaching the 400 metres before Jess let him have his head and sprint quickly to win going away from Levi Jade and Spanish Lustre.
This was Go Scottys’ 16th lifetime win.
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Parkes HRC President, Geoff Cole, was happy the meeting progressed when his talented 3YO Jumping Jack Jimmy (Mark Hewitt) was successful in the K & H Earthmoving Pace.
The $1.80 favorite did it tough racing without cover but he again showed his liking for the Parkes track to come away and win by almost seven metres.
Perfectdistraction ran home well for second and Shes
The Other One who led throughout held on for third.
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In the Alabar Three Year Old Pace the leading Forbes combination of Jason Gaffney and Murray Sullivan proved too strong with their pacer Sonny Orlando.
Sitting midfield, he made a fast run at the 600 metres before joining the race favorite, After The Ball on the home turn.
These two horses then battled it out in the home straight with a 5.7. metre margin to the winner.
Nekike River ran home strongly from the tail of the field for third.
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Racing concluded with the Col Fletcher Ford Pace and the $1.50 favorite Fantasy Level sent punters home happy.
Trained and driven by Nathan Turnbull, the gelding enjoyed the run of the race until the home turn before sprinting past the leaders near the winning post.
Smart Major ran a tough race after sitting without cover to run second and Catch Your Breath also ran a good race for third after trying to lead throughout.
The PHRC would like to thank all owners, trainers, drivers, strappers, volunteers, supporters and HRNSW Stewards for their dedication enabling the meeting to be run.
The PHRC will race again on July 10, and everyone will be hoping that the weather will be better.
The same story has been submitted to Parkes Champion Post and the link is this: CLICK HERE