Record Breaker wins Silver Bell 2009
THERE was a bit of Ffrench polish in the prestigious Silver Bell horse race at Hamilton Park — when jockey Royston Ffrench took first place on Mark Johnston-trained Record Breaker.
Royston's appropriately-named horse beat the existing course record in the one mile four furlong race.
He said: "There was a great atmosphere at the Silver Bell and winning the race meant a lot to me because it was the big race of the evening.
"I really like racing in Scotland. The Scottish tracks seem to be lucky for me."
A healthy Lanark contingent turned up on the night including Lanark Community Council chairman Frank Gunning.
He said: "It was a marvellous night which was well organised and well attended.
"What made it extra special for me was that I won 72 after putting a 10 bet on Record Breaker to win the Silver Bell!"
Frank had the honour of presenting a Silver Bell replica trophy to winning trainer Johnston.
Upon receiving the prize, Johnston said: "It is fantastic to win this trophy, although I wish I could take the real one home!"
The prestigious Lanark Silver Bell, one of the world's oldest sporting trophies, is believed to have been gifted to the town of Lanark by King William 'The Lion' of Scotland in the 12th Century.
However, when Lanark Racecourse closed its gates in 1977, the Silver Bell was taken by the local authority for safe-keeping.
It was brought out of storage and back into horseracing last year.
For more information on this story, pick up a copy of this week's Carluke and Lanark Gazette which is in the shops now.
Pictures featured in our gallery were taken by freelance photographer Andrew Wilson. To order copies, contact Andrew on 0845 833 0919 (local call rate) or visit his website at www.awpstockpictures.com
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Weather for Carluke
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
