Dean Molander, Keystone Del and Blake Fitzpatrick after their Dullard Trotters Cup triumph at Ballarat.
It certainly wasn't the race punters or harness racing officials had hoped for, but nevertheless champion reinsman Chris Alford picked up another Group 1 gong.
Alford combined with trainer Amanda Grieve for Petstock Ballarat Pacing Cup success on Saturday night with Im Corzin Terror, who dictated terms in front and scored a 1.1m win over $1.10 favourite Terror To Love in the 2710m feature.
The race was decimated by the late scratching of all Emma Stewart's and David Aiken's chances – Restrepo, Philadelphia Man, Guaranteed, Wartime Sweetheart, Cold Major and Beauty Secret – "by order of the stewards" after both trainers were told they were not able to use certain UFO sulkies because they fell outside Harness Racing Australia rules.
Im Corzin Terror rated 1:59.7 for the win, with Terror To Love running on late – many punters think he should have won – and Uncle Wingnut continuing his good form for third.
It was a nice payday for Artoc's connections – initially a $301 outsider for the cup when the full field was in place, the Danny Mullan trained pacer started at $25.90 and picked up some handy stake money for finishing last of the four runners.
Champion trotter Keystone Del took out the Carbine Chemicals V L Dullard Trotters Cup over 2200m for trainer Nicole Molander and reinsman Blake Fitzpatrick.
Cyrus won the Petstock My Lightning Blue Free for All in 1:54.
Menin Gate was ultra-impressive in the VHRSC Victoria Sires Classic over 2200m for three-year-olds, the Larry Eastman trained gelding beating Jilliby Royal and Justbritell in a run of 1:56.8.
Other winners on the card were the rising star Party Boy, Grinning Dollar, Majestic Grace, Messini, Our White Knight and Majestic Ess Jay.
Alford took driving honours with four winners for the evening.
Despite the obvious issues that put a dampener on tonight's meeting, the Ballarat and District Trotting Club should be proud of the hard work and delivery its executive and volunteers put in to make the event a success.
