Smoke On The Water-lea track

He may have started 40 metres behind the front markers but there was no stopping Smoke On The Water in the feature race at the Marlborough Harness Racing Club’s two-day summer meeting.

On Sunday afternoon at the picturesque Waterlea venue, the six-year-old gelding, who did not race in Friday afternoon’s Cup Prelude, flew down the outside of the grass track to claim first place in the Donegal House Marlborough Cup, raced over 2850m.

The race favourite, who was trained by Matt Purvis at Woodend Beach, started 40m behind the front markers and awaited his time at the tail of the field, under a strong hold from driver Robbie Close.

With 400m to run, Robbie gave his charge free rein, Smoke On The Water taking full advantage of the lengthy Waterlea straight to race past all his rivals with a withering turn of speed and complete a Reefton Cup/Marlborough Cup double.

Second, three quarters of a length back, was Misty Blue and Sheree Tomlinson, the duo bold winners of the Cup Prelude on day one, with outsider Dance Till Dawn, driven by Gavin Smith, one-and-three-quarter lengths further adrift.

Despite some inclement weather on Friday, there was a decent turnout on course both days, with entertainment on offer for the younger racegoers and good dividends available for the punters who were able to pick winners from among large fields.

A familiar visitor to the Waterlea track is Samantha Ottley, the country’s most successful female driver with 912 wins in a stellar career.

Although she managed just a single win at this meeting, Sam said she always looks forward to her trips to Marlborough.

“I am a regular here most years,” she said on an overcast Friday afternoon, “I usually come for the weather but I’m sure it will get better,” she added with a smile.

“This is a lovely place to come each year … the racecourse here has got great facilities and the locals are always friendly and willing to help out. It is just a nice place to come for a few days – sort of a working holiday really.”

The leading driver crown was won this year by Blair Orange with four victories over the two days, while the West Melton-based duo of Ken Ford and Amanda Tomlinson were the top trainers with four stable wins.

There was also some local success.

Waterlea-based trainer Alan Shutkowski enjoyed success, his charges Ha’penny and Major Moonshine earning placings, the latter on both days.

On Sunday, Kendra Gill, who also trains at Waterlea, picked up a placing with her charge Top Of The Hill.

There was also considerable local interest in the maiden win of John Dunn-driven mare Amici on day one, with several locals being involved in a couple of syndicates that share ownership of the four-year-old.