Local Eastbro Chrissy strikes gold in Mt Gambier Cup

Local four year old mare Eastbro Chrissy (Alta Christiano) scored her most important harness racing success when she took out the $18,000 Matthews Petroleum Mount Gambier Pacing Gold Cup at the Mount Gambier Raceway last night in a thrilling finish.

The mare finished a close second in her Heat but due to her back row draw she was not highly fancied. The other local pacer Jensville was sent out favourite and as expected was taken straight to the lead by Barry Finnis.

EASTBRO CHRISSY MAR 15 REPLAY MOUNT GAMBIER PACING GOLD CUP

Jackie Barker aboard Eastbro Chrissy sent the mare out three wide just under two laps out where she moved alongside Jensville who had slowed down the field once in front.

Jensville looked to be travelling well enough in the final lap but Eastbro Chrissy continued to grind away to finally wrest the lead at the top of the home straight. Michaywey who had the trail right behind Eastbro Chrissy issued a strong challenge but in a gripping finish Eastbro Chrissy found something to win by half a head from Michaywey with Jensville a metre away third.

The win gave popular local trainer Rebecca East a winning treble as she had earlier success with She Will Wantono (Roll With Joe) and Famous Label (Always B Miki) who was also driven by Jackie Barker.

It was also a third generation Gold Cup winner for Rebecca.

Stewards were kept busy with both Jackie Barker and Amy Day fined for unacceptable whip use while Jayson Finnis was fined for a slow sectional.

The other feature of the card was the Canny Ever Country Trotters Cup which was won by another local Stockman Peter (Used to Me) who upset the Victorian visitors Johns Boy and Maestro who were expected to fight out the finish.

But in a dramatic race Stockman Peter driven by David Phillips was the only runner who trotted faultlessly and he scored a well deserved win. However full credit to leading Victorian trainer Brent Lilley who made the effort to support the club. Despite the disappointment of the trotters cup, Lilley was successful in the final event when Kyvalley Anthony (Skyvalley) scored the easiest wins in the trotters mobile event.

An excellent crowd turned up for the club’s biggest meeting of the year. The club has an enthusiastic committee and volunteers who all work tirelessly to keep the Mount Gambier club in prominence and judging on the success of last night’s meeting, the club has every reason to be optimistic on its future.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink