Crowds were entertained with pony races, harness racing and motorbike racing at the annual Longnor Wakes Races last week. Above, in a close race, number 21 Steve Lees takes the win.
Youngster Maddy wins three trophies while Ronnie, 10, claims Dream Mile victory
A GOOD crowd enjoyed the thrills and spills of the races at the annual Longnor Wakes Races held in mostly fine weather last week.
Once again crowds were entertained with pony races, harness racing and motorbike racing along with a fell race and ‘dream mile’ race for youngsters.
Opening the day was the pony racing and gymkhana.
Chief gymkhana steward Stephen Mellor said: “The event has once again been well supported and we have had some good racing.”
Best turned out pony and rider went to 13-year-old Maddy Mycock who also won two more cups.
Maddy said: “I am very pleased to win three cups at the event.”
In the harness racing the first two in the three qualifying heats went through to the final and a chance to take the first prize of £500.
In an exciting final the winner was Brywins Magician driven by Victoria Gill of York.
In the dream mile race, which is one lap around the course, it was a good day for 10-year-old Ronnie Ralph of Southport, who was first past the winning post. First girl was Skye Beswick of Earl Sterndale.
During the afternoon, President of the Longnor Wakes Races Committee, Brian Riley, presented Ken Dunn with a clock for his 40 years service on the committee.
Mr Dunn said: “I have enjoyed being on the committee for the last 40 years and I still intend to carry on being a member. I am born and bred in Longnor. My mum and dad both supported the wakes committee. I wish to thank the committee for this lovely gift.”
The day was also a debut for the harness racing commentator 14-yearold Stephen Lees from North Wales.
Stephen took over the role following the retirement of Peter Deighton from Skipton in Yorkshire. At last year’s event Mr Deighton said that he was 80 next year and thought it was time to hand over to someone younger.
Stephen, whose dad is a top harness racer, said: “I have enjoyed my first year. My dad is a harness racer so I have been involved in the racing all my life. I have two horses in training. I hope to go on to be a driver and also a commentator at events all over the country.”
The motorbike racing and fell race attracted a good entry.
The fell race was won by David Fryer-winder. The first woman was Jo Bednall
In the motorbike racing, ‘Man of the Meeting’ was Luke Meredith.
Chairman of the organising committee, Stephen Johnson said: “We have had a very good day and a brilliant turn out. We are very pleased. The harness racing entries are up and are the best for several years. The visitor numbers are also up on last year. The track is very good as we have spent a lot of time and money on it.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our sponsors, committee members and all the people who attend the event.”
During the day’s activities the crowd was entertained by Hollinsclough Silver Band while several stalls added to the attractions.
GYMKHANA RESULTS
Best Turned out Pony and Rider: Maddy Mycock
Potato Race for ponies up to 12.2 hands
1st: Maddy Mycock 2nd: Holly Woolley; 3rd: Emily Prince
Sack Race for ponies up to 14.2 hands
1st Maddy Mycock; 2nd: Holly Woolley
Walk and Trot for Ponies up to 14.2 hands
1st: Holly Woolley; 2nd: Lauren Preskey; 3rd: Maddy Mycock Pony Race for Ponies up to 12.2 hands
1st: Emily Prince; 2nd: Maddy Mycock
Pony Race for ponies over 12.2 hands and under 13.2 hands.
1st: Marie Padley; 2nd: Maddy Mycock
Pony Race for Ponies over 13.2 hands and under 14.2hh
1st: Sue Torr; 2nd: Kath Turner; 3rd: Lauren Preskey
Pony Handicap Race
1st: Maddy Mycock; 2nd: Holly Woolley 3rd: Sue Torr
FELL RESULTS
1st male and first local: David Fryer-winder
2nd male: Nicholas Bassett
3rd male: James Mcgill
1st female and first local: Jo Bednall who also came 2nd overall
2nd female and 2nd female local: Heather Fryer-winder
1st male veteran: Nicholas Bassett
1st boy: Jonty Brown
2nd boy: Gregor Mcgill
3rd boy: Xavier Morgan
1st girl: Sophie Phillips
2nd girl: Lucy Westwood
1st Local Junior: Reuben Wilkinson
MOTORBIKES RESULTS
Adult MX Experts Class
1st: Jack Roberts
2nd: Luke Meredith
3rd: Matt Hockenhull
Adult MX Non Experts Class
1st: S Pinder
2nd: Josh Lewis
3rd: Ash Sugden
Classic Twinshocks Class
1st: Joe Whalley
2nd: Chris Dean
3rd: Joseph Pinegar
Locals B1 Class - Memorial Race in Memory of Julie Mycock
1st: Iain Robinson
2nd: John Wilkinson
Equal 3rd: Adam Griggs and Jake Hunter
Locals B2 Class
1st: Ricky Peddar
2nd: Jack Beresford
Equal 3rd: Robert Williamson and Joe Whalley
Man of the Meeting: Luke Meredith