A good crowd gathered to watch the pony racing at Godstone – the first meeting in a series of three to be held at this racetrack. The 138cm and under race was divided according to pony “type” with racing pony types in division 1 and the more heavyweight ponies in division 2. Both divisions were run over approximately 5 furlongs. Division 1 of the 138cm and under race got off to a good start with George Crate (Coveham Generation) at the head of affairs, closely followed by Izzie Marshall (Rio), Charlie Marshall (Broomdowns Heavenly Gift), Martin Otway (Springcroft Red Admiral) and Hannah Miles (Bellhurst Andrus). Within a furlong however, Charlie’s pony was off the bridle and he was having to work hard to keep going, allowing the Walsh sisters (Molly on Goldsborough Moonlight Mist and Alice on Newoak Azaro) to get into the running. Bellhurst Andrus also soon dropped back to join Frankie Penfold on Red Cedar and Max Tork (Dream) who raced together at the rear of the field. As the leaders rounded the final bend into the home straight, the very experienced Goldsborough Moonlight Mist was making good headway but George Crate managed to hold on to take the race in a time of 1min10sec. Goldsborough took second spot giving Molly Walsh the first Novice Riders prize. Izzie Marshall, who was also closing on the leading pair, was 1 length down in third. For the second week in a row Martin Otway claimed fourth place and the highest placed maiden pony prize.

The second division of the 138cms and under race saw seven go to post with all but 1 pony and jockey making their racecourse debut. Despite a lack of experience the race was off to a fine start with the Hole sisters (Romney on Fudge and Florence on Quizzie) taking the early lead. Jordon Peerless did well to hold up a very keen Oaklands Rocket in the early stages who raced mid division with Santini (Scarlett Vereker) and Red Rogue (Sarah Kelk). Tilly (Oliver Beswick) was a little slow to start but soon made up ground leaving the wonderful Mr Jingles (Barnaby Schooling) to bring up the rear of the field. At the first bend, Santini came on the wide outside to challenge the leaders and take up the head of affairs. With him came Oaklands Rocket and these two fought a hard battle uphill towards the finish. Santini was the winner by half a length in a time of 1min23secs, a victory for pony and jockey on their first attempt. Red Rogue took third some way behind with Fudge in fourth.

Seven went to post for the 148cms and under race over approximately 7 furlongs. As last week at Charing, George Crate jumped Fritzz off in the lead closely followed by Tricky Vicky (Tom Bellamy), Grand Slam (Elliot Pickering) and Tennants Super (Freddie Mitchell). Bridget Andrews was content to let Il Toppo race some way back in fifth together with Flash IV (George Gorman) and Silverfields Common (Katherine Chapman). Turning for home Fritzz’s lead was being challenged by Tennants Super and these two pulled some way clear of the weakening Tricky Vicky and Grand Slam. Il Toppo was making good headway up the inside but neither Bridget nor Freddie could catch the unstoppable George Crate who took the race in a time of 1min40. Tennants Super was two lengths down in second with a further 3 lengths back to Il Toppo in third.