THE TRADITIONAL Boxing Day trials were held on Kendal's Old Racecourse and a large crowd gathered on the slightly damp morning to assess the progress of youngsters which will make their seasonal debuts in April, writes Lynn Pawley.

There was a slip of ten puppies and unfortunately most of them returned to the start after striking the scent the wrong way.

However, John and James Horn's Ace of Clubs demonstrated the importance of having a good nose' when hunting around and taking the honours in good style.

The Lazonby-based youngster is a product of the liaison between Aces High and My Fair Lady and ran on well to beat Bill Johnstone's Nicola's Choice, which was bred out of Mary Mac by Pinfold Rock.

In the 34-strong senior trail, Ken Cole's Sonny Boy completed a hat-trick of Boxing Day victories at the venue.

The Windermere four-year-old showed on the finish with a useful advantage and held on to take the honours by three lengths from the fast-finishing Sparrowmire Sal, owned by Robert Reid. Joe and Vanessa Simpson's Hollywood was not far adrift in third and the winner clocked a time of 5 minutes 21 seconds.

n Open trials will be held at Coniston Tops on Sunday, January 5 and then every Sunday thereafter, weather permitting. There will be a trail for puppies at 2.30pm followed by one for seniors. Trials will also be held on Saturday at The Mast' on the Crosthwaite road, Kendal (10am).

n The Westmorland area presentation evening will be held at Windermere Social Club on Friday, February 14.

Tickets can be obtained from any Westmorland area committee member.

January 3, 2003 11:00