Devon, Pa.—May 30
For a few minutes, the Dixon Oval at Devon turns into a speedway for mini equines. That’s right, for two days of the schedule, the WIHS Shetland Pony Steeplechases take over the ring for a rollicking few laps of the historic ring.
U.S. Pony Racing Director Regina Welsh gathered two fields for the raes, with a maiden hurdle race on May 29 and an allowance hurdle taking place on May 30. Frosted Flakes and Kiley Ahn won the first race, while Savannah Smith won the second race on Knight’s Taffy.
Savannah Smith on Knight’s Taffy led the field to the start line. All Photos by Molly Sorge
These jockeys take their racing seriously, with rundowns applied over the furry Shetland legs. These are the legs of the famous Cricket, who has his own Facebook fan page.
Regina Welsh gave Savannah Smith some last-minute instructions as she led the field to the start line.
Savannah Smith and Knight’s Taffy established their lead in the race early and were in front over the first fence ahead of Harry McMahon on Sail The Sun (center) and Anna Farber on Quick Draw McGraw (right).
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By the end of the first lap, Smith and Knight’s Taffy were jumping alone on the front end.
By the start of the second lap, Smith and Knight’s Taffy still held the lead over McMahon on Sail The Sun, while Scarlet Davies moved up to third on Cricket.
McMahon made a bold move through the turn to challenge Smith at Fence 5. But as they jumped the fifth fence, McMahon’s lost left stirrup got the better of him and he fell off on landing. He was uninjured and remounted for the awards ceremony.
So the stretch run came down to a heated battle between Smith on Knight’s Taffy (left) and Davies on Cricket. At the finish line, Knight’s Taffy’s nose was in front and Smith took the win.
Smith enjoyed her victory gallop on Knight’s Taffy.
And Scarlet Davies was not only second in the race on Cricket, but also earned the Charles Owen Safest Ride award.
Stay tuned to www.coth.com all week for coverage of the open and amateur hunters, the Sapphire Grand Prix of Devon, and so much more. Check out all the Chronicle’s online coverage of Devon Junior Weekend. Find full results from all of Devon at Ryegate and check out full analysis of the whole show in the June 20 issue of the magazine.