The twilight meet's eight race program was supported by a number of local organisations, many of whom were in attendance.

They were able to witness local horse racing identity Kevin Smith's first harness racing success, with his Nevercostadime running first in the Shirley Ralph Pace.

Kevin is a recent convert to harness racing after having enjoyed a very successful 20 year gallops career, which saw him train close to a hundred winners.

One of his outstanding horses, Kings Feast, won 15 races, seven of which were country cups.

Baron Rushdale was another of his consistent winners, winning a Wimmera Horse of the Year award along with 11 races.

Kevin originally purchased Nevercostadime after it had had several starts and on sold it to an acquaintance in Cranbourne.

After little success it was offered back to Kevin who - after buying it back and discussions with Stawell trainer Owen Martin - decided to race the mare himself.

The first race of the evening, the Melton Saddlery Tontine Trotters Series' Second Heat, was keenly contested with Shadon NZ beating Justanothermaori, who provided a good challenge.

This first starter will no doubt benefit from the experience and will continue to carry the `Maori' flag for Brian Healy in the future.

The Manning family was again a dominant force with Kerryn Manning having a very successful night, driving three winners and training another.

Manning trained Tappies Pass who won the main race of the evening, the Friends of J Ward Handicap.

The Peter Manning trained Jilliby Pete ran third.

He also had a good night, training the winner of the Flora Jackson Pace, in which his Narra Sands, driven by Kerryn, was just able to hold off Venice Beach over the 1790 metres.

Race eight, the Ararat Vicbred Trophy, was won by the very consistent Keeyang Princess, trained by Margaret Lee of Terang and driven by Glen Craven.

All in all it was a good night of racing.

The Ararat Harness Racing Club was pleased with the turn out, and very grateful to the representatives of Friends of J Ward, Aradale Bowling Club, Ararat Football Club and Eastick Homes for their support and patronage of the meeting.