THE Walton fixture under BHRC rules was a day of roller-coaster emotions. Held in memory of Ted Phillips, a founder member of the organising committee, it began with a high for the chairman, Ian Lloyd, when his own Top Cat (Roy Wilson) pounced on the line to capture the first maiden division.
Patsy Morris' smile was utterly spellbinding when she sparkled clear with Saunders Magical in division 2.
Another member of the tiny committee, Nigel Pinches, could have been turning cartwheels when his own Young Man made his seasonal debut a winning one in the talented hands of Gareth Price, pipping Just William (David Bevan).
Bevan had to settle for second again in the following race when I'llalwaysbetheman was bested by Tom Harper's handsome Wellfield Nicholas, expertly driven by Julian Price.
Proud Girl, trained by Cardiff man Peter Dyer, has been stealthily creeping into form over the last few weeks and she hurtled off her backmark with David Matthews to plunder the spoils in the open handicap division.
The rug for the fastest time of the afternoon was clocked by David Lloyd-Evans' Wilbro Douglas in the Improver-Intermed-iate event.
The four year-old was driven by Leominster-based Patrick Morris, who is in demonic form this season.
It seemed as if Morris was about to land a double in the first open handicap when the sizzling Symlog Derryn Du headed the throng up the hill.
But, in the dying strides, Goldwood, the rank outsider with the outsize heart, burst through with Lord Lipsey to grab the glory.
Poetry in commotion! The crowd, who really appreciate the diligence Lord Lipsey applies to combining his love of the sport with his duties as head of the Tote Trust and chairman of the Greyhound Racing Board, erupted into a thunderclap of acclaim, and it was an historic moment.
Not a man to do things by halves, Lord Lipsey partnered his youngster, Radnor Mary Anne, in the 10-runner Novice Grades Consolation Race, and was obviously not on speaking terms with defeat. He repelled all challenges to streak home by a length and a half to another tumultuous reception.
Next fixtures: Trelai Park, Cardiff, Wednesday 6.30pm, and Leominster, Sunday 2 pm.
RESULTS
Going: Firm (all races over 1 mile 90 yds).
Maiden, Div 1: 1 Top Cat (Roy Wilson); 2 Newtown Ranger (David Bevan); 3 Wellfield Jakal (David Matthews). 2.22.0 L, 7L. Owned by Ian Lloyd.
Div 2: 1 Saunders Magical (Patsy Morris); 2 Blythe Meadow Jess (Jason Podmore); 3 Mahogany Scooter (Colin Bevan). 2:23.4. 3L, 1 L. Owned & trained by Brian Davies, Sennybridge.
Novice: 1 Young Man (Gareth Price);2 Just William (David Bevan); 3 Tax Free (Jason Podmore). 2:23.0. 1L, 6L. Owned & trained by Nigel Pinches, Gladestry.
Novice/Improver: 1 Wellfield Nicholas (Julian Price); 2 I'llalwaysbetheman (David Bevan) 10 yds; 3 R Stanley (Colin Bevan). 2:21.3. L, L. Owned & trained by Tom Harper, Pembridge.
Improver/Intermediate: 1 Wilbro Douglas (Patrick Morris); 2 Cerion San San (Jason Podmore); =3 Ystwyth Harrier (Sara Morgans); Cool Hand Luke (Carl Morgan). 2:19.1. 4L, nk. Owned & trained by D L Evans, Tregaron.
Open Handicap, Div 1: 1 Goldwood (Lord Lipsey); 2 Symlog Derryn Du (Patrick Morris) 10 yds; 3 Teifi Butler (Holly Richards). 2:19.5. 1L, 2L. Owned by Lord Lipsey, trained by Dick Price, Glasbury-on-Wye.
Div 2: 1 Proud Girl (David Matthews) 30 yds; 2 Disturbin' (Jason Podmore) 10 yds; 3 Scoots Mischief (David Bevan)10 yds.
Mixed Novice Grades Consolation: 1 Radnor Mary Anne (Lord Lipsey); 2 Justin St George (Alan Westwood) 10 yds; 3 Blythe View Billy (Jason Podmore). 2:25.2. 1L, 1L. Owned by Lord Lipsey, trained by Dick Price, Glasbury-on-Wye.
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