On Sunday 31st July, on a day when racing commenced with no start car due to overnight rain, racegoers were treated to a record-breaking performance from one of the sport’s biggest stars.

Four legends of the game faced the starter in the Rab Haw Free For All, kindly sponsored by the Morton family & friends: Live In Star, Miraculous, Coalford Tetrick (all Crock of Gold Heat winners this season already) and Evenwood Sonofagun. A £300 bonus was offered in advance of the fixture by Northern Trading Ltd if the existing track record of 1.55.7 fell, however in light of racing conditions earlier in the day it seemed unlikely to happen.

Following a blistering performance from Oakwood Paddy in the 3YOs which saw him pace the mile in 1.57.3, it appeared the track was drying and the excitement grew in the build up to the race.

Evenwood Sonofagun made immediate use of his inside draw to lead the field into the turn and quickly took up a several length lead, passing the halfway point in 57 seconds flat. From there Rocker Laidler asked the dual Crock of Gold champion to kick on, and Gunner noticeably accelerated to go further and further clear as the field headed for home.

Commentator Darren Owen believed the record had gone as Gunner crossed the line twelve lengths clear of his nearest rival and officials confirmed shortly after that the duo had taken over a second off the existing record – bringing it down to 1.54.6. This also became a new British record on a half mile track.

Owners Frank & Raymond Huschka kindly donated the bonus to the charities which were supported across the weekend.

Congratulations to the Huschka brothers, Alexis and Rocker Laidler and to everyone connected with Evenwood Sonofagun

: Sarah Thomas Equine Photography