Congratulations to Kirsty Mann who ran a controlled race to win the Senior Christmas Handicap over the Alexandria Park Course. She joined an elite group of ladies who have won the Patrick Bannon Trophy with only 4 lady winners since this trophy which was first competed for in 1956. She broke clear after the first lap leading home her training partner, Rachel Cunningham, and new member, Andrew Taylor.
After many years trying to get hold of a Christmas Handicap Trophy Mark McColl overtook Richard Millar and David Murphy to win the John Howieson’s Masters Trophy finishing 4th overall.
Both trophies have great historically significance with John Howieson, one of the founders of the club, and Patrick Bannon was the father of two great club athletes Eddie Bannon and Paul Bannon.
Fastest athlete on the day was Chris McGarrity who is gradually gaining the fitness which saw him one of the top boys in the country a few years ago.
Our Young Athletes Christmas Handicap started the day off around the Alexandra Park course. First over the line and winner of the Girls’ Trophy was Charlotte Reilly with Sam McGowan finishing 2nd and picking up the Boys’ Trophy.
2nd Girl Alexia Riggs, 3rd Girl Zoe Roberts, 2nd Boy Philip Klein, 3rd Boy Raiden Yong
1st Under 9 – Louis Millican
Adam Clifford fought off a strong challenge from Joseph Reilly to record the fastest time on the day of 6.11 with Katie Woods running the 4th overall time of 6.46 to pick up the fastest girl title.
Well done everyone
Club events cannot go ahead without a team of volunteers and a big thanks to them all not only for today but throughout the year. Milnbank HA Sports Hub was the venue and again the club cannot thank John Gormlie and the Hub for the support they give the club.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our members