Annual trotting club event for Stratford in March

Phil Fleming, owner, trainer, driver and stable foreman Ian Martin with their haul of trophies from the Taranaki Harness Awards dinner

Stratford horse trainers are getting ready for the Stratford Trots next month.

Stratford Trotting Club is teeing up for the big day, and president Davey Jones says he is hoping the community will support the club to continue racing in Stratford.

There are plenty of local trainers hoping to be successful on the day, and many have had placings recently, making the Stratford Trots likely to be a fun and tension-filled day for punters.

Farley Cossey, who owns and trains Sweet Maggie Ryan, has enjoyed some recent success with two wins and two seconds on grass tracks in her last four starts.

Phil Fleming, who owns and trains Wicklow Star among others, has had a win, with Our Wicklow a second at Cambridge recently, and Caitlin's Surprise has run a second and third placing.

Phil Fleming also received the Taranaki Horse of the Year trophy for the 2017/18 season, with his strong showing of horses.

Davey Jones, who drives, owns and trains Secret of the Sea Smile, finally had some luck, running second at Ōtaki recently.

Jason Cossey, who owns and trains Red River Dash, has had a string of fourth placings on the grass.

Ex Stratford trainer and owner Fred Mitchell has picked up a couple of wins recently with Geoff's Legacy and veteran Jack Bates, and placings with Itsokbeingbetter and Waingaro Mara.

The Stratford Trots take place on Saturday, March 2.