THE elements showed no mercy to the final meeting under BHRC rules at the Amman Valley circuit, but the relentless rain did not quench the enthusiasm of the drivers.

David Bevan, Sara Mould and Gareth Price are batt-ling determinedly for the area driver's title, and Bevan made light of the testing conditions to partner two of the open heat winners.

He and Inez Gale won their sixth race of the season for owner/breeder Jimmy Hamblett and Elaine Thomas' handsome Scoots Messenger defied his 30-yard trail for the fastest time of the day.

Sara Mould, visiting the Amman Valley track for the first time, retaliated with a narrow maiden success behind Saunders Ember, a mare who has been patiently produced and who delighted her connections.

Ceiron Duchess has been consistent this season and thoroughly deserved her novice victory with Dylan Lloyd-Jones. Castle Rajah continued his impressive run with a game win over Leckwith China Boy in the Improver, though Gary Wakefield gained quick consolation with Ynyston Chip in the Intermediate.

Hereford-based Sara Davies, 28, one of the long-suffering race secretaries of Wales & West, enjoys her race driving and, having no booked partner for the meeting, persuaded Allensmore owner Richard Owens to lend her Fearless Betty II.

The mare is shortly destined for the sales ring, and Sara, who only drove her first winner a few weeks ago, joked that if the partnership managed to win heat and final, her stepfather, Kevin Mussell, should buy Fearless Betty for her.

Thinking this to be an unlikely event, Kevin agreed. He was stunned when they returned in victory from the heat, and Sara was not going to be denied in the final.

She committed Fearless Betty from the gate, and due to the slightly better going on the outside, was able to eventually lead, doggedly repelling all challenges for a long-priced but popular victory.

Next fixture: Almeley, Sunday 1 p.m

RESULTS

Going: Slow

Open Handicap, Heat 1:1 Inez Gale (David Bevan), 2 Herbies BJ (Mark Pritchard), 3 John Boy (Richard Owens). 2-17.9. 5l, 1l. 6 ran. Owned by Jimmy Hamblett, trained by David Bevan, Builth Wells.

Heat 2:1 Fearless Betty II (Sara Davies),2 Highbrooks Cobra (David Bevan) 10 yds, 3 Symlog Princess (Karen Lowes). 2-18.2. 3l, 1l. 6 ran. Owned & trained by Richard Owens, Allensmore.

Heat 3:1 Scoots Messenger (David Bevan) 30 yds, 2 Past Caring (Andrew Rees), 3 Teifi Butler (Karen Lowes). 2-16.1. 2l, 2l. 7 ran. Owned by Elaine Thomas, trained by David Bevan, Builth Wells.

Maiden: 1 Saunders Ember (Sara Mould), 2 Music Man (Colin Bevan), 3 Newtown Shine (Terry Laventure). 2-22.7. l, 1l. 9 ran. Owned by T Holgate, trained by Brian Mould, Dunston.

Novice: 1 Ceiron Duchess (Dylan Lloyd-Jones), 2 Morfa Jack (Les Saunders), 3 Highbrooks Hustler (David Bevan). 2-20.6. l, l. 9 ran. Owned by Evans & Hughes. Trained by G Hughes, Mid-Wales.

Improver: 1 Castle Rajah (Ian Lloyd), 2 Leckwith China Boy (Gary Wakefield), 3 Radnor Silvie (Mark Pritchard). 2-20.6. Neck, l. 6 ran. Owned by S Barrett, trained by Mair Wilson, Llanbister.

Intermediate: 1 Ynyston Chip (Gary Wakefield), 2 Epynt Adam (David Bevan), 3 Symlog Double D (Karen Lowes). 2-16.6. 1l, 1l. 6 ran. Owned & trained by Peter Dyer, Cardiff.

Open Handicap Final: 1 Fearless Betty II (Sara Davies), 2 Scoots Messenger (James Bevan) 30 yds, 3 Highbrooks Cobra (Gareth Price). 2-17.3. 1l, 1l. 8 ran. Owned & trained by Richard Owens, Allensmore.