Harestock Handicap results Jan 2020

The 2020 Handicap series is up and running with Rick Pike just holding off a fast finishing Mark Craven to win at only his second attempt. Sarah Aldridge ran strongly from start to finish and hold off all the other challengers and take third place.
nOverall we had 21 runners out contesting this first handicap of the year, including 3 event newbies in David Watson, Janet Littlewood and Sarah de Wit. We also saw the welcome return of Charlie Hoskins and Susy Perry after long absences. There was good racing throughout the field with 7 runners meeting or beating their handicap and with 13 runners in the sweetspot many of us enjoyed the thrill of being in the charge to the line that is the blanket finish.
nWhat with all that Turkey & Christmas pudding it was never going to be a night for fast running but things were made worse as our two big dogs, both veterans at this event, were a bit navigationally challenged and jogged home with their tails between their legs. Fastest on the night therefore was Mark Craven in 7'04 with Steve Oliver 7'07 and David Watson 7'13 getting surprise mentions in the top 3. Not a lot of movement on the PB honours board but Charlie Hoskins deserves some kudos for improving her 3yr old PB and setting a new mark of 7'21....just a sighting shot.
nNot much to say about the 2020 overall standings so perhaps better to record our belated congratulations to Dave Gaskell who won the 2019 series from Mikaela Price and Steve Goodwin.
nIf you couldn't make it to the January event don't worry all is not lost as there are plenty races and plenty discards to come....the next event is the first Thursday of February, ie on the 6th of Feb 2020 meet at the track 18.45 for 19.00.