In pretty much in unprecedented circumstances Neil Walters signalled his good form by winning the handicap race off third scratch off 7 minutes.
The scratch bunch and the second scratch bunch were sent into disarray right from the outset. Matt Albiston was late and then got lost and hence missed the start. He was to help Peter Kiel and Rob Phillips off scratch. Jason Haire missed the start of his second scratch bunch and chased to get on, then punctured and then went the wrong way in a comedy of errors. This left Peter Livistanis and Richard Taylor in no man’s land
It was the third scratch bunch led by Ken Heres who is returning from injury dominated the race. He was ably supported by Neil Walters and Bob Morley and they immediately started to take time out of the bunch in front. They caught Brian Lee Alan Barnett new rider Phil Cartledge and the inexperienced but powerful Darren Terry. Heres organised the new group and set off after the bunch in front. They caught them as well and added some workers. The writing was on the wall for the riders behind. Gail Oliver and Albie Govan didn’t miss a beat and only added to the momentum they rode through the rest of the field shredding each group on capture. With the final five kilometre to be ridden, only the strong had survived. New rider Phil Cartledge was looking likely as was Neil Walters. Cartledge went 500 out with a strong turn of speed with the five surviving riders lined up behind him. He had them in the gutter so he wasn’t disadvantaged. Neil Walters rolled to the front with 300 to go and then surprised everyone with an attack off the front with 150 to go. He pulled a gap of 20 metres and was never headed. Cartledge held on for second with Gale Oliver holding third. Just when you think Oliver won’t get any better she does. Ken heres, coming back from injury rode a strong race for fourth and Albie Govan fifith.
Peter Kiel sprinted well to hold off Richard Taylor for what he thought was fastest time but Walters had taken that honour as well.
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