IT’S been a disappointing year for some of the local stables.

David Evans, Bernard Llewellyn and Milton Bradley are well down on their usual totals.

One trainer who is sure to buck that trend is Ron Harris. In 2015 he had 22 winners. In 2016, the score was again 22. In 2017, once again the stable enjoyed 22 successes. So far in 2018 the score is … 22.

Broadhaven Honey has been responsible for three of this year’s victories, all since August, and the most recent at Brighton on Thursday.

She bounced back from finishing last at Wolverhampton six days prior to that, when her jockey reported she stopped quickly. Whatever the problem was, it didn’t last very long. The filly broke terrifically well from the stalls at Brighton and set a fierce gallop that nothing else could cope with. She tied up in the final furlong and if the winning post had been a couple of yards further on she would have been beaten.

It wouldn’t be the biggest surprise if one of Harris’ Glamorous horses (Just, Rocket and Dream) breaks that 22-winner barrier in the next few weeks.

Arty Campbell won for the Llewellyns at Hereford on the Tuesday of last week. It was just as well Richard Johnson had been booked to ride, for the horse thought about refusing at the final hurdle and wasn’t entirely keen on the run-in. The champion jockey’s strength and persuasiveness got him past the post in front. Arty would have won quite easily but for fooling around and if he hasn’t taken too much out of himself may be fresh enough to run again at Wincanton on Sunday.

The first ever Welsh Horse Racing Awards take place at Chepstow racecourse on the evening of Thursday, 22 November. The aim is to recognise Welsh excellence in the racing industry through the following categories: Jockey of the year; Trainer of the year; Owner of the year; Best flat horse; Best hurdler; Best chaser; Lifetime achievement; Breeder of the year; Rising star of the future; Stable staff recognition award.

Candidates (human or equine) have to be based in Wales. A panel of racing industry experts will choose the winners of each category, but there’s still time for anyone to contact Chepstow with a nomination and the reason for their recommendation.

Tickets to attend this very special evening, which will include a welcome drink on arrival, three course dinner with coffee and an event programme, are £66 per person.

Chepstow’s next race meeting is on Tuesday, 30 October. At this fixture two years ago Thistlecrack made his debut in the three-mile novice chase. 2017’s running included horses from the Nicholls, Hobbs and Tizzard stables, so there’s a good chance of seeing more good prospects this year.