With the XXXX July Racing Carnival now run and won it is time to review how the Grafton trainers fared on the five premier days of racing.
Prelude day saw the Scott Henley yard unveil a promising 2yo when Volcanic Love scored a very impressive victory in the Springboard Prelude 1015m.
Ridden by Anthony Allen the son of Kermadec had a huge wrap on him having already been successful in two barrier trials at Grafton.
His supporters never had any real cause for concern with Volcanic Love sitting just off the pace before dashing for home at the 200m and quickly putting the issue beyond doubt.
South Grafton Cup and Ramornie Days unfortunately both came up empty winners wise.
Grafton Cup day however saw Dwayne Schmidt come up trumps with Invincible Alf winning the Springboard To Fame 1200m and in doing so turning the tables on Volcanic Love which had beaten him out of a place in the prelude some twelve days earlier.
Ridden by Ben Looker Invincible Alf settled outside the lead and then applied pressure shortly after straightening gaining the ascendancy near the 200m and going on to win with some authority.
Maclean Cup day started well for the locals with leading trainer John Shelton saddling up winner number one for the carnival when Lady Tulessa led throughout to win the F&M BM 58 1100m.
Ridden by Ben Looker Lady Tulessa was getting weary in the run to the finish but held too many guns for her rivals.
Winner number two for Grafton came when the Shane Everson prepared Old Timing Man scored in the C&G BM 58 1100m. Ridden by Jon Grisedale Old Timing Man stalked the leaders in third place before shifting into the clear below the 300m to win well.
The final Grafton winner for the carnival came courtesy of Dwayne Schmidt who teamed up with Ben Looker to win the 3120m marathon with Grand Shanghai.
Backing up from an unplaced effort in the prelude Grand Shanghai settled well back in the field before Looker got on his bike early to take control of the race at the 1000m. Once in front Grand Shanghai simply out stayed his rivals to bolt in.
