The Strathalbyn Racing Club enjoyed a spectacular Christmas Party Race Day under perfect early-summer conditions, with clear skies and a comfortable 25-degree afternoon setting the tone for an exciting midweek program.
A strong mid-week crowd of 394 racegoers attended, eager to witness seven competitive races and the deciding heat of the Montgomerie and Forrest Apprentice Series.
The opening event, the HBC Commercial Maiden Plate (1350m), jumped at 1:40 PM and delivered a thrilling finish.
Black Bugatti (3-1), the second favourite, prevailed in a tight contest to score by 0.11 lengths over Galileo Gold.
The four-year-old brown gelding, trained locally by David Jolly and Justin Potter, was expertly ridden by Apprentice Sophie Potter, showcasing her growing strength in the saddle.
Race 4, the REQ BM58 Handicap, restricted to apprentices and serving as the final heat of the Montgomerie and Forrest Series, produced another exciting finish.
Apprentice Sophie Potter continued her outstanding form aboard Empire Grace for trainers David Jolly and Justin Potter, scoring impressively at 10-1 by 2.02 lengths.
This victory secured Sophie enough points to be crowned the overall winner of the Montgomerie and Forrest Apprentice Race Series.
She was presented with a trophy and plaque by Clare Lindop (Racing SA), with Deputy Chairman Stephen Smedley awarding a $200 SRC saddlery voucher and a horse rug courtesy of EQ Saddlery.
The winning streak continued for both Sophie and the Jolly/Potter training partnership in the final event of the day, the Times and Fleurieu Sun BM56 Handicap (1200m).
Their four-year-old bay mare Florey delivered a strong performance, winning by 1.82 lengths to close out a history-making day.
In total, Sophie Potter recorded her first three winners on one race day in her career, and the new David Jolly and Justin Potter training partnership celebrated a remarkable treble for the first time of their newly formed partnership.
Local pride was on full display at Strathalbyn, with local trainers winning all seven races on the program.
The track team, led by Erik Broad and Michael Laird, delivered an outstanding racing surface rated Good 4, with excellent grass coverage.
Numerous senior jockeys and trainers complimented the quality and consistency of the track throughout the day.
Jack Church – Fleurieu Sun