THE 25th anniversary fixture of Talgarreg Races was a huge success as the morning rain moved on, to leave an afternoon of hazy sunshine, and ideal race conditions.

The open course provided a good test of stamina and speed, with close finishes.

Habberley Anne, the homebred belonging to Stephen Williams from Shrewsbury won the nursery, from Meadowland Olympic (Evans, Newcastle Emlyn) and My Amazing Grace (Evans, Red Roses).

Shakalaka Boom Boom (Thomas, Llandeilo) was steered to victory by driver Rhun Wilson in the first Novice heat, ahead Rhyds Backchat (Elder, Blaencelyn) second and Cardigan Boy (Gale, Gorslas).

In the second heat, George Gentle, with owner Zak Lewis from Welshpool, were first passed the post from newcomer Tillies Larg (Evans, Brecon) second and Touch of Chaps (Thomas, Llandeilo) .

Zestthewayilikeit with her owner Oliver (OJ) Jones from Evenjobb won the third heat, from Ithon Hannah (Bufton, Dolau) and Dan (Rowlands, Talsarn) in third.

The first Grade B heat saw the powerful Habberley Playboy (John/Gittins, Shrewsbury) with new trainer Mathew Tromans on board come over the line in front of Fold the Notes (Perks, Presteigne) and Ayr Ontario (Weigel, Llanddewi Velfrey).

Mathew Tromans won the next heat as Faraway (Atherton-Rees, Narberth) was awarded the race, from Precious Cargo (Gwatkin, Evenjobb) and Makemeamillionayr (Weigel, Llanddewi Velfrey).

Habberley Haste (Lloyd, New Radnor) took the last Grade B heat in front of Chinatown Lucky (Williams, Pencader) and Brywins Jo Jo (Jones, Ammanford).

Local horse Lakeside Pan (Elder, New Quay) won the first heat of the Grade A, beating last week’s winner, Best of the Fleet (Lewis, Welshpool) with Meadowland Hasty (Price, Brecon) taking third.

In the second Grade A heat Bon Jasper, the class horse belonging to the Jones family from Llanllwni, with trainer Debbier Hitchcock on board, won from Strike a Light (Meaney, Merthyr), and the veteran Premier Dream (Thomas, Llandeilo).

The grey Scoobys Dream (Williams, Brecon) with Lynn Boxhall in the seat, took the last heat from previous winners Cloud Burst (Perfect, Langmaine) and last year’s victor Ithon Inmate (Price, Brecon).

The first Baby Novice race was won by Dulais Daniel (Williams, Pencader), with Rhun Wilson at the controls, second was Lane House Patch (Thomas, Merthyr) with Lakeside Glory (Jones, Brecon) third.

Lightly raced Bills Mate (Booth, Ammanford) was first passed the post in the second Baby Novice, from last week’s winner Miss Jackson (Bevan, Builth) and Life Today (Hughes, Builth) taking third.

The Ladies’ race was won by Linda Atherton-Rees from Narberth on her impressive mare Tyssul Opal, with young Tracy Gale with Brywins Sweetheart (Marr Gorslas), and Louisa Barton on No Mercy (Weigel, Llanddewi Velfrey) third.

In the Consolation Foronenightonly (Wilson, Llanfihangel ar Arth) took top honours, beating Durham Direct (Thomas, Llandeilo) and Chaps Commander (Angel Inn, Salem) for the minor places.

The day finished with the finals, and in the Novice race Tillies Larg, with owner Mark Evans from Brecon, came home in front of Shakalaka Boom Boom (Thomas, Llandeilo) and Dan (Rowlands, Talsarn).

In the Grade B Final the striking Habberley Playboy (Johns/Gittins, Shrewsbury) and trainer Mathew Tromans won from his old stable-mate Habberley Haste (Lloyd New Radnor) while Brywins Jo Jo (Jones Ammanford) ran on to be third.

In the Grade A Bon Jasper (Jones, Llanllwni) and trainer Debbie Hitchcock sped from the gate and dictated the race for a notable victory, as the other horses tried but failed to catch up. In second was last week’s winner, Best of the Fleet (Lewis, Welshpool) with Lakeside Pan (Elder, New Quay) having to settle for third.