THE crowds flocked to the Wales & West championship meeting under BHRC rules and witnessed a day of thrills and dramatic spills.

The 11-race card got off to a flying start when Jimmy Hamblett's popular mare Inez Gale thundered to her fifth success of the year with David Bevan, taking him to the top of the local drivers' table.

Sara Mould is hot on Bevan's heels for the title and threw down her challenge by partnering the winners of both maiden divisions with Pru's Princess and Miss Bogart for her father, Brian.

The mile-and-a-quarter race for the Dai Abberley Memorial was an emotional affair for many, and this was heightened when several drivers were involved in a high-speed spill going into the final bend.

All escaped relatively unscathed and it was John Hansford's Herbie's BJ who missed the carnage to regain his form and hold the impressive Pantri Bach Dancer (Joss Edwards).

There was further drama in the improver race when all but three runners were brought down in the back straight, although, luckily, Eli and Brett Strickland were in front of the trouble and went on to win.

But the hearts of all spectators were lifted in the final race, the Wales & West points championship for the top 10 horses in Wales & West this season.

The gallant Shadow Dancer had won this race for the last two years, but was now off a crucifying handicap.

And when the charismatic Gareth Price produced him for his challenge from his 40-yard trail, it looked as if his run had come to abrupt end as he was balked by a wall of horses. Daylight appeared as they rounded the final bend, and Shadow Dancer pulled out all the stops to thrust his neck in front of Past Caring and Cam Dancer for a truly magnificent victory.

The voting for the 'People's Champions' was completed at Almeley, and it proved to be a double for Shadow Dancer and Price, although Inez Gale and David Bevan were breathing down their necks as runners-up.

Next fixture: Amman Valley, Sunday, 2 pm.

RESULTS

Symlong Prince Open Handicap Pace: 1 Inez Gale (David Bevan), 2 Miss Ela (Joss Edwards), 3 John Boy (Richard Owens). 2-9.4. l, 1l. 5 ran. Owned by Jimmy Hamblett, trained by David Bevan, Builth Wells.

Conway Price and Jill Lloyd Open Handicap (handicap reduced by 10 yds): 1 Tsar (Joss Edwards) 20 yds, 2 Young Dennis (Gareth Price) 10 yds, 3 Denzil Benberthy (Jamie Davies). 2-5.2. 1l, l. 7 ran. Owned by Handy/Workman, trained by Joss Edwards, North Wales.

Tracy Reynolds Workaholic Maiden Mile: 1 Miss Bogart (Sara Mould), 2 Ystwyth Jim (Cliff Beaumont-Dowse), 3 Peaks Pastime (Alan Haythornthwaite). 2-1.4. l, 1 l. 8 ran. Owned & trained by Brian Mould, Dunston.

Robert Millichap Maiden Mile: 1 Pru's Princess (Sara Mould), 2 Proud Alma (Martin Till), 3 Outlaw's Madam (Derek Turton). 2-9.8. 6l, 1l. 6 ran. Owned & trained by Brian Mould, Dunston.

Wales and West Supporters Penalty Free Non-winners in 2001 Mile: 1 Factory Bacardi (Dale Wilson) 30 yds, 2 Skipper Baron ( Sara Mould), 3 Symlog Princess (Karen Lowes). 2-9.3. 1l, 3l. 5 ran. Owned by Fred Baker, trained by Mair Wilson, Llanbister.

Bryan Morgan Novice Mile: 1 My Lightning Gold (Alan Haythornthwaite), 2 Danny The Rhiew (Andrew Rees), 3 Ceiron Duchess (Dylan Lloyd-Jones). 2-10.9. 3l, head. 9 ran. Owned & trained by Sally Teeboon, Derbyshire.

Phillip Matthews Novice Mile: 1 Castle Rajah (Roy Wilson), 2 London Lane Dancer (Les Saunders), 3 Proud Girl (Martin Till). 2-9.7. 8l, 3l. 8 ran. Owned by S Barrett, trained by Mair Wilson, Llanbister.

Dail Abberley Memorial Mile-and-a-quarter Open Handicap: 1 Herbies BJ (Mark Pritchard), 2 Pantri Bach Dancer (Joss Edwards) 40 yds, 3 Kerry Rhiew (Andrew Rees). 2-39.7. Neck, 2l. 9 ran. Owned by John Hansford, trained by Mark Pritchard, Boughrood.

Symlog Princess Improver Mile: 1 Eli (Brett Strickland), 2 Sourbrook Celia (Glyn Slade-Jones),3 Radnor Silvie (Mark Pritchard). 2-8.6. 1l, 1l. 9 ran. Owned & trained by Brett Strickland, Bristol.

Symlog Double D Intermediate: 1 High Heel Kerry Boy (Steve Lees), 2 Look Sharp (Terry Laventure), 3 Mahogany King (Sara Mould). 2-7.8. 1l, l. 6 ran. Owned by Arthur Parsons, trained by Steve Lees, North Wales.

Ben the Super Spaniel Wales and West Points Championship Open Handicap: 1 Shadow Dancer (Gareth Price) 40 yds, 2 Past Caring (Andrew Rees), 3 Cam Dancer (Patrick Morris). 2-5.8. l. l. 10 ran. Owned by Alan Price, trained by Gareth Price, Brecon.