Well as the carnival is over it is now time to reflect on the performances of our home grown trainers over the five days.
Westlawn Day saw us come up empty with not one local trainer making it to the winners circle
South Grafton Cup Day however was a much different beast with Cathy Chapman being first to celebrate when TIS TOBY scored a stylish victory in the Maiden 1110m ridden by Peter Graham the gelding raced near the lead throughout before dashing away when heads were turned for home to race away and win well.
It was a great result for Chapman who as well as being the sole owner was also able to celebrate TIS TOBY as a home bred.
John Shelton made the winners board with JULIANNE’S WISH ridden by Matt Bennett making it three from her last five after the promising filly almost provided an action replay of the win of Tis Toby earlier in the day also sitting in a close second before racing away in the straight to win with plenty in reserve in the BM 58 1415m.
Ramornie Day unfortunately was another duck egg for the locals. However Grafton Cup Day again saw John Shelton produce the right note on the right day when SAXOPHONE scored a strong win in the Association Plate 1200m.
Ridden by Matt Paget SAXOPHONE which had been solid in the market at his previous eight runs for the yard produced his best to score a narrow but convincing victory in the $45000 event at the good odds of $17 after $21 had been readily available.
Maclean Cup and the locals shone with John Shelton again in the winners circle when QUEENOFTHECASTLE scored a solid win in the Maiden 1100m
.
Ridden by Matt Paget the filly stalked the leaders before getting a little lost on the turn then balancing up in the straight to storm over the top of her opposition to win well.
David Campbell finished July 2019 for the locals when stable newcomer TICKETS FOR YOUTH ridden by Matt Bennett came from last in the run in the 1700m Maiden to round up his opposition in the straight and score with something in reserve.
With Grafton 2019 now run and won all eyes will turn to Coffs Harbour in coming weeks for their annual Cup Carnival.