NOG2001 Template
12 January, 2004
The name Alford was in the winners list at Horsham
yesterday, but it wasn't six-time Australian driving champion Chris Alford (pictured)
taking the honours!
Nine-year-old Maggie Alford stole the limelight from
her famous father winning the Horsham Pony Cup at her first public appearance
in the sulky.
As her father nervously looked on, Maggie survived a
pre-race scare when tipped out of the cart by an over-excited L P's Charity,
before guiding the pony to a memorable debut win.
Unfortunately her father could not match her deeds
later in the night, only managing a seventh placing in the Horsham Pacing Cup
on Awesome Ella.
Run for children aged five to 15 years, the pony trots
are recognised as the breeding ground for harness racing?s next generation of
trainers and drivers.
Over 100 ponies and drivers compete annually, with
many youngsters hoping to follow in the footsteps of current day stars and
ex-graduates like Jodi Quinlan and Daryl Douglas.
The pony trot circuit travels the state featuring at a majority of the
industry's 25 country cup meetings.