Ratcliff's young gelding bolts across the line to claim first win

Just before the cancellation was made official, local horse trainer Barry Ratcliff and Graham Pawsey managed to get a win in the second and final race with their four year old gelding Solskjaer.

"He's only a baby, and just returned after a spell, but turned out to be a bloody ripper of a horse; he bolted right across the line," Ratcliff said.

"This is his first win from 12 starts; we are thrilled with the result. We were a bit unsure when we bought him, he hadn't had a start before, but he's turned out pretty good."

Solskjaer's performance over the weekend has improved his record to one win and three placings.

Unfortunately, not long after Solskjaer got across the line, officials had to scratch the rest of the day's races due to the wet track, and concerns for the safety of the jockeys.

"It had rained the night before, and the track was a bit soft in the corners; they called it off due to safety concerns," Ratcliff said.

"It was a bit disappointing because there was a decent crowd, and the day had gotten off to such a good start, but that's the way it goes sometimes.

"Some people stuck around for a bit after; there were still a few races on elsewhere we could watch."

After his win over the weekend, Ratcliffe hopes to keep the momentum going in Taree with his mare, Bear the Crown.

"I'm hoping to get another win down at Taree with Bear the Crown; she's one of my best, and should be in with a good chance," he said.

Bear the Crown is currently sitting on three wins and two placings from 11 starts.

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