The NRRA Country Championship race day was held at Coffs Harbour on Sunday and whilst the sole Grafton representative in the big one was disappointing Grafton based trainers were able to get away with a couple of the support races.
The first winner for Grafton was prepared by John Shelton when first starter Highland Force led throughout under the guidance of Luke Rolls to score a very impressive victory in the Maiden 1000m.
The 3yo daughter of Cosmic Force is part owned by former Coffs Harbour trainer Ken Lantry who made the trip north to cheer on the filly.
Highland Force had previously been trained in the Newcastle region where she trialled once without racing.
Shelton was happy to take her to the races without giving the locals a chance to get a guide on how the filly was progressing…judging by the post race celebrations it was a smart play with the filly starting at the healthy odds of $6.
The next Grafton trained winner was courtesy of Scott Henley.
Another 3yo filly in Come on Glamour made it three wins from five starts this preparation when she also led throughout to score a solid win in the BM 58 1000m.
Under the riding of claiming apprentice Emily Farr, Come On Glamour was a touch slow to go but quickly mustered through along the inside to take control of the race by the 900m.
In the straight Come On Glamour was under plenty of pressure early and then gave a big kick at the 100m to establish a wining break which she held all the way to the line.
Henley indicated after the event the filly is likely to have just one more start this preparation before heading to a well earned spell.
