Go Pointing | 08 April 2015

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C O N T E N T S

12 Meeting Reports 6 What’s On This Week 33 Competition Time

9 Latest News

34 Sponsorship Update 39 Scene & Heard 41 Recent Landmarks 43 Picture Perfect

47 Getting To Know You 48 5 Minutes With

50 | The Return of a Legend

53| Meeting Previews

62 | Top Tweets

63 | Pony Racing Results

64 | Pony Racing Entries

66 | PonyRacingTopScorers

67 | In The Frame

68 | Top Performers

71 | Been Pointing


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EASTER EXTRAVAGANZAAfter a small matter of 23 meetingsover the Easter period, the sport canfinally draw breath; it was certainly anaction packed few days and thankfullymost racegoers were treated to somesunshine too.It may have been the holiday periodfor most but it was business as usualfor jockey Will Biddick. A four-timerat the Portman at Badbury Rings,Will’s second feat of this nature at thecourse this season, was followed by afive-timer, yes a five-timer, at theTaunton Vale fixture at Kingston StMary on Monday.Will had 12 rides over the Easterperiod, resulting in nine winners andthree seconds, meaning his last 16rides have yielded 13 winners, prettyimpressive stuff I’m sure you’ll agree.A special mention must also go to hisaccomplice in this amazing feat, trainerJack Barber, who has provided Willwith ten of his winning mounts in thelast fortnight.Hannah Watson also enjoyed a fruitfulfew days with five winners; a superbtreble (the first of her career) atBitterley on Saturday kicked-offproceedings, before a double at Eyton-on–Severn, completed an Easter I’msure Hannah won’t be forgetting anytime soon.

Another notable feat on a personallevel came at the Kimblewick meeting

at Kimble where the Hill family wereleft celebrating. Champion TrainerAlan saddled four winners on the card,three of which were ridden by his son,Joe, who recorded his first treble ofhis career also.Leo Mahon made it a trio of ridersrecording their first trebles as he firedin three winners to earn all the plauditsat the Croome & West Warwickshiremeeting at Upton-upon-Severn.

A special mention also has to go to thehat-trick hero, Monsier Jourdain, whoprovided Sarah and Will Easterby withtheir third successive GrimthorpeGold Cup, as the trio combined toland the prize at its new home atSheriff Hutton. Will also baggedanother winner on the day to matchHarry Bannister as the two youngriders notched a double apiece.

There were also doubles aplenty onSaturday, starting with Ross Chapmanwho recorded the first leg of a doubledouble with a brace at theWhittington, before mirroring thoseachievements at Trebudannon onMonday.

Claire Hart (Sandon), Darren Edwards(Cherrybrook), James Tudor(Llanvapley), and Archie Wright(Higham) were also amongst thewinners, all five of them baggingbraces on the day.

Biddick’s five-timer aside, it was TomStrawson’s treble at Thorpe Lodge thatgrabbed a share of the headlines onEaster Monday, whilst Tom Westoncontinued his miraculous recoveryfrom puncturing his lungs at theCheltenham Festival by riding a doubleat Paxford.Fred Henderson (Lockinge), AlexEdwards (Eyton-on-Severn), PageFuller (Hackwood Park), Jo Buck(Trebudannon), Philip Hall(Aldington), John Mathias (Lydstep)and Chris Dawson (Charm Park)deserve mentions too after also ridingdoubles.

Make sure you enter our newcompetition on page 33 to stand achance of winning a bottle of SloeGin or Seville. Our congratulationsalso go to Howard Watts who won ourrecent Two Birds competition.Looking to the weekend ahead andsome of the Go Pointing team will beheading to the Essex meeting at HighEaster and the Bedale meeting atHornby Castle as wecontinue to raiseawareness ofGo Pointing;to those ofyou joiningus, come andsay hi!Ben Roe,Editor

WELCOME FROM THE EDITOR

GOPOINTINGis published by The Point-to-Point RacingCompany Ltd

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Front Cover Photo Will Easterby andMonsieur Jourdain en route to their thirdsuccessive Grimthorpe Gold Cup victory byLouise Pollard louisepollard.co.uk

Editorial views expressed inthis magazine are not necessarily those of thePoint-to-Point Racing Company

Website: pointtopoint.co.ukFacebook: go.pointing.1Instagram: go.pointingTwitter: @gopointingHashtag: #GoPointing

Gauvain and Hannah Watson (left)got the better of Camilla

Henderson and Khyber Kim in theLadies Open at Eyton-on-Severn

to provide Hannah with her fifthwinner of the Easter periodPhoto: Sweet Photography

sweetphotography.com

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SATURDAY, 11 APRILESSEXat High Easter (Essex)8m NW of Chelmsford nr A1060 (Exit 8, M11). CM1 4QPProvisional Going: GoodFirst Race: 2.00pm (Pony Racing before Point-to-Point races)Number of Races: 6Number of Entries: 70Admission Prices: £12 per person, under 16s free

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SATURDAY, 11 APRILTEME VALLEYat Brampton Bryan (Herefordshire)11m W of Ludlow, nr A4113Provisional Going: GoodFirst Race: 1.30pmNumber of Races: 7Number of Entries: 93Admission Prices: £10 per person, under 16s free

SUNDAY, 12 APRILBEDALEat Hornby Castle (Yorkshire)3m W of A1, S of Catterick. DL8 1NQProvisional Going: Good with plenty of grassFirst Race: 1.30pm (Hornby Challenge Cup Ride after last race)Number of Races: 6Number of Entries: 81Admission Prices: £10 per person, under 16s free

SATURDAY, 11 APRILNORTH WARWICKSHIRE HUNT CLUBat Mollington (Oxfordshire)On A423, 5 miles north of Banbury. OX17 1XPProvisional Going: Good, good to soft in placesFirst Race: 2.00pmNumber of Races: 6Number of Entries: 51Admission Prices: £10 per person to maximum of £30 per car

SATURDAY, 11 APRILYSTRAD TAF FECHANat Ystradowen (Vale of Glamorgan)On A4222 between Cowbridge & Pontyclun, M4 juncs 34 or 35. CF71 7TAProvisional Going: GoodFirst Race: 2.00pmNumber of Races: 7Number of Entries: 94Admission Prices: £10 per car (2 people), £5 per additional occupant

SUNDAY, 12 APRILCHESHIRE FORESTat Tabley (Cheshire)1½ miles W of Knutsford between A556 and M6. WA16 0HBProvisional Going: Good to soft, soft in places - dryingFirst Race: 2.00pm (Pony Racing from 1.00pm)Number of Races: 6Number of Entries: 58Admission Prices: £25 per car, £10 single occupancy

PR

PR denotes Pony Racing at the meeting


SUNDAY, 12 APRILCOTSWOLDat Andoversford (Gloucestershire6m SE Cheltenham, nr junc of A40 and A436 (Exit 11A, M5). GL54 4LQProvisional Going: Good to softFirst Race: 2.00pm (Pony Racing from 12.45pm)Number of Races: 6Number of Entries: 46Admission Prices: £10 per person

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SUNDAY, 12 APRILMORPETHat Tranwell (Northumberland)3m SW of Morpeth, nr B6524. Handy to A1. NE61 6AFProvisional Going: Good to softFirst Race: 1.00pm (Pony Racing from 12.15pm)Number of Races: 7Number of Entries: 59Admission Prices: Entry inc. racecard £10 per person, under 16s free;optional Paddock Car Parking additional £10 per car

PR

SUNDAY, 12 APRILTEDWORTHat Barbury Racecourse (Wiltshire)3m NW of Marlborough. Main entrance off Marlborough to BroadHinton Road (10m from Exits 15 & 16, M4). SN8 1RSProvisional Going: GoodFirst Race: 1.15pm (Pony Racing from 12.15pm)Number of Races: 6Number of Entries: 63Admission Prices: £10 per person, children free; £5 extra for premiumcar park by paddock

SUNDAY, 12 APRILEGGESFORDat Upcott Cross (Devon)½m W of A3079, 2m S of Halwill Junction. EX21 5AEProvisional Going: Good to softFirst Race: 1.00pmNumber of Races: 8Number of Entries: 138Admission Prices: £10 per person to max of £30 per car, under 16s free

SUNDAY, 12 APRILPYTCHLEYat Guilsborough (Northamptonshire)Nr A50, 10m NW of Northampton (Exit 18 M1, or via A50 from A14)Provisional Going: Good to softFirst Race: 2.00pmNumber of Races: 6Number of Entries: 87Admission Prices: £10 per person, under 16s free

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HUNTER CHASESThursday, 09 AprilAintree4:05 Crabbie’s Fox Hunters’ Chase, 2m5f110y

Monday, 13 AprilKelso3:30 Cazenove Capital Management Buccleuch Cup (Maiden HC), 3m2f

Tuesday, 14 AprilExeter4:40 Ladies Day 5th May Novices’ Hunters’ Chase, 3m

PR


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Sue Sharratt, six times North West arealadies’ champion, bowed out on awinner, hanging up her boots afterwinning the North StaffordshireMembers’ race at Sandon on DontBack Down, one of the two horses shetrains in partnership with Dianne Cope,and the trophy for which has adornedher sideboard in plenty of previousyears.

“I injured my ankle in December andwas struggling to get it right,” she said.“Besides, it’s easier watching the other

girls ride, and I’m getting out in onepiece.” She admitted to being verylucky where injuries were concerned,the worst having been a dislocatedcollarbone.

The highlight of her career came in2005, when she won a Handicap Chaseat Aintree on Mullensgrove, trained bythe late Reg Hollinshead. The othereight runners were all partnered by topprofessional jockeys, including A PMcCoy, Dickie Johnson and MickFitzgerald. It was one of six victories

under Rules, while among her 61successes between the flags she pilotedChristy Beamish to victory in theLadies’ Open at Sandon, two weeksbefore he won the 2008 Aintree FoxHunters’ Chase under Josh Guerriero.

Sue is not about to sit back and takethings easy, as apart from doing herown horses she helps SarahHollinshead, who now holds thetraining licence, and works for ARC(Arena Racing Company), both on thestarting stalls and as a fence attendant.

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NORTH STAFFS VICTORYSue Sharratt and Dont Back Down following their

victory at Sandon on Easter SaturdayPhoto: Al Johnston aljohnstonphotography.com

by Carolyn Tanner


The veteran That's Rhythm, one ofthe season's leading horses, pulled uplame after working on the gallops thismorning [Tuesday], and was found tohave fractured a pastern.

It is hoped he will make a fullrecovery, though it seems doubtful he

will make a return to the racecourse atthe age of 16 next year. "He will tell uswhat he wants to do!" said trainerCharlotte Fuller, emphasising that hewas not in any pain.

He won four Hunter Chases forprevious owner-rider Nick Wakefield,

and since being purchased by theFuller family has added three more,including the 2013 AGA final atStratford under Page Fuller, who hasalso piloted him to five Point-to-Pointsuccesses.

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POTENTIAL CAREER-ENDING INJURYby Carolyn Tanner

That’s Rhythm pictured before winning at the Vine & Cravenmeeting at Barbury Racecourse earlier this season

Photo: Julie Drewett racehorsephotos.co.uk


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ASHFORD VALLEY TICKHAMat CHARINGSaturday, 04 Aprilby Will HickmanEaster Saturday at Charing proved aspopular as ever, with a bumper crowdflocking to witness the best that SouthEast Point-to-Pointing has to offer.

The highlight of the day was theMixed Open, which was won by RearGunner, who was bouncing back froma few disappointing runs this seasonand was revitalised by the use of a pairof cheekpieces. He led for much ofthe way under regular pilot HannahRawdon-Mogg and easily held off theodds on favourite Behind The Sceneswho came to challenge between thelast two fences but was no match forthe 13-year-old. Rear Gunner wasrecording his third win at the coursefrom four starts and will hopefullyreturn to the course next year as a 14-year-old.

Rear Gunner’s win brought up adouble for trainer Rose Grissell, aftershe had taken the Open Maiden withHere I Am in the previous race. It wasOz Wedmore who did the steering inthat race, winning by a comfortablefive lengths, while Slidecheck got thebetter of Ballybrack Dancer in thescrap for second.

Thoughts of a treble for Rose and adouble for Oz were quashed whenTime Is Tickin fell when going thebest in the Club Members Conditionsrace. He was three lengths clear at thethird last when taking a crashing fall,leaving Oz unable to ride for the restof the day. His departure meant thatCome On You simply had to negotiatethe final two fences to win, after theother two runners had already called itquits.

The meeting started with the Veteran& Novice Riders race, which was woneasily by the Phil York trainedGamato, ridden by his owner RichardDefago. Gamato had previously beenvictorious at the course at odds of16/1, but was a shade shorter this timeat 14/1, a price that gave his backersplenty to cheer about. Back in secondwas fellow outsider Tiermore, whowas also sent off at odds of 14/1under Charlie Marshall.

The Restricted was the second raceand York took that too, with ConnaCloud following up his HackwoodMaiden success in convincing fashion.Behind in second was David Phelantrained Tompatpeg ridden by CharlieMarshall, who frustratingly finishedrunner up on all three of his rides,

although all of them were at longodds. The odds on favouriteSimonsruudt struggled with therelentless pace and finished back inthird, but still qualified for the SubaruRestricted Final at Stratford in May.

The concluding Hunt Race went toDuke Of Kentford and StewartWright, who was recording the firstwin of his career. The pair had beenunlucky to be caught on the line atParham last time out, but Stewart tookno chances this time, sending hismount to the front from flag fall andleading all the way for an emphaticwin. Back in second yet again wasCharlie Marshall, this time on NickPearce trained Inside Out, who hasimproved massively from her previousstarts and should soon by winning atmaiden level.

CROOME & WESTWARWICKSHIREat UPTON-UPON-SEVERNSaturday, 04 Aprilby Peter MansellUpton-upon-Severn is the oldestPoint-to-Point course in the country,but it is doubtful if one family hasever dominated the day’s proceedings

Rear Gunner and Hannah Rawdon-Mogg at CharingPhoto: Julie Drewett racehorsephotos.co.uk

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as the Mahon’s did on Saturdayafternoon.

21-year-old Leo Mahon rode threewinners while his sister Lara added tothe families tally with another successon The Magherally Man. Tom Weston(who was having his first rides sincesuffering two collapsed lungs)following his fall at CheltenhamFestival had a frustrating day, withthree fancied rides all finishing second.

Leo’s first success was provided byAwesome George in the Members.The 10-year-old had made animpressive return at Howick recentlybut in the testing conditions was keptat the back of the field untilaccompanied by Soixante Six bothhorses made their bid for victory inthe home straight. Awesome Georgebegan to assert between the final twofences and his half-length advantage atthe last had been extended to 6-lengths as they passed the judge.

Gabe Mahons Stratford on Avonstable can do little wrong at themoment because their last threerunners have all been winners. Mahonsaid later: “I was not expecting him towin but wanted to come and supportmy local hunt. I was not sure what wehad got after his victory at Howick butthis success tells us a bit more."

Leo’s second success was provided byTwo Smoking Barrels in the JockeyClub sponsored Mares Maiden. Thelead changed several times until aclosely packed field entered the homestraight to face the challenges of thefinal two fences. The Tom Westontrained newcomer Bignose Kate and

Two Smoking Barrells had gone clearof their rivals by the 17th but this waswhere the latters experience began totell and she forged clear on the run tothe line. The winner was home bred byRichard Evans and is trained by hisson Sam near Stratford on Avon. Theowner commented: "She’s developedwith each run and has shown us shehas got some ability."

Jack in a Box had gone into manypeoples notebooks after a promisingrun at Hereford and their observationswere justified by the 5-year-oldsvictory in the 2m5f Maiden. WesternMovie made the early running but hiseffort began to peter out as the fieldraced along the riverside with 4 fencesto jump. Jack in a Box had made somesketchy jumps during the early stagesof this contest, but became moreproficient as the race progressed.Ocean Lad led on sufferance over thefinal open ditch but Leo Mahon soonhad his rival’s measure and hadestablished a race winning lead by twoout and the son of Kayf Tara stayedon well to win by 12-lengths OwnerRobert Chugg, in his post raceanalysis, said: “He’s out of a goodmare that used to be in training withNicky Henderson. He’s only 5-years-old and is still weak."

The Mixed Open for the CharlesCoventry Cup resulted in a fourthsuccess of the season for the TimEades trained and Lara Mahon riddenThe Magherally Man. The decision torun the 11-year-old in Novice Ridersraces this year has proved an inspireddecision and the combination neverlooked in danger of defeat. As a

proven stayer and with conditions inhis favour The Magherally Man wassent to the front from flag fall and wasimmediately able to dominateproceedings. The favourite lead wasthreatened by Petit Lord in the homestraight before Lucy Turners mountbegan to falter approaching two out.Horatio Cane looked dangerous but amistake at the last put paid to hischances.

The 11-year-old has been a wonderfulservant to his present connections,with his Storridge based trainer TimEades stating: “He’s won twice inseven days and is a bit more tired aftertoday's win. We’ll put him out in thefield and see how he recovers. Wewon’t get another like him."

Thoonavolla was an odds on favouritefor the Intermediate but aftertravelling like the winner for a majorityof the race he found very little in theclosing stages. Gate Please had racedkindly throughout before taking thelead at the end of the back straight.Tom Weston moved Thoonavolla uponto his heels after jumping the openditch and it seemed only a matter oftime before the jockey delivered thecoup de grace. The going in the homestraight was more testing thanelsewhere on the course and thatproved his downfall as Gate Pleasestormed clear over the final two fencesto win by 20-lengths. Worcestershirebased owner Katherine Smith Maxwelland her son John were at a loss toexplain the winners improvedperformances. “Put it down to justone of those things,” she said.

Awesome George andLeo Mahon

Photo:Alun Sedgmoresportingprints.biz

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Earlier in the afternoon Sir Ollarprovided Tom Weston with the secondof his placed efforts. Like hisstablemates he held every chancebetween the final two fences but justfound one too good for him at thefinish. Guy Disney looked to havestolen a march on his rivals whensending Swing Bill into a clear lead athalfway in the four runnersConditions, but Donnas Palm camethrough to collar the leader betweenthe final two fences to claim a hardfought victory.

As normal with Bank Holidaymeetings runners were thin on theground, but Upton fared better thansome. Several West Midland stablesran their horses at the Ludlow fixtureat Bitterley and it was a good job theydid.

Josephine Banks rode StratfordStroller in the Confined and theyproved too good for the Tripitico andSam Drinkwater, while Clive Bennett’sStone had an easy task after hissolitary rival the CheltenhamFoxhunters second Following Dreamshad refused at the first in theBonhams sponsored Mens Open.

Later in the afternoon Jane Williamsteamed up with Lienosus who finishedrunner up to Minella For Party in thetwo runner Ladies Open. Phil Rowleyhad a good day with Shan’t Agree and

Alex Edwards winning the sevenrunner 2m4f Maiden at the expense ofthe Dave Mansell ridden My Fair Rose.

Shan’t Agree stablemate Ryanmannprovided James Cox with his firstsuccess in the Conditions and JoeDrinkwater had to settle for therunners up spot on Working Titledown at the Portman meeting atBadbury Rings.

ESSEX & SUFFOLK at HIGHAMSaturday, 04 Aprilby Matt ColemanAn enormous crowd flocked toHigham on Easter Saturday to enjoythe point-to-point racing, many ofwhom will have left with some extramoney in their pockets as favouriteswon every race until a dramatic finale.

Two of East Anglia’s leading trainersenjoyed doubles on the day. Timworthnear Bury St Edmunds based trainerAndrew Pennock is enjoying anotherstellar season in partnership with hisnew stable jockey Dicky Collinson.The pair began the day in style withtheir new recruit Black Glen Boy whohad little more than an exercise canterin the opening Restricted contest tofollow up his Ampton Maiden successof last month when on debut for theyard having shown smart form in IrishMaidens previously.

The Pennock double was achievedlater on the card as course specialistGalbally King responded generouslyto an aggressive ride from JamesJackson-Stops as the pair made all inthe Novice Riders Race. Galbally Kingwas winning on this card for the thirdsuccessive season, having captured theHunts Members race for the last twoyears, and for the sixth time at Highamin his career. Although this was thefirst occasion that James Jackson-Stops had ridden Galballly King in arace, the horse put in a spectacularround of jumping to repel the SandraFryer trained Festival Bound.

The Sanda Fryer yard in Wymondhamwent one better when the admirableVolcan Surprise was rewarded for hisconsistency with a much-deservedvictory in the Ladies Open. VolcanSurprise has finished runner-up fourtimes this season behind some smartperformers but stayed on well past thefront-running Warwickshire for newpilot Carey Williamson replacingBridget Andrews who has now turnedprofessional.

The second double on the day wentthe way of the Badlingham yard ofNick Wright who scored with both hisrunners on the card under his sonArchie. Their 13 year-old veteran PatsyFinnegan is in the form of his life atthe moment and recorded a hat-trickof wins this season in the Mens Open.

Patsy Finnegan and Archie WrightPhoto: Neale Blackburn chasdog.com

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His task was made considerably easierby the departures of his two mainmarket rivals Themilanhorse and KingHigh, but such was the ease of thevictory that Patsy Finnegan wouldhave been extremely difficult to beat inany case. A Hunter Chase beckonsnext.

Baroque Style made it third time luckyin the Maiden to complete the NickWright double. He has partedcompany with Archie Wright in theclosing stages when holding everychance in both previous outings forthe yard since being recruited fromIreland, but the combination made nomistake this time registering a facilesuccess in the style of a smartperformer. Evidently a horse that isnot easy to manage mentally, BaroqueStyle is responding well to theexpertise of the Nick Wright team.

The day concluded in dramatic stylewith two setting out in the HuntsMembers, Subscribers and FarmersRace, but unfortunately neither horsemanaged to finish. Stage Acclaimunseated Charlotte Ingleton at thesecond fence and after a fewponderous leaps when trying tocomplete the remainder of the race onhis own, King Of Castile ultimatelyrefused at the final open ditchunseating Sophie Whyte.

KIMBLEWICK at KIMBLESaturday, 04 Aprilby Andrew NormanRider Joe Hill recorded his initialtreble at the Kimblewick Point-to-Point by guiding Consigliere,

Fiddleesticks and Brians Well, allsaddled by father Alan, to victory atKimble on Easter Saturday.

Start Royal, partnered by GinaAndrews, also prevailed to give theAston Rowant maestro a four-timer onthe afternoon. Champion Trainer Hillsaid: "It's brilliant for Joe. He's totallydedicated and works hard on hisweight. He's been lucky to have had agreat mentor in James Tudor andhaving been able to learn fromprofessionals like Aidan (Coleman),David (Bass) and Dougie (Costello)but he's really making the most of hisopportunities."

Joe's first success on the card was inthe Bonhams Mens Open, where heguided Consigliere home in a matchwith Brackloon High. The dual Pointwinners were both returning to thissphere after contesting theCheltenham Foxhunter Chase lasttime. The 12-year-old winner took thesting out of his rival in the backstraight with Hill quickening the paceand forcing his pursuer into costlyjumping errors. The classy Trempolinogelding came home unextended in theday's fastest time and will now headfor the Bonhams Mens OpenChampionship Final at Cheltenham onApril 29th. Mind games had beenplayed via text messages leading up torace day between Hill and fellow riderAndrew Barlow with the race subjectto friendly local rivalry after the MickKehoe-trained runner-up hadconquered the Hill-trained pair ofHarbour Court and Ravethebraveearlier in the season. Joe said: "He'sthe best I've ever ridden. I'm very

grateful to the owners who have givenus the horse for the year. I think itwould take a good one to beat him ifwe went back to Cheltenham." FatherAlan explained: "We wanted aconfidence booster but that was a hotOpen for a match on Easter Saturday!There was a bit of pride at stake too!We'll try and go to Cheltenham now ashe's shown he's still got the hunger forit. The rain didn't help us at theFestival and I'm confident he'd gethome there on good ground."

Seven-year-old Fiddleesticks got offthe mark on his fifth outing betweenthe flags after staying on well from offthe pace in the Open Maiden race.The Heron Island gelding respondedto his rider's urgings to leadapproaching the last and forged aheadon the run-in. Owner Robert Groves,enjoying his first Pointing win afterbuying Fiddleesticks in partnershipwith the trainer at Ascot Sales in Julysaid: "I'm really pleased for the horseas he's had trouble with his wind buthe's put plenty of effort into winningthat." The trainer said: "Fiddleestickswas a sick horse after Kingston Blountand we've had to be patient with him.I think Joe judged the pace well as theywent for home too soon up front. I'mvery pleased for Robert and tonight hecan crawl home from the pub carryinghis cup!"

Joe, 19, completed his hat-trick asKingston Blount scorer Brians Wellmade most in the Hunt Members race,coming home in a canter by 12lengths. The £7,000 Doncaster MaySale purchase showed a likeableattitude and, although an eight-year-

Consigliere and Joe Hillat Kimblewick

Photo:Neale Blackburnchasdog.com

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old, is steadily improving and canprogress further. Rider Hill said: "I'mlucky the old man puts trust in me.Brians Well is an up-and-coming horsewe like a lot. He jumped efficientlyand really enjoyed himself today."Owner Rodney Mann continued: "Westill don't know too much about himbut I hope he's a nice horse. He's threefrom five and the horse that beat himat Higham, Play The Ace, looks useful.Today would have done his confidencethe world of good. We haven't got anyplans for him at present; we're justkeen to keep building his confidence."

Start Royal, again enjoying front-running tactics under Gina Andrews,made it six wins from his last sevenstarts in the Ladies Open. Andrews,who heads the National Lady Rider'sChampionship, quickened the tempothree out and her mount eased clear,outclassing his rivals by ten lengths.The gelding appears to be in primeorder ahead of a return to Fontwell'sHunter Chase meeting on May 14thwhere he will bid to emulate last year'sfacile victory in the United HuntsChampion Hunters' Chase. His trainersaid: "He seems better than ever butcan be a bit fresh so we're keeping himbusy. Fontwell is very much on theagenda again but he'll go for anotherLadies Open in between and I'm keento support Gina in her quest for thetitle." It was the evergreen 11-year-

old's 21st career victory and co-ownerStewart Nash added: "I suppose youcould say it's a Happy 21st! He lovesto dominate and having a stone lessweight suits him in Ladies races. He's abit quirky but running him regularly ishelping take the buzz out of him."

Although narrowing the gap onleading trainer Jack Barber, reigningchampion Hill maintains he has "nochance" of retaining his title. "I'mdelighted where we are but Jack's stillgot several to run and has twice theamount of horses in my yard," he said.

Fourth-season Pointer Flicka's Witness(Jamie Goss), who had only lost hismaiden tag at Brafield two weekspreviously, doubled his winning tally atthe first time of asking in Restrictedcompany. The ten-year-old outsider ofthree jumped ahead at the third lastafter stalking Celtic Intrigue andJamrham throughout to record a four-length success. The winner will now beaimed at the Subaru Restricted Final atStratford on May 29th, withstablemate Native Pride readied forthe Paul Rackham Champion Noviceat Huntingdon three days earlier.Harpenden-based owner DenisMoylan said: "He was pulling too hardand not finishing his races but Jamierides him with confidence and he'sstarting to settle. Joan (Johnston,trainer) has done a lot of work on hisjumping and physically he looks better

than ever. I'd like to go for the SubaruFinal as going left-handed suits himwell and he'd be more experiencedthan most."

The Laura Thomas-trained CreditCrunched opened the card with acomfortable success in the AGAConfined Hunts race. The ten-year-old's Maiden and Restricted scorescame with the word ‘firm' in the goingbut found the accurately described‘good, good to soft in places' sufficientto record a five length victory underTom Ellis. Making his first start forover a year, the fragile geldingevidently goes well fresh having wonon his seasonal debut at Black ForestLodge last term. "He's a cool dude andthe yard favourite!" said LauraThomas, "I'm particular happy as Dad(Norman, owner) nearly sold him lastweekend but I'm glad we've held ontohim. He likes better ground and wasactually due to run at Maisemore lastSunday but it went too soft. This isprobably the softest we'd get awaywith."

MIDDLETONat SHERIFF HUTTONSaturday, 04 Aprilby Charlotte RussellIt was a record breaking day at theMiddleton Point-to-Point on EasterSunday as William Easterby teamed up

Start Royal and Gina Andrews(near side) at KimblewickPhoto: Neale Blackburn

chasdog.com

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with his mother Sarah's MonsieurJourdain to win the Grimthorpe GoldCup for the third successive year - afeat which has never been achievedbefore. Always handy, MonsieurJourdain was up with the pace whichwas largely set by Killary Bay and MaxJohnson and the pair simply stayed onand on to beat Oaklands Robbie andAlice Petch by 10 lengths.Sportingfriendship was a further eightlengths back in third under HarryBannister. "It was a great trainingperformance by mum," reported thewinning jockey. "He is one of themost honest horses who always tries,even when he doesn't like it. Mumrides him out every day and shedeserves the credit," Will continued.Winning the same race three times ontwo different courses which run indifferent directions is an achievementthat will be very hard to equal, letalone beat in the future.

There were 62 runners on the daywhich drew a huge crowd ofspectators and racing started with theMcClarrons Insurance, Guy CunardMiddleton Hunt Members,Subscribers & Farmers Race. This isalways one of the most competitiveraces of its type in the area andanother strong renewal was evidentgiven that it was the fastest 3 mile raceof the day, by 10 seconds. It was wonby Christine Drury's Railway Dillon,ridden by Emma Todd and the horsewas due a win having finished secondon both his recent starts in hunterchases. He was carrying a 7lb penaltybut won by a length from Battle Rangeand Cath Walton in second and Royal

Deal finished third under CraigHoggart.

In the Openfield Yorkshire AreaPoint-to-Point Club MembersConditions race, jockeys who were notnovice riders had to carry a 7lbpenalty, meaning most riders werecarrying 12st7lbs, however the winner,Roycano ridden by Harry Bannisterhad an allowance being a five year oldand took this by eight lengthsproviding the first leg of a double forHarry. "We were really pleased withhim as we thought Drom would takethis, but it was good to see him winclear. Harry gave him a great ride andhe has come out of the race well," saidwinning trainer Stephanie Easterby. BeThere In Five was second for WilliamEasterby and Drom finished third forEmma Todd. This was the first timeDrom hasn't won this season but theground was far from ideal for him andhe can bounce back next time we seehim.

Crombie Wilkinson Solicitorssponsored the Restricted race andAldreth managed to avengeComedinewithme who won last timethey met in a Sinnington Maiden andbeat the mare by eight lengths. "Hestruck into himself last time out andwe have given him some time torecover so we were very pleased thathe could win again for the second timein a row," enthused the winningtrainer. The Manager set a really goodpace and nearly looked like he had therest of the field in trouble beforecoming back to them with a couple offences to jump. Aldreth had stalkedthe field from the rear and joined The

Manager at the second last beforegoing on to win comfortably by eightlengths. Comedinewithme was a veryfast finishing second and can take arace at this level before the season isover and The Manager was third underJack Jordan.

The first Maiden race was an OpenMaiden run over three miles andsponsored by Browns of York &Helmsley. Anddante who has beenclose on several occasions finally losthis Maiden tag and won this wellunder Chris Dawson, deputising forthe injured Jack Teal. There washowever drama in the race as Devil AtMidnight, another who is regularlypartnered by Jack Teal was going verywell under Jack Jordan until beingcarried out on the final bend by aloose horse. Anddante won by 12lengths from Chantry Melody whowas ridden by Andrew Bartlett andkeeps improving with each run.Glorianne was very impressive on herdebut and finished a further lengthand a half further back under RichardTierney. "We're thrilled to bits as hedeserved to win," said the winningowner, trainer Gillian Lee. "We had totake our own champagne to the pub asthey hadn't restocked from theHurworth meeting where we had agood celebration to mark myretirement as secretary of theHurworth Point-to-Point," she added.

The Intermediate was a qualifier forthe Connolly's Red Mills Intermediatehunter chase final to be run atCheltenham at the end of the monthand the first four past the post areeligible. Six A Side followed up on his

Grimthorpe Gold Cupvictor Monsieur Jourdainand Will Milburn atSheriff Hutton

Photo:Tom Milburnfacebook.com/TomMilburnPhotography

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two previous successes this season totake this by 12 lengths fromLowandbehold in second under EddieWrigley. His task was made slightlyeasier with the departure ofPebbleglen four from home but he stillwon well. "He seems to haveimproved a lot this season, so we'rereally excited about where he could gonext. We might consider Cheltenhamnow he's qualified," said the winningtrainer Emma Todd. TC Spitfire was afurther three lengths back in third forMax Johnson.

The final race was a Maiden for thosethat have never run under rules andover the shorter distance of 2m4f. Itprovided a first Point-to-Point win forthe owners of Glens Return, who waspartnered by William Easterby."Unfortunately they weren't here towitness it as planned. He is a lovelyhorse and one that should do well forthe rest of the season," said winningtrainer Stephanie Easterby. See MoresFinale was two lengths further back insecond and Mafate Fortin was thirdfor Emma Todd.

MONMOUTHSHIREat LLANVAPLEYSaturday, 04 Aprilby Brian LeeMerthyr Mawr's Jonathan Tudor wasable to boast that he rode several hat-

tricks as a rider. And now, after lastSaturday's Monmouthshire HuntPoint-to-Point Steeplechases atLlanvapley, he can boast that he hashad a hat-trick as a trainer.

The first leg of Jonathan's treble wasinitiated when Repeat Business, theodds-on favourite, landed the MensOpen race by ten lengths fromKnockgraffon King. Owner Jeff Birdwas holidaying in Cyprus so Jonathangave him a running commentary ofthe final circuit on his mobile phone.Good job he didn't give him a fullcommentary as winning rider JamesTudor, Jonathan's cousin said: "Hemissed every fence apart from the lasttwo and those he flew."

Hector Worsley rode Jonathan's nextwinner Always A Chance whichproved too speedy for DriftwoodHaze in the Restricted race. However,Tudor was back in the saddle onBanned In Bhutan for the seconddivision of the Open Maiden race. Anearly faller in its previous race, thissyndicate horse bought from nationalhunt jockey Paul Moloney, won by sixlengths from the pacemaking EarthTremor who was finishing in therunner-up's spot for the fourth timeon the trot.

The biggest cheers of the day were forBeth Roberts's 14-year-old ChesnutAnnie who, partnered by Carmarthen's

Emma Moseley, won the Ladies Openrace. Chesnut Annie, a 7-1 chance,who tried to break away from the fieldwas overtaken by the odds-onfavourite Lauberhorn and FineResolve in the closing stages. But bythe time the last fence was reached,she had got back in the race and wasabout half-a-length behind the fastfinishing odds-on favouriteLauberhorn who came down leavingChesnut Annie to score by a lengthfrom Fine Resolve. Chesnut Annie,who was winning over the course forthe sixth time, has now won 37 Point-to-Points and two Hunter Chases.

Fine Resolve's rider Rachel Leyshontook the first division of the Maidenrace on Simon Jones's Stainless Steel.Simon, who hails from Maesteg, runsa pet cemetery in the area.

Matthew Barber, riding his fatherGary's Kimora, the 5-1 outsider offour, took the opening Intermediaterace. A nine-year-old bay mare byBach, Kimora is trained by Matthew'solder brother Marc who said: "She isonly 15 h.h. and a typical woman - noteasy to train."

Ben Hicks, aged 20, will alwaysremember his first ride in Wales as hechalked-up his first winner in just fourrides when landing the young horseOpen Maiden race on Triple Brandywhich got home by half-a-length from

Repeat Business and James Tudor at LlanvapleyPhoto: Alun Sedgmore sportingprints.biz

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the pacemaking Sahara Haze. Benrides out for Warren Greatrex atLambourn and on this showing morewins will certainly be coming his way.

Leaving lovely Llanvapley, I wasn'twondering whether Chesnut Anniewill go on to record her 40th victorybefore the season comes to an end.No, I was wondering who could ithave been who had left a plate ofsandwiches in one of the two portabletoilets situated near the sponsors' tent!

NORTH STAFFORDSHIREat SANDONSaturday, 04 Aprilby John TellwrightFollowing the dreadful weather we hadendured last week, the sun shone atSandon on Easter Saturday, and thepublic braved the greasy car parkswhich luckily dried out during theday's racing. It was wonderful to see somany young families having fun on thebank, and hope we have inspired somemore Point-to-Point devotees of thefuture.

Sue Sharratt won the HowsonsMembers' Race for the North Staffson Dont Back Down - the 61st Point-to-Point win of her splendid career(she also managed another 6 underRules), and her 8th Members' Race atSandon, and she promptly announcedher retirement when receiving hercups. Congratulations to her on such afantastic career. Second home wasBarnaby Shaw who took the Meynell& South Staffs cups.

The Tom Tavernor Memorial OpenMaiden, sponsored by Blithfield

Lakeside Barns, was won in reallygood style by the Sam Allwood-trainedBroad Spectrum, ridden by anotherlocal, Rob Jarrett.

We were honoured to welcomePalypso De Creek who came for theBaker Wynne & Wilson Ladies Open,and his and Claire Hart's job was madeeasier when Cailin Aileann depositedPage Fuller after the first fence,coming home 15 lengths the better ofKatie Ayres on Tirob.

Jalingo's Mate completed a trainingdouble for Sam Allwood when beatingYoung QC in the Euro Horseboxes-sponsored Rob Turner Memorial 2m5fMaiden, by a length, in the tightestrace of the day.

Jake Coulson and Paco Jack bravelytook on the mighty Executive Benefit,who Joe O'Shea had brought backfollowing last year's Sandon win, butto no avail as Richard Hewitt's finemare put up a typically powerfuldisplay under Gillon Crow to win theBonhams Mens Open.

Gary Hanmer brought Joe's A Boy ina match for the Connolly's Red MillsIntermediate race, but was no matchfor Claire Hart on Kazuri Kate whocame home 20 lengths to the good.

In the Equiform Nutrition PPORArace, the Philip Rowley trainedRyanmann, ridden by Jacob Cox, camehome eight lengths ahead of theOliver Greenall-trained Threapwood,to win at a well-backed 7-2.Congratulations to Jacob on his firstwinner

PORTMAN at BADBURY RINGSSaturday, 04 Aprilby Brian and Gill ArmstrongWill Biddick dominated the Portmancard with a four-timer - his second inseven days - to reach the 36-winnermark for the season. The KeithCumings-trained Little Cornham(Intermediate) and Jack Barber trioRoyalzaro (2m5f Maiden), RuddyArticle (Restricted) and Posh Totty(Confined) provided the champion'sfour successes.

Little Cornham held Turtle Boys (BenClarke) by a neck after racingprominently throughout. "We camehere for the better ground and maynow go for a Novice Hunter Chase,"said Andy Pollard, joint owner withJanet Down and Helen Stoneman.Royalzaro was never headed afterdebutant early leader Captain Joe hadfallen at the third. Bought for €3,000at Arqana Deauville Summer MixedSale in July 2014, Royalzaro had beenplaced in two of his three previousPoint-to-Points and is for sale. RuddyArticle benefited from being riddenprominently after swerving to his rightwhen runner-up in his previous race,the Duke of Beaufort's Members.Racing in the first two throughout,Ruddy Article comfortably heldRobbie Henderson's challenge aboardfavourite On Your Max. Posh Tottyearned a "my favourite horse"compliment from Will after making allin the Confined. "She just won't letanything past," beamed Will, who hadpatted the mare's ears as thepartnership crossed the winning line.

Palypso De Creek &Claire Hart (far side) andTirbob & Katie Ayres atSandon

Photo:Al Johnstonaljohnstonphotography.com

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Harry Cobden moved to within one ofhis 10-winner seasonal target aboardNovice Riders' race winner Cock OfThe Rock. Working Title, bidding for afifth success of the season, made allthe running under Joe Drinkwater, butthe pair had no answer when Harryproduced Cock Of The Rock after thelast.

Hameldown Tor made it two wins andtwo seconds from four Badbury Ringsoutings by taking the Mixed Open.Will Biddick led three out aboardCertain Flight, who was wearing first-time cheekpieces, but RobbieHenderson forced Hameldown Torhalf a length in front at the end of aslowly run tactical encounter.

Exmoor trainer Patrick Picton-Warlowenjoyed his first success "for aboutfour years" when Aubrey Loze'sPalfrey Boy took the 3-mile Maiden,where three of the nine starterscompleted the course. Palfrey Boymade all the running to provide asecond winner between the flags forPhilip Hobbs' employee Nick Lawton.

SPOONERS & WESTDARTMOOR at CHERRYBROOKSaturday, 04 Aprilby Granville TaylorDarren Edwards looks set to capturehis first Devon & Cornwall jockeys’title this year and moved on to the 15

winner mark for the season thanks toa double at Cherrybrook before amassive crowd.

Edwards won the Mixed Open on theconsistent Lucette Annie who wasachieving her seasonal hat trick. Themare revels in soft ground “She isground dependant and will run nextwherever it is soft enough. She is stillscheduled to be covered by Black SamBellamy afterwards,” said SimonPartridge, who handles her on behalfof owners Clare West and JanetHumphrey.

Dean Summersby’s Flood Tide,completed the jockey’s double in theOpen Maiden. Alice Mills, hotfootfrom riding her shock 80-1 winner atNewton Abbot, was chasing FloodTide when her mount Angonaminuterefused at the last fence.

Alice somersaulted over the obstacleminus her horse and the ups anddowns of jumping were also wellillustrated when Darren Edwards tooka crashing fall from According ToHarry in the Restricted won by MissGotaway. Horse and rider wereunscathed as the winner strolled hometo complete her third successivevictory of the season. “She is sogenuine and tough,” exclaimedwinning trainer Kayley Woollacott,saddling her 14th winner of theseason.

The Emma Loosemore trainedDiamond Brook (Leanda Tickle)gained reward for consistency whenjust overhauling the Woollacott runnerKing Kash to win the Confined, andIt’s All Or Nothing stayed on stronglywhen taking the eight-runnerRestricted. David Noonan waspartnering his fourth winner of theseason on this progressive grey forowner Rob White and trainerCharlotte Rowe.

Dicky Bob rounded off his seasonwith an easy win in the Members’under Jo Buck. “He has done enoughwinning five out of six and won’t runagain this season,” reported owner/trainer Verity Nicholls.

WOODLAND PYTCHLEYat DINGLEYSaturday, 04 Aprilby Emma FormanThe car park at Dingley was full withpeople enjoying an Easter picnic andthe excellent views of racing at theWoodland Pytchley Point-to-Point onSaturday; 7 races took place on grounddescribed as "good to soft, good inplaces."

Racing got underway with theWoodland Pytchley and FernieMember's race sponsored by TypestartPrinting which resulted in an excitingfinish. Dale Peters had Toby Hunt's

Hameldown Tor and Will Biddick at Badbury RingsPhoto: Tim Holt [email protected]

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Nightcap Jack up with the pace formuch of the three miles before thefavourite Arkose took command.However, Nightcap Jack rallied gamelyon the run in to take the lead oncemore and was just headed by Arkoseon the line by half a length. Owner /rider Sam Hutchinson was keen toplay down his role in the preparationof Arkose. "My Mother Susan is thereal trainer; I could not do it withouther. We may run Arkose again in afortnight at the Atherstone." He said.Ionisphere and Lucy Wheeler weretwenty five lengths away in third.

Trainer Gerald Bailey continued hispurple patch with a sixth consecutivewinner in the King West Confinedrace with Sandpipers. Rider AlexVaughan- Jones did have an anxiousmoment when approaching the lastfence Sandpipers began to slow downvery rapidly. "I looked round and Icould see that Nick (Docker) wasvirtually at a standstill onAmithereyet!" he said. Both horsescrawled up the run in with Sandpiperswinning by five lengths fromAmithereyet with We Never Give Upand Toby Betambeau in third. "I don'tthink Sandpipers was actually thattired; he wasn't blowing that much buthe does like better ground. He's agood, fun horse as he runs regularly."Commented the winning handlerGerald Bailey whose wife Caroline wassaddling a runner at Haydock.

Toby Betambeau was back in thewinner's enclosure in the number onespot following the Hows RacesafeFour, Five, Six and Seven year oldsOpen Maiden race, a qualifier for the

DBS Spring Sales P2P bumper.Betambeau was riding the mareEmpyrean who made all the runningto beat another mare More Tricks whoran on well in the hands of DickieBarrett who is sponsored byAGHAUL Ltd Haulage Contractors.The seven year old Empyrean isowned by Annabel Wheatly and HilaryStratton. "Annabel and I wanted tocome here and persuaded Hilary that itwas a good idea at the last minute, so Iam glad it worked out well." SaidBetambeau for whom this was asecond success of the season.

With only one horse declared to run inthe Berrys Mixed Open race, there wasa walkover for that horse PristineCondition. Rider Dale Peters who issponsored by Toby Hunt FuneralServices was required by the rules ofracing to weigh out as normal, paradeas normal and then canter over theline before weighing in once again."This will have gained me some pointsbut I am having a lean season withoutmany good rides so I am way behindin the D&M Barthorpe MidlandsChampionships. Pristine Conditionwill be able to run on Monday now."Said Peters. Owner Philip Andrew willcollect prize money as normal.

Lottie Crane and Mister Philson tookthe Dodson & Horrell PPORA ClubMember's race for Novice ridersbeating Smith's Hill and Kelly Morganwith Mac Halen and Serena Tyler inthird. Lottie Crane, who is sponsoredby Wells McFarland CharteredSurveyors and Property Consultants,sustained a cut lip as Mister Philsonhad head butted her on the way to

post but was still smiling in thewinner's enclosure. The riders of thefirst three past the post scored pointsfor the Harley Racing National NoviceRiders Championships and the firstfour horses and riders past the postare now eligible for the £1000 Dodson& Horrell PPORA Club MembersNovice riders Series Final at Tabley onSunday 17th May.

There was a popular victory for LadyVicstar in the Restricted racesponsored by Rockingham HorseTrials and a qualifier for the SubaruRestricted Point-to-Point Series Finalat Stratford on Friday 29th May.Owned by Susie Tarry and AndrewSansome, the game chestnut mare wassuited by the soft ground and JonnyBailey, who is sponsored by EquimarkHorseboxes, brought her home thetwenty length winner withEndofdiscussion in second place. "Ihave been doing a rain dance as sheneeds soft ground! We wantedsomeone who would ride her just likeAndrew would so I led up hoping thatshe would think it was Andrew gettingon her back." Explained Susie Tarryafterwards.

Pauline Harkin the trainer ofEndofdiscussion went one better inthe final race of the day, the BerryAccountants Open Maiden race withExclusive Rights beating Oi Oi Savaloiby four lengths. Over To You ran wellto be third for Tom Strawson, TimTarratt and Liz Inman on only hissecond start. The winner ExclusiveRights had been second at Whitfield inMarch and the seven year old mare hasimproved gradually to lose her Maiden

Lucette Annie and DarrenEdwards landed theMixed Open atCherrybrook

Photo:Tim [email protected]

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tag. "She loves the soft ground andthere was no pace early so I decided togo on." Explained rider Pete Mann.

Next weekend the Pytchley Point-to-Point takes place at Guilsborough onSunday 12th April, first race 2pm.

CUMBERLAND FARMERSat DALSTONMonday, 06 Aprilby Peter BurgonOne of the biggest crowds seen atDalston in recent years turned out forthe Cumberland Farmers Point-to-Point meeting on Easter Monday. Atotal of 53 runners faced the starteron the six race card, a figure surpassedat only one of the day's other tenfixtures across the country.

Monbeg got favourite backers off tothe perfect start by defying a 7lbpenalty to land the D.A.HarrisonCumberland Farmers Hunt MembersRace in the hands of John Dawson.

Sent clear after four out, he neverlooked like being pegged back byPresent To You down the homestraight and still had five lengths inhand at the line. Dawson said: "He's adifferent horse wearing cheekpiecesand although we probably hit the fronta bit too soon, he won easily in theend."

The gelding was given to Penton nearLongtown handler, Gemma Andersonlast year by his previous trainer, MartinTodhunter and was a first winner forthe Carlisle-based Six ThixPartnership, which is headed by IanMilburn. He could run next in a PerthHunters' Chase later in the month.

Selkirk trainer, Stuart Coltherd isenjoying another good season betweenthe flags as well as under Rules and hisexciting youngster, Captain Redbeardwas the most impressive winner of theday in the Carrock Meats RestrictedRace. Given a confident ride at theback of the field by son, Sam, the 6year old picked off his rivals one byone on the final circuit before hittingthe front two out and drawing clear toscore by a cosy two lengths. Stuart saidof his charge: "He was far moresettled than at Alnwick and is learningthe game all the time. Potentially, he'sthe best horse I've ever trained. It'sback home now where my father and Iare just one week into lambing 1350ewes."

Keeverfield turned in another gutsy,front-running display in the BeechHouse Holidays Ladies Open Raceand was still a length up when a lastfence blunder gave Catherine Waltonno chance of keeping the partnershipintact. Durban Gold and Rolecarrwere left to battle it out up the run-inwith the former getting on top in the

last fifty yards to win by half a length.Winning rider, Joanna Walton said ofthe 8 year old Flemensfirth mare: "Sheloves the softer ground and was atotally different horse compared to herlast run at Crossford a fortnight ago,however, it might have been adifferent outcome had Keeverfield notdeparted at the last."

Bonchester Bridge-based owner/trainer, Diana Walton added: "I didn'tthink she would be so effective inLadies Opens when we first got her inNovember."

The Northern Area's senior amateurrider, Jamie Alexander, 50, showed hisyounger counterparts the way homeon ex-chaser, Royal Chatelier in theBonhams Mens Open Race for thecoveted John Peel Trophy. Always inthe leading pair, the 10 year old lookedin trouble when Locked Inthepocketset sail for home after three out but hewas back on terms at the last beforeforging eight lengths clear on the flat.The winner was bought by Alexanderfor £7000 at Doncaster Sales last May,having previously scored five timesunder Rules. "I decided to make plentyuse of him as he is a proven stayer andI think he will be even better on moretesting ground," he said.

After steering Another Dark Rum tovictory in a Sedgefield Hunters' Chaseon Sunday, the in-form Nick

Captain Redbeard and Sam Coltherd lead the Restricted field at DalstonPhoto: Grace Beresford p2pnorthernphotos.co.uk

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Orpwood recorded his 40th careersuccess between the flags on MilanoMagic in the N B Lancaster NPPAClub Members Race. The 9 year old,who had ended a four year losing runat Crossford on March 21, edged infront close home to secure a shorthead verdict over the odds-onfavourite, Master Butcher. The winprovided another tonic for thegelding's regular pilot and trainer,Gemma Cochrane who is sidelined forthe rest of the season with acollarbone injury.

The concluding Pioneer Open MaidenRace produced another exciting finish,which saw the tiring leader, Mister Kitheaded on the run-in byPharawaydante and Scuderia. Therewas not much to choose between thelatter duo until Pharawaydante edgedin front well inside the last fifty yardsto score by a neck and provide RossWilson with his first winner of theseason. Wilson, who rides out forNicky Richards and is coached byBrian Harding, said: "They went quickenough on the first circuit and he justkept finding more down the homestraight as the leader's strideshortened."

This was a richly deserved trainingsuccess for Norman Sanderson, a full-time joiner from Hamilton and uncleof the winning rider. After losing hisother Pointer at the Jedforest meetingon January 25, he saw Pharawaydanteadvertised for sale in Northern Irelandon the internet and went over himselfto conclude a deal before returning onthe ferry with the 7-year-old in hishorse trailer.

EAST KENT WITH WESTSTREET at ALDINGTONMonday, 06 Aprilby Will HickmanTwo years since claiming the scalp ofthe mighty Freddies Return, AdeptApproach returned to the course toeasily take the Mens Open for histrainer Phil Hall. The nine year oldhadn’t won since Fontwell in 2013,with a host of problems holding himback for past 12 months. His jumpingwas a bit ragged, highlighted by aterrible blunder at the last, but he stilleasily had the measure ofQuarrymount who chased him homein second.

Hall was chalking up a double, havingalready steered Jenna Pride home inthe opening Open Maiden race. Theprogressive Nick Pearce trained six-year-old was running for the secondtime this weekend, having unseatedPhil York at the eighth fence atCharing, but she showed no ill effectsand ran out an easy winner,confirming previous form withrunner-up Boy Of Boru.

Rose Grissell sent out a double as atrainer on Saturday and this time sherode herself, steering De Clare Man tovictory for the second time thisseason. The six-year-old won hismaiden impressively at the firstGodstone meeting, giving theimpression that a Restricted win waswell within his range. Tompatpegchased him home, having alreadyfinished second to Conna Cloud atCharing two days previously.

David Phelan did send out a winner, asRunning In Heels justified her short

price in the Hunt Members race, easilyholding off Thenford Ryde andOscarsfriend. Phil York did thesteering, carefully picking the bestground on the six-year-old mare andwon comfortably by four lengths.

Little Legend didn’t turn up for theLadies Open race, so No No Bingowas sent off the evens favourite forEmily Harbour. The pair had to settlefor second however, as the famousRilly Goschen took the race on theJody Sole trained Theophrastus. Thethirteen-year-old winner was showinga step up in form having been beatenin a Hunt Race on his previous run, aswell finishing well down the field inboth Military races under Rules atSandown Park.

The concluding Club MembersConditions race went to Mr Bennettand Pete Bull, fresh back from a skiingholiday. The pair were just aboutgetting the better of BroughtonGreen, when he fell at the last and leftthem in front to record a comfortablewin over Rio Novo.

FOUR BURROWat TREBUDANNONMonday, 06 Aprilby Granville TaylorThe car parks were overflowing andthe packed holiday crowd enjoyed wallto wall sunshine and competitiveracing at Trebudannon.

It was a great day for the Chapmanfamily, based just a couple of milesfrom the course. Reuben Chapmanwon with three of his five runners,

Royal Chatelier & JamieAlexander (left) andLocked In The Pocket &Henry Morshead (right) atDalston

Photo: Grace Beresfordp2pnorthernphotos.co.uk

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two of which were partnered by hisson Ryan.

Reliable Richie set the ball rolling inthe Hunt race, steered by Ryan to aneasy success. The trainer recalled thathe had, “ Won this trophy just oncebefore when Indian Raider beat Let’sFly quite a long time ago”

It wasn’t long before his useful lookingsix-year-old Winter Garden followedin the hoof prints of Reliable Richie ina division of the two and a half milesOpen Maiden. Dungarvan born SeanHoulihan took the mount this time toscore his second career success. “Wegot Winter Garden from ColmanHennessy in Ireland. He is a lovelyprospect and he has done lots ofjumping at home,” said the trainer.

“I have never had a double before,”enthused Reuben after this success,but his double soon became a treblethanks to the concluding Maidenwinner Myladtommy. “I have whippedin to the North Cornwall with thishorse all season,” reported Ryan, whowas on board his genuine hunter toscore his first ever riding double. Theonly negative was a fine by thestewards’ concerning the use of thewhip by the 30- year old rider, whoseday job is a farrier.

Jo Buck followed up her Cherrybrookwin on Saturday to make it three forthe Easter weekend courtesy of a

double on Academy General andZiggerson Hill.

Academy General just held the rallyingMic’s Delight to score by a neck in thecolours of Duncan Odgers and PatShaw in the Confined, before theJackie Du Plessis owned, bred andtrained mare Ziggerson Hill just gotthe better of the pace setting NedWhite in the Ladies’

The long distance “Cornish National”produced a three way finish with thesound jumping Kirkleigh (TomChanin) just holding off Ace High andBatu Ferringhi. “He was not himselfon his last run at Chepstow and it hastaken until today to get him back,” saidRobert Chanin, who trains the geldingfor owner Sue Trump.

Tom Chanin went close to adding toKirkleigh’s win when his mount WeeSaxon just gave best to I’m All Set inthe Restricted. Both the winner andthe runner up are promising six-year-olds. Claire Hitch trains I’m All Set forher co-owners Keith Parkin and PhilipRawle, with jockey Jamie Thomasdescribing the winner as, “game, a nicesort who jumps for fun.”

Four successful favourites gave theenthusiastic crowd something to cheerabout, but the first division of the twoand a half miles Maiden saw 20-1outsider Torgamah Lad scorchinground in a long lead to give George

Hiscock his fifth career winner. Theseven-year-old is owned and trained bySteve McCracken on Exmoor whosaid, “He ran unplaced a few times forVenetia Williams and I got him fromNigel Hawke.”

NORTH COTSWOLDat PAXFORDMonday, 06 Aprilby Peter MansellA win for Stanton trainer Kim Smylyand a deserved success for ZaraPhillips were the highlights of theNorth Cotswold Point-to-Point atPaxford on Monday afternoon.

The car parks were full as the massiveBank Holiday crowd watched therunners in the Members sent on theirway. With just two runners bothhorses and riders were content to hackround until the pace began to quickenwith half a mile to run. Smyly'srepresentative Anseanachai Cliste(Gaelic for Wonderful Storyteller) hashad much more experience thanPassing Fast who is still learning hertrade, but he could never establish aclear advantage, although he stayed ondoggedly to prevail over the final twofences. After clambering over the lasthe had enough in reserve to beat hisrival by three lengths and land theprize for winning owner/rider DavidMaxwell. "He won several races in

Zara Phillips is presented with her trophy followingFrankenstorm’s victory in the Maiden race at Paxford

Photo: David Simpson

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Ireland before we purchased him, buthe is a lazy horse and makes hard workof it" said Smyly afterwards.

Zara Phillips took two horses to themeeting and the Gatcombe trainer wasunlucky not to score with both ofthem, with Devil's Boys going downby half a length in the Restrictedbefore his stablemate Frankenstormgained compensation with a shorthead victory in the Maiden.

Devils Boys and The Fly Columnshared the lead for the first circuit inthe Restricted but both Keen Eye andStonefield were close on their heelswaiting to make their presence felt. Bythe 16th it was obvious bothstruggling to eat into the leader'sadvantage and Devils Boysapproached the final obstacle wellclear of his rivals. Favourite backersprobably thought Stonefield had givenup the unequal struggle but a mistakeat the last by the leader gave themcause for optimism and they began toclose the gap as they raced towards thejudge. There was great delightamongst the 10-strong Equus ClubSyndicate when Stonefields half-lengthvictory was announced. Winningtrainer/rider Tom Weston saidafterwards "He kept hanging and wasnot taking a cut at his fences but Ikept pushing and we got there in theend".

There was compensation for thePrincess Royal's daughter whenFrankenstorm won the next raceunder Tom David. The favouritecontinually out-jumped his rivalsduring the early stages of this contestwhere he was kept company by Stow

Hill and Mid Day Beat until the latterbegan to beat a retreat with half a mileto run. Stow Hill was struggling to geton terms at the 16th, but a slow jumpby Frankenstorm at the next left thedoor ajar for Stow Hill. He attemptedto get up on the inside of his rival onthe final bend but that manoeuvrefailed and he lost several lengths.However they were back on terms atthe last but Frankenstorm hung ongrimly to prevail by a short head.

Prior to Stonefields success Worcesterrider Tom Weston had taken the MensOpen with Over the Phone. CliveHitchings gelding has been a model ofconsistency throughout his career sohis supporters always know they aregoing to get a good run for theirmoney. Count Salazar and GeminiAhhs set a steady pace but thefavourite was always confidentlyridden. Weston always had the leaderin his sights and went to the frontapproaching two out before drawingclear over the final two fences.

Jetnova crowned a good weekend foryoung John Smith Maxwell fromWorcestershire after his mount hadrun away with the Novice Riders raceto provide the first leg of a treble forTrainer Tom Weston. Matt Hammondand Basil Fawlty were still in front asthey disappeared from view at the farend of the course but when theyreappeared the lead had beendrastically reduced. Basil Fawlty hadnothing more to give so Jetnova sweptby to win unchallenged by 30-lengths.Jetnova carries the colours ofKatherine Smith Maxwell and 35minutes later she saw two of her

nieces Abigail and Phine Banksfighting out the finish of the GeorgePragnell sponsored Ladies Open.

The two runners went stride for stridefrom the start with Well Mett outjumping his rival at several obstaclesonly for Hall Kelly to fight back onthe flat. Having jumped the 16th inunison Hall Kelly struck the frontapproaching the final bend allowingAbigail to beat her sister Phine by fourlengths. To complete the familyoccasion both horses were owned bytheir mother Christine.

OLD BERKSHIRE at LOCKINGEMonday, 06 Aprilby Harriet RochesterAn estimated crowd of 9,000 visitorsat Sunday's Cazenove Capital Point-to-Point and Country Day at the OldBerkshire fixture at Lockinge weretreated to bumper day of sport withsix races, two pony races andConeygree; 2015 Cheltenham BetfredGold winner making a special guestappearance to begin proceedings.

Father and son team, trainer James andjockey Fred Henderson enjoyed afruitful day bagging a double acrossthe card. Oliver James kicked off thefirst leg by winning the openingMembers race, and Otto the Greatmanaged to get his nose in front in athree-way photo finish in the MixedOpen race. Fred, who is studyinghistory at Newcastle University, said:"We moved to the area last year fromGrantham, Lincolnshire and it's greatto have such a successful day at ourlocal Point-to-Point. Otto the Great

Otto The Great and FredHenderson at Lockinge


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seems to be really enjoying his racingnow, he won last time out which hasgiven him confidence and he reallygave his all today."

Port Golan finished in a close secondin the Mixed Open for HenriettaKnight who was saddling her firstPoint-to-Point runner in 25 years. Shewas a champion Point-to-Point trainer,before turning her attention toprofessional racing, with equinelegends, triple Cheltenham Gold Cupwinner Best Mate and ChampionChase and King George Chase winnerEdredon Bleu running under thebanner of the Knight stable.

Midnight King continued the familytheme when taking the Confined racefor the Mann team. The horse isowned, trained and bred Joanna Mannand was ridden by her son Pete. Thetrainer, who is based in Warwickshirecommented: "Midnight King hasn'traced the past couple of season's dueto injury and this is the first time he'swon following his lay off, he is aterrific horse and this marks hisseventh career win."

Just as Irish amateur Katie Walsh wassecuring her first Irish GrandNational, Kate Derrick, a swimmingteacher at Westonbirt School,Gloucestershire, rode her first everwinner in the PPORA Members race.The race provided another fantastic

finish, with Kate riding her ownRivazza holding on to win. "What afantastic feeling! Last season didn't goso great as I lost my first horse and Iconsidered giving up, but Rivazza hasgiven me back my confidence and Iam delighted for him and lookingforward to celebrating my firstwinner," Kate said.

Laura Thomas from Marlborough,Wiltshire, trained Swingbridge, thewinner of the Restricted race. JockeyTom Ellis managed to fend off a latesurge from Carnglave Cat and KatyLyons to make it three wins fromthree rides for Laura. Speaking afterthe race Ellis said: "Laura and I havestruck up a successful partnership, sheis very good at getting horses fit andjumping well, but this game is a greatleveler and as a jockey you never knowwhat around the corner so I'm goingto savor this while it lasts."

The last race, the Open Maiden, alsocame down to nail biting finish withBingo Tiep, a half-brother to the smartIrish chaser Pomme Tiepy, taking thehonours for rider Charlie Deutsch -his first winner since returning to theamateur ranks, and owner Tom Lacey.Lacey said: "He is a horse that doeshimself really well and it has just takentime to get him fit. He is probably ahorse we might go on with or wemight sell him."

Two competitive pony races hadkicked off the day's racing. Eleven yearold Eliott England riding DipfordMoon Walker was the convincingwinner of the 138cm race and IsabelHunt, on board Barboza, managed tohold on to win the 148cm race.

Reflecting on another successfulrunning on this historic meetingRichard Manners, chairman of thePoint-to-Point, said: "This event is avery important fundraiser for the huntand it's fantastic to see so manyenjoying a great day of horseracing inthe Oxfordshire countryside."

SOUTH NOTTSat THORPE LODGEMonday, 06 Aprilby Emma FormanA large Easter Monday crowd enjoyedthe spring sunshine at Thorpe Lodgewhen the South Notts held theirPoint-to-Point and celebrated 40 yearsof racing at the course. The highlightof the day was a treble for MidlandsArea leading rider Tom Strawson.

Returning to the scene of his firstdouble twelve months ago, which wasfollowed by a treble at Garthorpe thefollowing weekend, Strawson startedthe day riding Gonalston Cloud forSouth Notts Chairman Roger Jacksonin the Anne Jepson MemorialConfined race. This eight year old grey

Midnight King and Pete Mann at LockingePhoto: Neale Blackburn chasdog.com

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has gone right through the ranks thisseason after winning his Maiden atThorpe in February, taking in aRestricted and Intermediate as well asbeing placed second in an open.Strawson had him settled off the pacebefore coming through to beat thepace setting Thetalkinghorse and TomMcClorey by four lengths with BenchWarrant in third. "Gonalston cloudwill run next at Cheltenham (in the£7,000 Connolly's Red MillsIntermediate Point-to-PointChampionship Hunter Chase final) forwhich he qualified for at Garthorpewhich is really exciting. I also think Ibetter order some tickets for theMidlands area awards dinner!" said thedelighted Roger Jackson in thewinner's enclosure. Gonalston Cloudlooks like being both the leading horseand leading novice horse of the seasonin the D&M BarthorpeChampionships.

Strawson then teamed up with one ofhis 2014 winners, another grey RobyDe Cimbre in the Newark LivestockMarket Mens Open race for theRobinson family. This time he hadRoby De Cimbre prominentthroughout the race before taking clearlead three fences from home. Now atwelve year old, Roby de Cimbre thenswished his tail in the manner of theRobinson family's old favourite TheBig Wheel as he went on to beatTeshali by thirty lengths.

The final leg of the Strawson treblecame in the Fernwood Group Four,Five, Six and Seven year old OpenMaiden, a qualifier for the DBS SpringSales Point-to-Point Bumper. Here he

was on board No Alterations forVictoria Cottingham and Jane Kent;this horse ran at Garthorpe where hissaddle slipped last Sunday but therewere no such problems this time andNo Alterations went on to win byeight lengths. Victoria Cottingham'sgreen and pink colours were chosenbecause her father Kit had so manysuccesses in his pink and blackcolours. She also has Ivan's Back intraining with Nick Kent at his baseclose to Brigg. "I am delighted withthis horse and hopefully we will run inthe Restricted race at Garthorpe in afew weeks time," she said. The secondhorse, Gerald Bailey's Fearsome Fredshowed a lot of promise on hisracecourse debut and is one to notewhen he runs again. Speaking of histreble Tom Strawson, who issponsored by AGHAUL Ltd HaulageContractors, said: "Last year when Irode a treble at Garthorpe lots ofpeople said I would never managesuch a feat again but here I am and Ihave! It's been a great day and therewill definitely be champagne and aparty tonight!" Stawson has 35 pointsin the Midlands Area Championshipwith Tom McClorey his nearestpursuer on 13 points.

The Gerald Bailey stable had enjoyedsuccess earlier in the afternoon,continuing a fantastic run of form forthe yard when Mr Madeit won theSilcock and Partners Intermediaterace. Ridden by George Greenock,who is sponsored by Lycetts, for hisMother Countess Cathcart, Mr Madeitwas a fairly easy winner beating UberAlles and Dicky Collinson by six

lengths. "I am delighted; the horses arerunning well. We nearly went toFakenham for the Hunter Chase butunfortunately George couldn't do theweight," said winning trainer GeraldBailey. Both the winner and thesecond qualified for the £7,000Connolly's Red Mills IntermediatePoint-to-Point Championship HunterChase final at Cheltenham onWednesday 29th April.

Earlier in the afternoon, Lottie Cranesupplemented her win on MisterPhilson at Dingley on Saturday with aneasy victory on Qoubilai in a matchfor the Millside Country Store LadiesOpen race. Both Lottie and Sam Klugthe rider of the second horse VikingRidge scored points for the AGAiTotal Control Championship. Lottie iscurrently in second place behind KellyMorgan for the D & M Barthorpeleading Lady Rider Championship inthe Midlands area.

Another rider to follow up a success atDingley, Toby Betambeau, who wonon Empyrean on Saturday, rode LadyBarfad to a one length success in theFrank Key Builder's MerchantsRestricted race. Trained by PaulineHarkin, the seven year old mare whowon her Maiden at Kingston Blount inMarch has qualified for the SubaruRestricted Point-to-Point Series Finalat Stratford on Friday 29th May.Pauline Harkin also trained the secondhorse Val d'Auberge and RogerJackson's Lord Golan was third.

There was a first ever winner forseventeen year old Sam Lee who rodethe nine year old Tannerman tovictory in the final race the Brydon

Bingo Tipe and CharlieDeutsch at Lockinge


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Property Development eight year oldsand over Open Maiden. Tannerman istrained by Sam's Mum Katie alongsidethe family Dairy farm and owned bySteve Brown and Kerry Hollowell whowere delighted with their success.Lucky Sun was a length away insecond place and Upper Deck wasthird.

SOUTH PEMBROKESHIREat LYDSTEPMonday, 06 Aprilby Maria EvansThe Easter Monday weather did notdisappoint at the idyllic Lydstep andneither did the racing. The car parkswere full and the crowd got their spotsearly with their picnics, all ready forsome action packed racing at theSouth Pembrokeshire fixture.

The Hunt Race went the way of homegrown John Mathias and Harpsy Cordtrained by Mathias' girlfriend AmberGriffiths. The offs on favourite madeeasy work of it, coming home fivelengths ahead of Mathias'grandmothers Lydstep Hills, andSeondeok, ridden by local girl JodieHughes. This was the beginning of adouble for Mathias, who later camehome infront on the very impressiveDesertmore View in the Restricted,who was left alone after the open ditchsecond time around, when both

Romeo Is Bleeding and Milledunseated their jockeys. The winnercame back in a quick time consideringhe was left alone for a mile, and thereis sure to be more to come from thisseven year old. The Dunraven Bowllooks a likeable option forconnections.

Desertmore View's trainer MarcBarber also went home with a double,after Star Rise came out to win justtwo days after falling at theMonnmouthshire Point-to-Point. Hemade all under jockey Matthew Barberand was unchallenged in the 2m 4fMaiden. After coming home"bouncing" on Saturday, brothersMarc and Matthew though there wasnothing to lose by sending him outagain, and the better ground certainlyhelped. Owner Graham Garland, whohails from the Amman Valley, seemedkeen to send his horse to the AintreeBumper in May, which is a ‘DBSSpring Sales Point-to-Point BumperFinal' and something new to thisseason.

The Open Maiden went the way ofJodie Hughes and Mister Bricolage,who came home a distance ahead ofthe rest of the field, after JohnMathias and Glenteeneasaigh came togrief at the last when four lengths offthe winner. The horse had been placeda few times under rules for trainerMickey Bowen's father Peter, and is

likely to go back under rules after thePoint-to-Point season ends. MisterBricolage's owner Heddwyn Jones ismaster of the Vale Of Clettwr Hunt,and has had a small number of horseswith the Bowen's over the years.

This was the beginning of a doublefor Mickey Bowen, with Sir Du Bearnwinning the next race on the card, theMens Open. Ridden by Mickey'scousin Peter Bryan, the 18 year oldtimed the race to perfection, andnicked the race off Rosie's Peacockand John Mathias in the dying strides.This was Bryan's sixth winner of theseason in Point-to-Points, and 9overall. The horse had come homelame after a Hunter Chase at Kelsolast time out, and after some rest for acouple of weeks Bowen said he's beenfine since. He'll go to eitherCheltenham or Stratford next.

Bowen has Bob's Law entered in theAintree Foxhunters on Thursday, andsays that he's a definite runner for therace, with usual pilot Ciarán Gethingson board. Another definite runner isRob Luke's Chosen Milan, who cameback the best of the Welsh finishingan impressive fifth in the CheltenhamFoxhunters. Luke's stable jockey EvanDavid takes the ride.

The Ladies Open was yet again acompetitive race where eight went topost. The race went the way of Highly

Sir Du Bearn & Peter Bryan (right) and Rosies Peacock& John Mathias (left) at LydstepPhoto: Alun Sedgmore sportingprints.biz

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Unlikely for trainer Amber Griffiths -the third trainer on the day to gohome with a double. Ridden byCharlotte Evans, the pair made all tocome home a length away from thebattling favourite Findlay's Find andHannah Lewis. Pilot Evans has huntedthe winner all winter and trainerGriffiths said that the horse has to bekept occupied by doing differentthings daily. He's likely to stay inLadies races for the rest of the season.

The winner of the last race on thecard, the Restricted, went the way ofBradley Gibbs and Dunraven Royal.Gibbs kept the winner in rearthroughout the race until making somegreat headway four out, and timing hisride perfectly to jump the last upsideslong-time leader Dream Bolt.Dunraven Royal eventually won by alength, giving Gibbs his second win onthe horse this season.

The next West Wales Point-to-Pointcomes in three weeks, again atLydstep. The Tivyside andCarmarthenshire kicks off at 2pm onSunday April 26th.

STAINTONDALEat CHARM PARKMonday, 06 Aprilby Charlotte RussellThere was a good turnout for theStaintondale Point-to-Point whichreturned to Charm Park andspectators witnessed some good fieldsand lots of competitive racing. ChrisDawson was the jockey in doubleform, his first came in the ThompsonHomes Restricted race where six of

the seven entries turned out and it wasthe closest finish of the day. HarbourWay made most of the running underMax Johnson and set a good pace.Lortzing had been held up and wasput into the race just after the openditch for the final time, drawing clearwith Barton Jubilee. The pair swappedthe lead several times from the finalbend to the finish line, but it wasLortzing, who had won here on hisprevious start, that got up by a shorthead from Barton Jubilee, partneredby Oli Pimlott and Apassionforfashionand Jack Jordan a further length backin third.

The second part of the double camein the Newark Livestock Market OpenMaiden race with Arboretum, Chrisrode a similar waiting race but quicklymoved into challenging position downthe roadside took the inside at thesecond last and won going away by 10lengths from Stagecoach Jasper andWilliam Easterby who was running it'sbest race to date and Hi Ho Juliofinished in third under Russell Lindsay.

Racing started with the PPORA ClubMembers Race for Veteran andNovice riders, sponsored by CastleEmployment Agency. Ridden a bitmore handily than his previous starts,Opera Og took this for his owner,trainer, rider Sean Murray and defied a3lb penalty in the process, although hegave all the praise to the horse. "I havebeen very lucky to purchase Opera,he's such a lovely horse to have athome but one who can go out and winas well. I must thank David O'Meara(Sean's boss) and Roger Fell for letting

me use their facilities," said thewinning rider.

The Mixed Open Race was sponsoredby Haybar and although only threeturned out it was a close race at thefinish. Ganbei took this under CraigHoggart, deputising for HarryBannister and Craig is really takingadvantage of every opportunity that iscoming his way at the moment. "Thiswas a great confidence booster forhim, he's really well at home and weknew he needed the run but we'redelighted," said winning trainerStephanie Easterby. Kings Lodge wasthe main danger under WilliamEasterby but Ganbei did this by fourlengths and Renegotiate was a furtherfour lengths back in third for AlicePetch.

The CW Strickland & Son ConfinedRace was won by Larkhall ridden byRussell Lindsay. He has been veryconsistent this season and wonconvincingly by seven lengths fromImpact Zone and William Easterby insecond and Hand Act Or Part whohad made most of the running underMax Johnson finished a further threelengths back in third.

It was a case of old habits die hard inthe final race, the Brigg View &Malton Marquees Maiden Conditionsrace which was for horses that havenot won or been placed in any race.Chilledbychoice ridden by EmmaTodd was having his first run atmaiden level, having had two runs inrestricted races. The pair were alwayshandy and went on to win by twolengths from Jerusalem Bells and

Highly Unlikely andCharlotte Evans (right) atLydstep

Photo: Alun Sedgmoresportingprints.biz

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William Easterby. Chilledbychoice istrained by Jeannie Brown for JoannaNewitt who bred the horse. Jeanniewas a very successful rider and trainerin the 90's, before taking out a fulltraining licence but has returned to thePoint-to-Point ranks after a 17 yearbreak and started where she left off!"Although he's eight he's still only ababy in racing terms as he spent twoyears eventing and has had very littleracecourse experience. I was verypleased with how professional he was.He's a lovely homebred and we'll seehow he comes out of the race butmight look for a restricted race inthree weeks' time. It gave me a bigthrill as Charm Park is my favouritetrack," said the winning trainer. IslandPunch was a further eight lengths backin third for Max Johnson.

TAUNTON VALEat KINGSTON ST MARYMonday, 06 Aprilby Brian and Gill ArmstrongWill Biddick rode five winners atKingston St Mary to make it nine forthe weekend and 41 for the season.The Jack Barber-trained quartet JudgeJohn Deed, Ghizao, Chapoturgeonand Siege Of Troy and the MarieMcGuiness-trained Soul Native

provided the 28-year-old's fivesuccesses.

Four-year-old Judge John Deed wasridden out to make a winning debut inthe 2m-4f Maiden. Bought for€57,000 at Tattersalls Ireland DerbyNational Hunt Sale in June, JudgeJohn Deed is owned by Ian Fogg, PaulNicholls and Richard Webb. "He'llcome into training with me nextseason, but he's run green today andanother run in six weeks' timeprobably wouldn't go amiss," saidPaul.

Will took the reins for the first timeaboard Confined winner Ghizao, whoreturned to his best after six waywardefforts earlier in the season. Held up inrear, the 11-year-old former top chasersprinted clear to win as he liked."We've ridden him like that to get himjumping fluently again," said Jack."He's a serious horse and one I'll putinto my Jack Barber Racing Clubwhich I'll launch next season."

Soul Native will be aimed at longerdistance contests after getting thebetter of favourite Sonoftheking in theConnolly's Red Mills Intermediate,despite diving through the last. "We'llbe looking for a 4-mile Point-to-Point," said trainer, MarieMcGuinness. "It's a shame they are all

in a batch, but the Dartmoor's MixedOpen at Flete Park on 18 April is onewe'll look at."

Chapoturgeon, making his firstappearance since finishing runner-upin Stratford's 2013 Horse & HoundCup, sauntered home in the MixedOpen. "He's a very special horse to usand I'll always remember him and Jackcoming up the Cheltenham hill tofinish second in the 2012 Foxhunter,"said Jack's mother, Sarah. "We tookhim to the Blackmore & SparkfordVale (B&SV), but didn't race owing tothe soft ground, and then it was tootesting at Cheltenham. The plan is torun him in small races this season, butJack says he's been jumping out of hisskin and feels better than ever."

Siege Of Troy outsprinted DoyenDynamo after the pair had been heldup in a slowly run Restricted contest."We rode him like that to get himjumping when he won at the B&SV,"explained Paul Barber, joint ownerwith Ken Biggins. "He's been anunlucky horse, as he fell when incontention at Woodford two years ago,missed last season and was concussedwhen brought down at Larkhill inJanuary."

Will's hopes of becoming the secondjockey to ride six winners at a meeting

Chilledbychoice and Emma Todd at Charm ParkPhoto: Peter Barber pointtopointphotography.co.uk

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- John Mathias achieved the feat atCilwendeg in March 2011 - weredashed when Athreeothree neverlooked like catching Maurice Scott'sSteel Brush (Matt Hampton) in the 3-mile Maiden. "Tom Malone found himin Ireland two months ago and he'sbetter for a very good run whenrunner-up at Kilworthy a fortnightago," reported Bishop's Nymptontrainer Keith Cumings.

Loose Preformer and 26-year-oldSomerton farrier Hedley Webb mademuch of the running to complete aseasonal hat-trick in the Members. "Ibought him privately from MikeHawker in May on Liz Dorse'srecommendation," said Hedley. "I wasin cloud cuckoo land when we beatDouble Bank at Kilworthy, but thedream is to contest a Hunter Chase.He must have good ground."

The two pony races were won byDaniel Cox, 14, aboard Wee Antony inthe 138cms race and Finley Marsh, 16,riding Song Bird (148cms).

VINE & CRAVENat HACKWOOD PARKMonday, 06 Aprilby Robin GrayGirls ruled in front of a bumpercrowd at the Vine & Craven meetingat Hackwood Park on Easter Monday.

Only one of six races was won by amale rider, 17 year old Stan Sheppardtaking the Fontwell Park CountrysideAlliance Novice Riders on Maxi Chopby an easy eight lengths from CourtAgain. Stan works for championtrainer Paul Nichols and was enjoyinghis sixth winner over fences.

Anna Reed who lives on the Isle ofWight, regularly crosses the Solent tosee her horses trained by DavidBuckett run on the mainland. She wasrewarded - for the 29th time - whenFitandproperjob took the CavisteHunts Club Members race in thehands of Aly Stirling. This was Aly'ssecond winner of the Easter weekend,having opened her seasonal accounton the Saturday.

Fans of Page Fuller who scored adouble at Hackwood Park three weeksago, were rewarded when the 19 yearold repeated the effort with PorlockBay in the JM Finn Open Maiden, andTerra Bleu in the Harwoods ofBasingstoke Conditions race.

Porlock Bay owned and trained byRadio 5 Live and At The Races TVpresenter Luke Harvey, started atodds-on - 'A terrible result for thebookies,' reported Gary Wiltshire,himself a well known TV racingpersonality. On Terra Bleu, Page madeall the running to score narrowly by

half a length from Autumn Haze, theonly other finisher.

Terra Bleu is trained by ex-royal jockeyBill Smith, absent in Los Angeles,attending the Darley Awards for purebred Arabians, which he used to trainfor the Maktoum family.

Amanda Bush, who spends hersummers crewing on ocean goingyachts, took the three and a half mile JPassey & Son Ladies Open by adiminishing length on her stepfather'sJohn Daniell. Trained by Grant Cannnear Bath, the horse is named afterone of Cann's contemporary riders ofthe 50's and 60's.

The Bury Bros & Rudd Open Maidenwent to the Claire Hart riddenMorebutwhen trained by RichardBandey. Another odds-on winner,Morebutwhen was all out to beatKinlockspelve. The latter is trained byFred Hutsby for whom Bandey wassuccessful in his days as a jockey.

"This has been our most successfulday for years," said Vine & Craven'srace chairman Graham Stewart,"perfect weather, good ground andexcellent racing in front of a crowd ofaround 4,500 - pity we can't repeat itall in a couple of weeks' time as thecourse could easily cope with anothermeeting!"

Siege of Troy and WillBiddick at Kingston StMary

Photo:Tim [email protected]

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Going to a Point-to-Point can be thirsty business so what better way to warm yourself up than a tot ofDemijohn's Sloe Gin. Voted the number one Sloe Gin in the World in the 2014 Sloe Gin championships thisartisan liqueur is made from handpicked British sloes which grow wild in certain hedgerows. Made inWorcestershire this rich liqueur is ideal for picnics or can even be used for longer drinks such as a Kir withChampagne or in a Demijohn cocktail. Equally good is Demijohn’s Seville Orange Gin, nicknamed MarmaladeGin. This drink retains the sharpness of the oranges, yet is sweetened just enough to harness perfectly that finetaste with London Gin. This is delicious served with tonic as a twist to a G&T or on its own on the rocks.

Particularly good for an outing to a Point-to-Point is Demijohn’s Sporting Box. It is an exquisite handmadewooden box which comes complete with four of Demijohn’s special liqueurs and is ideal for any sportingenthusiast for shooting parties, picnics at the races or as a high end drinks cupboard. British made by hand by acraftsman in Cumbria, on one side of the long box sit four large 500ml, refillable cubed glass bottles filled withany liqueur from the Demijohn range, while nestling beside are two removable trays of eight shot glasses each.

Demijohn recommends filling the bottles with Sloe Gin, SevilleOrange Gin, Brammle Scotch Whisky Liqueur and Organic RhubarbVodka as a good selection for all tastes. For shooting parties one setof 8 glasses can even be provided with numbered gun posts at no

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CONNOLLY’S RED MILLS PRECISION NUTRITION SERIES 2014/15Middleton at Sheriff Hutton - Easter Saturday, 04 April

Six A Side completed an unbeaten2015 hat-trick when running out animpressive winner of the qualifier atSheriff Hutton in the hands of WillMilburn.

The seven-year-old, who was sourcedby Mark Gichero (if all his purchasesturn up in the final, he won't knowwhich one to cheer for!!), is trained byWill's better half, Emma Todd, for thejockey's uncle, Colin Milburn, andPeter Kench, while both Will andEmma's main employment is workingfor Mark Walford.

"I've always wanted to have a winnerat this meeting," said Colin, whohanded over his judging duties for thisrace to Sarah Stebbing, "and Peter waswhipper-in to the Middleton for about25 years, so it's a great day for us."

"He was very weak and backwardwhen we got him, but he's grown up alot," commented Will, whose mountgave his supporters an anxiousmoment when he blundered at thetwelfth fence. "He does tend to makeone bad mistake per race," Emmapointed out, but on this occasion Willadmitted to pilot error. "I asked himfor too long a one, so it was my fault.He's actually clever with his jumping,and can fiddle."

Six A Side is not the easiest horse athome, and it is Will who rides himevery day. "He bucks, and tries to run

off on the gallops," laughed Emma,adding that her charge can get veryworked up at the races. "It took us fiveminutes just to fit his overgirth atCharm Park because he was kickingand spinning around. But whenthey've got ability, you don't mind!"

A trip to the Cheltenham final isdefinitely being considered, but thedrawback is that Will won't be able toride him. It was decided that the costof a licence was too prohibitive forwhat might only be a couple ofHunter Chase rides, but after thisdisplay, there will be no shortage ofvolunteers should Emma not want totake the reins herself !

Runner-up Lowanbehold gave ownersNicholas and Venetia Wrigley a secondqualifier to go with their Boy InBangkok, who filled the same positionin the Friars Haugh Intermediate.

The grey, though, is unlikely to receivean entry, said trainer Clive Storey, whoexplained that the Wrigleys' jockey sonEd, a London stockbroker, enjoyed hisPoint-to-Pointing so would prefer toride between the flags.

"He's a very straightforward horsewho will go on most ground, but he'snot the fastest in the world," summedup the handler.

Clive, a farmer from Yetholm, nearKelso, was one of the Northern area's

most prolific-winning riders prior tohanging up his boots with 141 Point-to-Point successes under his belt.

Third-placed Tc Spitfire's owner-trainer Lady Susan Watson was also intwo minds about the final. "We'll seehow he comes out of this," she smiled.

Rider Max Johnson was left veryfrustrated at his mount's performance."He travels so well until it gets nearthe end of the race," he pointed out,"so it's blinkers next time!"

Leading Yorkshire trainer CherryCoward, a Red Mills customer, wasdelighted to know that Wizadora'sfourth place, albeit well in arrears, hadearned her an entry for the final.

The slow early pace had not suited themare, who is ridden out at home byCherry herself. "I'd have no problemwith asking a youngster to jump roundCheltenham," she stressed, "and whowouldn't want to have a runner there?"

Described by her daughter Sam as "atypical Alflora, very buzzy," the light-mouthed seven-year-old is owned byThe Butcher Boy's Partnership,consisting of butcher Phil Parkin andfriends, and carries the "butcher'sapron" colours of blue and whitestripes. Unfortunately the owners werenot present - "They're on a boozecruise," laughed Sam.

Six A Side and Will MilburnPhoto: Tom Milburn

facebook.com/TomMilburnPhotography

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North Staffordshire at Sandon -Easter Saturday, 04 AprilOnly two runners went to post for theSandon qualifier, and the easy winnerKazuri Kate qualified for the final forthe third time, having finished third atboth Chaddesley and KingstonBlount.

However, rider Claire Hart, who trainsher for a trio comprising Robert andJanet Bartlett, plus her uncle SimonHart, has decided against an entry inthe Red Mills final, and will insteadtarget the Mares’ contest at the samefixture. “It’s a big ask for such a littlehorse (Kate stands just 15.2hh), andthe Mares’ race is likely to be a muchsmaller field, although I’d be worriedabout Executive Benefit if she was toturn up.”

Describing Kate as “tough as oldboots,” Claire is itching to campaignher in Ladies’ races with their lesserweights.

The second runner was Joe’s A Boy,who jumped round safely for hisnovice partner Danielle Hilton. Thelightly-raced chestnut is stabled withRed Mills customer, successful handlerGary Hanmer, who admitted that hehad very little hand in the training.

“He’s really a DIY livery. Danielle liveslocally, and comes in to ride him andmuck him out. She doesn’t go out withthe string because she’s gone to workby eight o’clock. She works for acontractor so spends much of her daydriving a tractor.”

Replica, the dam of Joe’s A Boy, is anunraced sister of the Grand Nationalwinner Royal Athlete.

Monmouthshire at Llanvapley -Easter Saturday, 04 AprilThe Monmouthshire qualifier was atriumph for the Barber family, with thewinner Kimora being owned by trainerMarc Barber with his father Gary,Master and Huntsman with thePembrokeshire Foxhounds, andpartnered by the handler’s youngerbrother Mathew.

Bought as an unbroken three-year-old,Kimora stands barely 16hh, and wascampaigned in Ladies’ races at onetime as she was finding it hard to carrythe weight. She also ran under Rulesduring the time when Marc held apermit.

“She’s consistent but not outstanding,”Mathew said, “but she’s a great jumperand is the easiest horse you’ll evercome across.”

No decision has been made withregards to the final, as the Barbers alsohave the option of running inChepstow’s Dunraven Bowl, whichtakes place the previous week.

Mike Jones and Dave Mansell, owner-trainer and rider respectively of therunner-up, Jack Joner, are keepingtheir fingers firmly crossed that theeight-year-old will not miss out on arun in the final should there have to bea ballot. “Dave can see no reason whyhe can’t jump round there,” said Mike.

The son of Helissio, who was boughtas an unbroken three-year-old and onwhom Mike whips in to the GoldenValley, has a “let’s get on with it”attitude as soon as his jockey is leggedup, so the biggest obstacle, Mike feels,will be getting him to behave on thewalkway from Cheltenham’s paddockonto the course!

All Mike’s horses have some referenceto ‘Jones’ in their name, and JackJoner, who was bought as an unbrokenthree-year-old, is named after Mike’sautistic nephew Jack Jones.

Gale Force Lucey, who finished third,is not a Cheltenham type, observedrider John Mathias, partner of themare’s trainer Amber Griffiths. “She’sa fun little Point-to-Point mare,” hesaid, “so if she goes under Rules it willbe over hurdles. You’re more likely tosee her at Newton Abbot.”

“She goes on any ground,” hecontinued, “and has got a greatattitude. She’s a tough little nut, butshe’s not a novice ride – you have tostay awake on her.”

John, who recently recorded his 150thwinner between the flags, is anadvocate of Red Mills, and Gale ForceLucey is fed on Horse Care cubesrather than the Racehorse variety. “Wehad a few issues with her, and this hasdone the trick,” he said.

Anyone who fancies having a runnerat Cheltenham should have a wordwith Katy Price, whose chargeSupreme Regime, owned by LordDavid Lipsey and Nick Elliott,qualified for the Red Mills final infourth place, and is on the market.

The nine-year-old, whose damShampooed won 13 races, acombination of flat, hurdles andfences, has finished in the frame in theonly two Hunter Chases he hascontested to date, and was runner-upin last year’s aforementionedDunraven Bowl.

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Kazuri Kate & Claire Hart (near side) jump a flightupsides Joe’s A Boy & Danielle Hilton

Photo: Al Johnston aljohnstonphotography.com


SUBARU RESTRICTED POINT-TO-POINT SERIES 2014/15

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Favourites defeated in both Easter Weekend Subaru Restricted Point-to-Point Series QualifiersThe Subaru Restricted Point-to-Pointseries hosted two qualifiers over Easterweekend with the favourites defeated inboth races.

Only three horses were declared at thepopular Kimblewick meeting atKimble, Buckinghamshire, with Flicka’sWitness, the outsider of the trio,selected as the Best Turned Out bySubaru UK’s managing director, PaulTunnicliffe.

In the race itself Andrew Barlow ledthe charge on Celtic Intrigue, who wassent off the 1-2 favourite, but fourfences from home the field drew a lineastern and the pressure saw Barlow’smount make an error and get close intothe next. Jamie Goss saw his chance onFlicka’s Witness and pushed ahead to

gain a four-length advantage and securehis second victory of the season havingwon an Open Maiden a fortnight prior.Joe Hill brought Jamrham home inthird, another visit to the winner’senclosure for the local rider who rodehis first treble at the meeting.

The owners of the winner, Mr and MrsBarlow, joked that securing qualificationfor the Subaru Restricted Point-to-Point Series Final at Stratford at the endof May was most apt given that theyare both longstanding Subaru ownerswith two vehicles currently in theirfleet.

At Charing, in Kent, for the AshfordValley Tickham meeting 4-6 favouriteSimonsruudt was defeated as Phil Yorkenjoyed his first victory in a Subaru

Restricted Race. Conna Cloud doubledhis winning tally this season followingon from a win at Hackwood Park inMarch. The second placed horse,Tompatpeg is knocking on the door ofa win, this being his fourth placing in aRestricted race this season. LucLeetham, from Maidstone Subaru,presented the trophies to the winningowner and jockey.

There are a further two qualifiers nextweekend, on Saturday, 11 April at theNorth Warwickshire Hunt Clubmeeting at Mollington and at theCheshire Forest at Tabley on Sunday,12 April and , thereafter, only sixfurther opportunities to qualify for theseries final at Stratford-upon-Avon onFriday, 29 May.

Phil York and Conna CloudPhoto: John Beasley


THE JOCKEY CLUB MARES MAIDEN SERIES 2014/15

Dabinett Moon and Claire HartPhoto: Neale Blackburn chasdog.com

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Dabinett Moon looks ripe for TBA win at MollingtonAn apple theme could be worthfollowing when the nextThororoughbred Breeders’Association Club Members’ race forfillies and mares takes place atMollington in Oxfordshire onSaturday.

Dabinett Moon, a seven-year-oldnamed after an apple popular withSomerset cider makers, was bred byFran and Chris Marriott, and is trainedby them at home in Oxfordshire. Ahalf-sister to the 131-rated chaserStrongbows Legend, Dabinett Moonwas produced by the Sunyboy mareMiss Crabapple. The apple themestarted when Fran Marriott foundMiss Crabapple’s dam, Windfall VI,standing in a field in Ireland in 1970.

Her husband says: “Windfall raceduntil she was 11 and produced 11foals, and when we had a quick countup the other day – and without really

trying – we came to a total of 70 winsfor her offspring and grandchildren.

“Dabinett Moon is the mostwonderful mare, very sweet and shejumps like a springbok. We sent her toCharlie Longsdon to run under Rules,but she suffered with a knee problem[three chips were subsequentlyremoved] and then, after we broughther home, a wire cut to the coronaryband, so we decided to keep her andrun her in points.

“Her family has been wonderful to us.I enjoyed riding horses I had seenbeing born, and now I enjoy trainingthem, too.”

The latest family member was sired byMidnight Legend and promises to bemore than useful. Ridden by ClaireHart, she won January’s Heythropmembers’ race at Cocklebarrow inGloucestershire, and went on to land arestricted race at Siddington in

Wiltshire last month. Runner-up CecileDe Volanges has scored since.

Dabinett Moon’s main danger onSaturday appears to be the GeorginaHowell-trained Shropshire Lass, a 12-year-old daughter of Beat All who hasscored under Rules and won her firstpoint-to-point last month at Whitfieldunder Tabitha Worsley, althoughNorthamptonshire-based HeatherKemp has a pair of options, and herTousupreme (Shantou) won an Irishpoint-to-point 18 months ago and hassince been placed in Britain.

Saturday’s race has attracted just fiveentries, but the meeting – which is runby the North Warwickshire Hunt Club– follows the busy Easter weekendwhen a plethora of fixtures gaveowners a wealth of opportunities torun. Racing starts at 2pm, and theTBA mares’ race is due off at 2.35.


PLUSpointing

EVERY SATURDAY IN RACING PLUS

PLUSpointingMay 3-4, 2014

Edition 24

Your weekly Point-to-Point pulloutEVERY SATURDAY IN RACING PLUS

CARL EVANS 8 ● REPORTS & RESULTS 14-19 ● MARK WALL IN THE QUESTION TIME CHAIR 20

The Crudwell Cup – the WelshBorders Classic – takes centrestage at Cold Harbour tomorrow,with My Lil Ledge the one to beat atthe Radnor & West Hereford■ Crudwell Cup big-race spotlightsand preview, pages 10-11

Following his unsuccessful Cheltenham Foxhunter’s bid in March, LaurenBraithwaite’s star Berties Dream could be back in action at Dingley thisweekend in an attempt to land the four-mile Fernie Gold Cup

■ Fernie at Dingley preview, with big-race colours, p4

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JUST WHAT THEDOCTOR ORDERED!Doctor Kingsley was one of the winners on acracking Point-to-Point Championships eveningat Cheltenham on Wednesday. Check out allthe winners and losers in our comprehensiveresults service■ Cheltenham results in full, page 9

Picture:JULIE DREWITT

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Edition 20


CARL EVANS 8 ● REPORTS & RESULTS 12-19 ● GINA ANDREWS QUESTION TIME 20

Camilla Scott’s in-form star isexpected to feature prominentlyin the Tedworth Gold Cup, theSandhurst Area Classic■ Barbury preview, page 5

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Monsieur Jourdain’s out todefend his Grimthorpe Gold Cuptitle in Whitwell-on-the-Hill’slast staging of the Classic.■ Middleton preview, pages 10-11

PLUSpointingJune 7-8, 2014

Edition 29


CARL EVANS 3 ● STRATFORD AGA NIGHT REPORT 4-5 ● TOM HAMILTON QUESTION TIME 8

Can Current Event end theseason with a fourth straightwin at Bratton Down?■ Tiverton Staghounds, p2

Full report,p4-5

Picture:SWEET PHOTOGRAPHY

Picture: SILVENA TONCHEVA

PLUSpointingMay 17-18, 2014

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CARL EVANS 8-9 ● REPORTS & RESULTS 14-18 ● TOP PERFORMERS 19 ● RICHARD DEFAGO 20

There’s over £4,000 up for grabs at the Knutsford Races Club this weekend, asTabley hosts the richest Point-to-Point meeting of the season, with the LordDaresbury North West Area Classic Final and the Dodson & Horrell PPORA Club

Members Novice Riders Championship Final sharing top billing in Cheshire■ Knutsford Races Club at Tabley preview, pages 10-11

Will Croan Rock andThreapwood be fighting

out the finish of theLord Daresbury?

Fresh fromhis stunningMens Opensuccess atThorpe Lodgelast month,AntoniaBealby’sL’Eldoradocould line up

in the £1,000Novice Ridersfinal under TomChatfeild-Roberts

Gutsy Cottage Oakhanded prolific PalypsoDe Creek only his seconddefeat in his last 14Pointing starts■ Wheatland at ChaddesleyCorbett review, page 14

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AN IMPROVED PERFORMANCE

Everything you need to follow is inyour weekly Point-to-Point

pullout, including:■ In-running comments for all runners

■ Previews / reviews■ Features / news

■ Q&A with pointing personalities

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SCENE & HEARDThe talk of the tracks by Carolyn Tanner

SEDGEFIELDEASTER SUNDAY, 06 APRILThe Kerect Steel EggztravaganzaOpen Hunters’ ChaseSpecial Portrait, a favourite of somany followers of the amateur sport,recorded his fifteenth success,including six between the flags, whentaking this 3m3f contest for thesecond time under an excellent ridefrom 21-year-old Rob Hogg. The greywon the equivalent race in 2012 andhad been runner-up for the past twoyears.

It was an initial victory under any codefor Rob, whose brother Stephen ridesout for Special Portrait’s owner-trainer

Mark Hughes. His success was well-earned, as his mount was off thebridle for virtually all of the finalcircuit, but he conjured a fine run outof his partner to collar the leaderCharles Bruce in the final strides. Robnow works for Sue Smith, having hadspells with Nicky Richards, TomGeorge and Fergal O’Brien, and is thegrandson of former trainer KenHogg, who saddled Forest King towin 16 races, including the 1976 EiderChase, and to finish fifth in the GrandNational.

Special Portrait has had enoughproblems to fill a vet’s casebook. Hehad a soft palate operation a year ago

and has since also been hobdayed. Hehas screws in his off hind, and is onCortaflex, to help his joints, every day.His most recent mishap was atMordon in February, when he gotstruck into and narrowly missedincurring tendon damage.

“We had to go easy with him so hewas short of work when he ran atCarlisle [last month], but we wanted torun because it’s our local track,”explained Mark. “The trouble is thatyou can never tell when he’s notfeeling too good because he doesn’tshow it – he’s always so enthusiastic,and kicks his box door every time hehears the lorry come into the yard.”

Special PortraitPhoto: Grace Beresford p2pnorthernphotos.co.uk

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The grey may next take in a HunterChase at either Perth or Hexhambefore a trip to Cheltenham in anattempt to land the four-miler whichhe won in 2012, and in which he islikely to renew rivalry with CharlesBruce, who took the prize thefollowing year.

It proved to be an expensive trip fromGloucestershire to Sedgefield forconnections of Charles Bruce, whoreturned home lighter in the pocketand with no prize money tocompensate.

The 12-year-old, who was making hisseasonal debut, was disqualified whenrider Charlie Deutsch weighed in1.5lbs light, just half a pound over theleeway allowed. Charlie, who had noexplanation for the discrepancy, wasalso suspended for two days, whileowner-trainer Andrew Campbell wasfined £500 for failing to ensure thathis charge carried the correct weight.

In addition, Charlie received themandatory fine of £290 for failing toprovide evidence that he had made anyattempt to obtain one of the newapproved Safety Vests (bodyprotectors), without which jockeys willnot be allowed to ride when thechange comes into force on May 1st.Having not ridden since February,Charlie was unaware that his order forthe new vest needed to be placed earlydue to the likelihood of a slight delayin delivery due to the high demand.

It was a sobering return to the amateurranks for the winner of the 2013Wilkinson Sword, who elected torelinquish his conditional status justone success prior to the cut-off pointof 25, after which the option wouldno longer have been open to him. “Ileft Charlie Longsdon’s a month ago,”he explained, emphasising that he andthe trainer had parted on good terms,but since then rides under Rules havebeen in short supply. He has beenriding out for a variety of yards buthas yet to secure another permanentposition, Still only 18, he is hoping toresume as a professional in due course.

Things picked up the following day atLockinge, where he took the Maidenon Bingo Tiep for trainer SamDrinkwater and owner Tom Lacey.

The Country Harvest Farm FoodsNovices’ Hunters’ ChaseAnother Dark Rum, whose only twoprevious victories had come betweenthe flags in 2011, in a Maiden andRestricted, opened his account underRules with a comfortable success inthe hands of regular pilot NickOrpwood, his partner in all his outingssince joining owner-trainer JohnLeadbetter.

“That’s knackered the job, because he’sgot to go in Men’s Opens now,” smiledJohn, the Deputy Lieutenant ofBerwickshire and the trainer of the1979 Grand National hero Rubstic.

The following day Nick, assistanttrainer to Lucinda Russell, took his

lead over Tom Hamilton in their battlefor the Northern area jockeys’ title tofour by taking the Club Members’ raceat Dalston on Milano Magic. “I thinkit will go all the way to the wire,”admitted Nick, who must have beenfeeling the heat on the very warm day,as he was clad in a set of old-fashioned woollen colours.

Another Dark Rum took up therunning two out from Newspage, thusdenying the latter’s owner-trainer JohnWade a success on his home track,where he is such a generous sponsor.Newspage was partnered by WilliamEasterby, a late replacement for ChrisO’Mahony who broke his collarboneat Sheriff Hutton 24 hours previously.

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Nick OrpwoodPhoto: Grace Beresford p2pnorthernphotos.co.uk


Hannah Watson and Minella For PartyPhoto: Alun Sedgmore sportingprints.biz

RECENT LANDMARKSJockeys firsts, doubles and other career highs over the Easter Weekend by Carolyn Tanner

Hannah Watson recorded her firsttreble – “in 14 seasons of trying” shelaughed – at Bitterley. She won theRestricted on Midnights’Mischief fortrainer Alastair Ralph, and followed upin the Ladies’ Open on Minella ForParty and the 3m Maiden on UnionDu Chenet, both for Tor Collins. Itwas the latter’s second training doublein the space of a fortnight.

Hannah, who opened her account onAndre Laval at Weston Park in 2002,has now taken her tally between theflags to 70, and in addition hasrecorded 12 victories under Rules.

There were three winners also for JoeHill, 19, at Kimblewick. Consigliere inthe Bonhams’ Men’s Open,Fiddleesticks in the Maiden and BriansWell in the Members’ are all trained byhis father Alan, who was himselfcompleting a four-timer, havingsaddled Start Royal to win the Ladies’Open under Gina Andrews.

Joe had made a winning debut onRavethebrave at Black Forest Lodge in2011, a month after his sixteenth

birthday. That season he won theWilkinson Sword outright and wasjoint National Novice champion withHarry Bannister.

Leo Mahon, 21 the previous weekend,doubled his seasonal tally with a trebleat Upton-upon-Severn. He won theMembers’ race on Awesome George,trained by his father Gabe, the JockeyClub Mares’ Maiden on Two SmokingBarrels for Richard and Sam Evans,and the 2m5f Maiden on RobertChugg’s Jack In A Box. Just for goodmeasure, his sister Lara took theNovice Riders’ Mixed Open on TheMagherally Man.

Leo registered his initial success onGolden Harvey at Eyton in 2011, andnow has 20 Point-to-Point victories tohis name.

18-year-old Ross Chapman recordedan initial double at Whittington, takingthe Men’s Open on Sea Scout and the2m5f Maiden on De Bee Keeper, bothtrained by his uncle Russell Ross.

Ross, whose first success was onBoher Storm at Corbridge in 2013, hasbeen working for Lucinda Russell forthe past seven months, havingpreviously been with Donald McCain.

Ben Hicks, 20, opened his account onjust his fourth ride when taking theyoung horse Maiden at Llanvapley onTriple Brandy, trained by LynnRedman.

Ben, who has ridden since a child,spent a season working for one of theworld’s top event riders, William Fox-Pitt, and it was his wife Alice who putthe then teenager in touch with RalphBeckett, where he was based for asummer.

Having ridden out and schooled forNew Forest neighbour James Young,who gave him his first opportunitiesbetween the flags this year, Ben optedto go to a jumping yard, and sinceSeptember has been with WarrenGreatrex. One of his charges there isBon Enfant, who made a winningdebut at Wincanton on April 1st.

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De Bee Keeper and RossChapman at Whittington

Photo: Sweet Photographysweetphotography.com

Joe Hill and Consigliere at KimblePhoto: Neale Blackburnchasdog.com


There was an initial success at Charingfor 20-year-old Stewart Wright, whowon the Members’ race on Duke OfKentford, owned by his father Richardand trained by his mother Sue Frazer.

Stewart enjoyed one Pony racingvictory, but was too heavy to continuein that sphere for long, unsurprisinglyas he now stands 6’3”!

He is in his final year reading Banking& Finance at the University ofLeicester, and while there has beenriding out for Stuart Morris. One ofhis regular rides at the yard was DukeOf Kentford, who, when he wasconsidered to have had enough ofshouldering 12st7lbs in Open races,was given to Stewart on condition thathe was never sold on.

He also rides out for David Phelanwhen he is at home. “They’ve helpedme such a lot, and I’ve learned somuch from both of them,” he said.

It was a red letter day at Sandon for athird 20-year-old, Jacob Cox, whoscored his first success in theMembers’ Conditions contest onRyanmann, owned by his mother BethLangsbury, and trained by hisemployer Phil Rowley.

Jacob, who learned to ride at his aunt’sriding school, couldn’t wait to leaveschool to pursue a career with horses,but his mother had other ideas andinsisted that he continue his education

into the sixth form. “I went to theclasses but I got kicked out because Imissed the exams, which clashed withDoncaster Sales!” he laughed.

He spent a season riding in Arab races,recording one victory, and had his firstrides between the flags for Mark Wall,for whom he started riding out whenhe was 14.

He has been at the Rowley yard for 18months, and in addition to workingwith the Pointers does breaking andpre-training alongside Phil and stablejockey Alex Edwards.

Will Biddick’s five-timer at KingstonSt Mary took him onto 41 for thecampaign, just one short of his finalscore in 2011/12, his initialchampionship-winning season.

He won the 2m4f Maiden on JudgeJohn Deed, the Confined on Ghizao,the Mixed Open on Chapoturgeonand the Restricted on Siege Of Troy,all for trainer Jack Barber, and theConnolly’s Red Mills Intermediate onthe Marie McGuiness-trained SoulNative.

Will is now 23 wins clear of JohnMathias in this season’s championshiprace, and barring accidents alreadylooks to have his fourth consecutivetitle sewn up.

Kate Derrick, 32, who is in her secondseason, opened her account in the

Veteran & Novice Riders’ contest atLockinge on her Rivazza, a formerIrish Point winner who was purchasedthrough bloodstock agent Mel Smith.

Kate, who has enjoyed success ineventing, had a spell working forMartyn Meade when he was based atSherston. She now works as aswimming coach, based at Westonbirt,and finds doing her two horses quite arelaxing change from teachingchildren!

Rivazza needs good ground, and Kateis planning an entry for him next ateither Andoversford or Woodford.

There was a first success at Thorpe forSam Lee, 17 a fortnight previously. Hewon the older horse Maiden onTannerman, trained by his motherKatie. Tannerman’s dam Coolsilver isan unraced sister to Turpin Green,who finished third behind Kauto Starin the 2007 Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Farrier Ryan Chapman, who rode hisfirst winner on Bennys Quest atWadebridge in January, trebled hisscore with a double at Trebudannon.He won the opening Members’ raceon Reliable Richie, and the 3m Maidenon Myladtommy, although the glosswas taken off the latter victory whenhe incurred a £150 fine for misuse ofthe whip.

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Jacob Cox and Ryanmann at SandonPhoto: Al Johnston aljohnstonphotography.com

Rivazza and Kate Derrick at LockingePhoto: Neale Blackburn chasdog.com


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2015 PICTURE PERFECT

Some great shots from a thrilling Easter weekend’s Pointing

Mister Kit and Tom Hamilton lead the field in the Open Maiden race at theCumberland Farmers meeting at DalstonPhoto: Grace Beresford p2pnorthernphotos.co.uk

Will Biddick and Soul Native soar over a flight in the Connolly’s Red MillsIntermediate race at the Taunton Vale Harriers meeting at Kingston St MaryPhoto: Tim Holt [email protected]


Sue Sharratt, in the paddock aboard Dont Back Down, prior to making herfinal Point-to-Point ride a winning one in the Hunts Members race at Sandon

Photo: Al Johnston aljohnstonphotography.com

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2015 The field set out in the opening race of the day at the Cazenove Capital

Point-to-Point and Country Day at LockingePhoto: Olivia Pile oliviapile.co.uk

Jamie Goss and Flicka’s Witness are clear of the field in the SubaruRestricted race at the Kimble meeting at Kimblewick

Photo: Neale Blackburn chasdog.com


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Four in a row - the leaders in the PPORA Club Members race for veteran &novice riders at the Ashford Valley Tickham meeting at Charing


One of the winning connections of Glen’s Return takes a sip from the trophy followingtheir success in the 4,5,6 & 7-year-old Maiden race at the Middleton meeting at

Sheriff Hutton Photo: Tom Milburn facebook.com/TomMilburnPhotography


GETTING TO KNOW YOUDate of birth: 23 August 1986.

Job or profession: Work for TomLacey.

Are you from a racing background?If not, how did you get started inPoint-to-Pointing? No, but myfamily have always had horses andbeen in to horse racing.

What was your first ride in public?Road To Recovery at Kingston Blount,I pulled-up.

First winner – name of the horse,owner & trainer, the date & thecourse: Working Title, owned by myfamily and trained by Sam Drinkwaterat Wadebridge on 15 December 2013.

Apart from the first winner, whathas been your most memorableride? Winning on Noble Ben atAndoversford. A lovely horse and Iwas delighted James Ridley asked meto ride him.

Is there a ride you look back onand think “could have donebetter?” I look back through all myrides and pick out the areas I need towork on, there’s always room forimprovement.

For which trainers/owners do youmainly ride? Sam Drinkwater andTom Lacey.

Who has been most influential onyour riding career so far? Mybrother Sam Drinkwater; he hashelped me since day one.

Which are your favourite courses?And for what reasons? Wadebridge.I've had four winners there and itseems to be my lucky course.

What car do you drive? V. W. Golf.

Name your perfect night in andperfect night out: In would be atakeaway and a film. Out would be anight with the lads in town.

Where do you like to go onholiday? Portugal (Tavira), I go thereevery year.

Who would be yourideal travellingcompanions to the

races? My mate LewisBeirne, he's a good

laugh.

What music are you currentlylistening to? Anything by JamesBay and Ed Sheeran.

What are your favourite filmsand TV programmes? Films -Seabiscuit and Too Fast TooFurious; TV - X-Factor andThe Voice.

What has been either your ownfunniest incident, or the mostamusing thing you have seen orheard at the races? Ryan Potter’sslow motion fall at the last atMaisemore Park coming over thehorses head (horse and rider wereboth fine).

Who are your biggest heroes inracing? A.P. McCoy, Killian Mooreand Robbie Dunne.

Which particular horse (in anydiscipline) would you like to ride?Annie Power, she’s an absolutemachine.

Apart from race-riding, in whatother sports do you participate?Football, I’m a goalkeeper.

Do you have any regrets in yourriding career to date? None so far,it’s easy to look back in hindsight.

What ambitions do you have inracing? To do well and ride nicehorses.

Are there any changes that youthink would benefit the sport in thefuture? Greater prize money willattract more horses.

What are your aspirations for theseason? To become ChampionNovice Rider.

Can you give us a horse to look outfor this season? Fly du Charmil bySaint des Saints trained by Tom Laceyis a lovely young horse.

Can you give us an up and comingrider to look out for this season?Tom Murray who is taking out alicence again after retiring four yearsago after winning on his only ever ridewhen beating my brother Sam atMaisemore Park

If you were on an island and couldonly bring three things, what wouldyou bring? Food, drink and women.

And finally, sum up Point-to-Pointing in one word: Mad.

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JOE DRINKWATERIn the shake-up for the leading Novice Rider honours this season, Joe is enjoying a cracking season and is fortunate to

have the guidance of his brother Sam as he progresses his career between the flags


5 MINUTES WITHANDREW PENNOCKGalbally King and Dicky CollinsonPhoto: Neale Blackburn chasdog.com


For how long have you beentraining?Probably 20 years, but the first 10 as ahobby and the second 10 as a career.

Where are you based?Timworth Green - or the bottom ofAmpton Point-to-Point course!

Do you combine training withanother job or profession?I work for the British BloodstockAgency in Newmarket when needed.

What training facilities do you haveavailable?All weather round canter,schooling fences, walker,turn-out and straight mile dirtgallop.

How many horses do youtrain?10.

Do you train for justyourself and family or forother Owners?I do both.

Are you from a racingbackground?My father rode in Point-to-Points.

What was the first winneryou sent out – name,owner, rider, date, course?Redmire, owned trained and ridden bymyself. The date was 11/2/2001 and itwas at Nottingham when they hadPoints on the old National Hunt track.

Of which horse performance areyou most proud?I’m most proud of Galbally King.

Did you race-ride before youstarted training?Yes.

How did you start training and whohas been most influential on yourtraining career?I just fell into it when my father died.

Which jockeys do you useregularly?Dicky Collinson and, before hissabbatical, Ben Rivett.

What car do you drive?Audi A3.

What kind of music do you like?Meatloaf and Robbie Williams.

What are your favourite films andTV programmes?Any John Wayne western and StrictlyCome Dancing.

Describe your perfect night in andperfect night out:Perfect night in would be playing withour son Henry and having a brandy ortwo. Perfect night out would be backin Yorkshire with my friends.

What do you do to take a breakfrom training – any hobbies orfavourite holiday destinations?I used to enjoy playing cricket but nowit’s more about having some familytime as the winters can be quiteintense.

Who would be your ideal travellingcompanions to the races?As he gets older it would have to beour son as there’s never a dull momentwhen he’s about!

Who are your biggest heroes – in orout of racing?Within racing it has to be AP; outsideracing, Geoffrey Boycott.

What has been your funniestincident at the races?One Hunt race on Easter Monday atCharm Park - our local landlord DaveGibson would ride his own horse andwe were coming to the tightest bend

on the track after the woodside whenDave was going to shut the door onme; I gave him a shout to which heresponded by moving out letting meup his inner and apologising to me as Iswept past!

Which particular horse would youlike to train – in Points and underRules?It would have to be Kauto Star as Ihad the honour of transporting himover from France to Paul Nicholls.

If you hadn’t taken uptraining, what would youhave done instead?Farming.

Which horses do you haveat the moment that youwould say have goodpotential?It would have to be Play theAce and Black Glen Boy.

What ambitions do youhave in racing?Just to keep on trainingwinners.

What are your favouritecourses and meetings - andwhy?Back home in Yorkshire itwould be Charm Park, as youneed both speed and stamina.

In East Anglia it would have to beHigh Easter, as it’s a joy to ride as ajockey.

What do you consider to be thebiggest challenges for Point-to-Point trainers?Trying to make it profitable!What are your opinions on thechanges in Point-to-Pointing inrecent years?They’re ok but I think we need to domore.

What developments do you thinkwould benefit the sport in thefuture?One thing I would like to see is to doaway with novice rider races, give theman allowance until they have ridden acertain number of winners as that waythey would gain more from ridingagainst experienced jockeys instead ofall novices together.

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Andrew, in his riding days, leads the field at PenshurstPhoto: Julie Drewett racehorsephotos.co.uk


THE RETURNOF A LEGEND

Photo: Mark Cranham

by Jake Exelby


A familiar face returned to the Point-to-Point circuit on Easter Monday, asHenrietta Knight had her first runnerbetween the flags in over 25 yearswhen Port Golan contested the MixedOpen at Lockinge – her local track.

Port Golan, who fought out a thrillingfinish to take second place in hissecond run for the West Lockinge-based trainer, was ridden by HarryBannister, for his father Nick, who isMaster of the Pendle Forest & CravenHunt.

Port Golan was Henrietta's firstrunner in Point-to-Points since 1989,when she took out a licence andstarted training under Rules. Youngerracegoers may not be aware that shewas a leading Point-to-Point trainer inthe 1980s from the same WestLockinge base before turning herattention to professional racing andbeing responsible for legends such astriple Gold Cup winner, Best Mate.

Henrietta reminisced about her lastseason training Pointers. "I was given acushion inscribed with the names ofthe winners in my last season. Therewere 14 of them - Curraheen Boy,Dromin Joker, Political Whip..."Indeed, the list of top Point-to-

Pointers trained by her is a veritablewho's who of 1980s greats. "MattMurphy was one I owned myself, thenthere was Broonie's Taing, Reynard'sBow... and of course Dromin Leader,who was the only winner ever in aPoint-to-Point for (current trainer)Oliver Sherwood."

It is fair to say that Henrietta was notjust a great trainer of horses but ofjockeys too. Mike Felton was MensNational Champion three times,helped to his title by her patronage.Then there was city trader DavidNaylor-Leyland, who didn't succeed inhis ambition to be champion jockey,but it was not for want of trying - herode many winners on the horseslisted above - as well as Americanthree-day-eventing star BruceDavidson, who won a CheltenhamHunter Chase on Dashing Fred, andJohnny Wrathall. "He was my assistanttrainer and possibly the best of all myjockeys," recalled Henrietta, "and diedtragically young in a road accident. Iremember him winning the UnitedHunts Challenge Cup at Cheltenhamon Naughty Niece - what a ride hegave her."

Her stellar career as a National Hunttrainer needs no introduction. As well

as Best Mate, the only triple winner ofsteeplechasing's Blue Riband (theCheltenham Gold Cup) in the last 50years, she trained Champion Chaseand King George Chase winnerEdredon Bleu for the same owner, JimLewis. And more recently, before sheretired from the training ranks at theend of the 2011/2012 season, shetrained a number of good horses forTim and Camilla Radford, includingdual Peterborough Chase winnerRacing Demon, Somersby and CalgaryBay.

The latter named is the other horseHenrietta currently trains for HunterChases and Point-to-Points, alongsidePort Golan, and he returned to formby winning at Ascot last month. As Italked to her while she was feeding herConnemara ponies and planning thefinal stages of her forthcoming book,Not Enough Time, about her life inracing and with her late husband TerryBiddlecombe - who sadly died lastyear, I couldn't resist asking anobvious question: is she planning tostart training more Pointers again?

"That depends if people ask me totrain one for them," was her reply.Hopefully, she'll have a lot of takers.

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Henrietta, Terry and their beloved Best MatePhoto: Mark Cranham


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ESSEX at HIGH EASTERSaturday, 11 Aprilby James CrispeRather than watch the Grand Nationalon telly at home, why not enjoy it on abig screen while soaking up theatmosphere at the Essex Point-to-Point at High Easter, nearChelmsford, on Saturday?

This fixture is always one of thehighlights of the East Anglian Point-to-Point Racing season with itspicturesque venue and mini countryfayre feel. There will be a 55 minutebreak between the fourth and fifth ofits six races so that the crowd canensure that they don't miss any of theAintree action.

The steeplechasing starts at 2.00pmwith an 11-entry Restricted Race butan earlier arrival will allow spectatorsto have a leisurely picnic whilewatching a pair of children's ponyraces, which take place on theracecourse (bypassing the obstacles) at1.00pm and 1.20pm.

The Baileys Horse Feeds WarwickVase Ladies Open - the most valuablePoint-To-Point run in East Anglia withtotal prizemoney of £750 - comesunder orders at 3.15pm and could see

a clash between arguably the two bestpointers in East Anglia, Berties Dreamand It Was Me. Berties Dream was aCheltenham Festival winner five yearsago and has won all three of his startsthis season while It Was Me is anotherprolific scorer who took the notablescalp of Sharp Suit at Horseheath lastmonth.

Empire Builder was another winner atthat Horseheath meeting and hisabundant stamina should hold him ingood stead in the three and three-quarter mile Club Members Racewhere he is one of 16 entries.

Overall, 70 horses have been enteredincluding seven for the concludingHunt Race which brings down thecurtain at 5.20pm. Star Of Massini,winner of four of his six career startsbetween the flags but not seen on aracecourse for almost a year, is themost interesting member of thisseptet.

NORTH WARWICKSHIRE HUNTCLUB at MOLLINGTONSaturday, 11 Aprilby Jake ExelbyFollowing the success of the SouthMidlands area meetings over the

Easter weekend, another bumpercrowd is expected at Mollington thisSaturday to watch a six-race card aswell as the Grand National. Britain'smost famous race will again be shownon a big screen, together with all thesupporting contests. There will be agap of an hour between the fourthand fifth Point-to-Point races to showthe build-up to the big event and mostbookmakers present will be betting onthe Aintree race.

Both the course at Mollington and thepromoting hunt, the NorthWarwickshire, have made a welcomereturn to the scene in recent years.Racing took place at Mollington from1972 to 2007, and then returned in2012, while the North Warwickshireheld their first Point-to-Point "for along time" last year, according to localtrainer and assistant clerk of thecourse Fred Hutsby. "We felt that theboth the area and the course itselfcould do with another meeting," heexplained. "The course is in greatcondition and, despite the recent hotweather, the going remains on the softside of good at the moment."

Among the horses Fred plans to run isDunara Castle in the Subaru RestrictedRace, another qualifier in the car

Dunara Castle could line up for trainerFred Hutsby at Mollington

Photo: Jackie Oliver graftonwood.co.uk

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2015 MEETING PREVIEWS


manufacturer's series of races thatculminate in a final at Stratford onMay 29th. "He'll run as long as thecourse dries out," said Fred, "and Ithink he'll take a lot of beating. Hehated the ground at Brafield and blewup (on his first run for two years). He'sa nice horse. Chief opposition shouldbe provided by Definitely Rosie,placed three times this year, andDavids City.

Racing highlight of the day should bethe AGA Ladies Open, anothernational sponsorship with a race at theStratford evening meeting. Sharp Suitand Alskamatic are set to renew therivalry that resulted in them finishingfirst and second in the IntermediateFinal Hunter Chase at Cheltenham lastMay. Sharp Suit's trainer, Alan Hill,told me: "We may put cheekpieces onhim. He needed sharpening up afterhis last run at Horseheath so (wife)Lawney and I have been riding him!"Alskamatic's rider, Claire Hart, hopesto take revenge on her Cheltenhamconqueror. "I'd like to think that onour Cheltenham form, where wefinished 10th in the Foxhunters, we'dwin. We've been aiming for Mollingtonsince Cheltenham and the track andthe fences will suit him." However therace will be far from a match if JaneWilliams brings Grandturgeon, whowill be bidding to put a disappointingrun at Whitfield last time behind him.

The card opens with the NorthWarwickshire Hunt Club Race,sponsored by Foxdenton Sloe Gin.Alan Hill plans to run Man of Steel,who has come out of his Godstonewin "buzzing", while Fred Hutsby is

likely to rely on Whitfield winnerKristian Gray of whom his trainersaid: "He won't mind some cut in theground and this has always been theplan since Whitfield. He's in goodform."

Claire Hart turns trainer for this race -her representative Argentato will beridden by 16-year-old Jordan Nailor."I'd like to draw a line under his lastrace, where he pulled up atMaisemore," she confessed. "We putblinkers on him and he pulled toohard and jumped erratically. He'd havea good chance on his earlier runs thisseason." Chris Loggin is hoping thatTyphon De Guye will come on for hisrecent Larkhill fourth on his debut forthe yard. "He was beaten a long way,"admitted the trainer, "but the race wasrun in a very fast time."

The Thoroughbred BreedersAssociation sponsors another MaresRace and Claire Hart is bullish abouther mount Dabinett Moon. "She's oneof the most progressive young horsesI've ridden," she enthused, "and I'dlove to see her run in the SubaruRestricted Final at Stratford." Chiefdanger on form is last year's Whitfieldwinner Shropshirelass while HeatherKemp - who has a great record atMollington as both jockey and trainer -has entered En Suite and Tousupreme.

William Powell Country Clothingsponsor the Mens Open, which acts asan aperitif to the Grand National. Itlooks at the mercy of the Hill andHutsby stables, with their respectiveentries standing out. Fred Hutsby islikely to run Penmore Mill, who was

entered in the Aintree Foxhunters buttaken out at the declarations stage."He goes to Mollington," confirmedhis trainer. "He's had his problemssince his Hunter Chase win atTowcester, but we've got him fit nowand the plan is to run here followed byCheltenham. Alan Hill hopes to runKings Legacy, but "only if the grounddries, as he needs good to firm."

The final race of the day, following theAintree showpiece, is the LoddersSolicitors Maiden Race. Pick on formis another from the Claire Hart yard.Leith Hill Lad is bidding to go onebetter than his second at Brafield andhis trainer-rider is positive. "He shouldbuild on his last run. Our big aim isthe Doncaster Bloodstock Sales"Bumper" at Aintree and he'll have towin on Saturday to justify going forthat." Laura Thomas is another hopingfor improvement, from her recentMaisemore third Camas Bridge. "He'llrun if the going is good or good tosoft," advised the trainer. "He neededthat race (it was his first sinceNovember 2011) and has come on alot for it." Chris Loggin plans to runSteel Away J - " he'll strip fitter for hisreappearance I'd like to think he couldrun into a place for jockey Nick Meek,but he'll need to tidy up his jumping".

Finally, a newcomer of interest isJimmy Tarry's Liam The Leopard,who comes from an alliterativewinner-producing family. Pointingaficionados of my generation willremember Lily The Lark and LottieThe Lotus while those with longermemories may recall Coronation Cupwinner Lizzy The Lizard.

Trainer Alan Hill couldsend Kings Legacy toMollington to contest theMixed Open if the grounddries

Photo:Julie Drewettracehorsephotos.co.uk

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YSTRAD TAF FECHANat YSTRADOWENSaturday, 11 Aprilby Brian LeeThe Ystrad Taf Fechan Hunt Point-to-Point Steeplechases takes place thisSaturday at Ystradowen in thebeautiful Vale of Glamorgan. The firstof the seven races is at 2.00pm andthe principal race of the day is theJohn Lovell Memorial Mens OpenRace. The winning horse will qualifyfor the £7,500 Bonhams Mens OpenPoint-to-Point Championship FinalHunter Chase to be held atCheltenham on April 14th. The trainerto watch out for is Merthyr Mawr'sJonathan Tudor who has been in fineform of late and last week saddledthree winners at the MonmouthshireHunt Point-to-Point steeplechases.

There are 14 down to run in theMembers race. The most interesting ofthese include Finday's Find, who wasbeaten a length by the front runningHighly Likely at the SouthPembrokeshire on Easter Monday,Chesnut Annie who won the LadiesOpen race at the Monmouthshire onEaster Saturday who will be after her40th win, and CanSheTrain, a fallerthree fences from home on Monday.

Sweet Like You, Railway Benefit andBoss Of The Moss are preferred in

that order in the Restricted race forwhich there are 13 entries.

Of the 11 entries for the Intermediaterace, top rated Minellacelebration andMy Coranna are the two mostinteresting. Both these young horsesare progressing through the ranksnicely and it will be an interestingcontest should they meet.

Captain Scarlett holds an entry for theMens Open race for which there are11 entries and these also includeHighly Unlikely, Tiger Rag andPatricktom Boru. The last namedjumped well when winning theMembers race over the same course atthe Glamorgan meeting a fortnightago so could go well again at thisfixture.

The ones to watch in the Maiden racesare North George, Captain Camelot,Wood Park, Its My Island and BalletMarbeless.

BEDALE at HORNBY CASTLESunday, 12 Aprilby Charlotte RussellThe Bedale Hunt hold their Point-to-Point at Hornby Castle on Sunday12th April. Racing starts at 1.30pmwith the Confined. Billing won on hislast start at the Holderness meetingand will take the beating; Jacqueline

Coward said: “Lots of people havebeen ringing up for the ride!”

Blackthirteen can go well at Confinedlevel having just found one or two toogood in Open company but Son ofFlicka could be the surprise if theground stays good.

Four maiden horses make up six ofthe entries in the Hunt race, but KnowThe Rules tends to run well here andcan take this even though he will becarrying a penalty. According To Dancould be the main danger but is yet towin at Restricted level.

Mickey Miller will be the one to beatin the Restricted; he won a goodMaiden at Mordon and was second tothe useful Shantou Prince on his lateststart. Banderitos was also a goodMaiden winner, and Mr Mistopheleshas looked useful on both his starts inPoint-to-Points, taking a Maiden onhis second attempt. He is another whocan follow up this season.

The Ketchup Kid could go well butneeds to put last time’s fall behindhim. “Askham Bryan didn’t really suithim and he got stood on, so we’ll runhim as long as he seems ok towardsthe end of the week,” reported SamCoward.

Thirteen entries have been made forthe Ladies Open and Young Hurricanecould go very close here for Freya

Billing, a much sought after ride in the Confined race at Hornby CastlePhoto: Tom Milburn facebook.com/TomMilburnPhotography

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Brewer. He has won twice so far thisseason and can follow up again.Railway Dillon could be the mainchallenger and is another who willappreciate good ground following hisSheriff Hutton win on Saturday. Forceof Habit won at Askham Bryan and isan interesting entry in a Ladies Openbut he also holds an entry in the laterMens Open.

The Mens Open is the area classic andholds a prize fund of £1,000, with£700 going to the winner. My OldPiano is attempting his 29th career winand it wouldn’t be a surprise if hemanaged to get his head in front again.Soleil D’Avril was last seen taking anovice Hunter Chase at Catterick andcould be in the shake-up, but hispreferred option is the Aintree FoxHunters on Thursday. Sposalizio isanother who likes good ground andcould go close.

Racing concludes with the OpenMaiden - On Vacation can improve onhis Askham Bryan run to take this.Smart Act has potential but pulled upon his last run at Friars Haugh.Twelveoclockhigh isn’t far off winninga Maiden race; he was third last timeout to Mr Mistopheles but could go inthe earlier Hunt Members. Game As APheasant is held in high regard byconnections but failed to start last timeout so is one to treat with caution.“He’s really well and needs to run butis still a baby and that was his problemat Sheriff Hutton,” said Sam Coward.

The hunt supporters are running afood tent for the first time here, whichwill be serving cakes, sandwiches and

other refreshments throughout theday.

COTSWOLDat ANDOVERSFORDSunday, 12 Aprilby Peter MansellThe Cotswold meeting atAndoversford must be one of themost professionally run Point-to-Points in the country with formerCheltenham Racecourse Head ofSponsorship Peter McNeile Chairmanof the organising committee, whileGrand National, Cheltenham GoldCup and Champion Hurdle winningtrainer Kim Bailey acts as Clerk of theCourse.

Point-to-Point racing has been slow tofollow marketing options availableelsewhere but this is changing andpotential customers are now able topre-purchase their tickets viawww.andoversfordraces.co.uk/buy-tickets/

Boddington based Robert HitchinsGroup is now in its 15th Year as TitleSponsor, whereas Winchcombe basedGoff's Brewery has recently beeninstalled as the "Official Ale" toAndoversford Races. A week prior tothe event Bailey reported "It's perfectjumping ground. There is an excellentcover of grass, as winter grazing hasnot taken place this year." With thehorse population contracting amajority of this year's meetings havereduced entries and this fixture is noexception. However, that is generallybalanced by a higher ratio of runnersto entry.

Sarah Stafford's Guiting Power basedClassic Fly has won the Members racethree times but he will struggle to adda fourth victory to his C.V. It must befrustrating for owner CharlesLevinson and his son Gus that BeDefinite has finished in the runners upspot on five occasions this year sosurely nobody would begrudge them afirst success together. QuatuorCollonges form should improve andhe generally jumps well which is anadded bonus on this course.

Umoristic struggled at MaisemorePark but the Restricted will not muchwinning. It just requires Stan Sheppardto conserve his mounts stamina forthe long climb to the post.

Judged on last week's performance atBitterley, Stratford Stroller will be wellsupported in the Ladies Open,whereas course winner Bleuvito isunlikely to cause an upset. BrizeNorton was not beaten far in this race12 months ago and will strip fitterafter a recent outing at Hereford acouple of weeks ago.

Divine Intavention has returned toPoint-to-Points after a successfulseason under Rules with MartinKeighley, so it would be a majorsurprise if he failed to make the frameunder Mark Walls expert guidance inthe Mens Open. Gate Please was asurprise winner at Upton seven daysago, while Over the Phone and ScenicRoute will need career bestperformances to get anywhere nearDivine Intavention.

As most of the 14 entries for theIntermediate have very similar ratings

My Old Piano could bidfor a 29th career victoryin the Mens Open atHornby Castle

Photo:Peter Barberpointtopointphotography.co.uk

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it depends which horse adapts best toAndoversfords undulations. ColdKnight raced prominently beforepulling up at Hereford, while JaneWilliams has her string in good formso expect a good performance fromHazel Hill. In the Dock defeat at theNorth Ledbury was due to the ground,which improves the chances ofMinellacelebration or Minerfortyninerwith the latter getting the vote.

The standard of the participants in theMaiden leaves something to be desiredas most of them have failed to makethe most of their opportunities so far.Golanzine is the exception as he wonat Maisemore last May. Unfortunatelya disqualification followed a few weekslater due to an administration errorbut he showed plenty of promise onhis return and Mark Wilesmithsgelding can now put the recordstraight. Axelle Wall's Bibury stable hasbeen slow off the mark, but theyalways do well with young horses andXpectations could be no exception.

EGGESFORDat UPCOTT CROSSSunday, 12 Aprilby Donna HarrisHorse racing enthusiasts, still buzzingfrom the Grand National, will flock toUpcott Cross where the Eggesfordwill be staging their Point-to-Point,

featuring the four mile DevonNational Mixed Open race on Sunday,April 12th. With a start time of1.00pm, there are eight races on offerand a bumper entry of over 130horses.

The Nigel Cant Planning-sponsoredMembers race heads up the day'spreceding's, in which the StuartReddaway-trained Fourstar River couldimprove on his recent third atKilworthy. Also entered is Hallo Dolly,although having not been seenbetween the flags for two years, herprevious form of two Point wins anda third at this track could make her aleading contender.

There follows the Exeter Racecourse-sponsored Intermediate race, in whichRoseyroo from the Louise Caddleteam, could follow up on her secondat Ston Easton last month underHarry Cobden where they only wentdown by a neck. With the Jack Barberteam sending out winners eachweekend, his entry Ask TheWeatherman has to be respectedfollowing his wins at Badbury Rings,Charlton Horethorne and Cotley.Dancing Olga is a previous coursewinner here and ran second in anIntermediate race at Bratton Down ongood to firm.

The Confined race is sponsored byChris Hodgeson Engineering. This

could go the way of According ToHarry, he ran three lengths second toMinella Web at Kilworth, havingpreviously clocked up wins at BlackForest Lodge and Wadebridge. Jepeckfor the Kayley Woollacott team wonhis Restricted at Larkhill and anIntermediate at Chipley Park. Hepulled up on good to firm on his lastouting at Larkhill, but may run wellhere if any rain softens the ground.

The Devon National Mixed Openlooks very competitive, Bellsinni Ronwas second here last season and couldscore under Will Biddick for theBarber team. Dashing John couldimprove on his third in a Ladies Openlast month under Natalie Parker andBradley Brook is another to consider,having won here last season andfollowing up on his recent win atGreat Trethew. This race is sponsoredby Simpkins Edwards.

In the Restricted race sponsored byTT Buildings, Boa Island catches theeye after his 20 length Maiden racevictory at Charlton Horethorne undernational leading rider Will Biddick lastmonth. Peterbrown could go well forKaryn Heard, having taken the Maidenrace at Kilworthy, when makingvirtually all of the running to win byfive lengths.

David Pipe sponsors the OpenMaiden race for mares and fillies, in

Cold Knight is set to contest the Intermediaterace at Andoversford


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which Southfield Fairy ran promisinglyat Ston Easton when third under riderAlice Mills, and should be in the mix.Queens Law had hinted at ability lastseason when finishing second on bothof her starts and may go well fresh.

The Open Maiden race for horses andgeldings has already been divided. Inthe first division San Satiro could be ahorse for the future, making his debuthere, out of the Jack Barber yard forowner Paul Nicholls. Both Turnstoneand Master Max have had the benefitof a run this season, with any marketsupport worth noting. The seconddivision could see the Jill Dennis-trained Mount Prospex go one betterthan his head second at the recentKilworthy meeting. Derniere Dancecould be worth an each way bet. Theseraces have been sponsored by DavidPhillips Bookmakers and Sarah ProuseBirthday Celebrations.

MORPETH at TRANWELLSunday, 12 Aprilby Peter BurgonThe Northern Area Point-to-Pointseason continues on Sunday 12th Aprilwith the Morpeth fixture at Tranwell,which has 59 entries on a seven racecard starting at 1.00pm. The mainaction is preceded by pony racing at12.15pm, with four entries for the138cm contest and six entries for the148cm contest.

Roll The Dough, Fairy Mix andCatchamat are the leading entries inthe two and a half mile Open MaidenRace. The former was sent offfavourite on his debut at Mordon in

February and was not disgraced whenfinishing sixth behind Oscar Flyer. Hestepped up on that effort last timewhen finding only Flash Garden toogood at Crossford. After failing tofinish on her first two starts,Catchamat is finally heading in theright direction and shaped well when4th behind Pharawaydante at Dalstonon Easter Monday. First seasonpointer, Fairy Mix was beaten aroundtwenty lengths when fifth behindShannon Silver at Corbridge lastmonth.

Friars Haugh specialist, Splendid Bluecannot be opposed if taking herchance under a 7lb penalty in theMembers Race. In her absence, thecontest may chiefly concernDannanceys Hill, Ocarina and 2012winner, Cast Iron Casey. The latter willbe partnered by Val Jackson, who wonthis race for the 11th time in 2014 onWave Power. Dannanceys Hill hasbeen fairly lightly raced since winninga Kirkistown Maiden on his debut inApril 2011 and could be the one tobeat if reproducing the effort whichsaw him finish twelve lengths 3rd toOckey De Neulliac at Alnwick fourmonths ago.

Heckley Herbert has finished runner-up at Mordon and Crossford on hislast two starts and will struggle to findan easier winning opportunity than theone he is presented with in the OpenMaiden Race, in which the onlydangers appear to be Nelly La Rue andScuderia. Despite having plenty ofplaced form on both sides of the IrishSea in the last three years, Nelly LaRue is still a maiden after twenty one

outings, while Scuderia has beenknocking on the door recently and wasonly beaten a neck by Pharawaydanteat Dalston.

None of the six entries for the LadiesOpen Race have been in winning formthis season and so, something has togive. The top-rated Temple Green hada hard race at Dalston when finishingfifteen lengths 3rd behind DurbanGold. Oscar Stanley was beaten twolengths by the progressive CaptainRedbeard in the Restricted Race atDalston, while Coquet Head, FozyMoss and Whiteabbey are much betterthan recent form figures mightsuggest.

Jamie Alexander's 13 year old gelding,Back On The Road got back on thewinning trail at Friars Haugh afortnight ago and, if bypassing thePPORA Club Members, can follow upin the Men's Open Race. He deservedthat after a string of placed efforts andmakes more appeal than Indian Printor Great Gusto.

The aforementioned Back On TheRoad, Great Gusto and Ocarinafeature among the 10 entries for thePPORA Club Members Race forVeteran and Novice Riders. Others tonote are Border Flora, De Bee Keeperand Sir Watty. The latter finished thirdand fifth in Confined Races atWadebridge earlier this year, while DeBee Keeper jumped and travelled wellwhen landing a Vale of Lune 2m5fOpen Maiden last Saturday on his firststart since joining Russell Ross.

De Bee Keeper might wait for theconcluding Restricted Race, which also

Back On The Road looksthe one to follow in theMens Open race atTranwell

Photo:Grace Beresfordp2pnorthernphotos.co.uk

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has 10 entries. Hardy Oscar andKilmacallogue Bay have both beenplaced in Restricted company thisterm, while Flash Garden made theperfect start to his hunt racing careerwith victory over Roll The Dough andRocku at Crossford.

PYTCHLEY at GUILSBOROUGHSunday, 12 Aprilby Emma FormanThe popular Pytchley Point-to-Pointtakes place on Sunday; the annualmeeting has its traditional place in thefixture list the day after the GrandNational. 87 entries have been takenfor a six race card starting at 2.00pmwith the final race due off at 4.55pm.

Former Midlands Area Championrider Johnny Bailey is currently 10points behind Tom Strawson, who has35 points, and will be hoping for agood afternoon in order to close thegap. He is expected to ride Proximo inthe King West Pytchley Members racefor Judy Wilson and Stuart Morris.

This seven-year-old has beendisappointing so far this season, butwith a return to his best he couldmake the frame. Johnny’s father, andGuilsborough Clerk of the Course,Gerald Bailey may runThetalkinghorse and Sandpipers.Thetalkinghorse was second at Thorpe

Lodge on Monday while Sandpiperswon at Dingley last Saturday and therace could be between these two ifthey line up. Lady Vicstar won theRestricted at Dingley for AndrewSansome and Susie Tarry; any rainwould help her chances and she maybe able to fill a place.

Alex Vaughan-Jones will rideSandpipers if he runs. and he will thentake the mount on Fearthedark in theBorneo Martell Confined Hunts race.This exciting seven-year-old hasmoved through the ranks quickly thisseason, winning twice from two startsand it will be interesting to see how hefares with the step up in class.

Midnight King missed last season butreturned to win a Confined atLockinge on Monday and if he makesa quick reappearance he can go close.Another for the shortlist is RashMove, a lightly-raced 14-year-old. Heis a class horse who ended last seasonby being second in the AGA DualControl National Open ChampionHunter Chase at Stratford last Mayand he was second at the Oakley onhis seasonal reappearance.

Qoubilai won a match for the Ladiesrace at Thorpe Lodge on Monday and,since this was an easy race, is likely torun again on Sunday in the Berry BrosLadies Open. Lottie Crane is his usualpartner, and she is in second place

behind Kelly Morgan in the D&MBarthorpe Midlands Area Awards.

Sagalyrique, winner of nine LadiesOpen races, may line up for theRucker family. However, the horsethey all have to beat if he runs isPalypso De Creek, a winner of threeHunter Chases and an Open race atSandon so far this season; Claire Hartwill be in the saddle as usual.

The Abbey Ross Mens Open race alsohas some classy entries. RichardRussell’s Gunmoney has won a Maidenand a Confined at Guilsborough and isin top form having won a Mens Openat Garthorpe recently. Ravethebraverepresents the Alan Hill yard; he is aMens Open winner this season tooand will be ridden by Joe Hill. Onemore for the shortlist is PaulineHarkin’s Doctor Kingsley, who hasnow returned to form and wasnarrowly beaten at Brampton Bryanrecently.

Johnny Bailey is looking forward toriding Sisco Kid in the MacIntyreHudson Restricted race for MarkBarthorpe, whose company, D&MBarthorpe Electrical Contractors,sponsor the Midlands Area Awards.Sisco Kid is only a five-year-old andwon his Maiden at Brafield at the endof March on his first start for trainerStuart Morris.

Qoubilai could face a stiff task against PalypsoDe Creek in the Ladies Open at Guilsborough

Photo: Neale Blackburn chasdog.com

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However, Morris may also run BiddlesBedouin, who followed up a MaresMaiden win with a second in aRestricted at Horseheath. Anothermare, Dream Mistress, won herMaiden at Garthorpe for Chris Bealbyand is another to consider.

Racing concludes with the DallasBurston Maiden race, in which GeraldBailey may run No Dosh or FearsomeFred. Fearsome Fred was secondbehind No Alterations at Thorpe onMonday and may be able to go onebetter if he lines up again. PaulineHarkin and Pete Mann have Sea Rockentered; this six-year-old has had twopromising runs this year and shouldwin soon. Possibly the one they allhave to beat is Joan Tice’s TeetonKato. This horse is well regarded byhis trainer Tommy Morgan; he wassecond at Horseheath behindCurraigflemens, who has already wona Restricted race since, so the form islooks good.

TEDWORTHat BARBURY RACECOURSESunday, 12 Aprilby Cameron Crawford-SmithSet on the stunning MarlboroughDowns, leading amateur jockeys fromthe region and further afield willdescend on Barbury Racecourse totake part in a six race card, precededby the increasingly popular ponyracing. This year, the Tedworth areespecially delighted to welcomesuccessful female jockey, Lizzie Kelly -who will lead the pony race riders ontheir course walk.

The feature race of the afternoon isthe Tedworth Gold Cup (the JM Finn& Co Mixed Open Race over 3¾miles) which has attracted eightentries. Dante's Storm, a prolificwinning pointer - having won a 3m 2fHunters Chase at Doncaster in thepast, is now aimed at this stayers testfor trainer Alan Hill - having canteredaround on his only start this season towin the Men's Open at HackwoodPark on 15th March (albeit a 3 runnerrace). He will face competition fromthe Jack Barber trained Bellsinni Ron -an out and out stayer having won orbeen placed in all three of his starts in4m plus races. Making his pointingdebut is the versatile Pentiffic who hasbeen Hunter Chasing for the last twoseasons having won over 2m 4f andplaced over 3m and 4m 1f. HinchesleaMoor will be lining up over thisdistance for the first time as will TurtleBoys who placed 2nd in anIntermediate at Badbury Rings onSaturday.

Of the twelve entries received for thePheasant Inn at Lambourne RestrictedRace, Boa Island, the youngest in thefield at only five, won his debut pointin a Maiden at Charlton Horethorneon 8th March by 20 lengths for trainerJack Barber and looks set to give agood account of himself here. A newrecruit from Ireland this season forJames Ridley is Amron Kris, thehighest rated horse in the race - whoplaced 2nd on his first run for the newyard in a Restricted at Cottenham inNovember. Three of the entries all ranat Milborne St Andrew on 21st March,albeit in different races, including

David Turner's Coeur Brule who wonthe Open Maiden - having beenrunning under Rules; Hellesbelles wonthe 2m 4f Maiden and could be in theframe if he stays and Daves Ventureplaced 3rd in the Restricted. Althoughpulled up last time out at BramptonBryan on 28th March, Definitely Rosiehas placed in Restricted races threetimes this season as has Gleannacreimtwice from his two outings. MarlpitOak showed a returned to form atHackwood Park recently, placing 3rdfor owner/trainer, James Young andlocal trainer, Karen Hobbs, will behoping to improve on Rise To It'splace at Black Forest Lodge inNovember for the KP & Nuts RacingClub.

Dante's Storm, and Hincheslea Moorhold two of the eleven entries in theWilliam Bartholomew PartyOrganisers Members Race for Veteran& Novice Riders, together with thevery consistent Present & Correct,trained by Tim Sage; usually partneredby James King the pair have not beenout of the frame in any of their fourruns this season, including a 3rd atLockinge on Easter Monday. TroubleDigger fell at the 15th last time out ina Men's Open but placed earlier in theseason in a Club Members for NoviceRiders on 1st February. Trainer, ZoeHammond will be looking to go onebetter with Joe The Trucker who was2nd at Garnons on 1st Marchalthough he has since pulled up whilstLaura Thomas will be hoping for arepeat performance from QianshanLeader who won the Hunt Race ongood to firm ground at Larkhill a week

Trainer Jack Barbercould send Bellsini Ron(centre - red cap) toBarbury Racecourse tocontest the TedworthGold Cup

Photo:Julie Drewettracehorsephotos.co.uk

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ago last Saturday. Shropshire Lass alsoacts on ground good to firm havingwon a Club Members at the end oflast season and don't rule out CaptainCrackers who likes the same ifconditions prevail.

Laura Thomas's Full Trottle iscurrently in contention for thePPORA Young Horse Awards and isone of seven entered in PrestatChocolates Confined Race - havingnever been out of the first two in anyof his six races this season bar onewhen he fell first time out. "He needscut in the ground though", explainedLaura who saddled two winners andtwo places over the Easter weekend,"So his entry is entirely weatherdependent." He looks a progressivetype but will face competition fromthe likes of Garstin who placed 4thout of fourteen runners in a MixedOpen last time out at Buckfastleigh on15th February. One month previously,he was 3rd in a Club Members, oneplace behind Hincheslea Moor whoalso holds an entry in this race.Likewise, Forget Bob came 3rd, oneplace and 8 lengths behind Full Trottlein a Hunt Members at Siddington on

21st March - having since placed 2ndon Easter Monday in a Confined atLockinge. Falling early on at Charingon Easter Saturday Tim Underwood'sentry, Kellystown Lad could makeamends here and the mare Cecile deVolanges is in good form having wonand placed 2nd in her last two starts inRestricted races and should make theframe.

Nine are entered for the SimpsonsSubaru and Jockey Club Maiden Racefor Mares and Fillies over 3m. TheCharles Whittaker trained SouthfieldFairy placed 3rd on her debut at StonEaston on 22nd March over 2m 4fand should run a good race if shestays. Overburn runs for local trainerCharlotte Fuller, having pulled up onher debut at this course in February.Also pulling up on her debut was Geta Move on at Maisemore Park on 29thMarch, whilst all of the remainingrunners are evenly matched in as muchas they all pulled up last time out withthe exception of Flembrandt, who ismaking her racecourse debut fortrainer Victoria Collins.

Attracting sixteen entries, the final raceon the card is the Barbury Horse

Trials Open Maiden over 2m 4f. BothSouthfield Fairy and Overburn holdentries in this race together with Dealof the Day who must be getting hishead in front soon - having beenplaced in his last four runs, three ofwhich were over 2m 4f. Shininstar willbe looking to challenge him if trainer,Belinda Clarke decides to run himagain following his 3rd place on EasterSaturday at Bitterley. Sent off favouriteon both of his previous outings, SamDrinkwater will be looking to keepBreath of Blighty to task after he ranout four from home the last time heran. Bach to Before also ran out on hislast outing, having previously finished5th on his debut. High Priority will belooking to improve on his 6th place atthis course in February to theprogressive Lotus Pond havingunseated his rider last time out.Making his pointing debut, JustinHoskins will be trying to get a tuneout of the ex Alan King's Kotkiriwhilst another making his pointingdebut is Captain Joe who was last seenrunning on the flat in 2013. BothRound Robin and San Satiro aremaking their racecourse debuts.

Full Trottle could line up in the Confined race at Barbury RacecoursePhoto: Julie Drewett racehorsephotos.co.uk

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TOP TWEETS hashtag your tweets#GoPointing to feature!

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@rockettprGreat day @EytonRaces #racing#tastytreats #picnics #Gopointing

@RoseGrissellOur new owners quite enjoy drinkingchampagne from the trophy!#winnerwinnerchickendinner#gopointing

@jacquelinecowar@GoPointing these Kids are#intheknow Clark on left Easterby onright

@Digihouse1All safe and sound. #knackered.#hackwood. #GoPointing

@annabelbaylisBallycanal enjoying a eventful day atMonmouthshire p2p #gopointing

@TheARCIronLadyI love Alpha Native! Pointing is just thebest thing I've ever wasted my time andmoney on. #GoPointing #adrenaline

@justjakeventingSuch a special day! The Magherally Manis a legend!! @GoPointing

@ClareyRowsonA great day racing @EytonRaces#gopointing @NeilWDaly - sunshining, racing, friends and fun - aperfect day out....!

@NiciBowlerReally good commentaries by@willbowler2k12 at Dalston today.Great job Will X #GoPointing


ASHFORD VALLEY TICKHAM at CHARINGEaster Saturday, 04 April138cm & under race1 Chaceside Catwalk Benoit De La Sayette2 Willow The Wisp Boris Ball3 Footprint Ben Pearson

148cm & under race1 Beside The Sea Benoit De La Sayette2 Hope William Humphrey3 Flo Tinaway Cosmo Ball4 Mytoplot Tobias Mussett5 Cailin Kate Moss

CROOME & WEST WARWICKSHIREat UPTON-UPON-SEVERNEaster Saturday, 04 April138cm & under race1 Balfour Hill Song George Daly2 Fofsway Kingfisher Molly Burton3 Luanshya Ambassador Becky WilkinsNon-runner: Little Anne (Charlie Todd)

148cm & under race1 Regiemental Bay Lucy Hammond2 Gollum Isabel Hunt3 Princess Propellor Will Thilby4 Two The Manor Born William Cox5 Green As Grass Arron Butterfield6 Willow Marni KnightNon-runner: Mr Marshall (Rachel Sharpe)

ESSEX & SUFFOLK at HIGHAMEaster Saturday, 04 April138cm & under race1 Nook Class Act Minty Bloss2 Silaz William Featherstone3 Warmwell Lizzie Connor Fletcher4 Dexter Eddie Brooks5 Stambrook Master Plan Laura Pearson6 Tiny Timmy Emma Díangibau7 Longbourne Rose Ted Featherstone8 Darcey Ryan Secombewd Glebedale Stopwatch Brad Kent

Elliott England and Dipford Moon Walker at LockingePhoto: Neale Blackburn chasdog.com

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2015 PONY RACING RESULTS sponsored by

148cm & under race1 Pepsi III Francesca Flinton2 Boolagh Mississippi Emma Buckle3 Ryehall On Broadway Minty Bloss4 Denny Royal Lady Charlie Woodswd Chaceside Catwalk Benoit De La SayetteNon-runner: Rosevale Seren Salute (Katie Sinclair)

LUDLOW at BITTERLEYEaster Saturday, 04 April138cm & under race1 Ravara Super Ted Camilla Broster2 Deehaven Chipmunk Ivor Herbert3 Merlin Cameron Hillhouse4 Oscar Morgan Winstone5 Susie Tara WakehamNon-runners: Balfour Hill Song (George Daly), Flicka (Ellie Jones)

148cm & under race1 The Mumbler Ellie McCain2 Abrickinthewall Harry Myddelton3 Little Bull Abbie McCain4 Shoot The Moon Jack Dayus5 Buddy's Girl Jimmy Daly6 Ad Al Shama Harry Digwood7 Ban The Man Georgina Crawford8 Prince Henry Harry FinchNon-runner: Mr Marshall (Rachel Sharpe)

OLD BERKSHIRE at LOCKINGEEaster Monday, 06 April138cm & under race1 Dipford Moon Walker Elliot England2 Little Lord William William Curtis3 Barkway Harlequin Freddie Curtis4 Willow Royal Lavinia Archie SaundersNon-runners: Becca Walk O'the Wildside (Molly Landau), DeehavenChipmonk (Ivor Herbert)

148cm & under race1 Barboza Isabel Hunt2 Aries Abi Tufnell3 All Of My Dreams Amy Furneaux3 Heavenly Rose Milo Herbert5 G Whizz Johnny Marsh


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SOUTH PEMBROKESHIRE at LYDSTEPEaster Monday, 06 April138cm & under race1 Molly Connor Brace2 Wian Dark Lad Iwan Bartle3 Calelvador Serendu Thomas Pugh4 Annie May Daniel Ellis5 Salbrook Yarona Seren James

148cm & under race1 Don't Tell Dai Connor Brace2 She's Agoodun Jack Tudor3 Miss Mopsey Ben Jones

TAUNTON VALE at KINGSTON ST MARYEaster Monday, 06 April138cm & under race1 Wee Antony Daniel Cox2 Angelic Olive Nicholls3 Talponciau Perfect Print Hamish Clarke4 Mocking Bird Alfie Godfrey5 Becca Walk Oíthe Wild Side Molly Landau6 Broomsdown Heavenly Gift Kelsie Beilby7 Menedh Jumping Jack Flash Otis Morgan8 Minky Zoe StanburyNon-runner: Helsington Vanetta (Lewis Mcdonald)

148cm & under race1 Song Bird Finley Marsh2 Rowfantina Fancy Man Freddie Gingell3 Clonamully Danny Boy Archie Woollacotthc Parkhill Playboy Joshua Brown

Conor Brace and Molly at LydstepPhoto: Alun Sedgmoresportingprints.biz

PONY RACING ENTRIES sponsored by

ESSEX at HIGH EASTERSaturday, 11 April128cm & under raceDarcey Ryan SecombeGunthwaite Royal Secret Marc De La SayetteGlebedale Stopwatch Brad KentRuby Tuesday Freddie De La SayetteSilaz Ted FeatherstoneRyehall On Broadway Minty BlossShooting Star Emma Díangibau

148cm & under raceAnnie Get Ur Gun Lewis KentBeside The Sea Benoit De La SayetteBoolagh Mississippi Emma BuckleGwen Joe BradnamHope William HumphreyLittle Lucky Lass Tess MurphyPepsi III Francesca FlintonStambrook Master Plan Laura Pearson

CHESHIRE FOREST at TABLEYSunday, 12 April138cm & under raceCoco Bean James McMahonCui Monte Don James Caldwell

Deehaven Chipmunk Ivor HerbertDillans Girl Ella McCainFair N Square Sophie SmithGeridinen Anita Elsa BrauntonGwalch Sian Bach Constance BrauntonJazz Harry MyddleltonNomoranun Oakley BrownRavara Super Ted Camilla BrosterSandboro Serenity Rose DiggleWernlas Shakira Kiera Booth

148cm & under raceAbrickinthewall Harry MyddletonBarboza Izzy HuntCarrowmeer Nick Lucy PittendgighFinnleyís Diamond Finnley GreenFollow The Star Josh BryanHeavenly Rose Milo HerbertIrish Joker Paddy BarlowLive Wire Abbie McCainLittle Bull Abbie McCainLyle Rio Finnley GreenQuickstep Star Niall ReynoldsShoot The Moon Jack DayusThe Mumbler Ella McCainIf the Safety Factor of 10 is exceeded on the day of the pony races, theraces will be split into 2 divisions


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COTSWOLD at ANDOVERSFORDSunday, 12 April138cm & under raceBalfour Hill Song George DalyBronze Lawrence Roisin LeechDiptford Moon Walker Elliot EnglandLuanshya Ambassador Becky WilkinsMocking Bird Alfie Godfrey

148cm & under Racetech Novice Riders Race QualifierChester Tiggy CowanMilly XI Joshua SmithPalesides Spectator Sarah LongthornRosevale Seren Salute Katie SinclairSpottastic Sadie May WaltersSpring Daisy WhiteStambrook Socialite Connor Baker

MORPETH at TRANWELLSunday, 12 April138cm & under raceBeveriche Tynagh Tom BakercresswellClonross Star Nick BarrattatkinStretcholt Hermes Charlie ToddXena Thomas Young

148cm & under race (Division I)Hazelcroft Good Time Lucy BrownJ D Delivers Elizabeth GaleMillie Jack YoungPick Pocket Connor MurtaghTricky Vicky Roy DayUnderwraps Tom Midgley

148cm & under race (Division II)Good Luck Rosie Kieren RundellHow Ya Talkin Harry Charleton

Miss Tiny Jessica SwanMorgan Abby RobertsonMr Marshall Rachel SharpePerfect Place Bruce Lynn

TEDWORTH at BARBURY RACECOURSESunday, 12 April138cm & under raceRiff Raff Oscar PalmerMilly Lily LlewellynFofsway Kingfisher Molly BurtonMayday Black Mink Charlie SprakeBarkway Harlequin Freddie CurtisLittle Lord William William CurtisSpring Daisy WhiteCoveham Generation Poppy Scott

148cm & under race (Division I)Goodnight Bruce YoungFrench Flame Luca MorganScribblin Ben SuttonAries Albemarle TuffnellCaptain Hurricane Jessica LlewellynMick The Miller William BevanJust Cruzin Sam Burton

148cm & under race (Division II)Goldwell's Gucci Harriet GodfreyOtterburn Lady Alfie MartindalePickmere Bond Street Hamish ClarkeAll My Dream Amy FurneauxLittle Quaker Rose CurtisCool Runner Thomas DoggrellChiumbo Luke Scott

Barboza - Isabel Hunt [right] and Aries andAbi Tufnell at LockingePhoto: Neale Blackburnchasdog.com


THE RIDER’S & PONIES CHAMPIONSHIPPOINTS SERIESThe Rider’s & Ponies Championship Points Series will runthroughout the season for both 138cms and 148cms riders/ponies. It has become a highly competitive affair with pointsbeing allocated to the first four past the post. The rider andowner of the pony from each height category with the mostpoints at the end of the season will be presented with theirprizes at Cheltenham Races in October. It seems the mostnatural venue for the event being the home of National HuntRacing and gives the award winners a taste of what might comefollowing their time pony racing.

THE RACETECH GRADUATE AWARDThe Rider who gains the most points throughout the season viathe Champion Points Series and who plans to go on and ride inPoint-to-Point Races the following year will be offeredsponsorship via the Riders Sponsorship Scheme (RSS) fromRaceTech – this only applies to those riders who turn 16 duringthe 2015/16 Point-to-Point Season.The RSS is a sponsorship initiative created by the Point-to-PointAuthority, which enables riders to source sponsorship to assistthe costs associated with riding.For further information please contact: Lucy Tucker 01258817604 / 07771 518258 / [email protected]

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TOP SCORERS138CMS & UNDER PONIES

Molly 26Dough Boy 24Willow The Wisp 23Honky Tonk Girl 22Mocking Burd 22Churchill 21Diptford Moonwalker 21Little Chick 21Mayday Black Mink 16Chaceside Catwalk 15

Benoit de la Sayette 32Connor Brace 26Alfie Godfrey 22Brad Kent 22Elliot England 21Tamby Welch 21William Carver 21Charlie Todd 19Boris Ball 18Sophie Smith 17Charlie Sprake 16

William Carver 29Isabel Hunt 26Ben Godfrey 20Harriet Godfrey 20Lucy Hammond 17Connor Murtagh 14Finnley Marsh 12Abbie McCain 11Izzie Marshall 10Will Thirlby 10Bruce Lynn 8Francesca Flinton 8Jack Young 7Jamie Perrett 7William Cox 7Ben Sutton 5Katie Sinclair 5Thomasina Eyston 5Michael Treneer 4Sam Burton 4William Rekert 3Cameron Hillhouse 3Harry Charleton 1Honor Whyte 1Kieren Rundell 1Zoe Stanbury 1Morgan Winstone 1

138CMS RIDER RACETECH GRADUATE

148CMS & UNDER PONIESBeside the Sea 28Flo Tinaway 21Calypso 20Goldswell Gucci 20Don’t Tell Dai 19Hope 19Regimental Bay 17She’s Agoodun 17Barboza 14Peateaoh 14Pick Pocket 14She's A Lady 14Thereshegoes 14

Connor Brace 33Benoit de la Sayette 28Isabel Hunt 26Cosmo Ball 21Ben Godfrey 20Harriet Godfrey 20William Humphrey 19Jack Tudor 17Lucy Hammond 17Connor Murtagh 14Jamie Perrett 14

148CMS RIDER

Pony RiderBonita Polly Ann SmithCailin Katy MossCaverio Tara StockwellClonamully Danny Boy Archie WoollacottDenny Royal Lady Charlie WoodsDutchess Elena NikouGoldfinch Jessy Ellie VaughanLongbourne Rose Will FeatherstoneMillie Jack YoungMorgan Abby RobertsonMountain Gerwyn Ruby HallMountain Sinbad Harvey CarringtonPebbles Sophia WaringPenway Merlin Alexandra GeldardRosevale Seren Salute Katie SinclairRowfantina Fancy Man Freddie GingellRoyal Oak Rose Lad Emma SmithShena Rory DavidsonSong Bird Finley MarshSpring Daisy WhiteStambrook Socialite Connor Baker

QUALIFYING COMBINATIONS FOR THERACETECH NOVICE RIDERS FINAL AT

GARTHORPE - SATURDAY, 30 MAY 2015

The 2015 RaceTech Novice Riders Race SeriesThose finishing in the first four will be eligible to enter the final at the 2015 Point-to-Point Pony Racing Championships hostedby the Meynell & South Staffordshire Point-to-Point at Garthorpe on Saturday, 30th May 2015. If entries permit two races –one for each size category (138cms/148cms) will be staged.

REMAINING QUALIFYING RACESMeeting Course Date Entries closing AreaCotswold Andoversford Sun 12 Apr Sun 5 Apr West MidlandsOld Surrey, Burstow & West Kent Penshurst Sat 18 Apr Sat 13 Apr South EastLauderdale Mosshouses Sat 2 May Sat 25 Apr NorthernRadnor & West Hereford Cold Harbour Sun 3 May Sun 26 Apr Welsh Border CountiesDulverton West Bratton Down Sun 17 May Sat 9 May Devon & CornwallGrafton Whitfield Sun 17 May Sat 9 May South MidlandsKnutsford Races Tabley Sun 17 May Sun 10 May North Western

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Who was capturing the action last weekend?It was a busy weekend for all of the filmcrews with David Jones Media recordingthe action from the Middleton at SheriffHutton and the South Notts at ThorpeLodge. Keith Simpson made a return tothe Cumberland Farmers at Dalston,whilst the West Country Videos film crewwere present at four of the Easterweekend meetings starting with theMonmouthshire at Llanvapley and theSpooners & West Dartmoor atCherrybrook on the Saturday. Forty-eighthours later and Jeff ’s team were at the

Four Burrow at Trebudannon and theTaunton Vale at Kingston St Mary.The photographers present at Saturday’smeetings were Tom Milburn at theMiddleton at Sheriff Hutton and South-East regular Julie Drewett at the AshfordValley Tickham meeting at Charing.Neale Blackburn doubled up fixtures forthe weekend at the Kimblewick atKimble before attending the OldBerkshire at Lockinge. Also doubling upwere: Alun Sedgmore who was at the

Monmouthshire at Llanvapley and theSouth Pembrokeshire at Lydstep; TimHolt at the Portman at Badbury Ringsand the Taunton Vale at Kingston StMary; and Sweet Photography at the Valeof Lune at Whittington and the SouthShropshire at Eyton-on-Severn.Other meetings captured on EasterMonday were the Cumberland Farmersby the popular northern snapper GraceBeresford and the Staintondale at CharmPark by Peter Barber.

Julie Drewett racehorsephotos.co.ukAshford Valley Tickham at Charing

Neale Blackburn chasdog.comKimblewick at Kimble

Tom Milburn facebook.com/TomMilburnPhotographyMiddleton at Sheriff Hutton

Alun Sedgmore sportingprints.bizMonmouthshire at Llanvapley

Tim Holt [email protected] at Badbury Rings

Sweet Photography sweetphotography.comVale of Lune at Whittington

Grace Beresford p2pnorthernphotos.co.ukCumberland Farmers at Dalston

Neale Blackburn chasdog.comOld Berkshire at Lockinge

Alun Sedgmore sportingprints.bizSouth Pembrokeshire at Lydstep

Sweet Photography sweetphotography.comSouth Shropshire at Eyton-on-Severn

Peter Barber pointtopointphotography.co.ukStaintondale at Charm Park

Tim Holt [email protected] Vale at Kingston St Mary

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TOP PERFORMERS 2014/15Current standings for the sport’s major championships

Will Biddick 41 winsJohn Mathias 18 winsDarren Edwards 15 winsNick Orpwood 13 winsJoe Hill 11 winsJamie Thomas 11 wins

James Tudor 11 winsPete Mann 10 winsAll on 9 wins:Dicky Collinson, WilliamEasterby, Tom Ellis, TomHamilton, Tom Weston

FULLER’SGENTLEMANPOINT-TO-POINTRIDERSCHAMPIONSHIP

Barring accidents, Will Biddick looks to have his fourth consecutiveGentlemans Point-to-Point Championship sewn upPhoto: David Simpson

Harry Cobden 8 winsPeter Bryan 6 winsFred Henderson 6 winsSam Coltherd 5 winsJames Nixon 5 winsJoe Drinkwater 4 wins

David Noonan 4 winsJohn Smith-Maxwell 4 winsseven riders on three wins

FULLER’S GENTLEMAN NOVICE P-T-P RIDERS CHAMPIONSHIP

Harry Cobden and Cock Of The Rock on their way to landing the PPORA ClubMembers race for Novice Riders at the New Forest meeting at LarkhillPhoto: Tim Holt [email protected]

Harry Cobden 8 winsSam Coltherd 5 winsSean Houlihan 2 winstwelve riders on one winner

DODSON&HORRELLNOVICEAWARDFORTHEWILKINSONSWORD

Harry Cobden and Roseyroo, pictured en route to landing the WAPP Membersrace at the Blackmore & Sparkford Vale meeting at Charlton HorethornePhoto: Tim Holt [email protected]

Gina Andrews 14 winsHannah Watson 12 winsCatherine Walton 11 winsPage Fuller 9 winsClaire Hart 8 winsJo Buck 7 wins

Leanda Tickle 7 winsKaty Lyons 5 winsEmma Todd 5 winsBridget Andrews 4 winsLara Mahon 4 winsHannah Welch 4 wins

LADY POINT-TO-POINT RIDERS CHAMPIONSHIP

Gina Andrews pictured following her success in the Ladies Open race aboardStart Royal at the Kimblewick meeting at KimblePhoto: Neale Blackburn chasdog.com

Lara Mahon 4 winsHannah Welch 4 winsLottie Crane 3 winsOlivia Hutchings 3 winsAlice Stevens 3 winsLucy Wheeler 3 wins

Ella Darwin 2 winsCharlotte Dun 2 winsRose Grissell 2 winsKelly Morgan 2 winsKate Rowntree 2 wins

FULLER’S LADY NOVICE P-T-P RIDERS CHAMPIONSHIP

Hannah Welch and Beuvron on their way to winning the Ladies Open race atthe Western meeting at WadebridgePhoto: Tim Holt [email protected]

Lottie Crane 3 winsOlivia Hutchings 3 winsAlice Stevens 3 winsCharlotte Dun 2 winsthree riders on one winner

HOWDEN NOVICE AWARD FOR THE PRINCESS ROYAL TROPHY

Lottie Crane, pictured following her victory on Qoubilai in the Ladies Openrace at the Bicester with Whaddon Chase meetingPhoto: Neale Blackburn chasdog.com

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Harry Cobden 24ptsLara Mahon 16ptsJohn Smith-Maxwell 15ptsLucy Wheeler 14ptsJoe Drinkwater 10ptsPeter Bryan 8pts

Stan Sheppard 8ptsAlice Stevens 8ptsFred Timmis 8ptsBen Brackenbury 7pts

HARLEY RACING PPORA NOVICE RIDERS SERIES

Harry Cobden and Foynes Island, pictured at the Mendip Farmers meeting atSton EastonPhoto: Tim Holt [email protected]

Nick Wright 9 winsMiss Sarah Dawson 8 winsM. J. R. Bannister 7 winsJ. Barber 7 winsJohn Ferguson 7 winsRichard Hewitt 6 wins

J. Simpson 7 winsVictor Thompson 7 winsStephanie Easterby 5 winsMrs V. J. McKie 6 wins

LEADING POINT-TO-POINT OWNER

Patsy Finnegan, a winner three times this season for current leading ownerNick WrightPhoto: Neale Blackburn chasdog.com

Miss Sarah A. Dawson 30ptsThe Penwood Racing Club 30ptsS. Nash, A. Hill, Mrs H. Nash & M. Avery 30ptsE. D. Moylan 30ptsMrs K. R. Smith-Maxwell 30ptsAll on 26pts:Lord Lipsey & Nick Elliott, R. J. Hewitt, W. Bryan & D. Smith,J. H. Young, J. Pike, Norman Thomas, Alan Hill, I. R. Mann

AGA ALL-COMERS CHAMPIONSHIP

The Penwood Racing Club & the Fuller family celebrate another great winner &another 10 AGA All Comers championship pointsPhoto: David Simpson

Miss Gotaway 15ptsZiggerson Hill 11ptsComedinewithme 9ptsBiddles Bedouin 7ptsExclusive Rights 7ptsLady’s Favourite 7pts

Morebutwhen 7ptsFrelia 6ptsTwo Smokin Barrels 6ptsNelly La Rue 5ptsRush House 5pts

JOCKEY CLUB LEADING NOVICE MARE

Biddles Bedouin and Johnny Bailey (near side), pictured at the Bicester withWhaddon Chase meetingPhoto: Neale Blackburn chasdog.com

Dicky Bob 5 winsCrazy Diamond 4 winsExecutive Benefit 4 winsGonalston Cloud 4 winsOckey De Neulliac 4 winsSilver Token 4 wins

That’s Rhythm 4 winsThe Magherally Man 4 winsWorking Title 4 winsthirty-three horses on three wins

CONNOLLY’S RED MILLS LEADING HORSE

Dicky Bob and Jo Buck en route to landing the Restricted race at the EastDevon meetingPhoto: Tim Holt [email protected]

Gina Andrews 50ptsCatherine Walton 50ptsHannah Watson 50ptsLeanda Tickle 46ptsPage Fuller 42ptsCarey Williamson 42ptsClaire Hart 40ptsJoanna Walton 38pts

Hannah Lewis 36ptsKaty Lyons 36ptsEmma Todd 32ptsBryony Frost 30ptsAlly Stirling 30ptsLouise Allan 28ptsRachael McDonald 28pts

AGALADIESOPENPOINT-TO-POINTCHAMPIONSHIP

Hannah Watson is the latest rider to hit the magic 50 mark in the AGA LadiesOpen Point-to-Point ChampionshipPhoto: Phil Britt philbrittphotos.zenfolio.com

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Jack Barber 32 winsAlan Hill 22 winsTom Weston 14 winsKayley Woollacott14 winsRobert Chanin 12 winsStephanie Easterby 12 wins

Gerald Bailey 10 winsTor Collins 9 winsSheila Crow 9 winsAndrew Pennock 9 winsJonathan Tudor 9 winsNick Wright 9 wins

CONNOLLY’SREDMILLSTRAINERSCHAMPIONSHIP(8+HORSES)

Jack Barber heads the charge for the leading trainers title (8+ horses) with alead of ten wins from his nearest rivalPhoto: David Simpson

Ciaran Gethings 4 winsClaire Hart 3 winsHannah Lewis 3 winsWill Biddick 2 winsDarren Edwards 2 wins

David Kemp 2 winsTommie O’Brien 2 winsNick Orpwood 2 winstwenty-four one riders on one win

LEADING HUNTER CHASE RIDER

Ciaran Gethings is leading the charge for the Leading Hunter Chase Rider titleafter victories on Double Dash, Bobs Law and Bermuda BoyPhoto: Julie Drewett racehorsephotos.co.uk

Volcan Surprise (East Anglia) 34ptsCome On You (South East) 32ptsLotus Pond (North Western) 30ptsBeuvron (Devon & Cornwall) 28ptsAsk The Weatherman (Wessex) 28ptsChampagne Benefit (S Wales & Mons) 28ptsJepeck (Devon & Cornwall) 28ptsFull Trottle (South Midlands) 28ptsRepeat Business (S Wales & Mons) 26ptsRunning In Heels (South East) 26ptsSwingbridge (South Midlands) 26ptsMiss Gotaway (Wessex) 24ptsPlay The Ace (East Anglia) 24ptsRonnie Lawson (East Anglia) 24ptsSix A Side (Yorkshire) 24ptsCarlton Ryan (Yorkshire) 24ptsOtto The Great (South Midlands) 24ptsWelstonedruid (Devon & Cornwall) 24ptsInfamous Grouse (Wessex) 24ptsKazuri Kate (South Midlands) 24ptsSonoftheking (Wessex) 24pts

PPORA YOUNG HORSE AWARDS

Nick Alexander 6 winsWillie Bryan 6 winsCharlotte Fuller 6 winsRachael Green 6 winsJessica McKie 6 winsLauren Braithwaite 5 wins

James Henderson 5 winsVerity Nicholls 5 winsKaty Price 5 winsseven trainers on four wins

CONNOLLY’SREDMILLSTRAINERSCHAMP(7ORELESSHORSES)

Charlotte Fuller (right) shares the lead in the seven horses or less trainerschampionshipPhoto: David Simpson

Mikey Bowen 2 winsMike Dawson 2 winsChris Honour 2 winsDavid Kemp 2 winsPaul Nicholls 2 winsJonjo O’Neill 2 wins

Joe O’Shea 2 winsthirty trainers on one win

LEADING HUNTER CHASE TRAINER

Palypso De Creek has scored twice in Hunter Chases this season for trainerMike DawsonPhoto: Nico Morgan nicomorgan.com

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Lotus Pond, pictured at the Vine & Craven meeting at Barbury Racecoursewith Peter Bryan in the saddlePhoto: Julie Drewett racehorsephotos.co.uk


BEEN POINTINGKimblewick at Kimble

in association with

& David Simpson ‘The AGA Man’

"Pretend you haven't seen him" says Tara Glen (left)

It was great to see the Coral team outin force - "Raising the Game"

Sara Moule & Col. Robert Symonds really were pleased to see me!

Thumbs up for the AGA man fromZac Baker

A first AGA win for Laura Thomas & Thomas Ellis, they are joined by TonyEllis (Tom's dad, far left), Norman Thomas (Laura's dad, centre) and me!

Gina Andrews & Graham Tawell

Norman Thomas can't decide whichhat to wear!

Most fellas would offer to help EmilyHarbour carry her kit... not me!

A proud sister moment for Gaby Hillafter her brother Joe had bootedhome a first ever treble, all three

saddled by their dad, Big Al!

Rodney Mann is presented with the Swain Challenge Cup afterwinning the Richardsons Kimblewick Hunt Members race

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North Cotswold at Paxford

Charlotte Tiso is determined tobe in Been Pointing for the

second week in a row

The Smith-Maxwells know how to celebrate in style!

Tracey Bailey

The Equus Club (Mr J Bruce) celebrate a last gasp win in the AGAsponsored Restricted race, helped by Sarah 'Ripper' Rippon

L-R: Zara Phillips, Dolly Maude, Tom David, Sarah 'Ripper' Rippon

Some of the most famous colours in point-to-point racing! L-R:Abs Banks, John Smith-Maxwell & Phine Banks

Olivia Weston & her mum, Penny Cox

Dawn Bridgewater & her daughter,Iris enjoy the beautiful Cotswoldsunshine

I think I may be in troublefor this one...

Charlotte Weston

BEEN POINTINGGO

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Sat 11 AprilEssex, HIGH EASTERNorth Warwickshire Hunt Club, MOLLINGTONTeme Valley, BRAMPTON BRYANYstrad Taf Fechan, YSTRADOWEN

Sun 12 AprilBedale, HORNBY CASTLECheshire Forest, TABLEYCotswold, ANDOVERSFORDEggesford, UPCOTT CROSSMorpeth, TRANWELLPytchley, GUILSBOROUGHTedworth, BARBURY RACECOURSE

Sat 18 AprilDartmoor, FLETE PARKKimblewick, KINGSTON BLOUNTLlangeinor, DUNRAVEN STUDOld Surrey, Burstow & West Kent, PENSHURSTWorcestershire, CHADDESLEY CORBETT

Sun 19 AprilAtherstone, CLIFTON-ON-DUNSMOREBraes of Derwent, CORBRIDGECleveland, MORDONCotswold Vale Farmers, ANDOVERSFORDSeavington, LITTLEWINDSORWest Norfolk, FAKENHAM

Sat 25 AprilBerkeley, WOODFORDChiddingfold Leconfield & Cowdray, PARHAMFife, BALCORMO MAINSQuorn, GARTHORPE

Sun 26 AprilAxe Vale, STAFFORD CROSSCheshire, TABLEYFarmers Bloodhounds, WHITFIELDSouth & West Wilts, LARKHILLTivyside & Carmarthenshire, LYDSTEPYork & Ainsty, EASINGWOLD

Sat 2 MayLauderdale, MOSSHOUSESModbury Harriers, FLETE PARKPendle Forest & Craven, HESLAKERSurrey Union, PEPER HAROWTredegar Farmers, LOWER MACHEN

Sun 3 MayDevon & Somerset Staghounds, HOLNICOTEFernie, DINGLEYRadnor & West Hereford, COLD HARBOUR

Mon 4 MayBanwen Miners, LLWYN FARMCattistock, LITTLEWINDSOREast Sussex & Romney Marsh, ALDINGTONEnfield Chace with Cambridgeshire Hunt, NORTHAWNorth Shropshire, EYTON-ON-SEVERNStevenstone, VAUTERHILLWarwickshire, MOLLINGTONZetland, WITTON CASTLE

Sat 9 MayCumberland, ASPATRIAKimblewick, KINGSTON BLOUNTMinehead Harriers and West Somerset, HOLNICOTE

Sun 10 MayBilsdale, EASINGWOLDFour Burrow, TREBUDANNONMelton Hunt Club, GARTHORPEWheatland, CHADDESLEY CORBETT

Wed 13 MayWeston & Banwell Harriers, COTHELSTONE

Sat 16 MayClifton-on-Teme, UPPER SAPEYFitzwilliam (Milton), DINGLEYGelligaer Farmers, LOWER MACHENSouth Durham, MORDON

Sun 17 MayDulverton West, BRATTON DOWNGolden Valley, BREDWARDINEGrafton, WHITFIELDHaydon, HEXHAMKnutsfordRacesClub(formerlyNorthWestPoint-to-PointClub),TABLEY

Sun 24 MayBerks&BucksDraghounds&SandhurstDraghounds,KINGSTONBLOUNTWest Somerset Vale, COTHELSTONEWest Wales Area Club, LYDSTEP

Mon 25 MayAlbrighton & Woodland (South), CHADDESLEY CORBETTSouth Tetcott, UPCOTT CROSS

Sat 30 MayMeynell & South Staffordshire, GARTHORPE

Sun 31 MayBorder, HEXHAMExmoor, BRATTON DOWNNorth Hereford, HEREFORD RACECOURSE

Sat 6 JunePembrokeshire, TRECOED

Sun 7 JuneTiverton Staghounds, BRATTON DOWN

Sat 13 JuneTorrington Farmers, UMBERLEIGH

FIXTURES 2015 Fixtures in Blue denotes Pony Racing at the meetingGO

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The course at Dingley, the venue for the Fernie and Fitzwilliam (Milton) meetings


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Go Pointing | 08 April 2015

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Transcript of Go Pointing | 08 April 2015