Amman Valley played host to Wales & Border Counties harness racing on the weekend, with a display of talent and horsepower.

Racing resumed on the all-weather track on Saturday, July 13, causing spectators to marvel at the line-up of contests.

The cherry on the top was undoubtedly the STAGBI future brood mares’ race that showcases the prowess of British-bred mares and propels them into an arena normally dominated by their American counterparts.

The day kicked off with Novice races.

The recently promoted Easy Connection, owned by Danny Millard of Stourbridge and guided to victory by Ben Flanagan, narrowly clinched first place in a thrilling race against Greenhill Lucky from Builth Wells. Sally M, belonging to Davies from Orleton, took third.

In the second race of the day, Up All Night, piloted by the duo Millard and Flanagan, overcame the newcomer, Blue Guns N Roses and a respectable third-place finish was earned by GG Rogue owned by Gale of Gorslas.

The Grade B race witnessed Zulu Warrior, trained and owned by Matthew Tromans from Newcastle Emlyn, win against Juicy Wiggle and Beg For Mercy, another trotter from the Tromans stable.

In the Grade A bout, Goodtime Hal, owned by Richard Staples from Brecon, bested Luminite and the long-striding Dernol Yankee to steal victory.

In the first Baby Novice race, victory was awarded to Dernol Jacky, owned by Alma Beddoes of Llanbister and under the command of Andrew Hardwick.

Manceys Deuce finished second and Ladyford Buddy was third.

Evenwood Itchyfeet, owned by the Mills family from Llanddewi, won the second Baby Novice race against Carrie on Doon and Real Yankee.

The Nursery went to Brecon's Ayr Zac and Andrew Hardwick, with Dernol Lucky Strike taking second and Dais Silver Talk finishing third.

The highly popular Non-whip race was won by Greenhill Lucky and Lee Price from Builth, who triumphed against Stateside Icon and Manceys Deuce.

The premier STAGBI mares’ race was a nail biter with a full roster of nine runners.

After a tense photo finish, Ithon Queen, owned and piloted by Sam Reynolds from Orleton, was declared the victor.

GG Rogue from Gorslas took second, with last year's winner, Juicy Wiggle from Llanddewi Velfrey, securing third.

The next event will be at the open track at Ludlow. Racing is set for Saturday, July 20 from 1.30pm.