The Timaru Harness Racing Club ran two races on Sunday for invited women drivers and they were both well supported by local trainers and female drivers from the wider Canterbury area.
In the first heat the well performed Return To Sender looked the class horse of the field on paper and that is how it turned out.
Away well from barrier six, Tracy Healy settled Return To Sender in the one by one early as Fastroundtown and Ineka lee set a moderate tempo in front.
As they started to improve from the back with just over a lap to go, Tracy came out of the one by one and grabbed the lead at the winning post with a lap to go.
From there Return To Sender always looked to have the race in safe keeping and although challenged by Little Lion Man and Kimberley Butt in the home straight, Return To Sender pulled away the last bit for a comfortable 2 1/4 length victory.
Riga Doon with Denise Ottley in the bike ran on well for third just in front of Sunnivue Bad Boy and Loren Lester.
Return To Sender paced the 2600 metres from a stand in 3:22.8 with closing sectionals of 56.5 and 29.1.
Tracy Healy was thrilled to be back in the bike on raceday.
" It is a real thrill to win a race like this
" I owe a big thank you to the owners for letting me drive such a nice horse," Tracy said.
The second heat was a really competitive affair with Jack Hammer and Jill Smolenski working their way to the front after 600 metres before handing up to River Black and Nicole Harris.
There was plenty of mid race pressure from Ideal Arden and Sam Ottley but River Black held the front and was still there as they turned for home.
River Black was quickly grabbed by Jack Hammer who then had to withstand a big late charge from Lottie Franco and Ineka lee with River Black holding on for third in front of Happy Heidi and Glenys Chmiel.
Jack Hammer paced the 2600 metres from a stand in a quick 3:18.3 with closing sectionals of 59.8 and 29.8.
Both races showcased the huge amount of talent in the ladies driving ranks in New Zealand and the Timaru club should be congratulated for putting on the two races.
Harnesslink Media
