LOCAL defending champions Kerryn and Peter Manning are expected to return to Stawell this weekend for the Stawell Pacing Cup.
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The father-daughter duo from Great Western took out the last Pacing Cup, held in January this year, in what was described as an upset win.
Peter Manning-trained Narra Operative had started the race as a $17.30 outsider and was driven to victory by Kerryn Manning after trailing Road to Rock for much of the race.
They are expected to be among a field of locals taking to the Stawell Harness Club track this Sunday in an attempt to secure the big prize, $30,000 in prize money for the Cup alone.
Kerryn Manning has been making waves in the harness racing world this year, becoming the first female driver to win the New Zealand Trotting Cup.
She took Arden Rooney to victory in the 3200m event, adding to an impressive record of driving more than 3500 winners.
Stawell Harness Racing Club president Geoff Sanderson expected the local day of racing to be an exciting one, with horses coming from all over the state, and over the border into South Australia, to compete.
“It is our premier day, and with it held on a Sunday, there should be a good crowd,” he said.
Among those attending would be Victorian Harness Racing dignitaries and special guests.
Keep an ear out for interviews with the trainers and drivers from the track between the races.
With local favourites as well as Victorian talent attending the day, the racing should be of a high standard.
Pony trots
WHEN the ever-popular Pony Trots take to the track, keep an eye out for local teenager Natasha Raven.
Natasha, sponsored by the Stawell Harness Club, has been representing her home town, competing in events around the state for the past several years.
Natasha’s passion for harness racing is not surprising, following in the footsteps of dad Troy Raven, who is a harness trainer.
Pony Trots have been around for many years at Country Cups carnivals, introducing children to the sport in a supportive and challenging environment.
Racing against their peers, the competitors experience a real trots race. All races are handicapped to make for fairer racing.
They also get plenty of encouragement from the crowd.
The Pony Trots initiative has proved very popular in Stawell, which has seen an increase in numbers and, despite racing just twice a year, the sport in the region is growing in popularity.
Local rising star Natasha is sure to hear the roar of the Stawell Pacing Cup crowd as she comes around the track on Sunday.