3YO Derby ushers in Corbiewood night racing

The return of the traditional Thursday night racing at Corbiewood on June 16th played host to the SHRC 3YO Derby which for the first time was split into divisions for colts and fillies, instead of the previous heats and final format. This new format was heralded a success by all concerned.

The honours went to the winner and runner up in last year's SHRC 2YO Futurity which had been a combined event for colts and fillies, Jacks Red and Porcelain Seelster. The track also welcomed back last year's SHRC Horse of the Year, Greentree Shorty, who returned with a win in top handicap company.

The first event of the night a was maiden and novice combined. The betting favourite, Millie May West (William Greenhorn) led from post position two, dictated the pace and coasted to victory under an armchair drive, giving Greenhorn yet another victory in his quest for the British driver's title. Although the season is still in its infancy, it's clear this driver means business. GDs Baby (Gordon Gilvear) came once again from off the pace to finish in the placings for the third time this season, passing Littlemill Alert (Steven Henderson) who finished third.

Race 1

1st Millie May West (Hasty Hall-April May West) – W Greenhorn

2nd GDs Baby (Daylon Alert-GDs Twin) – G Gilvear

3rd Littlemill Alert (Daylon Alert-Forevergreen) – S Henderson

8 Ran Time: 2.08.39 Dist.: 6L & 1 1/2L

There was an early speed duel in the second as Sureamhasty (William Greenhorn) and Camden Candyman (Robert Wilson) vied for the lead, which injected pace into the race which carried on throughout.

Sureamhasty won the early battle with Camden Candyman slotting in on the rail, however challengers were coming thick and fast with Anniejoan (Brian Gilvear) moving out to challenge, closely followed by Caraghs Hall (Hugh O'Neil Jr Jr). At the bell there was all to play for, and Caraghs Hall tipped three wide at the three quarters, showed a good turn of foot to narrowly take the lead as they rounded the final turn.

Bayrigg Tonto (Dougie Mckenzie), who had found himself short of racing room, weaved his way into a challenging position up the home straight, but it was Caraghs Hall under a perfect drive who claimed victory in a blanket finish which saw the first seven horses home within a second of each other.

Race 2

1st Caraghs Hall (Hasty Hall-Flyers Comet) – H O'Neil Jr Jr

2nd Bayrigg Tonto (Genghis Pan-Daurus Day) – D Mckenzie

3rd Camden Candyman (Yankee Lariat-Tacambro) – R Wilson

8 Ran Time: 2.07.82 Dist.: 3/4L & Nk

The third race saw Nevelle Scot (Richard Thomson) show good gate speed to take control of the race; Reverend Run (Keir Cullen) slotted in behind the leader looking to add to last week's first driving victory.

These two were left clear due to backfield interference, as Nevelle Scot set good fractions throughout and held off Reverend Run's persistent challenge to win convincingly. Wellfield Alfie, after faltering early, stayed on for third.

Race 3

1st Nevelle Scot (Daylon Alert-Mattches N Fire) – R Thomson

2nd Reverend Run (The Preacher Pan-Lyons Flum) – K Cullen

3rd Wellfield Alfie (Village Connection-Garys Advice) – G Cullen

8 Ran Time: 2.05.74 Dist.: 1 3/4L & 8L

The fourth event was the fillies' division of the SHRC 3YO Derby. After a false start, Gabriella Camden (Hugh Menzies) darted to the lead from the outside gate position with 2YO Futurity runner up Porcelain Seelster (James Haythornthwaite) in hot pursuit.

The leader set blazing fractions throughout, however the grey filly gradually wore her down and took up the running inside the final eighth to come home a worthy winner. Dynamic Ace (William Drysdale), making her racing debut, ran with tremendous credit to hold off Imogen Camden (William Greenhorn) for third.

Race 4

1st Porcelain Seelster (Camluck-Pantecostal) – J Haythornthwaite

2nd Gabriella Camden (Pro Bono Best-Seven Seas) – H Menzies

3rd Dynamic Ace (Windsong Dynamite-Dillys Red Ace) – W Drysdale

6 Ran Time: 2.04.89 Dist.: 1L & 1/2L

The next race saw six colts go to post for the second division. Indie Hanover, with Richard Haythornthwaite looking to emulate his brother's success in the previous race, started as the betting favourite.

However, it was last year's 2YO Champion Jacks Red (Grant Cullen) who blasted from the gate to take control. Cullen looked confident throughout, dictating the pace at the head of affairs; he was briefly challenged by Mooreside Watson (Richard Thomson) which helped keep the pace strong throughout the race, however once the challenger faded it paved the way for India Hanover to mount his challenge having enjoyed the perfect trip throughout.

This was the pivotal point of the race where Jacks Red or Indie Hanover would stamp his authority, and it was Jacks Red who left his mark, coming home a deserving winner. Ayr Trooper (Hugh Menzies) gave trainer Charles Inglis Jr a training 1-2 when grabbing second in deep stretch, and also the first two home for owners David and Wilma Morton.

1st Jacks Red (Check On Jack-Red Wilma) – G Cullen

2nd Ayr Trooper (Daylon Alert-Ayr Queen) – H Menzies

3rd Indie Hanover (Well Said-Incredible Margie) – R Haythornthwaite

6 Ran Time: 2.05.71 Dist.: 1L & 1L

The Tom Menzies Memorial trophy for the fastest division was awarded to Porcelain Seelster and connections, owners Claire and Shane Fletcher, trainer Teresa Haythornthwaite and son James who steered the filly to victory.

The final race of the evening was for Scotland's top handicappers and saw Greentree Shorty make his seasonal debut at Corbiewood following his Horse of the Year honours in 2015. He led out of the gate easily in the hands of regular driver William Drysdale, closely followed by American Gigolo (Tony Allan).

The first challenge came in the form of Dontstoptheparty (Brian Gilvear); this challenge was persistent and the mare was still there inside the final quarter. This left American Gigolo locked in the pocket; his young driver thought to take advantage of the slice of daylight up the leader's inside however things got rough rounding the final turn as the door closed on him.

Greentree Shorty crossed the line in front with American Gigolo and Bayrigg Millionayr finishing fast for second and third respectively.

The stewards looked into possible interference and pylon violation regarding the first two horses home but were satisfied for the result to stand.

Race 6

1st Greentree Shorty (Wolfdancer Mindale-Laytons Pansy P) – W Drysdale

2nd American Gigolo (Village Jasper-American Beauty) – T Allan

3rd Bayrigg Millionayr (Genghis Pan-Ayr Millennium) – R Thomson

5 Ran Time: 2.05.85 Dist.: 1L & 1L

The next meeting at Corbiewood will be Thursday 23rd June which kick starts the four-day Scottish Festival of Racing with meetings at Corbiewood, Musselburgh (24th /25th) and returning to Corbiewood on Sunday 26th June.

By Sarah Thomas, for Harnesslink