return to Vesey Street on Sunday defeating a pair of veteran drivers, Eddie Roque and Nicholas DeCosta. DeCosta was driving his new two-year-old pony Miss Tuffer Road.

More than 300 spectators turned out to watch the first event of the harness racing calendar while drivers negotiated a track that was extremely dusty because of the searing heat.

New pony Fancy That, driven by Charles Whited sr., endured some bad luck when he was moved to third spot after being tagged for interference in a spirited duel against Tom Matthews and his pony Flame On. Fancy That was first over the wire, but Todd's Ebony with Samantha Stevenson took first place honours in the first heat. Todd's Ebony also sewed up first place in the second heat, but only barely in an exciting race with Fancy That.

Michael Roberts posted easy victories with both of his ponies, Just A Gigolo and Direct Toy Boy.

Michael DeCosta's new pony, Grand Shady, is all but assured to be one of Vesey Street's new stars after the pony easily defeated his rivals in both heats. JR Mateau Design, driven in the first heat by Mark Lindo and in the second by Bruce Simons, beat Nateway and Maple Hill T Bird. Nateway, an old favourite on the track, put up a gallant fight from the outside to finish in second place.

There was also a close race in the 12/1 to 14/4 bar, which saw Abby Dabby Doo, driven by Charles Whited jr., eke out a slim victory over Arthur Hurst's new pony Vita's Laser Beam. Track stalwarts Hoe Down Don and Paceway Debutante were not in contention in either of the heats.

The junior free for all was shrouded in controversy when Custom Eyes'd, driven by Sergio Burgess, made it to the wire first but was penalised for not allowing Daniel Greenslade and Pondababe to get into position behind the start car. That meant a fourth place finish for Custom Eyes'd which opened the door for Bobby DeGraffe and Gusto's Crackerjack to claim first place. Melody Time was second while Pondababe finished third.

Meanwhile, reigning track record holder Shamrock Tuxedo, driven by Roque, won both heats of the free for all.