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GOPOINTINGthe weekly guide to your sport for the week ahead

BARBER AND BIDDICKBACK IN BUSINESS

BEEN POINTINGfrom Barbury Racecourse

TRAINER TALKwith Gina and Tom Ellis

PLUSNorthern Area PreviewTop TweetsWhat’s On This Week

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YOUR ESSENTIALPOINTING ANALYSIS

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO PLAN YOUR SEASON

YOUR LIFE • YOUR LOVE • YOUR SPORT

ThePlannerPoint-to-Points&HunterChases2015/16

The PlannerPoint-to-Points & Hunter Chases2015/16An invaluable companion for all involved in thesport providing owners, keepers, riders andracegoers with a comprehensive guide to the2014/15 season. Essential features:

• The only place to find race conditions/entryinformation for every British Point-to-Point fixture

• Provides conditions for all Hunter Chases,comprehensively indexed by both date anddistance

• Includes Area pages, sponsorship information,National awards and industry contact details

• An efficient ‘At A Glance’ area-by-area fixturessection

• A comprehensive Pony Racing section

• Race definitions & general conditions for thesport

All for just £30 (plus p&p)

Sanders Road Wellingborough Northamptonshire NN8 4BX

01933 304792www.weatherbysshop.co.uk

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Sponsors off the starting blocksAlthough the weather may have beenslightly disappointing last weekend, theaction between the flags was anythingbut. Four National sponsors, AGA,Connolly’s RED MILLS, Dodson &Horrell and the Jockey Club, kicked offtheir seasons at Barbury Racecourse –reports on the D&H and RED MILLSraces can be found further on.

Go Pointing would like to wish all theNational Sponsors a successful seasonthis time around; they’re a great part of afantastic sport.

This weekend sees action at threecourses before the seasonal break –everything resumes on 28th Decemberat Chaddesley Corbett with theHarkaway Club. The next edition of GoPointing will be winging its way to yourinbox on Friday 18th December, so thata preview of this meeting can beincluded, then after Christmas servicewill resume as normal on 30thDecember!

Only one Pointing weekend left beforeChristmas – I hope you’re all nearlyready! There are lots of Christmaspresent ideas for the Point-to-Point

enthusiast in your life, or even aChristmas present to yourself – Results& Stats 2014/15 for a full run down oflast season, or even a subscription to thewebsite or the Loose Leaf. Visitpointtopoint.co.uk to see more…

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: Will Biddick on boardGhizao after their victory in the Mens Open atBarbury. Neale Blackburn chasdog.com

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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Innocent Girl taking the first Jockey Club Maiden race of 2015/16Photo: Neale Blackburn chasdog.com

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SUNDAY, 13 DECEMBERCORNWALL HUNT CLUBat Wadebridge (Cornwall)Royal Cornwall Showground 1m west of Wadebridge on the A39.PL27 7JEProvisional Going: Good to softFirst Race: 12.00pmNumber of Races: 6Number of Entries: 61Admission Prices: £10 per person up to a maximum of £30 per car.Children under 16 admitted free

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SUNDAY, 13 DECEMBERHURSLEY HAMBLEDONat Larkhill (Wiltshire)5m NW of Amesbury, nr A303, A345 and A360. SP4 8QTProvisional Going: GoodFirst Race: 11.30amNumber of Races: 6Number of Entries: 82Admission Prices: £10 per person; children under 16 admitted free

SUNDAY, 13 DECEMBERRATCHEUGH RACING CLUBat Alnwick (Northumberland)2m off A1 at Denwick, E of Alnwick. NE66 3AEProvisional Going: Soft, heavy in placesFirst Race: 12.00pmNumber of Races: 6Number of Entries: 92Admission Prices: £10 per person

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Runners and riders were out in forcefor the Dodson & Horrell PPORAClub Members Novice Riders Seriesfirst qualifier, held at Barbury Castleon Sunday 6 December 2015.

This was the first of 12 qualifyingraces in the Series, and a strong fieldof 15 riders took part. The winnerwas 19-year-old John Smith-Maxwell,who owns and trains the nine-year-oldBuck Magic. Guy Levinson, riding BeDefinite, took second place – beatenby a nose. The favourite, Iberico,came third, ridden by Sam Jukes.

Sunday boasted strong fields in eachof the races with the going good tosoft. The crowds were treated to anexcellent day’s racing andentertainment, despite the drizzlyconditions, with a real buzz at Barburyfor the start of the Series.

It was a great start to John Smith-Maxwell’s fourth season in Point-to-Pointing whilst also embarking on hisfirst year studying a degree inAgricultural Business Management atReading University. John rides out forAlan Hill and this experience clearlyshowed in what was his sixth win.

The pair has now qualified to goforward to the much-coveted Dodson& Horrell PPORA Novice RidersSeries final in May 2016, which for thefirst time is to be held at Garthorpe inLeicestershire. The new venue boasts acentral location and Garthorpe has asound reputation for producing goodground, even in a dry spring and itswatering system is a key factor inachieving that aim.

John Smith-Maxwell commented:“The race had a quick pace to the first

but I managed to get an inside linehalf way round the course which BuckMagic jumped well. I took a pull downthe hill and came to the second laststill in the lead. We had a hairy jump atthe last but we managed to pick up towin the race by a nose. The Dodson &Horrell PPORA Novice Riders Serieswas a great start to Buck Magic’sracing career – he will now be aimed atthe Cambridgeshire Harriers HuntClub at Cottenham on Sunday 3January.”

Derek Mackey, Dodson & HorrellCommercial Director commented:“We are now in the 29th year ofsponsoring the Series and it gets morecompetitive each season. We arelooking forward to an exciting fixturelist with 11 more qualifiers before thefinal.”

DODSON & HORRELL NOVICE RIDERS SERIESOPENSWITHTHRILLING QUALIFIER

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POINT-TO-POINT OWNERS &RIDERS CLUB at BarburyRacecourseSunday, 6 Decemberby Jake ExelbyEarly arrivals were serenaded withChristmas carols through theloudspeakers on a wet, windy day atBarbury, but 2014/15 championtrainer Jack Barber wasn’t showing anyfestive goodwill to his rivals. Hecontinued where he left off lastseason, dominating proceedings withthree winners from his first threerunners of the new campaign. Allwere ridden by champion jockey WillBiddick, getting off the mark for theseason and taking an early lead in thisyear’s title race as well as winning theprize for leading jockey on the day.

Centrepiece and highlight of theBarber-Biddick three-timer wasGhizao in the Simpsons Subaru MensOpen. The betting had the eight–runner affair down as a two-horserace, with bookies unable to split theformer Paul Nicholls-trained chaserand Alan Hill’s Harbour Court, twice awinner at Cheltenham and now in theownership of Rodney Mann. HarbourCourt, ridden for the first time bytrainer’s son Joe, adopted front-running tactics but proved a sitting

duck for Ghizao and Will Biddick.Last early, Biddick moved Ghizao intosecond after a circuit, then stalked theleader until jumping into the lead atthe second last. He was not extendedto win by about three lengths, withSivola De Sivola getting the better of aclose battle with Court Red Handedover twenty lengths back in third.

“He’ll stay Pointing, either in MensOpens or Novice Riders races,”confirmed his trainer when askedabout plans for the 11-year-old, who isnow unbeaten in three races whenpartnered by Biddick. Despite hisexperience, Ghizao was not foot-perfect and Barber admitted: “He getsaway with his jumping, but can landsteeply.”

Ghizao was a second winner from tworunners from the newly formed JackBarber Racing Club, who initiatedtheir own double with Innocent Girlin the nine-runner Jockey Club MaresMaiden race. Leading from the off, theformer Lucinda Russell trained six-year-old jumped brilliantly throughoutand – though closely attended byGalros Lady on the far side during thesecond circuit – pulled away withoutany difficulty to win by the length ofthe run-in in the fastest time of the

five three mile races, with Galros Ladythe only other finisher.

“She jumps for England, doesn’t she?”enthused Barber. “She’s a fizzy littlemare at home and she’s done a lot ofjumping.” The trainer was guardedabout future plans – “We’ve nothoughts about a Restricted yet, we’llget Christmas out of the way first” –but was keen to promote his RacingClub. “Six shares have been taken sofar and there are plenty moreavailable!”

Jack Barber and Will Biddickcompleted their treble with CaptainProbus in the second division of theValley Equine Hospital Maiden, which– with 17 declarations – was split onthe day. Eight went to post for thiscontest and, after Kereen Catcher hadset the early pace, See U Again Sontook up the running on the secondcircuit, and seemed to be holding thewell-backed favourite at bay. But undera typical strong ride from Biddick,Captain Probus wore down his rival onthe run-in to win by a length withGorran Haven eleven lengths back inthird after featuring prominently onthe final circuit.

WIll Biddick and Captain Probus in action at BarburyPhoto: Neale Blackburn chasdog.com

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“It’s the first winner I’ve trained formy grandfather,” said Jack of the five-year-old, formerly with Harry Fry, andnow owned jointly by formerchampion trainer Richard Barber andSandra Maltby, who had dual winnerWillow Bird last season. “They’re verydifferent horses – one’s a gelding andone’s a mare!” laughed Jack whenasked to compare his two Maidenwinners. And he was reluctant to givean indication of where they stand inhis pecking order. “We’ve got a fewnice unraced ones at home,”he offered.

Barber’s Innocent Girl foiled a gambleon Andrew Pennock’s Galros Lady inthe Mares Maiden, but one major puntthat did come off was MonsieurArkadin in the nine-runner firstdivision of the two-and-a-half mileMaiden. Backed from 16s all the waydown to 3-1m the well-bred four-year-old was always going well and disputedthe lead from five out beforequickening clear on the final bend.Despite the best efforts of StanSheppard on outsider Black Banjo toclose the winner down, Josh Newmanand Monsieur Arkadin held on to winby half a length, with favourite HolmHill twenty-five lengths back in third.

“He’s taken time to come to hand butwe came here hopeful,” was all owner-trainer Philip Green would say whenasked about his part in the gamble.“He’s for sale,” continued Philip aboutthe only horse he currently trains, “andwe’re hoping to enter him in theCheltenham Sales this week.”

Another highlight for racegoers,alongside the clash between Ghizaoand Harbour Court, was the secondride between the flags for Olympicchampion cyclist Victoria Pendleton,in her ‘Switching Saddles’ challenge,where she hopes to ride in theCheltenham Foxhunters. After pulling-up at Black Forest Lodge last week,Pendleton was on According To Sarahin the AGA Ladies Open. The 20-1outsider raced prominently on the firstcircuit, showing briefly in the leadafter jumping the sixth, before tiringand eventually pulling up before twoout. “I feel like I did a better job thisweek than I did last week, trying tostay in contention in the race for aslong as possible,” she said afterthe race.

The 10-runner contest was won byLord Heathfield, a second winnerfrom just two starters in points forAdlestrop trainer Christy Mewsfollowing Tangolan at Mollington lastseason. The ex-Irish nine-year-old ledearly, before dropping back throughthe field then coming with a stronglate run under Claire Hart to win byabout four lengths from Get It On,with odds-on favourite Bertie’s Dreama disappointing third. “She bought thehorse with (partner and National Huntjockey) Kielan Woods,” owners – andproud parents – Andy and Sue Mewstold me. “He’s kept at Claire Hart’syard but Christy does all the work withhim.” The winning trainer was happyto share the praise with her jockey.“He’s just a star, isn’t he? He’s so laid-back. He wouldn’t have won if itwasn’t for Claire.”

The opening Dodson & HorrellNovice Riders race saw the closestfinish of the day, with Buck Magic andJohn Smith-Maxwell just holding a latesurge from Gus Levinson on BeDefinite by a short head. FavouriteIberico was two lengths back in thirdafter a series of blunders in thiscompetitive 15-runner affair.Prominent early, Buck Magic jumpedin front at the final ditch and wasalways at the head of affairs after that.

“That’s amazing!” exclaimedKatherine Smith-Maxwell, mother ofthe winning owner-trainer-rider.“We’ve never had a first time out

winner. And it’s John’s first winner as atrainer.” Buck Magic is yet another torun in the blue and cerise colourscarried most famously by Katherine’smother Pat Tollit and more recently byher sister Angela Rucker – John’svariation being a quartered cap. “Wegot the horse from Neil Mulholland.Mark Quinlan, who used to ride him,and (fellow jockey) Chris Ward havebeen really helpful.”

Now Ben took the 10-runnerConnolly’s Red Mills Intermediatecomfortably by 12 lengths from MyCoranna – another second for trainerDavid and rider Bradley Gibbs – withShanann Star third. Midfield on thefirst circuit, jockey Alex Edwards creptthrough the field before taking thelead at the ditch second time aroundand staying on strongly from there.

The winner – “a lovely horse”according to trainer Philip Rowley –took time to find his form last seasonand his handler was quick to explainwhy. “He was run off his feet firsttime last year and we now know to gethim to the track early to he can settlein the lorry. Now Ben runs in Philip’sown colours, but the trainer paid creditto the ‘Crazy Dealers’ syndicate whoown him. “They’re a good bunch andgreat fun. Days like this are brilliant,aren’t they?”

Lord Heathfield and Claire Hart (left) lead the wayPhoto: Neale Blackburn chasdog.com

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by Carl Evans

Seven-year-old gelding Now Benchannelled his considerable talents intolanding the season’s first Connolly’s REDMILLS Intermediate Point-to-Point, heldat Barbury Castle in Wiltshire on Sunday.

Trained in Shropshire by Phil Rowley,Now Ben was held up at the rear of the10-strong field by rider Alex Edwards,then powered clear running to the finalfence. He scored by 12 lengths from MyCoranna, trained in South Wales byDavid Gibbs, with Shanann Star, fromGordon Edwards’ West Country yard,another four lengths back in third.

Rowley, who trains the winner for asyndicate named The Dealers, said: “He’sa lovely horse to have in the yard, and the

owners are so supportive. We do it forfun, and moments like this are sowonderful because of the hard work thatgoes on behind the scenes.”

Explaining the hold-up tactics, Rowleysaid: “We rode him from the back in abid to get him to switch off. I thinkthere’s a lot of improvement to comebecause we have to train him quitepatiently.

“If we can keep his head right, and hecan take the racing and training mentally,then we would love to run him atCheltenham [April 27] in the final of theConnolly’s RED MILLS series.”

The first four in any Connolly’s REDMILLS-sponsored Intermediate Point-to-Point, plus the first two in any otherintermediate race, are eligible for the£7,000 final.

Next up in the company’s series of 14qualifying races are two on February 7 –at Chaddesley Corbett in Worcestershireand at Brocklesby Park in Lincolnshire.

Full details of how to reach those venuescan be found at the sport’s nationalwebsite www.pointtopoint.co.uk

Now Ben and Alex Edwards taking off in pursuit of the IntermediatePhoto: Tim Holt timholt@talktalk.net

NOW BEN IN RIGHT FRAME OF MIND TOLAND CONNOLLY’S RED MILLS QUALIFIER

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CORNWALL HUNT CLUB atWadebridgeSunday, 13 Decemberby Donna HarrisThe first of three Point-to-Pointfixtures to be held at the RoyalCornwall Showground in Wadebridgetakes place this coming Sunday 13thDecember, with six races on the card.

These include the Moores of St WennLtd Mens Open, entries for whichinclude the previous CheltenhamFestival hurdle winner Crack AwayJack. The 11-year-old gelding, nowtrained by Chloe Roddick in Somerset,was once highly rated and looks anexciting prospect for the Pointingseason. Having run second in aHunter Chase at Southwell last June,he will be well-fancied to take thisrace. His opposition could come in theway of Working Title, trained bySamuel Drinkwater; the gelding hasclocked up a total of eight Point-to-Point wins, including a win at thiscourse last season for jockeyJoe Drinkwater.

Home Furnishings of Wadebridgesponsor the Cornwall Hunt ClubMembers race for Novice Riderswhich heads up the action at 12 noon.The prolific Kirkleigh is entered; theRobert Chanin-trained geldingfinished last season with a Mens Openwin at Trebudannon under jockeyTom Chanin, and will be ridden in thisrace by novice jockey Alistair Harvey.

Recent Black Forest Lodge winnerPremier Portrait, under jockey GusLevinson, will be looking to repeatthat success. Also entered are lastseason’s winners Beuvron for HannahWelsh, Ambitious Pursuit for PippaGlanville and course specialistSobre Tresor.

The Ladies Open is sponsored byRobert Trevarthen, and could go theway of the Jackie Du Plessis-trainedRay Diamond, which would be apopular win for the local supporters.The horse is another to have beenswitched from racing under Rules, andlooks one to follow this season. Hismain rival could be the RobertChanin-trained Sweet My Lord, whowon at this track last season and looksto be one who could handleconditions if going is on the soft side.Rebel Du Maquis was disappointinglast season for owner, trainer and riderChloe Roddick, but could go well iffinding his old form.

Subaru have sponsored the Restrictedand entries include recent winnerNorthgeorge for Welsh trainerJohnathan Tudor and jockey ByronMoorcroft. The latter rode a double atthe Black Forest Lodge meeting so hashit form early. Stainless Steel isanother outside raider who couldfigure, having graduated when winninghis maiden last season for trainerSimon Jones. Another to consider isThe Mystro, trained by Keith Cumings

for the Duckers & Divers club, havingalso graduated from maiden companylast season when winning atBratton Down.

Doctor Braveheart is another possibleride for jockey Byron Moorcroft in theMillersons-sponsored Intermediate.They could be the ones to catch,having battled to win by a neck atBlack Forest Lodge ahead ofchampion jockey Will Biddickand Tempestatefloresco. Sonofthekingcould go well after his recent secondunder jockey Darren Edwards, wholooks to have the ride again for theNicola Martin team.

The Open Maiden, sponsored by TheMather Partnership, closes the day’sevents, and of the 20 entries GoldRelief, Miss Weld and ThirtyfirstDansar are a few to note with placeform last season. This race could bedivided on the day with sponsors TheOld Inn, St Breward stepping up tocover the extra division.

The course at Wadebridge offers agreat day out for all the family witha large covered barn which containsbookies, bar, hot refreshments, and ahost of trade stands from clothing togifts and accessories ideal forChristmas shopping. This year willhave the addition of a large screen foroptimum race viewing. One of therace sponsors, Subaru, will also have adisplay of their vehicles on offer.

Tempestatefloresco at the Sevington in 2015Photo: Tim Holt timholt@talktalk.net

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The course is located off the A39 Wof Wadebridge - PL27 7JE. Entranceis £10 per person up to a max of £30per car. Children under 16 areadmitted free. For racegoers intendingto travel via A30 to Bodmin, allow anextra 5 - 10 minutes of journey time,as there is a speed restriction of40mph along a stretch of road due toroadworks over Bodmin Moor.Alternatively, turn off at KennardsHouse after Launceston and gothrough Camelford.

HURSLEY HAMBLEDON atLarkhillSunday, 13 Decemberby Bob BracherThe Wessex Area Point-to-Pointseason opens at Larkhill Racecourseon Sunday when the course hosts theHursley Hambledon Hunt.

The meeting, dedicated to the memoryof Jean Wilkinson, a fondlyremembered hunting lady, hasattracted a good entry of 82, with theMens Open the highlight of the sixrace card.

In the Hunt race Pateese looks thestandout from the five horses entered;the Penny Lownds trained geldingshould continue her trainer’s goodrecord in the race, having also beensuccessful in 2014 with Billesley Road.Terra Bleu, runner up in the race lastyear should give Pateese the mostto do.

The Ladies Open features the returnof Chapoturgeon, the highly talentedgelding trained by Jack Barber for hisRacing Club. Only seen once last

season, when successful at Kingston StMary, he now embarks on a newcareer in Ladies races with a new rider,Bryony Frost, and should be able toovercome his rivals. Fitandproperjob,trained by David Buckett, may be theone to follow him home.

The Mens Open looks a verycompetitive event with a total of 18horses entered. David Maxwell looksto have a strong hand in the race withboth No Loose Change and Out Nowentered. The former, who used to betrained by Paul Nicholls, has won fourchases including a Hunter Chase lastseason at Fontwell, whilst the latterwon a Hunter Chase at Warwick earlierthis year. Other potential rivals includeBenedictus, the likely mount ofchampion rider Will Biddick, whoalready notched up his first treble ofthe season last weekend, JoinTogether, returning after missing lastseason, but unbeaten in his six racesthe previous season, and BallyalliaMan, the winner of four chases whentrained by Tom George. Man of Steelfrom Alan Hill’s yard and PremierPortrait, a first winner for GusLevinson, come into calculations, butDavid Maxwell’s choice is preferred.

There are 16 horses entered for theRestricted. Mr Simpkins, theimpressive winner of a Maiden atMollington in 2014 for Robert Waley-Cohen, and Mr Dinosaur, the equallyeasy winner of a Maiden at Woodfordfor Tom Lacey in 2014, both return toaction. The latter, who is now in theownership of Graham and AndreaWylie and trained by Jack Barber,looks one to keep an eye on. Lilbitluso

- a winner at Cottenham for trainerJoseph O’Shea - will be fit and Sin Bin,winner of two National Hunt flatraces, seeks to take advantage of thechange in the rules whereby suchhorses are allowed to run in Restrictedraces. If Mr Simpkins is fully woundup for his seasonal debut he isnarrowly chosen ahead ofMr Dinosaur.

The Maiden race has attracted thehighest entry (30). There are numerousunraced horses, with owners RobertWaley-Cohen, David Maxwell andTom Lacey being doubly represented.Of those with form, Mr Cardle hasbeen placed under Rules for OliverSherwood and is now with Alan Hill.Athreeothree, trained by Jack Barber,would be an appropriate winner as thecourse is very close to the road of thesame name. A watching brief issuggested on this race and the bettingmight give more clues tothe newcomers.

The meeting concludes with the TBAClub Members race for Mares andFillies. Posh Totty may be too goodfor her rivals and continue the form ofthe Jack Barber/Will Biddickcombination. Flying Gnu might be theone to follow her home.

The meeting starts at 10.45am with acharity flat race over 1mile 4furlongs,where six are expected to line up, withlast year’s winner Beanie Allisonseeking a repeat triumph. Six Point-to-Point races follow from 11.30am.

Chapoturgeon - turningattention to Ladies racesthis season

Photo: Tim Holttimholt@talktalk.net

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RATCHEUGH RACING CLUB atAlnwickSunday, 13 Decemberby Peter BurgonThe 2015/16 Northern Area Point-to-Point season gets under way onSunday 13th December with theRatcheugh Racing Club fixture atAlnwick. It has attracted a total of 92entries, including 11 from VictorThompson's Newton-by-the-Sea yard,on a six race card which starts at12 noon.

The 12 entries for the opening NPPAClub Members Race include coursewinners Dun Faw Good, Sea Scoutand Stoney, as well as Durban Goldand the former Martin Todhunter-trained chaser, Allanard.

Dun Faw Good landed an AlnwickMaiden and Friars Haugh Restricted inMarch before posting a career-besteffort when finishing one and aquarter lengths third to Cave Hunterin the Heart Of All England MaidenHunters' Chase at Hexham. Prolificwinner Sea Scout has a good recordfirst time out, while Durban Gold has24lb more to carry than she did whensuccessful in Ladies Open contests atCorbridge and Dalston last term.Allanard's last three chase wins wereall on soft or heavy going and soGemma Anderson's new inmateshould find conditions to his liking.

The two and a half mile Open MaidenRace for 4,5 & 6 year olds has 20entries and it is worth noting that WillEasterby partnered Ballymartin Kingand Ardenlee Lad to victory in the2013 and 2014 renewals. He relies onthe lightly-raced Freddy Coole thistime, with his mount gaining valuableexperience in two bumpers and oneouting over hurdles earlier this year.

Of the others, Boost The Power, ForYes, Mafate Fortin and The QueensPosse were all placed in this grade lasttime out. 92-rated hurdler, Just Chillyfinished a close fifth at Wetherby inJanuary and should appreciate thedrop in class, while 4 year oldSummoned should have a fitnessadvantage over most of his rivals afterthree starts between the flags inIreland in October.

The 13 Ladies Open entries areheaded by Emma Todd's mount,Nowurhurlin, who accounted forDarsi Dancer and Cappa Bleu whenlanding a Kelso Hunters' Chase inJanuary and was also placed in five of

his other six starts. Theaforementioned Dun Faw Good willhave 14lb less to carry if tacklingLadies Open company for the firsttime rather than the Club Members.Beggar's Velvet, Damiens Dilemmaand Whiteabbey all won at least threetimes last season and merit seriousconsideration along with JacquelineCoward's new recruit Frontier Spirit.The latter, who was once a 135-ratedchaser, recorded five of his six winsunder Rules on soft or heavy going.

16-year-old Abbie McCain finishedsecond on her first ride under Ruleson Danceintothelight at Ludlow amonth ago and could make her debutbetween the flags on Dunowen Pointor Mattara. Experienced campaignerDunowen Point recorded the last ofhis six wins under Rules almost threeyears ago, while Mattara won theOldcastle Winner Of One contestunder Jamie Codd on his last outing inApril.

The Open Maiden Race has 18 entriesand, on paper, the one to beat is 110-rated hurdler Greensalt. Placed ninetimes from 10 starts under Rules, hewas only beaten four lengths when lastseen at Hexham in April. Catchamatimproved with every run last seasonand found only Chandos too good atMosshouses in May. Danehills Wellfinished runner-up over hurdles atHexham in June, while Cheshireraider, Way Over (also entered atLarkhill on Sunday) was beaten 25lengths when runner-up to CrazyDiamond in the corresponding racelast year and hasn't run since.

Cave Hunter is the one they all have tobeat in the Mens Open. Tom

Hamilton'smount haswon nineof his last13 startsand signedoff lastterm bylandingHunterChases atHexhamand Kelsoin greatstyle.CoursewinnersMisterSplodgeand Sea

Scoutusually go well fresh. Sarah Easterby'syard is likely to be represented by ex-chaser Camden or Monsieur Jourdain.The latter has won the last threerenewals of the Grimthorpe Gold Cupbut is yet to score first time out. Thelocally trained Crazy Diamond isunbeaten in four Pointing starts,including three at Alnwick, graduatingwith ease from Maiden to Opencompany last term. Subsequently, afterfinishing a half-length second in aslowly run Buccleuch Cup, he trailedin a disappointing ninth in the 'Heart'at Hexham.

The ex-Irish hurdler and chaserLilbitluso (also entered at Larkhill onSunday) landed a gamble forconnections when scoring impressivelyunder Gillon Crow at Cottenham afortnight ago and the concludingRestricted should be a penalty kick iftrainer Joe O'Shea decides to headnorth. Of the other 13 entries,According To Dan was only beaten acouple of lengths by the usefulMissing The Babe on his reappearanceat Sheriff Hutton in January; MickeyMiller was upsides Crazy Diamondwhen falling two out in the 3 mileMaiden on last year's card, while 98-rated hurdler Uppercut de L'Orne,who has been off the track for 21months, and Hardy Oscar alsoenter calculations.

The course is located 3 miles NE ofAlnwick, easily accessible from the A1and signposted from there. For thoseusing SatNav, the post code isNE66 3AE.

MEETING PREVIEWS

Beggar’s Velvet and Whiteabbey in action at the PercyPhoto: Grace Beresford

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TRAINER TALKTOM & GINA ELLISThis week, Jake Exelby visits Tom and Gina Ellis at their yard in Warwickshire to find out who’s really in charge...Photo: Caroline Exelby

Photo: Caroline Exelby

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COUPLE ON THE UP

Which husband and wife team haveridden over 300 winners between

them, train 18 pointers from a yardthey have mostly built themselves andhave a combined age of just 54? If

you guessed Tom and Gina Ellis (GinaAndrews until their wedding last June),

you’d be right. Better known asjockeys, they are building up a stable tobe reckoned with at their home in

Marton, near Rugby in Warwickshire.

Gina – of course – has beenchampion Ladies Point-to-Point jockeytwice, first in 2011 when she was just

19 and most recently last year, whenshe rode 29 winners between the flags

and three in Hunter Chases, includinga memorable victory in Stratford’sHouse & Hound Cup on David

Kemp’s Moroman.

Gina has a background steeped inPoint-to-Pointing. Father Simon rode170 winners in Points and landed the

1988 Aintree Foxhunters onNewnham while mother Joanna was

also a successful rider on the EastAnglian scene. “I sat on my first pony– Cleo – when I was three,” Gina

recalls. “She was horrible. I always hadponies that no one else could ride,”

she admitted. “You don’t learnproperly on a ‘push-button’ horse, youget good by riding the bad ones!”

Despite the success she’s already had

in her career, Gina still has plenty ofunfulfilled ambitions. “I’d love to winthe Aintree Foxhunters – it’s more of

a thrill than Cheltenham – but I’d alsolove to ride a winner at the Festival. I

also want to beat Polly Curling’s (1995)record of 40 winners in a season.”

And what of Tom’s riding career?While less high profile a jockey than

Gina, he has ridden “about 135”winners in Points and is best known

for his association with the Fred

Hutsby stable stars Penmore Mill –“I’ve won 14 on him” – and Rash

Move, whose third in the 2013 AintreeFoxhunters is Tom’s career highlightto date.

“That was the best day of my life,”

proclaims Tom boldly. “Yes Gina,including our wedding,” he continues,ignoring the look from his wife! “It

was better than winning atCheltenham (on the same horse) as

you only get one shot a year atAintree. We knew he’d be quick andthat if he took to the fences, we’d have

a shot at being in the first three.”

Unfortunately, Tom recently took the

decision to retire from the saddle afterbreaking his leg on a horrible fall atMollington in May. “I broke my ankle

in 2006 and have broken collarbonesand ribs, but that was the worst injury

I’ve had. I was on crutches for 14weeks and still have a rod from myknee to my ankle and two pins in

my leg.”

“It wasn’t great timing,” he admits.Not only did he miss a winning ride ina Hunter Chase on Full Trottle, the

horse who fell with him at Mollington,and the chance to be South Midlands

Area Champion Jockey, it happenedjust six weeks before Tom & Gina’swedding. “We’d planned a horseback

safari,” he reminisces with a wince.“But we ended up going to Mauritius

instead. It was supposed to be thirtydegrees and sunny but it rained everyday and was about ten degrees cooler!”

Tom’s injury also had an impact on the

building of his new stable barn: “I wassupposed to be doing it all myself butDad had to help,” confessed Tom.

Dad, of course, is Tony Ellis, a well-known figure on the Point-to-Point

scene, famous for the gin and tonicsfreely dispensed from the back of his

Range Rover and for – usually – being

last man off the course!

Happily the barn is now complete, asis the oval all-weather gallop laid lastAutumn, a horse walker, schooling

fences and plans to extend the gallopby incorporating a chute into an uphill

That this is a training partnershipgoing places is confirmed by the stablestrength, which has increased from

nine last season to 18 for 2015/2016.“It just sort of happened,” mused

Tom when asked how he had managedto double the numbers in his yard aftera, by his own admission, disappointing

2014.

Over half the horses are unraced fromtheir yard – some are still unnamed –and only four inmates are winners.

“Last year was a huge learning curve,”admits Gina. “It was our first year

training as a partnership and we hadlots of young horses. We’re moresettled now and have a new yard and a

new gallop.” So what do Tom andGina hope to achieve this year?

“To train more winners than we didlast season,” laughs Tom. Gina gets

serious. “For people to want to buyour young horses that win races,

ideally first time out.” They’re alsosetting up a racing club, tentativelynamed the ‘Ice & A Slice Partnership’

– “named after Dad’s car bootparties,” confirms Tom. “It started on

November 1st and goes on until werough off the horses,” he continues.“We’re looking for ten partners at £30

a week each and for that you get aninterest in two horses. It’s a fun entry

into the sport, while keeping thecost down.”

Tom and Gina have a staff of fourfull-time and four part-time employees

–– led by the popular Charlie Tiso.“She’s brilliant,” eulogised Gina. “She

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treats the horses like they’re her own,never seems to have a day off and wecan leave her in charge when we goaway.” When they’re at home, I cheekilyask who the main decision maker is andthe answer is unequivocal. “Gina’s incharge,” says Tom. “I’m there everysingle day while you go and do yourthing,” adds Gina. The ‘thing’ in questionis farming over 1,300 acres, most ofthem owned by Tom. “I’m a farmer whotrains horses,” he confirms.

Finally, , no visit to a young couple asimmersed in Point-to-Pointing as Tomand Gina would be complete withouttheir views on the sport.

Gina is particularly vociferous on ofprize money. “It’s appalling.” Tom gives

an example. “We won £130 when MyAlfie won his Maiden and it only coveredthe cost of entry and diesel. Opensshould be worth at least £500.” Anotherbugbear is race planning. “The earlyseason meetings need looking at,” he tellsme. “You run once, then there’s nowhereto go afterwards – and you don't get thecrowds.” Gina is happy with the dates –“she just wants to start riding,” laughsTom – but would go a stage further,opening the season in October andtaking a break over Christmas. Bothagree that mid-June is late to finishthe season.

And what about the often thorny subjectof good horses switching to Point-to-Points and Hunter Chases from NationalHunt rules? Again, Gina has a strongopinion. “If a horse has reached a rating

of 140, it should automatically carry a7lb penalty. And to run in a HunterChase, a horse should be qualified to runin a Point.” She’s on a roll now… “I’vegot no problem with the 60-day rule (anex-National Hunt horse has to wait thislong to run in a Point-to-Point) buthorses shouldn’t be allowed to switchbetween Rules and Points in a season.”

It’s obvious that Tom and Gina havemuch to offer the sport, as top jockeys,up-and-coming trainers, and influencers.I’ll leave the last word to Tom, who whenasked to sum up his views on Point-to-Pointing, simply told me:

“I love this sport, and wouldn’tchange a thing.”

FIVE TO FOLLOW

Belstone“A four-year-old filly by Black SamBellamy. She’s unraced, but comes from agood family.”

Celtic Silver“Was a bit disappointing last seasonhaving come to us from Ireland. A six-year-old by Shirocco.”

Sea Current“Ex-Dan Skelton. Rated 112 but still amaiden. He’s got a lot of ability and wemay take him to Higham.”

Tara More“Another six-year-old, by Kayf Tara whohas been placed in Irish Point-to-Points.He’s a lovely big horse with a greatattitude.”

Total Compliance“Fell first time out at Kingston Blountthen ran well to be second at Dingley.He’s six going on three – a nice horse butimmature. Owned by Mrs Rogers – Ithink every horse she has had has won.”

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My Alfie at homePhoto: Caroline Exelby

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TOP TWEETS

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hashtag your tweets#GoPointing to feature!

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@RED_MILLSfeedNow Ben trained by Philip Rowleywins the RED MILLS Intermediate#PointtoPoint well done everyone!#Equestrian

@heidibrookshaw of my exercisejockeys. Both ex professionals.Combined age is 140!!! #GoPointing#hopeforusall #nevertooold

@simon_burgessImages from the @PPORA meet -digital download only £1 to InjuredJockeys Fund #GoPointing

@sara2jennThree wise amigos loving life on thehunting field - Prince de Bersy, Soulardand Angonaminute her first ever rideshe came 3rd #Massivewelldone

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@PointingDCCome racing at Wadebridge on Sunday!

#pointing #pointtopoint #GoPointing

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by Peter BurgonThe 2015/16 Northern Area Point-to-Point season kicks off on Sunday(December 13) with the RatcheughRacing Club fixture at the RatcheughFarm course near Alnwick. It starts atnoon and is expected to attract runnersfrom all over the country. Ten of theother sixteen meetings also take place ona Sunday, with the curtain falling on theseason's action at Hexham on May 22.

The Haydon Mens Open on Sunday22nd May (the Northern Area FeatureRace) will be the most valuable contestever staged in the region with a totalprize fund of £1500 and £1000 to thewinner.

Britain's most northerly hunt racingvenue, Balcormo Mains, hosts the Fifemeeting on Saturday 23 April and therewill be a record total of £3200 on offeracross the card. Both Open races carry afirst prize of £500 with a minimum thirdprize of £75 in all six races.

Meanwhile, new sponsors J R AdamsTransport are giving £500 and a trophyto the horse gaining most points at thefour Alnwick fixtures, Ratcheugh RacingClub (Dec 13), West Percy (Jan 24), Percy(Feb 14) and College Valley & NorthNorthumberland (March 7).

Although the Dumfriesshire & Stewartryfixture has disappeared from theschedules, one significant change sees the

Braes of Derwent (April 16) stage its firstSaturday card at Corbridge since 1999.

Kinneston handler Nick Alexander sentout 8 winners last term and will again becampaigning Back On The Road,Rossini's Dancer and Royal Chatelier.

With Iveston-based permit holder RussellRoss planning to run Rocku and De BeeKeeper under Rules, his stable star formany years, Sea Scout, now trained bywife, Julie, is on course to make hisseasonal debut at Alnwick. Thediminutive 12-year-old, who has won 13races and been placed 12 times from 34career starts between the flags, will beridden by Ryan Nichol, who has recentlyreverted to amateur status after a spell asa conditional jockey.

Newton-by-the-Sea owner/trainer, VictorThompson is running more horses under

Rules theses days but still has a strongteam assembled for Points and HunterChases. Experienced pilots TristanDavidson and Kit Alexander, who havealready notched up 153 career winnersbetween them, will share the rides.

Although prolific winner Indian Print hasbeen retired, Thompson is hoping thatStoney, Court Painter or S For Estuarymight get him on the scoreboard atAlnwick's first meeting. The latter pairwere purchased at the Doncaster MaySales having both finished in the firstfour in Ireland earlier this year, whileStoney won first time out at Alnwick inJanuary before going on to complete ahat-trick. Among those expected toreappear at the West Percy meeting onJanuary 24 for Thompson areTommysteel, Sharivarry, Two Stroke andanother new recruit from Ireland, TrustMe I'm A Dr.

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The Haydon - staging most valuable Northern contest in 2016Photo: Grace Beresford

Back On The Road in actionPhoto: Grace Beresford

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PPORC at Barbury Racecourse, Sunday 6 December

in association with

David Simpson ‘The AGA Man’

Besties! Gina Ellis and Mary Mason

Happy family! The first AGA winners of 2015/16, Andy, Sueand Christy Mews with Lord Heathfield, well done!

Cara and Becci, two thirds of thePPA dream team

Sarah and Leanda Tickle ring through their votes for the final of “I’m A Celebrity”

Thumbs up from Jade Walters as she celebrates withLen Vickery and Mike Smith

A mini PPORA committee meeting in the paddock with Robert Killen(centre), Abi Stock and Richard Fuller

Sarah Dawson LOVES her AGA hat!Fancy meeting you here! L-R: ClaireHart, Judith Healey and Jim Squires

Pointing picnic courtesy of Big Tand Pippa

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That’s AGA win number 11 for Claire Hart!