Will we ever come down to earth after the 2017 Crock of Gold Final at Tir Prince?
A race which reminded us all why we enthuse about this sport.
If Crock Night at Tir Prince could be bottled, the sport would thrive.
When you consider the betting industry in the UK spend so much time promoting virtual racing, numbers games and, no disrespect, racing from the likes of India and Chile, here you have a home grown product that provides the most thrilling of spectacles that surely, if promoted professionally, would sell.
To many the Group 1 Northern Trading Cumbria Crock of Gold Final was, pre race the best line up for any pace in these islands for many a day, as we have experienced in the past races that have such a massive billing do not always live up to expectations, this did, in fact it exceeded expectations.
The draw in itself was dramatic, with the favourite, dual Group 1 winner Evenwood Sonofagun drawn 5 but not as bad as last year’s Horse of the Year Miraculous who drew 8.
Then there was Coalford Tetrick in 4, with, and this is another element to the night’s emotions, dual Crock winner Stoneriggs Mystery in his final race in a career that yielded 43 wins, Horse of the Year titles, two Big Gun Championships, three Billy Williams Free For All victories, a Pacing Classic and other top level successes, drawing barrier 6.
Other ingredients made the whole recipe mouthwatering with the excellent Mickey Camden in 7, Porterstown Chris in 1, Senior Dragon winner Party At The Spa in 2 and last year’s runner-up Lyons Mischief in 3.
For less than 2 mins the stellar field sucked everyone of us into the zone, with fans captivated by the events unfolding before our very eyes at this track of International standard.
Jonathan Dunne made use of the 1 hole with Porterstown Chris, setting the pace but instantly taken on by Evenwood Sonofagun, who was fired out from a middle barrier by Rocker Laidler.
While the Rocker and his partner had a tough trip Miraculous paced in the running line, getting the cover with Coalford Tetrick waited with on the pegs.
What unfolded in the final quarter will become UK harness racing folklore as Evenwood Sonofagun hit the front soon to be joined by Miraculous with Mickey Camden preparing to mount a serious challenge.
Down the stretch the pacers gave their all, one second it was going to be Miraculous, the next second Evenwood Sonofagun and for a moment Mickey Camden looked dangerous.
At the wire we were left guessing in an air of jubilation having just witnessed the greatest race of the modern era as Evenwood Sonofagun and Miraculous passed the Judge together.
The suspense was unbelievable with an electric atmosphere at the track as the Judge studied the finish, after which the declaration was made that these pacers of a ‘lifetime’ could not be split and a dead-heat was announced with Mickey Camden an honourable third, just a length away.
If that was not enough, the joint winners also equaled the track record time of 1.56.2.
What than ensued was chaotic merriment on the track with two sets of connections celebrating and applauding their equine heroes.
What of the others?
Party At The Spa paced into fourth, Lyons Mischief fifth, Coalford Tetrick sixth, Stronriggs Myserty seventh and Porterstown Chris eighth.
A custom in some countries when a champion retires is the horse is paraded in front of the stands, and ceremoniously the sulky and tack are removed for one last time.
Stoneriggs Mystery received this fitting honour in front of the admiring fans after racing for the final time.
A big thank you goes to the Morton family, Lords and everyone concerned with this great horse for the memories.
Our hero posed for the photos in the Winner’s Enclosure for one final time led by his devoted handler Kelly Peacock, before leaving the stage.
So, what of our current greats?
It’s possible Evenwood Sonofagun has finished his amazing 2017 campaign with his 16th straight win, while Miraculous may have a couple more starts, with the Group 1 Pacing Classic at Tir Prince September 23rd mentioned as a target followed by a Big Gun race at Wolverhampton on October 1st.
It was suggested a match race between the two could be staged, however connections have turn down the invitation.
Hopefully we can look forward to more encounters between the pair in a normal racing environment in the future, though the lure of racing abroad may be on the cards for champions.
This night at Tir Prince signed off with the richest race ever to be staged on UK soil with the culmination of the 3-Y-O Le Trot series in the form of the Gold Final.
The race went to script with the best three from the division dominating the race as Equilea Du Hauty kept at bay the efforts of Ecume De Mer and Eliothrope, winning by half a length and one length.
The aforementioned are certainly talented and are great addition to the British trotting scene.
The Silver Final saw Eldivina D’Esge master Espoir Lila in the straight to give Rhun Wilson his biggest success since switching to racing under BHRC rules.
Well done to owner Joby Randall, who recently appeared in DIY SOS fixing a roof, the £10,000 cheque put a smile on his face!
The Bronze division went in convincing style to Emirat Du Levant, who was given a polished drive by Richard Haythornthwaite.
The winner has had a few issues but treatment to a sore back and the application of a hood seemed to have the desired effect.
The star studded card also included the Group 1 Derby and Oaks, which were somewhat overshadowed by the Crock Of Gold, perhaps going forward these classic races could be staged on another night.
The Derby, a race rich in tradition, featured four pacers covering the mike and half but one horse, Rhyds Rock Star, a son of Hasty Hall pulled the field apart with a fourteen length win in 3.04.5, a time 3/10′s outside the record for age and trip at the track.
The winner, driven by James Haythornthwaite, was recording his ninth win of the year and is yet another young gun for the big stage next season.
James completed a classic double when guiding catch drive the tough Greenhilldebatable to Group 1 Oaks glory, holding on from the exceptionally talented Lyons Lememay by a neck after steadily run affair, clocking 3.10.2.
This was a richly deserved success for a filly who has regularly been the bridesmaid as opposed to reaching the altar as number one!
Sacha of Carless is undoubtedly a very versatile trotter, and once again, steered by Phil O’Neill, came out on top when winning the Ephie Mather Memorial by one and a half lengths from Sun Gahn, with Bora Bora De Seg a head away in third.
Other pacers going places are Rockin Mambo and Tarawood CJ, winners of Preffered races on the card.
The former is handled by Marc Jones, who enthused about his star afterwards with next season in mind.
Jones also reported, sadly for race fans, the retirement of the best filly in training Jessies Conquest.
Having had a few issues she now begins a new life as a broodmare.
New ‘daddy’ Jonathan Dunne may have left the bar uncharacteristically early after racing, but he was in joyous mood after Tarawood CJ displayed true quality to collect after being denied a clear passage.
The easy Portmarcock 3-Y-O Championship winner from the Delaney weekend is another name to be put in lights for next year.
The night began with victory for Eva Thoris in the Le Trot 3-Y-O Consolation, a first drive for Joe Quinn – what a way to start!
Eric Witherspoon has worked tirelessly on promoting racing at Tir Prince this year, here the track was rewarded with a never to be forgotten night, so a big well done to Eric and the team.
Let’s all come together and celebrate a triumph for the sport – more meetings like this would not go amiss.
Harness Racing is the big winner here.

Darren Owen