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GOPOINTINGthe weekly guide to your sport

FOUR IN A ROW FORRUCKER

TRAINER TALKPART TWO

BEEN POINTINGfrom Black Forest Lodge

#gopointing 2 www.pointtopoint.co.uk

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And we’re off!Welcome to the second edition of GoPointing for 2015-16; I hope youenjoyed the opening weekend of theseason as much as we did here at thePoint-to-Point Racing Company.

You can read all about what happened atCottenham and Black Forest Lodgefurther on, plus get the insideinformation about Barbury on Sunday6th from Jake Exelby in his preview.

It’s been another exciting week at theoffice as well; we saw the first sets ofresults loaded on to the new website forsubscribers to peruse - full results with

comments in running from ourcorrespondents are also available.

We really hope that you are enjoying thenew site so far - it’s a big change, so ifyou do have any queries about where tofind information or how to log in,subscribe or upgrade, then just contactus at the office.

In other news, the first edition of theLoose Leaf form guide is leaving theoffice as I type, and the first set ofweekly e-ratings should have found itsway to your inboxes, so form followerswill soon be completely up-to-date withthe latest; we’re also eagerly awaiting

news on where our own Lucy Wheelerwill be riding next after her creditablefourth on Cara Carlotta at Cottenham.

Hope you enjoy issue two, and make themost of the first of the two Pointingdays left until Christmas!Viv Buckby,Editor

WELCOME FROM THE EDITOR

GOPOINTINGis published by The Point-to-Point RacingCompany Ltd

Editor: Viv Buckbyt: 01933 440077e: vbuckby@weatherbys.co.uk

Advertising: Lucy Wheelert: 01933 440077e: lwheeler@weatherbys.co.uk

Register To Get Your CopyTo receive GOPOINTING every weekthroughout the season by email, you canregister at pointtopoint.co.uk.

Front Cover Photo: Victoria Pendleton intraining for her Point-to-Point debut thisweekend. Photo courtesy of Betfair

Editorial views expressed in this magazine arenot necessarily those of the Point-to-PointRacing Company

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

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Action from Black Forest Lodge on SundayPhoto: Alun Sedgmore sportingprints.biz

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SUNDAY, 6 DECEMBERPOINT-TO-POINT OWNERS & RIDERS CLUBat Barbury Racecourse (Wiltshire)3m NW of Marlborough (10m from exits 15 & 16 of the M4). Mainentrance is off the Marlborough to Broad Hinton road. SN8 1RSProvisional Going: Good, good to soft in placesFirst Race: 12.00pmNumber of Races: 6Number of Entries: 106Admission Prices: £10 per person

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Sunday (29th November) saw the firstqualifier of the Subaru RestrictedPoint-to-Point Series take place at theCambridge University United HuntsClub at Cottenham in Cambridge.Tulsa and Sin Bin battled forsupremacy, with Sam Davies-Thomastaking first place on Tulsa in a time of6mins and 05.0s. This TommyMorgan-trained gelding is movingthrough the grades and now hasqualification for the Subaru RestrictedPoint-to-Point Series final at Stratford-upon-Avon on 20th May in the bag.

Nashville Tommy applied the pressureon the last run with the three Pointersneck and neck until the very last jump.It was here we saw Tulsa jump out in

front leaving Sin Bin and NashvilleTommy to battle it out for secondposition, with Sam Davies-Thomastaking a hard-fought victory. He saidthat winning the first SubaruRestricted race was “a very goodstart,” and he thanked Subaru UK fortheir sponsorship.

Kevin Green, Director of local Subarudealership, Cambridge Subaru,presented representatives from TheDave Tom Ian Paul Partnership withthe winning owner’s trophy. They alsoreceived Sam Davies-Thomas’s prize,as he was up to ride again in the nextrace. Davies-Thomas had a very busyday, also winning the PPORA ClubMembers Conditions Race on Lough

Inch, coming second in the OpenMaiden and finally coming in third inthe Open Maiden for 45&6yo.

Cambridge Subaru displayed anextensive range of current Subaruvehicles at the event, including theSubaru Outback; this was well receivedby the Cottenham crowd. Many ofthe spectators took the opportunity totake a good look at the SubaruForester, after all it has been cited asone of the most sought-after prizes ofthe season. The winning owner of theSubaru Restricted Championship willreceive the use of this capable anddependable SUV for a whole year. Ifyou would like to book a test drive andfind out more for yourself, click here

TULSA LEADSTHEWAY INTHE SUBARURESTRICTED SERIES

Tulsa’s connections receive theirtrophies at Cottenham

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BLACK FOREST CLUB at BlackForest LodgeSunday, 29 Novemberby Granville TaylorThe Devon & Cornwall Area got thenew British Point-to-Point seasonunder way at Black Forest Lodge onSunday (29 Nov) in blustery, but dryconditions.

The Devon track attracted muchmedia interest surrounding the debutover jumps of Victoria Pendleton. Asa prelude to her quest to ride in theCheltenham Foxhunter Chase nextMarch, the former Olympic cyclingchampion took the mount on 12-year-old Minella Theatre, saddled by hermentor Alan Hill, in the ClubMembers’ race.

Her experienced mount had beenridden to victory by Tony McCoy backin 2009, but with cameras thrust at herin every direction, the championcyclist’s safe schoolmaster conveyancewas back-pedalling in the rear soonafter half way and she eventuallypulled her mount up half a milefrom home.

The nine-runner contest went toanother ex-chaser in the shape ofPremier Portrait, who gave GusLevinson his first winner. This was a

most accomplished ride by the 16-year-old who is taking A Levels atRadley College. “I just wanted to keephim in a rhythm knowing he wouldstay well,” explained the rider, whosemount defied a 7lb penalty after beingfractious in the parade ring. Theformer Kim Bailey-trained chaser isnow owned and trained by the youngrider’s father Dr Charles Levinsonnear Cheltenham.

It was the turn of another youngjockey to shine when the imposinggrey Argentato jumped well and madevirtually all the running to win theIntermediate. 17-year-old JordanNailor hails from Moreton In TheMarsh, Gloucestershire and works forjumps trainer Charlie Longsdon. “Irode my only other winner atAndoversford last season,” reportedthe rider. Argentato runs in thecolours of the Cotswold ChancersPartnership and is stabled with ClaireHart, who missed the win due to herriding commitments at Cottenham.

Welsh challengers rarely go homeempty handed from Black ForestLodge and two of Sunday’s winnershad made the journey across theSevern Bridge. Doctor Braveheartlived up to his name with a hard-fought head victory in the Restricted.

The six-year-old is owned and trainedby David Brace, who stands thegelding’s sire Dr Massini at hisDunraven Stud. “I bought DoctorBraveheart privately in Ireland lastsummer after he had run well in aCork Hunter Chase but he really needsbetter ground,” remarked the owner/trainer. Byron Moorcroft, who worksfor David Brace, rode the winner, whojust got up close home to deny WillBiddick’s mount Tempestatefloresco.

It was a similar story in the OpenMaiden, which saw 26-year-old ByronMoorcroft in the winner’s enclosureagain at the expense of championjockey Biddick. This time the Welsh-trained Northgeorge had 12 lengths tospare over Wotzizname on reachingthe judge to secure Byron Moorcroft’sdouble. “We bought Northgeorge atAscot as a three-year-old,” reportedJonathon Tudor, who trains thewinner at Bridgend for owner SteveYoung. “This is my first winner withmy first horse,” exclaimed thedelighted owner. “I drove rally cars for26 years and now run a medicalequipment company,” he added.

The Mixed Open produced a closefinish; it was won by The Wealerdealer,who asserted on the final bend andjust held off Bradley Brook (Darren

Premier Portrait and Gus Levinson heading towards the rider’s debut victoryPhoto: Tim Holt timholt@talktalk.ne

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Edwards), and the evergreen CoombeHill, who was giving a first ride toMillie Wonnacott. The ever-improvingwinner was ridden by Ian Chanin, whoalso trains the eight-year-old. Chaninsaid: “He is owned by my fiancéeBecks Barnett who is a farrier. Wetrain just two horses at Rackenfordand this one works with a nice un-named youngster by Winged Love.”

The two and a half mile Open Maidenfor four and five-year-olds saw 15 ofthe 16 entries facing the starter.Iwanabebobbiesgirl and Red RedRover set a scorching gallop, but at thebusiness end it was left to the well-backed Mystery Edition to fend offthe challenge of Creative Inerta. “Heidled a bit when he hit the front,”reported winning rider Rob Hawker.Mystery Editions’ owner David Luff iswell known as the jockeys’ valet in theWest Country but could not bepresent on this occasion. The winnerwas bought by his trainer Neil Harrisas a three-year-old at Tattersalls,Ireland. “He is a lovely type and hasstrengthened up really well,” reportedthe Brompton Regis-based trainer.

CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITYUNITED HUNTS CLUB atCottenhamSunday, 29 Novemberby James Crispe

Veteran jockey Angela Rucker and hermount Sagalyrique made up for theabsence of Victoria Pendleton bylanding a thrilling Ladies Open Racefor the fourth year in a row at theCambridge University United HuntsClub Point-To-Point at Cottenham onSunday.

With Pendleton choosing to make hersteeplechasing debut in Devon instead(where she pulled up her solitary ride),the vastly more experienced Rucker,from Droitwich in Worcestershire,conjured an incredible late burst fromSagalyrique to overhaul the hotfavourite Penmore Mill close to theline and score by a neck.

Sagalyrique looked well beaten whenPenmore Mill, a five-time HunterChase winner, powered into a five-length advantage rounding the finalbend. A brilliant jump at the finalfence put him back in with a chance,however, and he dug deep into his

reserves of stamina to snatch the prizein the last few strides.

The best that East Angliancompetitors could manage on a topquality afternoon of racing was a pairof second places, although one EastAnglian beneficiary of the day’sproceedings was Patrick Peal, ChiefExecutive of the East Anglian AirAmbulance, who collected a chequefor £1,000 – the proceeds from thetwo fixtures staged at Cottenhamduring 2014-15.

Much like Penmore Mill in theprevious race, Sin Bin, representingWymondham trainer Sandra Fryer,seemed to have the Subaru RestrictedRace in the bag when scooting into aclear lead after the second last fence.

But he then had no answer to therenewed effort of the front-runningTulsa and eventually only just held onfor second place in front of NashvilleTommy.

Tulsa’s triumph completed a superbdouble for his trainer, Leicestershire-based Tommy Morgan, and jockey,Sam Davies-Thomas; earlier they hadteamed up to land the first race of the2015-16 season, the two and a halfmile PPORA Club Race, with LoughInch.

This fast-improving eight-year-old alsoadopted trailblazing tactics yet looked

a sitting duck for the favourite, StormLantern, ridden by the CheltenhamGold Cup-winning jockey, Sam Waley-Cohen, at the penultimate obstacle.But Lough Inch proved impossible topass, storming up the run-in to registera three length victory.

The other East Anglian near-misscame in the closing two and a halfmile Maiden courtesy of Rupert Wells,trained at Timworth Green near BurySt Edmunds, by Andrew Pennock.

He found just one too good for him inthe shape of a raider from EastSussex, Daidaidai, who was a relativelyunfancied 10-1 chance and paid out atan incredible 50-1 on the Tote.

The bookies may have been happywith that result, but they weresmarting following the precedingMaiden when Lilbitluso, a visitor fromCheshire who had been gambled onfrom 6-1 down to even moneyfavourite in some places, won by halfthe length of the home straight.

The best calibre race of the day wasthe Mens Open, in which Consigliere,trained in Oxfordshire by Alan Hilland ridden by his son, Joe, did notneed to be hard ridden to register aneasy ten-length victory over JoeO’Shea-trained Executive Benefit.

Lough Inch and Sam Davies-Thomas lead the field in the ClubMembers at Cottenham]Photo: Neale Blackburn chasdog.com

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POINT-TO-POINT OWNERS &RIDERS CLUB at BarburyRacecourseSunday, 6 Decemberby Jake ExelbyThis beautifully located course,situated high on the MarlboroughDowns, could see a second ride inpoint-to-points for Olympic cyclingchampion Victoria Pendleton. MinellaTheatre – who gave Victoria her debutover fences last weekend – is enteredagain, as is According To Sarah, one ofthe horses bought by leading trainerAlan Hill for her to ride.

According To Sarah “may run in theNovice Riders race or the LadiesOpen” but one who – all being well -definitely represents Alan Hill in theopening contest is Alpha Native. “He’sschooled the best I’ve seen since wegot him,” confirmed the trainer, “andthe owner, Susannah Gill, is excitedabout riding him.” Other likelyrunners include Claire Hart’sMarblehead – a first ride for 18-year-old Ruth Dudfield, who works forCharlie Longsdon and is “mad keen tohave a go” – and Hunters Lodge, themount of Gareth Henderson. PhilYork is hopeful of a good run fromthe nine-year-old, second four timeslast season, saying: “He wasn’t quiteright last year and should have runbetter than he did. He has the abilityto win this.”

A total of 25 horses have been enteredfor the Novice Riders race, sponsoredby Dodson & Horrell, who are in their29th year supporting Point-to-Points.The highest rated is Iberico, who wona Mens Open at Woodford before aclose second to Fruit Fayre atChaddesley Corbett. Coeur De Fou,Royal Riviera, Triptico and TroubleDigger also showed useful formbetween the flags last year. Bang OnTime, to be ridden by GeorgeBingham, makes his debut in pointshaving won four chases under rules in2015 for Richard Woollacott and mustbe considered.

The star attraction among the 18entries in the Simpsons Subaru MensOpen is Alan Hill’s Harbour Court,now owned by Rodney Mann andridden by the trainer’s son Joe, whobounced right back to form with animpressive Cheltenham victory inApril. “The plan is to run,” confirmedthe Woodway Farm handler. “Theground should be lovely and it’s agood galloping course.” He is likely tobe opposed by All Great N Theory,returning for Julie Marles after missinglast season and another with a newjockey in Sam Davies-Thomas. “He’svery well,” Julie told me. “He’s upagainst good horses but I’d like tothink he’ll run a big race – he’s neverrun a bad one.”

They may well be opposed by one ofthe Kim Smyly-trained pair No LooseChange and Out Now, both of whomhad useful Hunter Chase form lastseason for rider David Maxwell.Champion trainer Jack Barber hasentered Ghizao, who returned to formwith a vengeance when Will Biddicktook over the ride last season. Rated153 when he last ran for Paul Nicholls,he stands a great chance if back to hisbest.

AGA representative David Simpsonhad his first winner as an owner lastweekend so will probably still besmiling as he presents the prize towinning connections after the LadiesOpen, which has 11 entries. The usefulBerties Dream, ridden by championlady rider Gina Andrews, won this racelast year and he looks the likely winnerif reappearing. Chelsea Jennings willbe hopeful of a good run from herCharlton Horethorne winner TonyDinozzo, while Claire Hart rides LordHeathfield – a winner of three Point-to-Points in Ireland – for ChristyMews. Midnight Sail and Viking Blondboth have useful National Hunt format their best and could go close ifrejuvenated by the switch to Pointing.

Ghizao - with Will Biddick on board - in action atHolnicote last season

Photo: Tim Holt timholt@talktalk.net

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Connolly’s Red Mills again sponsor theIntermediate Series, culminating in aHunter Chase at Cheltenham in April.Their race has attracted 14 entries andlooks extremely competitive, with nineof the field rated between 90 and 97.Gordon Edwards’ Shanann Star ishighest of these – but he hasn’t runsince May 2014 – and several showedprogressive form last season, notablyMy Coranna, Now Ben andShutthebackdoor. The latter is a halfbrother to Grand National fifth (andfavourite) Shutthefrontdoor andrepresents the bang-in-form TommyMorgan stable, which had a double atCottenham last weekend. Two whoran that day and may reappear quicklyare Buckskin Boulta and Sin Bin.

14 have been entered for the first ofthe 18 races in the Jockey Club MaresMaiden series and – as so often inthese races – proven form is thin onthe ground. Lightly-raced Shantarawas a good second at ChaddesleyCorbett in May with Flembrandt backin sixth (even Irish wizard DerekO’Connor couldn’t work his magic).Innocent Girl, placed under rules forLucinda Russell, will be a first runnerfor the Jack Barber Racing Club andmust have a chance of getting theCrewkerne handler off to a flying startin defence of his champion trainer’stitle. Others worth a look in themarket include Galros Lady forCambridgeshire based AndrewPennock, whose horses ran well lastweekend, and Ben Clarke’s LookingGlass, who was progressive last year.

The closing Maiden has beensponsored by the Valley EquineHospital at Lambourn and has thehighest entry of the day – 27. Thefield is headed by Alittlebitless, biddingto atone for a fall at Cottenham lastweek when favourite. “He seemed OKafter the race and we’ll assess himagain later in the week,” confirmedtrainer Francesca Nimmo. “If all’s stillOK he’s likely to run. He was unluckyas he overjumped at the ditch andknuckled over while travelling nicely.”Laura Thomas relies on BerwickBassett and enthused: “I think a hell ofa lot of him at home and hope he’llwin a lot of races. But it depends howhe schools and we’re still learningabout him.” Axelle Wall plans to runGett Off My Cloud, third on hisdebut at Chaddesley Corbett lastseason. “We bought him as a three-year-old and he’s taken a long time tofill out. He’s straightforward, jumpswell at home and is a really nice horse.Ideally he wants three miles but he’lllike the ground.”

Being a young horse Maiden, fewrunners have much form in Points.David Maxwell has entered two ex-French horses – Big Bang De Loireand Brice Canyon – who could be ofinterest, along with Carumba, placedin Ireland and representing NikkiFrost and twice-placed Duke of Spainfor Nicky Sheppard. However, the oneto beat could well be Jack Barber’sCaptain Probus, unraced over fencesbut with form in bumpers for HarryFry.

In addition to the sponsors of the sixraces, John Toomer Feed Merchantsare sponsoring the tickets, a fence andthe collecting ring. Local trainer AlanKing, fresh from his recent “AutumnTreble” of Cesarewitch (Grumeti),Paddy Power (Annacotty) and lastweekend’s Hennessy (Smad Place) isalso sponsoring a fence and thecollecting ring. Great to see such asuccessful trainer supporting the grassroots of Pointing!

The first race is at 12noon, andBarbury – postcode SN8 1RS - islocated 3m NW of Marlborough (10mfrom Exits 15 & 16 of the M4). Themain entrance is off the Marlboroughto Broad Hinton road. It is a gentlyundulating oblong downland courseset in a natural amphitheatre, on achalk base, giving perfect early seasongoing. Entry is £10 per person.

Harbour Court could bethe star attraction atBarbury on Sunday

Photo:Julie Drewettracehorsephotos.co.uk

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TRAINER TALKJACK BARBERThis week, Jake Exelby finds out more about Jack’s time as a jockey and his views on Point-to-Pointing, plus Jackgives us some horses to watch from his yard...

Photo: Caroline Exelby

PART TWO

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With the stunning start he has made to

his training career, it would be easy toforget that Jack Barber was a

successful jockey in Point-to-Pointsand Hunter Chases before he turnedhis hand to training full-time. He

started race riding as a 17-year-old,while working for Paul Nicholls, and

had his first ride – and winner – onthe high-class former chaserThisthatandtother at Barbury Castle in

January 2009. “I didn’t really have aclue what I was doing,” Jack admitted.

“I listened to what I was told byvarious friends, jumped off and gotrun away with! I stayed in front and

that was that. The horse knew what hewas doing a lot more than I did.”

Jack managed to notch up five wins onThisthatandtother in his first season,

from just nine rides, before starting toride more regularly in his second

season, his mounts including MyMinds Maid – “she started off as amaiden, a genuine mare” – and

another ex-Nicholls inmate in Le Duc:“he won a couple, then got a leg.” But

the best horse Jack rode wasChapoturgeon, on whom he finishedsecond in the 2012 Cheltenham

Foxhunters.

“We knew the trip wasn’t ideal (thehorse was best over two and a halfmiles) so I rode him out the back

alongside Salsify. We were together atthe last, but Salsify had me up the

hill.” And how did he find riding inthe Foxhunters? “It was completelydifferent to a Point-to-Point. Everyone

wants to be handy and once the tapegoes up, they all go flat out. But with

Chapoturgeon, I knew I didn’t need tobe up there!”

Before retiring from the saddle, Jackrode 64 winners – eight under rules

and 56 in Points – with his 50thbetween the flags coming on PoshTotty at Larkhill in 2014. Unlike so

many of his contemporaries, his hand

was not forced by weight or injury. “Icarried on riding in my first season as

a trainer,” he confirms, “But with 40horses in training, it would have beenunfair on my owners if I rode as well.

Anyway,” he smiles, “I’ve got WillBiddick – and he’s a much better

jockey than I ever was.” So no regretsthen? “No. At 16 I wanted to be ajockey, but I always wanted to train in

the long run. Training is my career.”

Unsurprisingly for someone who cuthis teeth in Novice Riders races, Jack isa big fan. “If there weren’t these races,

young riders like my two lads wouldn’tget chances. It's a learning curve. Look

at the number of professionals whostarted off in them.” And he does notsubscribe to the view that they’re

dominated by expensive ex-NationalHunt horses. “Look at My Minds

Maid. After we sold her to go hunting,she’s been winning Novice Ridersraces – she was a cheap horse.” The

one improvement he would make is tolimit field sizes. “18-runner races

should be split. There’s a lot ofdifference between 18 runners and 12.If you’re at the back of the field,

you’re more likely to have to avoidfallers, which is difficult when you’re

less experienced.”

Another initiative that gets the Barber

thumbs up is the introduction of moreraces over two-and-a-half miles. “It’s a

very good idea, for horses that don’tquite stay three miles and for youngerhorses. It’s not like we’re adding

something new, just making more ofwhat we already have.” But does this,

and the rule change allowing Flatwinners to run in Restricteds, herald amove towards more flat-bred horses

running in Points? “I don’t think so,although I’d agree if the races were

getting even shorter. And Restrictedsare completely different to Flat races.”He smiles again. “For a start, the

trainer has got to teach them to jump.

And I don’t have any ex-Flat horses in

my yard!”

Just as I was thinking that he hadnothing but good words to say aboutPointing, Jack shared his thoughts on

race scheduling and communication.“The Season Planner should come out

earlier, especially this year with all thechanges. I know the early meetings areon the internet but it’s not the same as

having a book (to plan the wholeseason). It's not just because I have 40

in training – it’s the same for someonewith two horses.” The same is true offixture clashes. “If there are two in a

similar area, like Wadebridge andLarkhill in December, put one on

Saturday and one on Sunday. Lastseason, we had meetings at Wincantonand Ston Easton on the same day –

people can’t go to both.”

These are but minor quibbles about asport for which Jack has a long-heldpassion. “I’ve grown up with it. I went

Pointing in a pushchair as a little kid.It’s great fun and great for bringing

young horses on. How many horsesdo you see under Rules that started inPoints?” he asks rhetorically.

“The sport is run very well,” he goes

on to say. “A lot of hard work goesinto it and people need to appreciatethat as they come for their fun day

out. The Point-to-Point course atLittlewindsor on our farm is just a

field full of sheep apart from the twoweeks when we hold the Cattistockand Seavington meetings there – and I

bet most courses are the same. I makesure I help out as it's about volunteers.

Nobody gets paid for doing it.”

I leave Jack on that positive note, sure

that the future of the sport is in safehands.

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A DREAM DOZEN

Jack outlines his hopes for aselection of his proven performers andyoung improvers in 2015/16.

Chapoturgeon: “He was off (fornearly two years after finishing second inthe Champion Hunter Chase atStratford) then ran just once last season,winning at Kingston St Mary, as wedidn’t want to risk his legs. He’s 11 nowand will start off Pointing and may gofor Hunter Chases.”

Benedictus: “I bought him duringthe 2014 season. He won the CoronationCup last year, which was a big thing forus, then didn’t quite get home in theLady Dudley Cup – he was left behindwhen the race turned into a sprint.Again, he’ll start in Pointsbefore going HunterChasing.”

Queens Bay: “Ex-Colin Tizzard and JamieSnowden. She won bothher races for us last yearat Bratton Down in fasttimes. She’ll go for Maresraces and Opens again.”

Posh Totty: “Webought her as a Maidenafter she’d run atUmberleigh and she won

four for us in 2014 and two at BadburyRings last season. She could go for Maresraces, Mens or Ladies Opens or NoviceRiders races!”

Subtle Sovereign: “My first winneras a trainer then last as a jockey atHolnicote in 2014. He’s won eight for us,four at Larkhill, including his first Openat the Axe Vale. He’s best in big fieldsand will probably go for the Open at thefirst Larkhill January meeting.”

Ask The Weatherman: “Only beenbeaten once and won up to Intermediatelevel. May go to the first Larkhill meetingfor the Club Race and will hopefully thenstep up to Opens and Hunter Chases.”

Keppols Hill: “A big horse who’shad leg trouble. He’s been off for twoyears and has come back from Paul

Nicholls (where he was asuccessful Novice Chaserafter impressing betweenthe flags in 2012). We’llstart him Pointing thenmaybe step up to HunterChases.”

Judge John Deed: “Wonas a four-year-old asKingston St Mary and hasgrown into himself a lotsince then. He'll haveanother season in Points.”

Brandevin: “He won firsttime out at Bratton Downand needs more time

Pointing as he’s a big baby. He won’t rununtil the New Year.”

Overland Flyer: “A promisingyoung horse who was green when secondat Holnicote. We didn’t run him again onfirm ground as a four-year-old and he’llbe one of our early ones this season,before or just after Christmas.”

Innocent Girl: “I bought her atDoncaster Sales for my Racing Club.She’s been placed under Rules (forLucinda Russell) and we hope to run herregularly.”

Get On The Yager: “Unraced, he’sfive now and this is his third season withme. He’s been weak and backwards buthas really come into himself this year.”

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Posh TottyPhoto: Tim Holt timholt@talktalk.net

BenedictusPhoto: Tim Holt timholt@talktalk.net

#gopointing 14 www.pointtopoint.co.uk

TOP TWEETS

@_joannelouiseeHacks on Lilbitluso this morning#GoPointing

hashtag your tweets#GoPointing to feature!

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@joehill95Great start to the pointing season on thishero!! #dude #consigliere #GoPointing

@SubaruUKP2PHad a fantastic time today at#SubaruUKP2P #Cottenham#GoPointing #PointtoPoint well doneeveryone! #Equestrian

@GeoffRobinson49A dog in the wind in #Cottenhamtoday #StormClodagh

@LeglockLukeThe certificate that sends fear to pt topt trainers across the country #Cecil

@SammyMead1Millie Wonnacott onboard CoombeHill today @BlackForestLod1 for herfirst ever ride she came 3rd#Massivewelldone

@struttsexeterGreat day at the point to pointyesterday @BlackForestLod1thoroughly enjoyed by everyone whoattended #point2point

@ppaukGreat racing @BlackForestLod1@PointingDC @horseandhoundsunset #DurbanGold the weather waskind #@RMWoollacott

@stevenastaire@THEPPORA Point-to-Point meetingat Barbury Castle on Sunday. Good,Good to Soft in places. Heavy rain onSaturday

#gopointing 15 www.pointtopoint.co.uk

STABLE SECRETSby Jake Exelby

With the new season now upon us, theSouth Midlands-based trainers arelooking forward to getting going.Although the first meeting in the area –the Heythrop at Cocklebarrow – doesn’ttake place until January 25th, there areplenty of opportunities to travel furtherafield in the early weeks.

Jake Exelby has been getting thelowdown on some horses to follow in the2015/16 season, from familiar faces –including a Gold Cup winner –to untapped promise. A selection oftrainers have given us one or more horsesalong these lines:

Early Bird: A horse who is likely to runbefore the New Year.

Shooting Star: On the upgrade. May bea real dark horse, one coming fromIreland or from National Hunt, or onethat should improve this season.

Top Banana: The star of the show; theone horse they hope will hit the heightsthis season.

Let’s hope (for the trainers’ sake at least)that plenty of these live up toexpectations. The author accepts noresponsibility for money handed to thebookies on any of the featured horsesand not returned as winning bets!

Trainer: Tom EllisShooting Star: Total ComplianceGot off to a shaky start last seasonbut finished up being beaten only ahead on his final run. Sure to pick up amaiden at least! He's a compact,strong horse who takes lots of graft athome; his jumping wasn't great to startwith, but improved every time he ran.

Trainer: Pauline HarkinShooting Star: Don’t Budge MeCame over from Ireland last year, butwas injured in the lorry.

He’s come right now and is showingenormous promise for his very patientowners.

Top Banana: Out Of RangeHe’s a big, unfurnished type who hasn’tfinished progressing. He’s getting betterevery day and has still got another year’simprovement in him. He’ll go Pointingfirst and should do well in HunterChases.

Trainer: Claire HartShooting Star: The ApplebobberA half-brother to Dabinett Moon whoran once at Kingston Blount last season.He’s had a wind operation and if it’sworked… well, just look at his half-sister!

Top Banana: VincitoreThe best horse in the yard without adoubt. If he can pick up where we leftoff last year, that’ll be great. He willhopefully start off in a Point-to-Point inFebruary then go Hunter Chasing.

Trainer: James HendersonShooting Star: Oliver JamesHe’s doing a lot of work and will beready when (son and jockey) Fred is! Wedon’t really have targets – we’ll just gethim fit and hope.

Top Banana: Otto The GreatI’d like to give him a go in Hunter Chasesas he’s won a couple of Opens and Fredis getting a licence (to ride under Rules).

He’s only seven, but if he’s not goodenough, he’ll go back to Pointing.

Trainer: Alan HillShooting Star: Man Of SteelLast season, he came to us wound up.When we got him right, he won his lastthree, as his mental and physical attitudecame together and he’s come back thesame. Hopefully he’ll run around NewYear and I’m really excited about seeinghim on the track. He’s won anIntermediate and a Club race so he’s nowgot to take on the bigger boys in Opensand Hunter Chases.

Top Banana: Harbour CourtI’ve now got him right again. The 2014Cheltenham Foxhunters was a horriblerace – his wind was wrong and it tookover a year to get him right again. Helooked back to his best at Cheltenham (inApril) and has come back in awesomeform. He may run at Barbury Castle andif the ground is good, could go back toCheltenham for another go at theFoxhunters. He’s only nine and still has abig run in him.

Trainer: Fred HutsbyShooting Star: Kristian GrayI think we’ve found the key to him andhe’s come back in a lot better form thisyear and, ideally, the aim is theIntermediate Final at Cheltenham. Hewants cut in the ground and we won’t berushing him.

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2015 AREA PREVIEW - SOUTH MIDLANDS

Man of SteelPhoto: Neale Blackburn chasdog.com

#gopointing 16 www.pointtopoint.co.uk

Top Banana: Penmore MillLikely to run in the Ladies at Cottenhamwith Hannah Watson. We’ve got no bigexpectations this year but may target theAGA Final at Stratford and, if we qualify,he’ll have a squeak. Won’t run more thanonce a month.

Trainer: Chris LogginEarly Bird: Bit Of A BarneyWe’re planning to run him at Larkhill butgiven his record of attendance, he’llprobably play truant! He was fourth atMollington last season, but has only runtwice since winning at Whitfield threeand a half years ago.

Shooting Star: Steel Away JWon his Maiden at Kingston Blount thenran well in fourth there beforedisappointing on his final outing.Hopefully there’s a bit of improvementto come but he is eight.

Trainer: Julie MarlesShooting Star: Brake HillHe was so green last season. It’s hardwhen they win first time out and stillhave it all to learn. He’s grown up and ismuch stronger this year.

Top Banana: All Great N TheoryWill hopefully go to Barbury Castle. It'shis first run after a long absence but wethink a lot of him.

Trainer: Francesca NimmoShooting Star: UnnamedTo pick one at this stage is difficult as wehave a handful of exciting unraced three

and four years olds that are progressingwell. One with plenty of size and scopewho is sure to catch the eye in thepaddock is a three-year-old by Scorpionout of Derriana. He stands around 17hands and has been schooling well.

Top Banana: Last Time D'AlbainOwned by Mrs J Jackson-Stops andMr S Allen. Bought over the summer forJames Jackson-Stops to ride, he lookslikely to start his campaign in a Point-to-Point in January. The aim will be theCheltenham Foxhunters, for which he isalready qualified, with the plan to thenrun at Aintree, where he finished thirdlast season. He looks a very excitingaddition to the yard.

Trainer: Laura ThomasShooting Star: Berwick BassettOwned by the Barbury Bunch Syndicateand is a horse that really excites me. He isthe only horse that can work with FullTrottle at home and one I am expectingto climb up through the grades rapidly.May run in the young horse maiden atBarbury Castle.

Top Banana: Full TrottleMy nutty superstar who did us proud lastseason by finishing with a nice win atFontwell. He has come in even biggerand stronger this season and dare I say it,a little more chilled... Johnny Bailey andhe seem to really click together and hisjumping has really improved with lots ofsteady schooling. His Open and HunterChase campaign should kick off with theMixed Open at Black Forest Lodge.

Trainer: Tim UnderwoodShooting Star: KnowhentofoldemA soft ground horse. Won first timeout at Larkhill then ran quite well atLockinge but badly at Kingston Blount– he’d picked up an allergy to pollen.He was quite smart in Ireland, but hadbeen on the go for 18 months so was atired horse last year. Should improvethis season and if he gets the rub ofthe green, could be quite smart.

Top Banana: SebadeeShowed smart Pointing form in Irelandand wasn’t beaten far by OnThe Fringe at Punchestown. He goes

on any ground and should be out in mid-January.I may ride him myself – I’m 68 now andmy goal is to carry on and ride a winnerat 70!

Trainer: Robert Waley-CohenEarly Bird: RumbavuWe’re hoping to run him in the MensOpen at the first Larkhill meeting. He’shad a year off so won’t get any penaltiesand has come back stronger this yearwith a better attitude, helped by huntingonce a week. His leg has not been anissue and you wouldn’t know he’d had aproblem.

Shooting Star: Storm LanternHas improved no end and went toCottenham for the two and a half mileConditions race. He seems more up for itthis year – he’s more settled in his workand has schooled brilliantly. Hopefullyit’ll be his season.

Top Banana: Long RunWe’re still on the road to rehab with himand are planning to go to Kelso for aHunter Chase in mid-January. We’ll seehow he runs and take it from there, butthe obvious aim is the CheltenhamFoxhunters.

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Penmore MilllPhoto: Neale Blackburn chasdog.com

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Black Forest Club at Black Forest Lodge, 29 November

in association with

David Simpson ‘The AGA Man’

A very proud brother & sister(Jordan & Gracie Nailor) with

Argentato

Thumbs up from the champ, Will Biddick

The Cotswold Chancers havetriumphed and the AGA man has

that winning feeling

L-R: Amanda Timms, Francoise Nailor,Gracie Nailor, ‘Archie’, Jordan Nailor

Laura Thomas is pleased with Full Trottleafter his 4th in the Mixed Open

Derek Freathy congratulates winning rider Jordan Nailor, while GracieNailor hugs her dad, Kevin

Dancing jockeys, Katy Lyons (left)and Charly Prichard

Jordan Nailor (left) andSam Canning

Francoise Nailor REALLY wantedthat trophy!

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Big Al and VP in relaxed mood ahead of the Black Forest ClubMembers Race