go pointing | 22 april 2015

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BEEN POINTINGfrom Chaddesley Corbett,Corbridge & Mordon

GETTING TO KNOW YOUwith Jess Gillam

IN PROFILEtrainer Willie Bryan


in the NH Season Finalein the NH Season FinaleOVER BUYERS

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C O N T E N T S

9 Latest News 13 Meeting Reports 26 Competition Time

6 What’s On This Week

27 Recent Landmarks 31 Picture Perfect 37 Getting To Know You 38 5 Minutes With

41 The Wizard of Woodway 45 Meeting Previews

56 | Top Tweets

57 | Pony Racing Results

58 | Pony Racing Entries

60 | PonyRacingTopScorers

61 | In The Frame

62 | Top Performers

65 | Been Pointing

68 | Fixtures 2015


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BRILLIANT BRADLEY BAGSFOUR-TIMERGary Hanmer’s What A Laugh,superbly ridden by Gillon Crow, was aworthy winner of the Lady DudleyCup at Chaddesley Corbett onSaturday. The sun even shone, a starkcontrast to my trip to Hornby Castlethe previous weekend, and the crowdthat turned up in great numbers wasn’tdisappointed.

The aforementioned feature race wasabsent of some of the star names buta quality field when to postnonetheless with Jack Barber’sBenedictus at the head of the market.It was, however, the North West raiderWhat A Laugh who stayed on best toget the better of Stone (2nd) and thefavourite, who came home in 3rdplace.Elsewhere on the card HannahWatson’s superb season continuedwith a double; firstly teaming up withJack Barber in the Ladies Open tosteer Ruddy Article to victory beforedusting herself down from a fall in theOpen Maiden to score in the followingRestricted race on Best Director.Meanwhile, Bradley Gibbs fired in afantastic four-timer at Pyle, with threeof his winners coming for DavidBrace, OBE. BringintheBranston

(Confined), Bajan Blu (Members),Only Time’ll Tell (Open Maiden) andMr Sawyer (Restricted), the latter ofwhich is trained by Kristen Jacka, wereBradley’s winning mounts.There were also doubles elsewhere forKaty Lyons at Kingston Blount andHeidi Lewis at Flete Park, the latterwas riding her first winner in theprocess. At the latter RobbieHenderson also notched a double, buthis weekend got even better when hepartnered his family-owned TheMythologist to victory in the MensOpen at Littlewindsor the followingday.The headlines on Sunday weredominated by the ladies and firstly byAmy Broome who recorded her firstcareer treble at Andoversford. Winsaboard The Rubber Man (Dodson &Horrell PPORA Club Members forNovice Riders), Annie Confidential(Restricted) and Carbon Emission(Club Members Conditions) ensured itwas a memorable day for the 21-year-old.There was also a treble for GinaAndrews at Fakenham as the 2010/11Champion Lady rider continued herbid in winning the title for a secondtime. Smiths Hill got the ball rolling inthe PPORA Club Members

Conditions race before wins on SeeYou Jack in the Ladies Open andCondorman in the concluding OpenMaiden ensured Gina kept top spot inthe Ladies standings.Joanna Walton continued to fly theflag for the female riders with a doubleat Corbridge thanks to back-to-backwins in the Ladies Open andRestricted aboard Drill Sergeant andOscar Stanley respectively.All eyes will no doubt be on Sandownthis weekend with the racing fraternityhoping AP McCoy can end a trulyinconceivable career with a winner, butthose of you wishing to take in somePointing action over the weekend,there is plenty to choose from withfour meetings on Saturday and six onSunday.

And finally, congratulations go toAnne White who is the lucky winnerof the Demijohn competition. Thisweek we have teamed-up withGlenalmond Tweedfor our latestcompetition;see page 26for details onhow to enter!Ben Roe,Editor

WELCOME FROM THE EDITOR

GOPOINTINGis published by The Point-to-Point RacingCompany Ltd

Editor: Ben Roet: 01933 440077e: [email protected]

Advertising: Lucy Wheelert: 01933 440077e: [email protected]

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Front Cover Photo Gillon Crow aboard theLady Dudley Cup winner, What A Laugh,trained by Gary Hanmer (by SweetPhotography sweetphotography.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

Bringinthebranston, winner of the Confined race at Pyleon Saturday, was one of three winners for owner DavidBrace (left) and four winners for jockey Bradley GibbsPhoto: Alun Sedgmore sportingprints.biz

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SATURDAY, 25 APRILBERKELEYat Woodford (Gloucestershire)Nr A38, 15m N of Bristol (3m from exit 14, M5). GL13 9JUProvisional Going: Good, watering to maintainFirst Race: 2.00pm (Pony Racing from 12.00pm)Number of Races: 7Number of Entries: 133Admission Prices: £10 per person

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PR

SATURDAY, 25 APRILFIFEat Balcormo Mains (Fife)3m N of Leven between A915 and A916. KY8 5QFProvisional Going: Good to firm, good in places; watering will continueto produce best ground possible; rain forecast FridayFirst Race: 2.00pm (Pony Racing from 1.00pm)Number of Races: 6Number of Entries: 57Admission Prices: £10 per person, under 15s free

PR

SUNDAY, 26 APRILAXE VALEat Stafford Cross (Devon)3m W of Seaton, nr A3052 (Exit 30, M5). EX24 6HZProvisional Going: Good (watered); will water again if necessary in runup to meetingFirst Race: 1.30pm (Pony Racing from 12.00pm)Number of Races: 7Number of Entries: 94Admission Prices: £25 per car, £10 single occupants and pedestrians

PR

SATURDAY, 25 APRILCHIDDINGFOLD, LECONFIELD & COWDRAYat Parham (Sussex)Nr A283, 4m SE of Pulborough, 1m W of Storrington. RH20 2ERProvisional Going: Good to firm, watering to maintainFirst Race: 1.00pmNumber of Races: 7Number of Entries: 75Admission Prices: £10 per person, under 16s free

SATURDAY, 25 APRILQUORNat Garthorpe (Leicestershire)6m E of Melton Mowbray on B676, 7m from A1. LE14 2RSProvisional Going: Watering to achieve goodFirst Race: 1.00pm (Charity Flat Race following Point-to-Point races)Number of Races: 7Number of Entries: 105Admission Prices: £10 per person, under 16s free; £50 forwardparking (4 adults)

SUNDAY, 26 APRILCHESHIREat Tabley (Cheshire)1½ miles W of Knutsford between A556 and M6 (use Exit 19). WA16 0HBProvisional Going: Watering to achieve good with rain forecast towardsthe end of the weekFirst Race: 2.00pm (Pony Racing from 12.25pm)Number of Races: 7Number of Entries: 79Admission Prices: £10 per person

PR

PR denotes Pony Racing at the meeting


SUNDAY, 26 APRILFARMERS BLOODHOUNDSat Whitfield (Northamptonshire)Just off the A43, two miles north-east of Brackley. NN13 5TQProvisional Going: Good to firm, watering started on Sunday and willcontinue in order to provide the best possible goingFirst Race: 1.30pm (Pony Racing from 12.15pm)Number of Races: 7Number of Entries: 100Admission Prices: £10 per person inc. racecard, under 16s free

PR

SUNDAY, 26 APRILTIVYSIDE & CARMARTHENSHIREat Lydstep (Dyfed)3m SW of Tenby, nr A4139. SA70 7SGProvisional Going: Will be watered to ‘Good’; bends have been movedand the course slottedFirst Race: 2.00pm (Pony Racing follows Point-to-Point races)Number of Races: 7Number of Entries: 82Admission Prices: £10 car and driver, £5 per additional occupant

PR

SUNDAY, 26 APRILSOUTH & WEST WILTSat Larkhill (Wiltshire)5m NW of Amesbury, 10m N of Salisbury, nr A303, A345 & A360Provisional Going: Firm; good cushioning of grass which is holding abit of moisture; rain forecast towards the end of the weekFirst Race: 2.00pm (Charity Race at 1.15pm)Number of Races: 6Number of Entries: 55Admission Prices: £10 per person, under 16s free

SUNDAY, 26 APRILYORK & AINSTYat Easingwold (Yorkshire)14m NW of York, nr A19. YO61 3PSProvisional Going: Watering to achieve goodFirst Race: 2.00pmNumber of Races: 7Number of Entries: 142Admission Prices: £10 per person, under 16s free

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEKGO

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HUNTER CHASESThursday, 23 AprilPerth4:55 Bill Mclaren "Voice of Rugby" Hunters' Chase, 3m

Warwick4:40 Close Brothers Business Finance Hunters' Chase, 3m2f

Friday, 24 AprilChepstow7:10 Dunraven Bowl Novices' Hunters' Chase, 3m

Wednesday, 29 AprilCheltenham4:50 John Ellis Memorial Hunters' Chase, 2m110y5:25 Connolly's Red Mills Precision Nutrition Intermediate P-T-P

Championship Final Hunters' Chase, 3m1f110y5:55 Hunt Staff Benefit Society Hunters´ Chase, 3m1f110y6:30 Bonhams Men's Open Point-to-Point Championship Final Hunters'

Chase, 3m2f110y7:05 Thoroughbred Breeders' Association Mares' Hunters' Chase,

3m1f110y7:40 Cheltenham Club Open Hunters' Chase, 4m1f8:15 Cheltenham Collection Ladies' Open Hunters' Chase, 2m5f


NEWS...Top Ladies Open horse IT WAS ME, winner of the Warwick Vase Ladies Open

at High Easter on April 11th, by BOLLIN ERIC.IT WAS ME has beaten Sharp Suit & Berties Dream on his last two starts and

has a record of 2111122111 in Ladies Opens.

BOLLIN ERICImpressive winner of the St Leger, won or was placed 13 times from 18 starts,

11 of those at group level.Ran the third fastest St Leger to date, just 1.5 seconds off the record.

OVER 50% OF HIS LIFETIME RUNNERS WON OR PLACED

COLMER STUDTel: 01297 678 652 •Mobile: 07769 807 220Email: [email protected] • www.colmerstud.co.uk

b. 1999 16.2hh

Shammit (IRE) - Bollin Zola (GB)BOLLIN ERIC

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Successful South Midlands based riderWill Telfer, 28, has made the decisionto hang up his boots. Having recentlystarted a new job as a field salesconsultant with a BT communicationscompany, and this week purchased ahouse with his partner Lara Mahon, heexplained that his priorities havechanged, with racing no longer takingprecedence.

Will opened his account on FrazersFortune at Cold Harbour in 2006, andthe last of his 44 successes between theflags came when deputising for the

sidelined Tom Weston on Over ThePhone at Brampton Bryan in March.Coincidentally the runner-up in thatlatter contest was Doctor Kingsley,whose first four triumphs between theflags, in 2011, were achieved with Willin the saddle.

He also enjoyed a successfulpartnership with the talented but quirkyBorder Fusion for Gary Hanmer, andin addition registered two HunterChase victories, the first a dead-heat onLord Of The Hollow for Rosemary

Gasson, and the second on the SteveFlook-trained Foundry Square.

For the remainder of the season he willbe cheering on Lara in her bid to winthe National Novice title, but awaitinghim just around the corner is a newchallenge, for which he has beentraining for the past few weeks. OnApril 25th he will don his boxinggloves for charity and will be raisingmoney for terminally-ill children bybattling three rounds in an amateurcontest at Edgbaston’s Tower Ballroom.

TELFER HANGS UP HIS BOOTSby Carolyn Tanner

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This Saturday, the Berkeley willbecome the first Point-to-Point in thecountry to welcome Richard Farquharand his epic fundraising venture,Walking The Courses, which has beenhitting horse racing headlines in recentweeks. Farquhar, who is walking 2,750miles to connect all sixty mainland UKracecourses on foot in aid of RacingWelfare and Pancreatic Cancer UK, issponsored by Subaru UK, who haveplayed such an integral part in the2014-15 Point-to-Point season byrunning the Subaru Restricted Point-to-Point Series.

In February, Subaru teamed up withWalking The Courses to provideFarquhar and his Project Manager anddaughter, Minty, with a SubaruOutback (2015 Series) as thecampaign’s support vehicle. In doingso, Subaru have made Walking TheCourses possible. The Walking TheCourses team will be bringing the eye-catching Outback, which is wrapped inthe campaign’s artwork, along to theBerkeley Point-to-Point to join theSubaru team and will be based withthem throughout the afternoon.

Walking The Courses has receivedremarkable support from the racingfraternity and from many who havelong been a part of the Point-to-Pointcircuit. Tom Cannon and Ryan Hatch,both of whom cut their teeth in thePointing field, recently partook in oneof the customary course walks thatcomplete each of Farquhar’sracecourse-to-racecourse walks. Clerkof the Course at Andoversford Races,Kim Bailey, has enjoyed a racecourseramble, too, and was at TowcesterRacecourse in March to supportFarquhar at his very first racecoursearrival. Harry Fry has also been a greatsupport and will be sending a handfulof his yard staff to both Exeter andWincanton racecourses to walk thecourse with Farquhar and to help withthe team’s fundraising efforts.

To mark Walking The Courses’ firstever appearance at a Point-to-Point,Richard and Minty will be walking theBerkeley course with various familiarfaces of the Point-to-Point worldduring the day’s proceedings.Racegoers are encouraged toparticipate, too, and should contact

Walking The Courses via the website(bottom) if they wish to do so.

Clare Hazell, Chief Executive of ThePoint-to-Point Authority said: “As ifwalking to 60 racecourses wasn’tenough, it is a great honour forPointing to welcome Richard in theearly stage of his mammothwanderlust of Walking The Courses.His ambitious feat - a most intendedpun - has caught the imagination ofevery corner of horse racing and Iknow that his efforts for these twodistinct and genuine causes will receivejustified recognition and propulsionfrom all those at the Berkeley thisweekend."

Farquhar is aiming to raise a huge£1.4million for Walking The Courses’two beneficiaries. In spite of thecampaign having only got off theground in March, Farquhar has alreadyraised over £75,000 in donations andpledges. To find out more aboutWalking The Courses, to get involvedon Saturday or to donate, please visitwww.walkingthecourses.com.

‘WALKING THE COURSES’ SET TOMAKE FIRST POINT-TO-POINTAPPEARANCE THIS SATURDAY

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Claire Hart made a pledge to ownersJane and Neil Maltby when they agreedto send her Leith Hill Lad in October –she would qualify their horse for thenew Doncaster Bloodstock Sales-sponsored Point-to-Point bumper atAintree in May.

Gloucestershire-based Hart says: “Ipre-trained Leith Hill Lad and alwaysrated him, but he’s a bit of a mummy’sboy, and when he went into trainingwith Charlie Longsdon he fell apart. Hewas a baby and didn’t handle thegallops and so on, and he loves goinghunting, so I begged Jane and Neil tolet me have him for a season’s Pointingwith the carrot that he would run atAintree in the bumper.

“They are National Hunt fans throughand through, but they agreed and haveloved coming Pointing this season.”

Leith Hill Lad, a five-year-old son ofKayf Tara out of a mare who won overhurdles and fences, scored impressively

at Mollington earlier this month, andrunner-up Steel Away J won atKingston Blount the following week.Yet Hart admits: “I’m nervous wewon’t get a run at Aintree, since theworld and his wife seem to be readyinga horse for the race.”

The DBS bumper’s conditions, whichcan be found on page 370 of thePlanner, state horses aged four, five andsix, who have finished in the first threein a Maiden Point-to-Point this season,are eligible, and that protection fromelimination will be given in order ofnumber of wins gained. A randomballot will be carried out if necessary,and ratings will not be considered.

At Pyle in South Wales on Saturday theRobert Luke-trained four-year-oldMidnite Grace scored at the first timeof asking and gained qualification, andat Garthorpe this coming Saturday,trainer Gerald Bailey hopes FearsomeFred can put a win against his name.The six-year-old son of Emperor

Fountain qualified when second atThorpe Lodge three weeks ago, butBailey recognises a win will help if therace is over-subscribed.

Northamptonshire-based Bailey alsoowns Fearsome Fred, who will beridden by his son, Johnny. Bailey says:“The bumper is a good idea if it raisesthe profile of young Pointers trained inBritain. Fearsome Fred needs threemiles, so I’m not sure he’s quick enoughfor a bumper, but he’s a very correcthorse and a half-brother to severalwinners, including Touch Closer, sothere’s a bit of black type on his page.”

Designed as a showcase for youngBritish Pointers, the DBS-sponsoredrace breaks new ground by allowingunlicensed, Point-to-Point trainers torun a horse in a bumper. Worth£10,000 in prize money, it alsoguarantees the first three horses theoption of a place in the DBS SpringSale, which starts three days later (May18-20).

HART’S CARROT WAS ADAY OUT AT AINTREE

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Leith Hill Lad and Claire Hart at MollingtonPhoto: Neale Blackburn chasdog.com


DARTMOOR at FLETE PARKSaturday, 18 Aprilby Granville TaylorA strong wind kept the marqueesflapping and the temperatures down atFlete Park, but the capacity crowdwarmed to some exciting racing andclose finishes.

A background in pony racing provedits value as four of the eight raceswent to horses ridden by teenagerswho had emerged from the local ponyracing circuit.

Pride of place goes to 18-year-oldHeidi Lewis, who not only enjoyed herfirst Pointing success on PasternakJack, but also went on to secure adouble thanks to her family-ownedNudge The Nugget in one of theMaiden divisions.

Heidi made all the running onPasternak Jack to win the Restricted inthe familiar colours of Dick Westacott.The winner is trained by KayleyWoollacott, who said: “It was great forHeidi who works full time for us. MrWestacott has not been well but is heretoday. Pasternak Jack is very capablebut very quirky but he won his Maidenhere and loves the track.”

Heidi completed her double with ahard fought success on Nudge TheNugget in a blanket finish to theconcluding Maiden. The sturdy seven-year-old just got up to beat Kit Hillwith Rainbow Stripes a fast finishingthird. The winner was bought byHeidi’s parents David and Maria Lewislast summer and is trained by hermother. “He is not an easy ride butstays well and it was brilliant forHeidi,” said Maria.

Pippa Glanville, also aged 18,followed up her first two wins at herlocal track last year with a short headHunt Race success on AmbitiousPursuit. Pippa’s mother Lee trains thegelding and explained: “I wasdisappointed with his run on Tuesdayat Exeter, but hunter chasing is a bitdifferent. He was about to be turnedout but we are only ten minutes awayand decided to bring him at the lastminute.” The winner was given a goodride by his young jockey. She kept hercool when Robbie Henderson issued astrong challenge on hot favouriteBefore The War, and did well tosnatch the verdict on the line.

Bryony Frost has had plenty of race-riding experience since her very

successful pony racing days. Currentlythe reigning Devon & Cornwall ladyjockeys’ title holder, Bryony made allthe running to win the Conditionsevent on Malcolm Denmark’s KnightPass. Trainer Nikki Frost said of thisfour times winner under Rules: “Hehas been with us for six months andhas been working well. He had abroken elbow fixed a couple of yearsago and is a lovely, kind horse.”

Robbie Henderson, the leading malerider in the area last year, helpedhimself to a double with HameldownTor and Level Spirit. The pair areowned by The Otter Club and trainedby Ed Walker. “It is our first double asowners,” commented Club spokesmanKen Edwards. “The ground cameright for us and the course has beenbeautifully prepared,” he added.Hameldown Tor was given a perfectride, creeping through to lead at thetop of the hill before staying on to wineasing up.

After Level Spirit had defied a penaltyin good style in the Confined, Robbiespared a thought for fellow rider EdBarrett, who was seriously injured in afall at Upcott Cross last weekend. Nodoubt including his colleagues, he said:

Hameldown Tor and Robbie HendersonPhoto: Tim Holt [email protected]

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“Our thoughts are with Ed everymorning.”

In a close finish to the first division ofthe Maiden, the luckless Follow ThePaint was just denied by the late thrustof Sedgemoor Top Bid. Jamie Thomasis riding at the top of his form atpresent and conjured a renewed effortfrom this seven-year-old to get up nearthe post. Joe Tickle, who trains thewinner for Danny Kenealy said: “Hehas been running well with no luckuntil now. The sunshine and goodground has helped.”

A field of 13 lined up for the two anda half miles Maiden for young horseswhich was won in good style byApplesolutely. Sean Houlihan waspartnering his third winner of theseason on this four-year old filly, wholooks a nice prospect for her ownersLucy Fielding-Johnson and CesMitford-Slade.

KIMBLEWICKat KINGSTON BLOUNTSaturday, 18 Aprilby Cameron Crawford-SmithCrowds flocked to enjoy the springsunshine and a seven race card at theKimblewick Hunt's second meeting ofthe season staged at Kingston BlountRacecourse. Findlay's Find, sent offfavourite in the five runner featurerace of the day - the Philip ScoullerMemorial Southern Grand National,Mixed Open Race - a stayers test - runover four miles, never travelled in theearly stages but made up ground

towards the end to almost snatch thirdfrom the early leader, Alpha Native.Sent to post at 6-1, Cheyanwe, theonly mare in the field, tracked theleaders for the duration of the race,jumping the last well to take the leadon the run in from the gallant MoscowBlaze who had led for much of theway to win by three-quarters of alength.

"She is a good and consistent mare butran poorly on her last two outings,"explained trainer and rider, DavidKemp, "But this time the good groundand four miles gave her time to warmto the task." He added: "We will lookfor the next four mile race which willprobably be at Dingley in three weekstime and it is likely she will retire at theend of this season."

Trainer Tim Underwood and jockeyKaty Lyons gained their first leg of adouble in the most dramatic race ofthe day. Three went to post in thePPORA Club Members Race with the1-4 favourite, Tallow Fair, taking upthe running after the ninth fence andlooking to be going well when heappeared to pull up sharply with fiveleft to jump. This left sixteen year oldLilly Pinchin, wearing the silksdesigned to support cancer victim,Maddie Hems, aboard Marbleheadwith a long lead over Karasakal.Unaware that Tallow Fair had notpulled up but was living up to hisreputation of ‘being a bit of amonkey' (and was now running onagain in hot pursuit of the leader -overtaking Karasakal on the way),

Pinchin set off for home. With justthe last to jump for a certain victoryand a first success between the flags,the crowd gasped as the pair bypassedthe fence in error leaving the unrulyTallow Fair to claim the win. "He canbe difficult at home," reportedUnderwood of Tallow Fair's earlierbehaviour. "He needs another horseon his outside to keep him on track."Pinchin was disqualified and fined£75.00 for her pain.

In a much more straightforward affair,the second half of the UnderwoodLyons double came in the six runnerconcluding race of the day - theRestricted - when Carnglave Cat, the6-4 favourite got the better of CelticIntrigue to win by one and three-quarter lengths. "I bought him fromIreland as a cheap horse," confidedUnderwood. "He was second and onlyjust beaten on his first run for the yardtwo weeks ago but the tongue tiemade all the difference today."

Alan Hill's locally-trained King'sLegacy took the seven-runnerConfined race, partnered by son Joe.Unsure whether the evens favouritewould handle a left handed track, heproved his doubters wrong to hit thefront at the fifteenth, where he stayedall the way to the line. Mr Raj, underTom Ellis, chased him home. Hill saidof the eleven year old gelding’s firstappearance this season: "He was veryill in the summer with acute liverfailure and was rushed to the vet andput on a drip - he was brought backinto work slowly with lots of hunting

Cheyanwe and DavidKemp on their way tolanding the Mixed Openrace at the Kimblewickmeeting at KingstonBlount

Photo:Neale Blackburnchasdog.com

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in the Autumn to build up his muscle,but most importantly he needs goodground which he got here today."

It was a family affair in the seven-runner 2m5f Maiden race when theJulie Marles trained 7-1 shot, WesternMovie, led for the majority of the raceto win easily. Owned by theHopkinson Family - who hunted himall season and ridden by GordonHopkinson, he put fifteen lengthsbetween him and the evens favouriteEmperor Arcadius. "We've alwaysthought a lot of him," said hisdelighted trainer. "The boys take it inturns to ride him - he is a true familyhorse".

Midnight Monkey, sent off the evensfavourite, could only manage secondto the 9-4 backed Steel Away J in thefour-runner Open Maiden race.Partnered by Nick Meek, Steel Away Jmanaged to hold off the challengefrom the fast finishing MidnightMonkey to win by four lengths. "Hestruggled with his jumping last seasonand was still a little slow at his fenceslast weekend but we were beaten bythe better horse," reported owner/trainer Chris Loggin. "But he got hisact together today," he added with asmile.

Sent to post the 1-6 favourite in thethree runner PPORA Club Membersfor Novice Riders race, Lake Legend -trained by Gabe Mahon and ridden bydaughter Lara - did not disappoint hisbackers to win easily by twenty lengthsfrom Safe Investment, ridden byHarry Wallace. Connections of thewinner reported the aim of the racewas to build his confidence followinghis fifth place in a Hunters' Chaseback in February and that he willprobably be aimed at a Mens Opennext, followed by another Hunters'Chase at the end of the season.

LLANGEINOR & PENTYRCHat PYLESaturday, 18 Aprilby Brian LeeBradley Gibbs, aged 20, fromYnysybwl, who rides out for Aberthinnational hunt trainer Tim Vaughan,was in cracking form at the Llangeinor& Pentyrch Hunts Point-to-PointSteeplechases at the Dunraven Stud,Llanmihangel Farm, at Pyle nearBridgend, where he rode a four-timer.Three of those wins were onBringInTheBranston, Bajan Blu andOnly Time'll Tell, horses owned and

trained by the stud's owner, DavidBrace OBE.

After finishing unplaced in theopening Young Horse Maiden onDunraven Doc, won by Evan Davidon the Robert Luke-trained MidnightGrace, owned and bred by showjumper Steve Hadley, Bradley's firstwin came in the Confined in which theblinkered BringInTheBranston outjumped his four rivals to score by eightlengths from the odds-on favoriteTiger Rag and James Tudor.

Then in a match for the Members'race, Bradley on Bajan Blu madenearly every post a winning one whenjust holding on from the odds-onfavorite Banned In Bhutan and JamesTudor by a neck to deny Cyril Liley afirst win in the race. Cyril, one of thejoint-masters of the hunt, has beentrying to win this race for years as anowner and a rider and has beenrunner-up on nine occasions!

Mr Kristen Jacka's six-year-old baygelding Mr Sawyer gave Bradley histhird win of the day when winning theRestricted by a head from thefavourite High Hatton (James Tudor).Mr Jacka, a Treorkey shop keeper, said:"He won a maiden at Lower Machenlast year, and he loves this quick

Rosies Peacock and John Mathias landed the Mens Open raceat the Llangeinor & Pentyrch meeting

Photo; Alun Sedgmore sportingprints.biz

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ground. I fancied him that much that Ihad a good bet on him at 25-1."

Bradley's fourth winner of the daycame in the Open Maiden race inwhich on the always prominent OnlyTime'll Tell he lead at the second lastto beat the best turned out Perky Bob(Nick Williams) by one and a halflengths.

David Llewellyn's prolific homebredRosies Peacock, under regular riderWelsh champion John Mathias, hadthe Mens Open race won a long wayout and came home ten lengths aheadof Heavenstown, ridden by formernational champion James Tudor, whohad a frustrating run of seconds.James cannot be that many winnersshort of his 250th.

Super Villan, a 10-year-old chesnutgelding and a former winner undernational hunt rules, gave Nelsonfarmer Paul Webb and his trainer sonCeri their first win when landing theLadies Open race by one-and-a-halflengths from Teenage Kicks.Confidently ridden by Emma Moseley,Super Villan was wearing cheek piecesfor the first time. "That wasawesome!" said Emma ondismounting. The odds-on favouriteLauberhorn, ridden by AnnaMetekohy, was left with too muchground to make up and slipped up onthe last bend when coming with a latedash.

The organisers did well in watering thecourse during the week before racingand were rewarded with more runners

than they could really have expected.The crowd certainly appeared to beenjoying the racing and despite a coldwind during the early part of the day,many could be seen picnicking andplenty of people stayed behind to seeDavid Brace's 13-year-old grandsonConnor win both pony races. The138cms race on his bay mare Molly,who is the same age as his rider, andthe 148cms & under open pony raceon his 8-year-old bay mare Dont TellDai.

OLD SURREY, BURSTOW &WEST KENT at PENSHURSTSaturday, 18 Aprilby Will HickmanThe second Penshurst meeting of theseason had the perfect combination offine weather and safe ground, whichmeant the abundant crowd had sixhighly competitive races to enjoy.

Behind The Scenes was the leadinghorse in the area going into themeeting and he went even furtherclear, winning a competitive LadiesOpen to increase his unbeaten tally atthe course to four from four. EllaDarwin is now joint at the top of theSouth East Ladies Championship tablewith Rose Grissell, which isremarkable given she has only everhad five rides, all on Behind TheScenes. The thirteen-year-old provedthat age is no barrier, showing toomuch speed and resolution for theodds on favourite Volcan Surprise,

who at seven-years-old is almost halfthe old-timers age.

Just a neck behind Behind The Sceneshere last time was fellow veteranCounting House, who strengthenedthat form by winning the ClubMembers Conditions race under AnnaSansom. Anna was riding her firstwinner for eight years, making aremarkable comeback from a horrificleg injury that had doctors advising herto never ride again. She broke herankle in 2010 and wore a cast for a fullyear but the road to recovery isn’t overyet; she is hoping her final operationwill be this June before another threemonths in plaster. She gave the twelveyear old a patient ride and managed toavoid the carnage when Cork TwentyTen and Do You Follow Me ranthrough the wing at the seventh fence.

There was a third girl to win on theday, as Hannah Jones recorded herfirst winner on her own BallybrackDancer. With stamina in doubtHannah gave an impressively patientride, dropping her eight-year-old mareright out of contention for much ofthe race. With a circuit to go the pairwere still over fifteen lengths off thelead and it seemed like they had it allto do. Ballybrack Dancer made uprapid ground on the final circuit, withHannah reporting that she was stillpulling hard coming into the finalfence. Once clearing the last Hannahfinally let her go and she stormed upthe run in to win comfortably fromBollin Ali ridden by Charlie Marshall.

Super Villan and EmmaMoseley landed theLadies Open race at theLlangeinor meeting atPyle

Photo:Alun Sedgmoresportingprints.biz

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In doing so Hannah denied Charlie adouble, as he had won the first race ofthe day on the Nick Pearce-trainedConkies Lad. Always at the head ofaffairs, Charlie let Festival Bound andFrankie Anson join him over the finaltwo fences, before pressing go turningup into the straight. The response wasinstantaneous, with the nine-year-oldfinishing off the race like a fivefurlong sprinter, putting ten lengthsbetween himself and the Rosie Turnerridden Frankie Anson. The winmarked the end of a frustrating spellfor Charlie, who had not won for overa year but had hit the cross bar severaltimes, including finishing runner-upfour times over Easter.

Phil Hall is well on his way to a thirdsuccessive championship and heincreased his lead when winning theMens Open on Adept Approach. Thenine-year-old had won on hiscomeback from injury at Aldington afortnight ago and he was sent off theodds on favourite to follow up. Hehad some tougher opposition this timebut he won comfortably on groundthat is probably a bit faster than ideal.Hall was recording his eighth winnerof the season, bringing him up to 100wins in Point-to-Points, with a furtherten under Rules.

He looked certain to make a start onhis next century in the Restricted race,when trying to give Nick Pearce adouble on Aldington winner JennaPride. She was getting the better ofthe Phil York ridden Spiritofchartwellfrom two out, but gave way toprevious Penshurst winner KingsfoldFlare, who came with a rattling rununder Wayne Russell to grab the leadon the line. Kingsfold Flare wasinitially bought as a hunter forRussell’s wife Suzie, but now looks asmart Pointing prospect having wonboth her starts this season. The nextstop is the Maiden Final at Fontwell,where the shorter trip should proveideal for a horse with such a turn offoot.

WORCESTERSHIREat CHADDESLEY CORBETTSaturday, 18 Aprilby Peter MansellWhat A Laugh proved a worthywinner of the Lady Dudley Cup onSaturday afternoon getting the betterof a protracted battle with Stone overthe final three fences.

The race took place before one thebiggest crowds seen at ChaddesleyCorbett, with seven runners lining upfor the big race. Jetnova carried the

hopes of the locals but things wereobviously amiss when John SmithMaxwell pulled him up after fourfences.

The Welsh challenger GourangaSociety led from the start but hiseffort petered out as the paceincreased along the back straight witha mile to run. What a Laugh and Stonehad drawn clear entering the homestraight where the favouriteBenedictus was struggling to close thegap in third. Gillian Crow's mount wasa head in front at this point but Stonefought back bravely between the finaltwo fences and was on level terms atthe last.

What a Laugh was not going to bedenied his moment in the limelightand stayed on courageously to win bya length.

Tom Weston's Hindlip yard continuedtheir winning run with the success ofThoonavolla in the Members racewhich helped consolidate Westons'slead in both the West Midland AreaJockeys and Trainers Championships.

Gate Please had beaten Thoonavolladecisively when they met at Upton-upon-Severn earlier in the month, butmarket support suggested connectionswere confident positions could bereversed on this occasion. That

Thoonavolla & Tom Weston (near side) and Definitely Rosie &Sarah Bowen in the Hunt Members race at Chaddesley CorbettPhoto: Kim Christer

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assertion proved correct as GatePlease seemed to struggle with thefirmer conditions, while his rivalrelished them.

Sarah Bowen's mount Definitely Rosiewas prominent throughout, butThoonavolla was always travelling wellin their slip stream before taking thelead with four fences to jump.Weston's mount led on the home turn,but Definitely Rosie found renewedreserves and pushed the leader all theway to the line.

This was Thoonavolla's third win ofthe season with the trainer/ridersfather Martin explaining: "Wepurchased him in Ireland last autumn.We had a lot to make up with GatePlease from the Croome meeting butthis is a shorter course and the goingwas in his favour."

Atomic Tangerine was backed asthough defeat was out of the questionin the Confined and his supporterswere beginning to count theirwinnings when Sam Waley-Cohen’smount led on the uphill run beforetwo out.

The mare dropped away like theproverbial stone in water soonafterwards which meant that SevenDays held a narrow advantage overNow Ben, which was maintained onthe run to the judge.

The 10-year-old son of IndianDanehill carries the colours ofChipping Norton based Anne Taylor,but is trained by her daughter Sue atPershore.

She later related the problems thefamily had faced with Seven Days. “Hecame to us from Phillip Hobbs andinjured his hock at Mollington lastyear. He was in his stable all lastsummer. It's been a battle to get himready and he needed the run whenpulled up on his debut. We don't haveany gallops so he is ridden up BredonHill and that seems to get him fit.”

Fort George and Brodie Hampsonattempted to make all in the LadiesOpen and they still held the call as therunners freewheeled into the homestraight. Ruddy Article, under HannahWatson, moved up threateningly butwas hampered by the leader jumpingto his left at the second from home.

Hannah Watson eased her mount intoa challenging position between thefinal two fences, which they jumped inunison with the leader before RuddyArticle drew away on the flat.

Andy Powell had qualified RuddyArticle with the Duke of Beaufort’sand explained: "We are out of ourcomfort zone here, but we wanted aleft handed, flat track. They have donea wonderful job on the course".

This win provided the first leg of adouble for Worcestershire riderHannah Watson but the second, in theRestricted race, required an element ofluck.

Earthpower and Will Biddick haddrawn clear of their rivals with half amile to run and were assured ofvictory before the horse tried to runout at the last. He slowed dramaticallyat the final obstacle but the opposite

was true of his rider who wasaccelerating forward resulting in theinevitable outcome.

Their departure left Ring Ben with theadvantage but he had nothing inreserve when Best Director swept byon the flat to prevail by a length and ahalf.

The winners carried the colours of theMiddleton Racing Partnership headedby Belinda Clarke. She also trains the7-year-old son of Oscar, who showedno signs of the 'suspected staminalimitations' highlighted in the racecard.

The strong pace set by Jayjayrumi andNative Gamut proved too much fortheir rivals in the concluding Maidenand as the race progressed they beganto drop by the wayside.

Charlie Deutsch did well to recoverfrom a mistake by the favourite NorthHill Harvey and they were amongst ahandful of runners that remained incontention on the second circuit.

Half a mile from home it became atwo horse race and soon afterwardsDeutsch made his bid for victory. Hismount had secured a useful lead onthe final turn and with the runner uptiring visibly in the home straightNorth Hill Harvey ran out animpressive winner.

ATHERSTONEat CLIFTON-ON-DUNSMORESunday, 19 Aprilby Emma FormanA large crowd attended the AtherstonePoint-to-Point races on Sunday where

Best Director andHannah Watsonbenefitted from themisfortune of Earthpowerand Will Biddick to winthe Restricted race atChaddesley Corbett

Photo:Sweet Photographysweetphotography.com

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the highlight was a double for trainerTommy Morgan in the final two racesof the day.

Shutthebackdoor, the five-year-oldhalf-brother to Shutthefrontdoor whoprovided AP McCoy with his finalGrand National ride and fifth place,started the 2-5 favourite for the BRIWealth Management Restricted race, aqualifier for the Subaru RestrictedPoint-to-Point series final at Stratfordon Friday 29th May. Ridden by SamDavies-Thomas, he gained a lengthvictory over Annamult with Fermat inthird. "He did it nicely; he's an out andout stayer so the track didn't really suithim. He ran a bit green but then he isonly five and there is a lot more tocome from him," said the winningjockey. These comments wereconfirmed by Morgan: "This horseonly ever does enough. He will beroughed off now and we will lookforward to next season with him," hesaid. Indeed with two wins and asecond from three startsShutthebackdoor is clearly an excitingprospect for owners Dave Cook andTommy's partner Lizzie Harris.

Part And Parcel's CV didn't look quiteso good going into the Open Maidenrace with BFP in front of his namemaking his starting price of 4-1 notlook very generous. Seven horses went

to post but it was Part And Parcel andthe second horse No Dosh who wereleft to fight it out in the final mile withPart And Parcel getting the upperhand by four lengths. Now a seven-year-old, Part And Parcel who isowned by the Jackson Five Group andwas ridden by Dale Peters, hadfinished second in an Irish Maiden as afour-year-old so had the benefit ofexperience. Gerald Bailey's No Doshwas having only his second run andsurely is a winner waiting to happen.Bearfacedcheek and Natty Highamwere third. After the race TomMorgan said: "It's great to win forsuch a great bunch of owners and thehorse deserved that. Smith's Hill hasalso won for us this afternoon under avintage ride from Gina Andrews atFakenham. The Royal Horse Shoeswill know we are in there tonight," hesaid referring the fact that hisWaltham-on-the-Wolds Stable hadcompleted an across the cards treble.

Earlier in the afternoon the GeraldBailey stable had gone one better withThetalkinghorse taking the Howkins &Harrison Confined race in the handsof Tom McClorey. His task was madeeasier by the fall of Flicka's Witness atthe last but looked like he had theupper hand. Picaroon and Jack Daywere second and Checked Shirt was

third. Owned by Margaret Moody,Thetalkinghorse has only been out ofthe first three once in twelve races andthat was when falling at Brocklesby."He's a smart horse but quite lazy; Ithink he won quite easily really. He haswon two Confined races now so Isuppose we will have to look at anOpen race for him next," said winningtrainer Gerald Bailey after the race.

The biggest field of the day was thetwelve-runner Sharnford Tractors LtdMare's Maiden race where the well-backed Inside Out and CharlieMarshall scored for trainer NickPearce. Inside Out, who had finishedsecond in a Members race on herprevious outing, raced prominentlyand found plenty when challenged byClonmore Dew who finished secondand Shales Home Mix who was third.The first three past the post scoredpoints in the Jockey Club MaidenMares Series.

Racing started with an easy win forLottie Crane and Defying Gravity inthe opening MTS Ltd Member's racewith Leprechaun's Gold and TommieO'Brien the only other finisher insecond place. This win put Lottie intoa two points lead over Kelly Morgan inboth the D&M Barthorpe LeadingMidlands Lady Rider Award and theNovice Rider Award.

Shutthebackdoor and Sam Davies-Thomas on their way towinning the Restricted race at Clifton-On-Dunsmore

Photo: Al Johnston aljohnstonphotography.com

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Unfortunately the turnout of runnersfor the Open races was very poor withPopaway and Joe Docker walking overin the A Davenport-sponsored MensOpen and Nightcap Jack and LucyWheeler doing the same in the JamesBennett Ltd of Hinckley Ladies Open.The winning horse in the Mens Openqualified to run in the £7,500Bonham's Men's Open Point-to-PointChampionship Final Hunter Chase atCheltenham on Wednesday 29th April.The winning rider in the Ladies Openrace scored points for the AGA iTotalControl Championship.

BRAES OF DERWENTat CORBRIDGESunday, 19 Aprilby Peter BurgonBonchester Bridge jockey, JoannaWalton, 20, recorded the first doubleof her career on Drill Sergeant andOscar Stanley in the Braes of DerwentPoint-to-Point meeting at Corbridgeon Sunday.

Drill Sergeant was always travellingwell behind the leaders in the DrSyntax Inn Ladies Open Race andfinally overhauled Whisperdalebetween the last two fences beforestaying on strongly up the run-in tohold off a late thrust from the odds-on favourite, Rolecarr by two lengths.

He was previously successful threetimes on the Flat for Mark Johnston,including the Duke of EdinburghStakes at Royal Ascot in June 2009, aswell as three times over hurdles for

Donald McCain but had drawn a blanksince scoring at Ffos Las in August2011. His form had deterioratedlatterly over hurdles and he wasoffered to Ingleton near Staindropowner/trainer, Caroline Dennis in2013 by McCain. This was his 66thcareer start, including 58 under Rules,since making his debut a few milesdown the road from Corbridge in a sixfurlong Newcastle Maiden on 3October 2007 and he went on to winover £190,000 on the Flat.

Walton said: "He still retains plenty ofenthusiasm, didn't mind the quickerground and fairly powered up the hillfrom three out." Walton had OscarStanley lying handy from the outset inthe Swiftstamp Restricted Race andproduced him with a well-timedchallenge to hit the front at the last.Her mount met it perfectly, landedrunning and kept on well to beat thefast-finishing Farm Pixie by a length."He's a much better horse on a righthanded track but would have preferreda bit more cut in the ground," she said.The 8-year-old winner, owned byDiana Blythe and trained by Walton'smother, Diana, has been transformedsince joining the latter's yard eighteenmonths ago.

The talented Cave Hunter got hisinjury-hit season back on course in theProfessional Stove Installations MensOpen Race to give Tom Hamilton his12th winner of the campaign. Contentto track the trailblazing leaders,Ballyvesey and Clonea Power, fromthe fourth, Hamilton's mount cruised

to the front after two out and keptBallyvesey at bay up the run-in toscore by half a length in the fastesttime of the day. The 8-year-old'sowner, Niel Manning, said: "After theproblems he's had this year, I'm justpleased to get him back on the track insuch good form and all being well,he'll run next at Mosshouses orHexham on May 2." Hamilton added:"All the credit must go to my mother,Wendy, who rides him out at home.They went very quick early on andafter the leaders started coming backto us approaching four out, he pickedup straight away when asked for aneffort after the next."

Awman provided North Tyne handlerLiz Nixon with her first winner in theTow Law Open Maiden Race. Wellridden by Harry Reed, the 8-year-oldmade virtually every yard of therunning and steadily forged clear fromtwo out to beat Blue Lodge by sixlengths. Joint owner, Brian Stannerssaid: "Liz decided to stay at home asshe felt she would jinx his chances.She deserves all the credit as she rideshim out every night in all weatherswhen she gets home from workingbehind the counter in Cranstons shopin Hexham."

Nobody could begrudgeWhatsthestoryman his moment ofglory in the William McIvor & SonOpen Maiden Race which gave EmmaDunkley, 19, a richly deserved firstwinner. At the head of affairs from sixout, the Sylvia Scott-trained geldingstormed clear up the finishing straight

Cave Hunter, under TomHamilton, got his seasonback on course withvictory in the Mens Openrace at Corbridge

Photo:Grace Beresfordp2pnorthernphotos.co.uk

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to beat Tulliroad by twenty lengths.Dunkley, who has been working full-time for National Hunt trainer RoseDobbin since January, said: "That's abig relief after finishing second onhim four times this year. He deservedthat and seems to act on any ground."

Boy In Bangkok supplemented lastmonth's Tynedale Restricted success inthe two-runner Northumberland TeaCompany Intermediate Race.Viacometti set a modest pace from thefifth and was still about three lengthsup when unseating birthday girl KellyBryson five out. Partnered by Londonstockbroker, Ed Wrigley, Boy InBangkok was left in splendid isolationand safely negotiated the remainingfences to land the spoils.

The victory was a real family affair asthe 9-year-old is trained at Ganton byWrigley's mother, Venetia, and runs inthe colours of her husband Nicholas.Although he is bred to be a sprinter,the winner clearly has no staminaissues and seems to have blossomedafter enjoying plenty of days huntingwith the Middleton.

Proceedings had opened on a low-keynote when Kate Leckenby's mount,Hardy Oscar secured a third coursewin as a result of being handed awalk-over in the Braes of DerwentMembers Race.

CLEVELAND at MORDONSunday, 19 Aprilby Charlotte RussellThe Cleveland Point-to-Point tookplace at Howe Hills, Mordon onSunday and Oaklands Bobby onceagain showed his love of this course.

Running in the S M Thompson LtdLadies Open Race, Oaklands Bobby,who was ridden by Alice Petch stolean early advantage and was about 20lengths in front by the second fence.He maintained his lead until the finalcircuit, when Larkhall, making hisdebut in Open company, joined andheaded him. The battle was on and asthe three remaining runners turned thefinal bend and set off downhill,Oaklands Bobby was headed twicebefore gamely fighting back to landthis by three lengths from FernhurstLad and Catherine Walton withLarkhall and Freya Brewer a neck backin third. This was Oaklands Bobby'ssixth win at the track. "I remember JoFoster winning on him here (fouryears ago) before I was riding and shesaid, 'that was some spin' and I have toagree with her," reported the winningjockey.

Hellens Contractors sponsored theMens Open race and this was run inthe fastest time of the day - a merefive minutes and fifty four seconds!Newspage was another pillar to postwinner making all the running and

winning under new pilot WilliamEasterby. The winning distance was 15lengths from Sposalizio and ChrisDawson, with Son of Flicka and MaxJohnson a further 10 lengths back inthird. It was a fitting win as Newspageis owned by course owner John Wade.

Racing started with the Teescomponents Ltd Cleveland Hunt,Members, Subscribers & Farmers race.Stormy Oscar set the trail underEmma Todd but by the final circuit hehad come back to the field. It was thevery patiently ridden Tough TalkinMan for owner, trainer, rider PaulCollins, who crept into the race andwasn't asked a question until the finalsecond, who took this by eight lengthsfrom Stormy Oscar, with ColoradoKid finishing third for John Dawson."He has to be ridden that way,"commented the winning jockey. "Heneeds kidding along and if you start topush him too soon he doesn't want toknow," added Paul.

The first Maiden race was sponsoredby Mary Reveley and John Wade andwas run over the shorter distance of2m4f. Hi Ho Julio showed thatpersistence pays off and took this raceat the twentieth attempt. Partnered byRussell Lindsay, the pair were alwayshandy and won by two lengths. BaileAtha Cliath showed his first bit ofform and finished second for Jack

Oaklands Bobby and Alice Petch on their way to winning theLadies Open race at Mordon

Photo: Tom Milburn facebook.com/TomMilburnPhotography

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Jordan, with Road To Ruin and OliPimlott back in third.

The Beaumonts AccountancyRestricted Race went to anotherformer course winner when TotomChief, ridden by Richard Tierney tookthis by two lengths. Very patientlyridden, Richard moved Totom Chiefinto the race about five fences fromhome and asserted on the run in towin comfortably. Barton Jubileefinished in second for Oli Pimlott andDuhallowcountry was a further 10lengths back under John Dixon. "He'scome on really well for his run atCharm Park and we're really pleased,"said winning trainer Guy Brewer.

Run over the extended distance of3m5f, seven horses went to post forthe Collins Seafoods Ltd PPORAClub Members Race, and Know TheRules enjoyed his first win of theseason for Chris Dawson by an easy15 lengths. Hand Act Or Part battled itout to the line for the minor honourswith Have One For Me, partnered byKit Alexander, and came out on topby half a length for Max Johnson.

The final Maiden race was sponsoredby the Oaklands Veterinary Centre andChantry Melody who has beenimproving all season finally lost hisMaiden tag for Andrew Bartlett whowas riding his second career winner inas many weeks. "She's a lovely mare,but she's tiny and slowly learnt thegame. Andrew rode a great race too asshe has to be pushed from quite a longway out and he persevered. He's beenand schooled and has got to know herquite well," said Neil Mechie, the

winning trainer. The pair beat GameAs A Pheasant and Cath Walton by alength. Game As A Pheasant has runquite green in the past and can buildon this experience next time out. OnVacation was half a length furtherback in third for Richard Tierney.

COTSWOLD VALE FARMERSat ANDOVERSFORDSunday, 19 Aprilby Peter MansellRacing at Andoversford on Sundayafternoon may not have been of thehighest quality, but whilst the numberof runners was disappointing therewere some exciting finishes.

The Drinkwater family have supportedthe sport in this area for a number ofyears. Working Title has won fourraces for the Fiddington based ownersthis season and that resulted in himbeing sent off a short priced favouritefor the Members race.

When Bowdens Lane began to losetouch at the start of the secondcircuit, Mark Wall took Noble Ben tothe front and quickened the pace, butJoe Drinkwater was quick to respondand sent Working Title up to disputethe lead as they raced towards thesecond from home.

Noble Ben had nothing more to giveon the climb to the home straightwhich meant the favourite's lead wasextended as they raced towards thejudge. Speaking afterwards PaulDrinkwater said: "He did not lookhimself earlier in the week, but when

he was exercised the horse sent us adifferent message."

The 13-year-old returned with a slightnick to his off hind which maycomprise plans for another outing inthe near future, although Upper Sapeyin a months time may feature in futureplans.

The Club Maiden race did not look asthough it would take a great deal ofwinning but it provided a happyoutcome for Tash Seely’s GrandSilence.

Big Night Out headed Grand Silenceat the bottom of the hill and the latterlooked to be struggling as they met therising ground and, approaching thefinal bend, James Martin's mountlooked to have secured a race winninglead.

16-year-old Jordan Nailor thoughtotherwise and managed to save acouple of lengths on the home turn.Big Night Out started off up the runin with a length advantage, but GrandSilence saved his best effort for hisswan song and gradually reduced thedeficit and the two horses were lockedtogether as they passed the judge.

Big Night Out was ridden into thewinner's enclosure, but there wereloud cheers when it was announcedthat Grand Silence had prevailed by aneck.

The 12-year-old had failed to win inhis previous 24 outings but ownerTash Seeley (a vet at the Bourton ValeEquine Clinic in Bourton on the

Totom Chief and RichardTierney took theRestricted race at theCleveland meeting atMordon

Photo:Peter Barberpointtopointphotography.co.uk

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Water) announced afterwards thegallant old warrior had been retired.

Jordan Nailor added his name to thelist of promising young riders who arenow making their mark in the Point-to-Point ranks. Originally fromMoreton in Marsh, he now works forthe Charlie Longsdon's yard atChipping Norton.

Two runners lined up for theRestricted race, with Stan Sheppard onMidnight Hop while Amy Broometeamed up with the Mark Jacksontrained Annie Confidential.

Midnight Hop jumped much betterthan her rival down the back straightand was just in front when falling atthe penultimate which left AmyBroome and her North Ledburyqualified mount to coast to victory.

21-year-old Broome from Clee Hillhad earlier teamed up with TheRubber Man in the PPORA Membersand completed her treble on CarbonEmission in the Conditions.

Stonemadforspeed caused an upsetwhen they beat Dave Mansell on thefavourite Moobasher in the MensOpen. The latter is capable of somegood performances but this was notone of them because when push cameto shove he failed to exert himself and

that allowed 18-year-old Harry Teal torecord his first success.

The Ladies Open provided one of therare forays outside Wales for ChesnutAnnie. The 14-year-old had aprotracted battle with Tony Dinozzofrom the third last. They wereinseparable at the last, but as theyapproached the winning post the mareforced her head in front to record the40th success of her career.

SEAVINGTONat LITTLEWINDSORSunday, 19 Aprilby Brian & Gill ArmstrongJack Barber, whose stable is withinsight of the course, reached the 37-winner mark with a Littlewindsordouble on Sunday. He led off withNever Says Never, who returned froma 17-month absence to provide abirthday present winner for ownerRichard Hall. The seven-year-old,jumping boldly for Will Biddick, madeall and readily stretched clear of his 3-mile Maiden race rivals. "He pulled atendon when he last ran over hurdles[from Bob Buckler's yard] and hasbasically needed time," reportedRichard.

Jack doubled up when TheMythologist made all in the Mens

Open under Robbie Henderson, sonof owners Guy and SophieHenderson. The Mythologist hadpulled up when held up atBuckfastleigh in March, but appearedto enjoy his front running task. Theseven-year-old is now unbeaten in hisfive completed outings in UK Point-to-Points.

Two across the card doubles werecompleted on the card. Trainer JoeTickle, who had saddled SedgemoorTop Bid to win at Flete Park theprevious day, was back in the winner'senclosure after commentator'snightmare Tempestatefloresco hadtaken the 2m4f Maiden. Partnered byJoe's sister, Leanda,Tempestatefloresco repelled a series ofchallengers after being left in the leadat the start of the final circuit. HarryCobden took the Dodson & HorrellPPORA Novice Riders' race less thantwo hours after winning Wincanton's3.10pm chase aboard the PaulNicholls-trained Ulck Du Lin. Riddenwith trademark confidence by Harry,his mount, Cock Of The Rock, was inno danger after sauntering past hisfour rivals in the space of 100 yards atthe start of the final climb.

Academy General (Jo Buck) collaredodds-on John Daniell (Amanda Bush)at the last in the Ladies Open. Bought

Never Says Never and Will Biddick landed the3m Open Maiden race at Littlewindsor

Photo: Tim Holt [email protected]

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privately by Duncan Odgers and PatShaw out of David Bridgwater's yardin October, Academy General couldbe aimed at Stratford's AGA LadiesChampionship in May.

2013 winner Champagne Rosieretained the Hunt race trophy [the racewas abandoned in 2014 owing to fog]although supporters who had takenthe 1/10 odds must have beensweating when sole rival Regular Guyled approaching the last.

Regular Guy's jockey Darren Andrewsgained compensation when theAtkinson family's Walker Ridgefinished strongly to take theRestricted.

The two pony races were won byAngelic, ridden by Olive Nicholls(138cm race) and She's A Lady, themount of Jamie Perrett in the 148cmrace.

WEST NOFOLK at FAKENHAMSunday, 19 Aprilby James CrispeGina Andrews’s quest to regain theLady Riders National Point-to-PointChampionship she won in the2010-2011 season received a boost atFakenham on Sunday when she rodethree winners at the West Norfolkmeeting.

The treble strike – aboard Smiths Hill,See You Jack and Condorman - tookAndrews, who hails from Lilley in

Hertfordshire, onto the 18-winnermark for the season, four clear of herclosest rival, Hannah Watson.

All three victories were achieved viaemployment of the front-runningtactics that are regularly successful onthis tight course. But whereas SmithsHill, in the Club Members Race, andSee You Jack, in the Ladies Open,were comfortable scorers, the triumphof Condorman in the closing Maidenowed plenty to dynamic jockeyship.

Trained at Chediston in Suffolk byJohn Ibbott, Condorman had shownlittle in ten previous career starts andlooked set for another defeat whenMister Serious went past after thesecond last fence. But he ralliedgamely up the run-in to prevail by halfa length.

Smiths Hill jumped more fluently thanhis main rivals and had more in handthan the winning margin of fourlengths would suggest while See YouJack, who is trained at Wymondhamby Sandra Fryer, won in just the kindof style you would expect from a 5-2on favourite.

This was a deserved victory for thisten-year-old gelding as he has been amodel of toughness and consistencyfor his owners, Mark and Ali Flinton,from near Eye, winning three andbeing placed in his other four outingsover a hectic period covering littlemore than three months.

The best quality race of the day wasthe Mens Open and saw a fourthconsecutive victory for PatsyFinnegan, an admirable veteran whohas struck up a fine partnership withjockey Archie Wright, fromBadlingham, near Newmarket.

The bookies expected his purple patchto be brought to an end by MasterWorkman, but David Kemp’s recenthunter chase hero was readily kept atbay once Patsy Finnegan went pasthim jumping the penultimate obstacle.

Trainer-rider Kemp, from Croxton,near Thetford, suffered anotherreverse when Cathedral Of Pinescould manage only third place in theMaiden. But he has been enjoying afine campaign and kept up the goodwork this weekend, first whenCheyanwe landed the four-mile featurerace at Kingston Blount inOxfordshire on Saturday and then onSunday when Caulkin won the WestNorfolk Hunt Race for the secondtime in three years.

Baltic Blue, trained in Hertfordshire byBrian Dowling, is becomingsomething of a Fakenham specialist.He took his record at this venue totwo wins and a second from threeattempts when beating HaughtonsBridge by a length and a half withanother Kemp representative, Hill OfGold, the same margin back in third ina closely-fought Restricted race.

Academy General and JoBuck captured theLadies Open race at theSeavington meeting atLittlewindsor

Photo:Tim [email protected]

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RECENT LANDMARKSPhilip Hall brought up his century inPoint-to-Points when winning theMen’s Open at Penshurst on AdeptApproach, who he trains for his fatherChristopher, Gail Cooper and PatWilkins.

Phil, who is on the verge of beingcrowned South East area championfor the fifth time, scored his initialsuccess on Glenavey at Heathfield in1995, and he has also recorded tenvictories under Rules.

He rides out in the morning beforeheading to work in the City, where heworks as a Lloyds underwriterspecialising in the insurance ofprofessional sportsmen and also eventcancellation. In January he was electedto the Jockey Club, and represents thatbody on the PPA’s race planningcommittee. Phil has some possiblerides at Parham on Saturday, but ifthese fail to materialise there is onlyone place he will be. He is a non-executive Director at Sandown Park,so will be joining the sell-out crowd towatch A P McCoy in action for thefinal time. “Wherever I go, it will be agood weekend!” was his forecast.

It was a red letter day at Flete Park for18-year-old Heidi Lewis, who openedher account in the Restricted on theKayley Woollacott-trained PasternakJack, and three hours later doubled upin the Maiden Division Two on NudgeThe Nugget, owned by her parentsDavid and Maria.

Heidi comes from a huntingbackground – her father is huntsmanto the Lamerton – and she rodesuccessfully in pony races, with acouple of victories and numerousplacings.

Having completed an NVQ Level 2course at the British Racing School,Heidi joined the Woollacott yard,where she is now in her third season,and she had her first ride at BlackForest Lodge in 2013.

“Richard and Kayley [Woollacott] havebeen very loyal to me, and have helpedme a lot,” she emphasised, but theloyalty has been on both sides. AtUmberleigh last June, Heidi hadforsaken the ride on her parents’Maiden scorer Kawana Cove in orderto partner Pasternak Jack for her

employers, thus missing a winningopportunity.

Amy Broome, 21, registered her firsttreble at Andoversford, taking three ofthe races confined to Veteran andNovice Riders. She won the Dodson& Horrell Club Members on theRubber Man and the Conditionscontest on Carbon Emission, both forher employer Pat Hanly, and theRestricted on Mark Jackson’s AnnieConfidential.

Her mother used to work for CliveDavies, and Amy switched fromeventing to racing when she leftschool. It was through Mark that shewent to Paul Davies, but when hereduced his string she moved to theHanly yard, where she has now beenbased for three years.

Her debut between the flags, atBitterley in 2011, ended in tragedywhen her mount Gogo Gizmo broke ashoulder. Although upset, Amy wasnot deterred and admitted she couldn’t

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Jockeys’ firsts, doubles and other career highs from the weekend’s racing by Carolyn Tanner

Philip HallPhoto: Julie Drewettracehorsephotos.co.uk


wait to have another ride, but she hadto wait until 2014 to record her initialvictory, on The Rubber Man at Eyton.

She has to date had three rides underRules, and is hoping in due course toobtain a Category ‘B’ licence to enableher to ride against the professionals.

There was celebration atAndoversford also for Harry Teal, 18,who enjoyed his initial victory in theVeteran and Novice Riders’ Men’sOpen on Stonemadforspeed, ownedby his father, Epsom flat trainer RogerTeal.

Harry was involved in the stable froma young age, riding out and helpingevery day after school and atweekends, but his own interest centredmore on showjumping, and for sixmonths after leaving full-timeeducation he worked in a yardconcentrating on that discipline.

He then decided that racing waspreferable, and applied to severaltrainers for a job in a jumping yard.“I’m quite tall, and I like it better thanthe flat anyway,” he explained.

He has now had two years with AlanKing, for whom he has had three rides

to date, all in amateur contests, and heis planning to get a Category ‘B’licence once he has had the requisitenumber of rides. One of his charges isChatez, the recent Doncaster flatwinner, while he has ridden out TheTourard Man, who finished third inthe Pertemps Network final at theCheltenham Festival.

Jordan Nailor is a third rider who willhave fond memories of Andoversford,because he opened his account in theMaiden on the 12-year-old GrandSilence, who was promptly retired byowners Natasha Seely and ScottJoynes.

Jordan, 16, had his first ride on familyhorse Argentato at Black Forest Lodgein January, and has finished in theframe on all his subsequent outings,bar one.

It was the teenager’s uncle DawsonLeef, a former apprentice jockey, whowas responsible for finding his firstpony, and it was through Moreton-in-Marsh neighbour Claire Hart that hegot into racing. Claire, who trainsArgentato for the Nailors, put him intouch with Charlie Longsdon, withwhom he is now based full-time,

having worked at the yard at weekendsfrom the age of 13.

Among the horses he looks after is theJ P McManus-owned Pendra, whofinished fifth to The Druids Nephewin the Ultima Business SolutionsChase at the Cheltenham Festival.

Jordan, who enjoyed success in PonyRacing, intends to remain as anamateur for another season in order togain some experience, after which hewould like to turn Conditional.

Kingston Blount was the venue for theinitial success of Nick Meek, 24, whowon the Maiden on Steel Away J, afirst triumph of the campaign fortrainer Chris Loggin.

Chris professed himself very pleasedwith the ride given to his eight-year-old by the substitute jockey, who wasreplacing the sidelined Max Kendrick.“I wanted somebody who would beavailable more than just once,”explained Chris, “and Nick wasrecommended by both Max and JamieGoss. He did it perfectly.”

Nick started out as a Conditional withBrendan Powell, but having had justone ride, in 2009, he opted to change

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Nick Meek and Steel Away J following their success atKingston BlountPhoto: Neale Blackburn chasdog.com


to amateur status. His debut betweenthe flags was at Kingston Blount in2011 on Mikado Melody, but likemany jockeys without the backing of abig yard he has struggled for rides. “Iwasn’t sure I’d get any at all this year,”he confessed, “but I have picked up afew recently.”

Having worked full-time for AlexHales for nearly two seasons, he hasnow switched to part-time in order tobe able to ride out for some Point-to-Point yards.

Emma Dunkley recorded her firstvictory in the Young Horse Maiden atCorbridge on her ownWhatsthestoryman, who was notscoring out of turn, having beenrunner-up in four of his six previousstarts this season.

Emma’s desire to be an eventerextended to re-training a horse to suither own needs. “I had Adam Nicol’sracing pony, but I took it eventing,”she admitted. “It took a while to taketo it, but it got there eventually!”

It was through her cousin Katie Scott(whose mother Sylvia trainsWhatsthestoryman) that Emma, 19,got into racing, and she now has nointention of reverting to her originaldiscipline. She had her initial Point-to-

Point ride on Katie’s chargeCrashtown Hall at Alnwick inDecember 2011, finishing sixth,although “It was a bit of a blur,” shelaughed.

Having had spells with Rayson Nixonand Stuart Coltherd, she has beenworking for Rose Dobbin sinceJanuary. She will be aiming to get aCategory ‘B’ licence in readiness forthe return of her 2013 Buccleuch Cupwinner Moscow Menace, who hasbeen out of action for 12 months. “Hemight run under Rules [from Katie’slicensed yard] later this year, so I wantto ride him myself,” she said.

Corbridge was also the venue for afirst double for Joanna Walton, whocelebrates her 21st birthday later thismonth. She won the Ladies’ Open onCaroline Dennis’s Drill Sergeant andthe Restricted on the consistent OscarStanley, trained by her mother Diana.Joanna is following in the footsteps ofthe latter, who rode successfully underher maiden name of Douglas.

She is in her second year reading RuralBusiness Management at EdinburghUniversity. “I didn’t really know what Iwanted to do,” she admitted, “and I’llprobably end up working withhorses!”

She has previously worked for KevinRyan, Lucinda Russell and RoseDobbin, and during the time she waswith the latter she rode Oscar Stanleyevery day, so was delighted to be ableto acquire him when the opportunityarose.

She had her initial ride on AmourDaria at Alnwick in 2011, and openedher account later that season onMarfleet at Corbridge. She has sincetaken her tally between the flags to 13,plus five under National Hunt rulesand one on the flat.

Hannah Jones, 23, opened her accountin the Maiden at Penshurst on her ownBallybrack Dancer. “When you say“go” to her, she quickens, but I’vebeen saying it a bit too early, so thistime Will [her boyfriend WillHickman] said to hold her up,”explained Hannah, “and it worked!”

It was when Hannah started huntingwith the East Kent that she got intoracing, having previously beeninvolved in other equestrian pursuitssuch as showjumping and eventing.She was offered a job riding out forthe hunt’s Master, Libby Lawson, andit was she who found Teenando, onwhom Hannah made her debut atBarbury last season, the first of the

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2015 Emma Dunkley (left) and Joanna Walton (right)

Photos: Grace Beresford p2pnorthernphotos.co.uk


partnership’s 13 outings. “We pulledup at the last when we were a long waybehind, but I loved it,” she enthused.

She worked for Libby for 12 months,and is now in her second season withPhil York, with whom BallybrackDancer is stabled, although she istrained by Hannah herself.

Hannah got her Category ‘A’ licencelast summer, and her ambition is tohave a ride in the Foxhunters’ Chasewhich, she laughed, “is just a dream!”

Few riders can boast such a successfulfirst season between the flags as thatcurrently being enjoyed by HarryCobden, who heads the tables in the

National Novice, Wilkinson Swordand Harley Racing championships, andwho completed an across the carddouble on Sunday.

His Category ‘B’ licence arrived in thenick of time to enable him to take themount on Ulck Du Lin at Wincanton,after which he was chauffeured – hehas to wait until November before hereaches the age when he can take hisdriving test – by trainer AnthonyHoneyball to Littlewindsor, arriving inplenty of time to partner Cock OfThe Rock to victory in the Dodson &Horrell Novice Riders’ contest.

A graduate of pony racing, Harry wasnot enamoured with his first foray into

the sport, when he had only onefinisher behind him. “I hated that,because I’m very competitive,” heowned, but the purchase of NinfieldMillionaires Delight saw him go on towin 33 races.

He left school six months early and isnow home tutored while working forHoneyball, whose partner RachaelGreen, the 2006 National champion,trains both Cock Of The Rock andSilver Token, who gave Harry his firstsuccess at Chipley Park in January.

His Point-to-Point tally now stands atnine, plus two, from three rides, underRules. He is hoping to turnConditional at the end of the season.

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The caption to the photo to the right goes in here and this iswhere you describe the photo in a bit of narrativePhoto: Photographers Name websiteaddressCock Of The Rock and Harry Cobden on their way to victory at LittlewindsorPhoto: Tim Holt [email protected]


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Some great shots from a thrilling weekend’s Pointing

The field, led by Moscow Blaze and Page Fuller, during the Mixed Open raceat the Kimblewick meeting at Kingston Blount

Photo: Neale Blackburn chasdog.com


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2015 Newspage and Will Easterby on their way to winning the Mens Open race at

the Cleveland meeting at MordonPhoto: Peter Barber pointtopointphotography.co.uk

A huge leap from The Mythologist and Robbie Henderson en route to victoryin the Mens Open race at the Seavington meeting at Littlewindsor

Photo: Tim Holt [email protected]


Earthpower fires Will Biddick out of the saddle at the last fence, with therace at his mercy, in the Restricted at Chaddesley Corbett

Photo: Sweet Photography sweetphotography.com

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2015 Three in contention in the closing stages of the Open Maiden (Horses &

Geldings) race at the Atherstone meeting at Clifton-On-DunsmorePhoto: Al Johnston aljohnstonphotography.com

Cave Hunter and Tom Hamilton are led in following their victory in the MensOpen race at the Braes of Derwent meeting at Corbridge

Photo: Grace Beresford p2pnorthernphotos.co.uk


Hi Ho Julio receives a congratulatory pat following his win in the 4,5,6 &7-year-olds Open Maiden race at the Cleveland meeting at Mordon

Photo: Tom Milburn facebook.com/TomMilburnPhotography

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GLENALMOND TWEED

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUDate of birth: 23/11/92.Job or profession: I ride out at DavidO’Meara’s, train a couple of horsesmyself, and work in the offices at Yorkracecourse, so I’m very busy at themoment!Are you from a racing background?If not, how did you get started inPoint-to-Pointing? I’m from a veryhorsey background as my Mum runs ahunter livery yard, so I’ve alwayshunted and had working hunter ponieswhen I was younger. My stepfather wasthe one who really got me into racingas he was a farrier for racing yards andracecourses. I always went with himwhenever I could, I was hooked!What was your first ride in public?February 2011 at the Brocklesbymeeting on Holy Joe for CherryCoward.First winner – name of the horse,owner & trainer, the date & thecourse: Nippy Des Mottes at CharmPark on 9 April 2012 for my motherJackie Brooke.Apart from the first winner, whathas been your most memorableride? When Nippy completed his trebleof wins at Easingwold at the end of the2012 season giving me the championnovice title in Yorkshire. Every ride andwinner I have I owe to him as he reallygot me going and he taught me somuch. I still have him at home, he is ademon on the hunting field.Is there a ride you look back on andthink “could have done better?”Every one! I rode a race for my bossDave on the flat at Carlisle and wentmiles in front. Nearly two seasons onand I still can’t manage to make myselfwatch the replay.For which trainers/owners do youmainly ride? Jackie Brooke and MickJones.Who has been most influential onyour riding career so far? JacquelineCoward is always great for advice onhow to ride any Pointing track. AlsoRuss Garritty has influenced me greatly,though I do dread if he rings me afterhe’s seen me ride, he will only ring tocriticise!Which are your favourite courses?And for what reasons? Charm Park,as I always seem to have luck there.What car do you drive? Frank theFord Fiesta.Name your perfect night in andperfect night out: Night in - a chinesetakeaway, soaps and cuddles with myterrier Jersey. Night out - good friends,good music and lots of dancing.

Where do you like to go on holiday?Safari in South Africa.Who would be your ideal travellingcompanions to the races? JohnnyDepp, the Queen, and Ed Sheeran - sohe can sing to me on the way there.What music are you currentlylistening to? I have all sorts on myiPhone, from U2 to 50 cent.What are your favourite films andTV programmes? My favourite film is51st State and my guilty TV pleasure isKeeping up with the Kardashians.What has been either your ownfunniest incident, or the mostamusing thing you have seen orheard at the races? I was leading up afirst time maiden from home last weekand as soon as the jockey hit the saddleshe set off broncing with me in towbehind her. I didn’t know where wewould end up, but luckily she calmeddown and nobody was hurt.Who are your biggest heroes inracing? Davy Russell.Which particular horse (in anydiscipline) would you like to ride?Sprinter Sacre; watching him gives megoosebumpsApart from race-riding, in whatother sports do you participate?Nothing really. When I’m not runningaround after the horses I prefer torelax.Do you have any regrets in yourriding career to date? I don’t reallybecause I feel that every mistakeI’ve made, I’ve learnt from.What ambitions do you havein racing? To get more horsesin at home to train, and to tryand get the best out of everyhorse I train or ride.

Are there any changes that youthink would benefit the sport in thefuture? I would like to see higher prizemoney given as it is so expensive toown a racehorse and the financial gainfrom it is insignificant.What are your aspirations for theseason? To continue to improve andlearn from every ride.Can you give us a horse to look outfor this season? Harriet Bramley, amaiden we have at home owned byTony Knowles, she ran respectfully firsttime out and I think there is more tocome from her.Can you give us an up and comingrider to look out for this season? FiMcSharry and Elliott Brookbanks.If you were on an island and couldonly bring three things, what wouldyou bring? Sun tan lotion (I don’twant any wrinkles!), a good book andmy best friend Alice.And finally, sum up Point-to-Pointing in one word: Fabulous.

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JESS GILLAMHaving grown up around horses, Jess currently juggles multiple jobs as well as her riding career. She has a car called

‘Frank’, her taste in TV programmes is questionable, but increasing the numbers at her yard is very much on the agenda.


5 MINUTES WITHWILLIE BRYANPhoto: Emma Welling spindletreephotography.co.uk


For how long have you beentraining?I’ve been training about 20 years.

Where are you based?We’re based at Worthen, nearShrewsbury, Shropshire.

Do you combine training withanother job or profession?As well as training Point-to-Pointerswe break, pre-train and produce foalsthrough to racing.

What training facilities do you haveavailable?We have the use of my father-in-law's– David Smith’s - grassland forworking the horses, a large all weatherarena and a jumping field.

How many horses do you train?We train four horses this year.

Do you train for just yourself andfamily or for other owners?We train mainly horses for ourselvesand David (father-in-law) and this yearone for Fred Timmis who works forus.

Are you from a racing background?My parents ran a successful livery yardand my father was champion Point-to-Point trainer a few times. He alsoproduced two National Men'sChampions in Bobby Davies and mybrother Johnny. My sister Karen wasone of the leading lady riders.

What was the first winner you sentout?Can’t exactly remember the firstwinner I trained but it could have beenUltrason, ridden by my wife Mandy ina Maiden at Sandon a long time ago!

Of which horse performance areyou most proud?The horse performance I am mostproud of is probably when Stepquickwon 3 races in a week. That was avery good week!

Did you race-ride before youstarted training?I rode for many years before startingtraining. I won the Wilkinson Sword(Champion Novice) and went on tohave 75 winners. The highlight was onSparkford at Cheltenham in the 4miler for Dad and Mrs Morris,followed closely by Little Bilshamwinning the Mens ChampionshipHunter Chase at Chepstow.

How did you start training and whohas been most influential on yourcareer?When I married Mandy we startedtraining Pointers together whilst we

were still race-riding. Peter Bowen, mybrother-in-law, has been the mostinfluential person in my trainingcareer. He passes on his newdiscoveries and he is a training genius.

What car do you drive?The vehicle I mostly drive is thelorry...I wish it was turbo!

What kind of music do you like?I loved Queen for years but myfavourites now are Paolo Nutini andmy daughter’s music, she’s a greatsinger.

What are your favourite films andTV programmes?My favourite film at the moment is‘What We Did on Holiday’ with BillyConnolly. It’s hilarious and makes youlaugh at the dysfunctional bits in yourown life. My favourite televisionprogramme apart from racing is TheVoice.

Describe your perfect night in andperfect night out:My perfect night in is a good meal,glass of wine and a good film, if I canmanage to stay awake. Perfect nightout is good company, good food andlots of champagne.

What do you do to take a breakfrom training – any hobbies orfavourite holiday destinations?Hobbies...probably any sport.Holidays, last year went to Broadhavenwith friends for a week, very relaxing,laid down a lot, beautiful weather andvery quiet out of season. Perfect.

Who would be your ideal travellingcompanions to the races?My ideal travelling companions wouldbe my wife and my father-in-law,David, and also I'd have to say thewoman in the satnav!

Who are your biggest heroes – in orout of racing?My biggest heroes would have to beRichard Dunwoody and my Dad, whowas a brilliant horseman and had agreat eye for a horse.

What has been your funniestincident at the races?I have so many funny stories at theraces, some I shouldn’t mention, but amemory of me and Leslie Law bothriding horses for Dad, out for the firsttime in a Maiden. I told him:“Whatever you do don’t follow me!”The end of the story is that he didand, in a 6 horse pile-up caused by myhorse, Leslie was found sheepishly atthe bottom of the pile.

If you hadn't taken up training,what would you have done instead?When I left school I had the chance towork and jump for Ted Edgar, so Ithink if I hadn’t chosen racing I wouldhave gone into show-jumping.

Which horses do you have at themoment that you would say havegood potential?We have some outstanding two-year-olds, but, from the horses we aretraining now, Lotus Pond has goodpotential, not sure we’ve quite got thebest out of him yet.

What ambitions do you have inracing?My ambition in racing is to producetop quality NH horses to win the GoldCup or King George, either or both!And this year, to see our son Peter winthe Novice Championship would bewonderful.

What are your favourite courses,and why?My favourite courses are Tabley andChaddesley Corbett. They arebeautiful courses, well run and holdmany happy memories.

What do you consider to be thebiggest challenges for Point-to-Point trainers?The biggest challenges in my opinionare paying the bills, and being able torace locally on a regular basis with theright races in the schedule.

What are your opinions on thechanges in Point-to-Pointing inrecent years?I think there have been a lot ofpositive changes in recent years. Oneis doing entries online, saves lots oftime and can more accurately enterhorses after the previous weekend'sracing. Another very good addition arerace series with a Final at the end. Itgives something positive to aim forand makes it more exciting. It wouldbe good to see more of them.

What developments do you thinkwould benefit the sport in thefuture?In the future I think there needs to begood co-ordination between Areas andNational schedules in race planning toprevent clusters of meetings closetogether which lead to sparse fieldsand boring racing. It would really helpthe sport move forward. Also aHunter Chase meeting once a monthwould help trainers and jockeys whoare running horses and have to travelso far to run one horse or ride onehorse.

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WOODWAY

‘Team Hill’ rider James Tudor and Sharp Suit Photo: Julie Drewett racehorsephotos.co.uk

THE WIZARDOF

PART II


Appropriately, it is just as Alan finishessumming up his riding career thatLawney enters the kitchen at WoodwayFarm. Lawney was a successful rider inher own right before turning her handto training. She took out a professionallicence in 2005 and now trainssuccessfully under rules, known bestfor improving modest horses and for ahigh win and place strike rate. Untilthen, the pointers and hunter chasersin the yard ran in her name, but it wasvery much a joint operation. Alanexplains how he and his wife met.

“It was at a housewarming party formy good friends Ian and TockyMcKie. I arrived late and hung overthe day after the National Point-to-Point Dinner, where I’d won leadingHunter Chase rider. Tocky told me Icould sit next to her new secretary orJenny Pidgeon – no offence Jenny, butI chose the secretary!”

Alan proposed to that secretary onChristmas Day 1985 – “I asked him togive me 48 hours to think about it,”chips in Lawney – and they weremarried on October 31st the next year.“As we got married on Halloween andyou’ve named Alan the Wizard ofWoodway,” chimed in Lawney again,“Does that make me a witch?”

On a more serious note, theirrelationship coincided with Lawney’smother – Sally Gill, who owned andtrained Midlands Grand Nationalwinner Mr Mole – suffering a serioushunting accident. “We did most of our

courting at Stoke Mandeville,” laughsAlan ruefully. “The circumstanceswere unfortunate, but it was a greatsocial gathering. We’d have a partyuntil we’d be thrown out late at night.”

The Hills started training while theywere both still climbing and – likeAlan’s riding career – they took time toreach the lofty heights they nowoccupy. “We used to have just two orthree horses of our own,” explainedAlan. “Our first owners were Malcolmand Dale Dickens, who now act asClerks of the Scales in the SouthMidlands area. They bought a horsecalled Lurgie for their son Jamie toride – and all it managed to win for uswas a Hunt Race in 1989!”

Their breakthrough horses were theaforementioned Green Archer – whowon ten Opens and a Hunter Chase –and multiple Hunter Chase winner MrSnowman. “They put us on the map,”said Lawney with relief. “Suddenly wewent from winning Members races totaking Opens. And it’s so much easierand more fun training good horses.They’re more consistent, don’t have togive 100% all the time to win and areless likely to go wrong.”

They learnt their trade, according toAlan, by picking up tips from thetrainers they rode for, as well as bytheir attention to detail. On feedingfrom the example – Lawney explains:“Now you buy complete food for yourhorses, it’s already balanced andcontains the right amount of oils andvitamins. But when we started training,you had to mix it all yourself. Andhorses are like humans – they all reactto food differently. (Cheltenhamwinner) Mr Splodge, for example,couldn’t digest starch, so we had togive him food based on soya oil ratherthan protein.”

The same individual approach that theHills apply to feeding goes for theirtraining regime. “Every horse likes tobe trained differently,” confirmedAlan. “It’s mental as well as physical. Ifour horses don’t eat up after a race, itcan mean that they’ve had a hard raceand that their stomach muscles havecontracted, so we can’t run them for a

while.” I comment on the largeamounts of water that are thrown overthe Hill horses after a race. “It’s not tohide the whip marks,” jokes Alan. “It’sto reduce their body temperature andget the oxygen flowing into theirblood.” And while we’re on the subjectof water, the Hills take their ownwater when their horses have anovernight stay anywhere, to ensurethey keep drinking and don’t dehydrate(the horses, that is!)

As champion trainer, Alan has accessto top jockeys, and is best known forhis long-standing association withJames Tudor. His links with the yarddate back to 2002, when he was astudent at Reading University. “Jameswas mates with (jockey turned trainer)Tim Vaughan, who recommended himto us. He spent so much time here thathe ended up living with us in his finalyear rather than paying for studentaccommodation.” Like the youthfulAlan, James was always up for achallenge and, in the trainer’s words,“was like Martini – he’d ride anything,anywhere, anytime.”

Lawney takes over the story: “I said toAlan ‘this kid’s going to be alright’ butthe first time we saw him ride atLarkhill, he lost his irons at the firstand pulled up before the second. I’dnever seen anyone so disappointed inmy life. Alan was not sympathetic.”James’ first winner for the yard wasBolide D’Aunay. “Rowan Cope wassupposed to ride,” continued Lawney,“but he decided to ride one forCaroline Bailey. James won and Rowanwas second.”

While James may only have beenNational Champion Point-to-Pointjockey once, in 2007, he is widelyregarded as the best in the businessand his record round tracks such asCottenham and Kingston Blount issecond to none. The Hills also use topfemale rider Gina Andrews, who theygave her breakthrough on the popularmare Mid Div And Creep and whorides the prolific Start Royal for theyard. So, with access to the top riders,what – in Alan’s opinion – makes theideal jockey?

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April

2015 In part two of a three part series Jake Exelby talks to trainer Alan Hill

about how he met his wife, Lawney, their approach to training, theirriders’ and owners’, and sourcing horses...

Lawney Hill (right) pictured with owner/riderSusannah Gill


“The first thing is that they’ve got abrain,” he confirms, “but mostimportantly, they must have talent.James and Gina are totally natural.And without wishing to blow smokeup my son’s arse,” he goes on (blowingsmoke…), “Joe is very good over afence. It’s his hunting background.He’s learnt a lot from James, Gina andprofessional riders like Aidan Colemanand Nick Scholfield. He’s been luckyso far, but you have to make the bestof your luck.”

He’s on a roll now. “We’re spoilt withJames and Gina riding for us, but Ialways like to think we have the bestjockey in the race, with novices likeAlbert Chandler and Lucy Wheeler.Lucy is a natural on a horse, plus shelistens, which is important.” And oneto watch from outside the stable? “Itipped Ciaran Gethings as one tofollow at the start of the season,” heclaims proudly, “And everyone knowsabout him now.”

With the Hill opinion on jockeys madeclear, I ask him what makes the ideal

owner, a subject on which I have avested interest! “Someone who’s agood payer,” he laughs before pointingout that “Owners come to us, we don’tnetwork.” (Which is certainly true inmy case). To answer my question, hecontrasts two very different, butlongstanding, owners in the yard.

“Rodney Mann has had horses withuse since the 1990s with Arble Marchand Rivers End and is a real old-school owner,” he tells me. He’s lovedhunting and racing all his life, rode inraces himself and likes to havePointers in training. He still rides outon Sharp Suit and smiles as much afterthat as he does when he’s had awinner.” As well as his current horsesSharp Suit and Brians Well, Rodneyhas had a number of good winners,including Gray Knight, More Troubleand Cheltenham Foxhunters secondBon Accord, who is possibly Alan’sbest ever horse.

On the other hand, there is MichaelAvery – part owner of Start Royal, theHills’ winningmost horse. “He’s had a

horse, or at least a leg of one, everyyear since 1989.” An accountant bytrade, he lives in West London – atotally different background – and isknown for being particular aboutwhere he runs his horses. “In whatother sport would you find Rodneyand Michael on the same playingfield?” asks Alan rhetorically.

So where does Alan find the horsesfor his owners to buy and his jockeysto ride? “Mostly at public sales,”confirms the trainer, “Although noavenues are closed to us. I like thehorses I buy to have a bit of NationalHunt form, ideally that they’ve beenplaced over at least two and a halfmiles, so I know they stay and haveability.” It’s fashionable at the momentto buy Irish Point-to-Pointers, but notfor Alan as “I don’t know so muchabout the form.” And you don’t oftensee an unraced Pointer fromWoodway, because “Store horses canbe costly and time-consuming. If youget a good one, they look cheap but ifnot, they seem very expensive…”

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The ‘Team Hill’ Riders: Gina Andrews (top left), Albert Chandler (top right), Joe Hill (bottom left), Lucy Wheeler (bottom right)Photos: Neale Blackburn (chasdog.com) and Julie Drewett (racehorsephotos.co.uk)


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

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PLUSpointingApril 5-6, 2014

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

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Picture: SILVENA TONCHEVA

PLUSpointingMay 17-18, 2014

Edition 26


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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BERKELEY at WOODFORDSaturday, 25 Aprilby Peter MansellWoodford always provides goodracing and this Saturday's meeting islikely to continue that trend.

Its popularity can be gauged by thefact that a significant number oftrainers have targeted this meeting.Many of them have entered horses forthe 2m4f Maiden race which willprovide plenty of clues about thefuture career prospects for many ofthe participants.

Tom Lacey took this race last yearwith Mister Dinosaur and bids tofollow up with the unraced Sugar LoafSholto. With a business model aimedat a future sale Lacey's horses arealways well prepared, a policy that hasserved them well in the past.

Jack Barber has two high profileowners in Graham Roach (DriftWood) and Paul Nicholls (San Satiro)so it will be interesting to see whichone champion rider elect Will Biddickchooses.

Entries from further afield includehorses from Philip Rowley'sBridgnorth stable (Midnight Luca and

Round Robin), while West Countrytrainer Nikki Frost has RobinLongstride and Stop The Press tochoose from.

Passage East will benefit from herrecent run at Brampton Bryan, whileDuke of Spain finished second on hisdebut. There is no substitute forracecourse experience which shouldhelp him take a hand in the finish.

That remark also applies to BignoseKate, who finished runner-up on herdebut at Upton-upon-Severn. Theform looks good and as she only hadgave way to the winner on the run in, asurprise could be on the cards.

The Frampton Cotterell stable ofFrances Poole caused an upset whenOne to Note took the Members race12 months ago, but the boot is on theother foot this year as they will be oneof the more fancied partnerships.

Master Mariner provided Tetbury-based Amanda Maller and GaryMeredith with a long awaited win atAndoversford a couple of weeks ago,but whether that was a flash in the panremains to be seen. Give A Hootoffers them an alternative.

Meeting Secretary Tracey Barfoot-Saunt will have to take time off fromthose duties if Bruslini takes part andvictory for him would fill the bookiessatchels. Autumn Haze has the bestform coming into the race and he's theone they all have to beat.

Coeur de Fou is an interesting entryfor the Conditions race. He had goodform under Rules and Slad trainerTom George is adept at finding easyopportunities in the Point-to-Pointfield.

Joe the Trucker has held his form wellthis season but has been touched offin his last two outings - could this bethird time lucky?

The odds look against Westonbirtteacher Kate Derrick and PlettenburgBay who lost his way recently, but hewould not be the first horse to benefitfrom the one to one attention theyreceive in smaller stables.

The Subaru-sponsored Restricted isthe target for racing personality LukeHarvey's Porlock Bay but given hispast record he would not be one toback at short odds. Jason Warner'sKeen Eye is another for the short list,but Mr Jalfrazy finished third at this

Keen Eye, one for the shorlist in theSubaru Restricted race at WoodfordPhoto: Tim Holt [email protected]

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meeting 12 months ago so obviouslylikes the course.

Angela Rucker's Worcestershire stableholds the key to the Ladies Open withSagalyrique, Lienosus and Tripiticopreferred in that order. Rucker's niecePhine Banks relies on Invisible Manwho has struggled for form so far thisyear, but could now be turning thecorner. Qrackers is sure to set a strongpace, while Minella Fifty could pop upat rewarding odds.

The entries for the Mens Open lookedevenly matched with last year's winnerCertain Flight aiming for a repeatperformance. Findlays Find seems toimprove at this stage of the season soit would be no surprise to see himprevail.

Foynes Island won a similar event atSton Easton, while the chances ofMidnight King, Posh Totty, SilverToken and Subtle Sovereign have to berespected.

The meeting finishes with the OpenMaiden, and this could see a battlebetween Jack Barber's Bugsie Maloneand Tom Lacey's Fly Du Charmil.Both horse's ability has to be taken ontrust whereas Axelle Walls pairing ofWy Worry or Xpectations have bothshown a good level of form and theymust go close if repeating thoseefforts.

CHIDDINGFOLD, LECONFIELD& COWDRAY at PARHAMSaturday, 25 Aprilby Will HickmanParham hosts its second and finalmeeting of the season on Saturday,

where seven races have attracted 75entries between them.

The day kicks off with anIntermediate race, where a maximumof ten horses could potentially takepart. Local horses include three forNick Pearce, recent Maiden winningmares, Miss Alice Jones and InsideOut, as well as Come On You, who isin contention for the National YoungHorse Award. Phil York also has three,Gamato, Leafy Arbour, and the treblechasing Conna Cloud. Other localentries include David Phelan’sRunning In Heels, Alison Hickman’sThenford Ryde, while TimUnderwood’s Kingston Blount winnerCarnglave Cat and the highly rated,Laura Thomas trained, CreditCrunched make up the field.

The Mens Open race comes next,which could be wide open with nostand out horses. Broughton Greenwas going well on his first run for twoyears at Aldington before unseatingPhil Hall at the last, he has been givena high rating for that run and is thehighest rated in here. Just behind himis Come On You, who may find thisrace easier than the Intermediate, awin in this would put him straight tothe top of the Young Horse Awardtable. Kellystown Lad was runningwell at Andoversford beforeunshipping his veteran owner riderfour out, a change of jockey could seea better run on ground that he willrelish. Other horses to note are firmground loving pair Captain Crackersand Peyekashe, course winner Pastek,and local horses Gagewell Flyer, JoeThe Rogue and Dead Or Alive.

The Ladies Open race looks a higherquality affair, with Behind The Scenesand Volcan Surprise potentially set tore-oppose. The former is in the formof his life and is on a roll, but he waswell beaten on his only run at thiscourse. Other entries includepreviously mentioned Dead Or Alive,Joe The Rogue and Kellystown Lad,plus Noble Commander, Oscar TheMyth and previous course winnersSeigneur Des Bois and Zakharyina.

The Club Members Conditions raceincludes horses that wouldn’t look outof place in the Mens Open, i.e. CreditCrunched and Full Throttle, bothtrained by Laura Thomas. Added intothe mix is Definite Ridge, who cameso close to winning at Charing inFebruary but has failed to completesince, as well as Tim Underwood’sKnowhentofoldem, who was a touchdisappointing at Kingston Blount atthe weekend. Come On You holds athird entry in this but it probably looksthe tougher race of the three.

The Restricted race has eleven entriesand Nick Pearce could be mobhanded, potentially running InsideOut, Miss Alice Jones andSimonsruudt, all impressive Maidenwinners this season. A considerablethreat to these three is Charing winnerHere I Am, whose form was frankedwhen Ballybrack Dancer won theMaiden at Penshurst on Saturday.Marlpit Oak has run in this race forthe past two years and placed eachtime, she has an affinity for the courseand loves firm ground to bounce off.

The Open Maiden race looks betweenseveral horses including Boy Of Boru,

Come On You holdsmultiple entries for trainerNick Pearce at Parham

Photo:Julie Drewettracehorsephotos.co.uk

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Slidecheck and There You Are, whohave all been runner-up this season,while My Brother Pat has also placedtwice. James Young, trainer of MarlpitOak, has Deal Of The Day enteredfor this, the seven-year-old has runeight times this season and has placedthe last three times in decent races.

The meeting is finished off by a HuntRace that has six entries. CaptainCrackers is easily the best of these onform while Merrydown Vintageshould swerve the Restricted to run inthis. The field is made up of maidensConfederate Grey, Music Lover, andWhispering Boy, plus veteran NobleCommander.

FIFE at BALCORMO MAINSSaturday, 25 Aprilby Peter BurgonAll roads lead to Balcormo Mains, themost northerly Point-to-Point venue inBritain, for the Fife meeting onSaturday 25th April. There are 57entries on a six race card starting at2pm, with a season's best prize fund of£2,500 on offer, including £300 toboth Open winners and £175 to thewinners of the other four contests.

Pony racing makes a welcome returnto Balcormo after a break of severalyears and precedes the main action at

1pm. There are six entries for the138cm contest over five furlongs and11 entries for the 148cm contest oversix furlongs. Recent Tranwell scorers,Stretcholt Hermes and Pick Pocketcould be the ones to beat in theirrespective races.

Kinneston trainer Nick Alexander hasalready sent out six winners betweenthe flags this term and holds a stronghand in the Members race with threeof the leading entries, Back On TheRoad, Master Butcher and RoyalChatelier. The consistent Back OnThe Road won at Friars Haugh fourweeks ago and was only beaten alength by Indian Print in the MorpethMens Open a fortnight later. MasterButcher would have made it three winsfrom four starts this season had thesaddle not slipped on the run-in atDalston, while soft ground specialistRoyal Chatelier was an impressive tenlengths winner of the CumberlandFarmers Mens Open on EasterMonday. Milano Magic is on a hat-trick following wins at Crossford andDalston under Nick Orpwood; 2014winner Tipsy Dara was pulled up lasttime out, while the list is completed byMomkinzain and Sir Watty.

The Subaru Restricted race has 10entries and the main contenders arelikely to be Afterclass, Nelly La Rue,

Paddy's Wish and The Toft. The NickAlexander-trained gelding Afterclassgot off the mark at Crossford and hasfinished in the first four on his otherfive starts. Tranwell scorer Nelly LaRue has a similar record to Afterclassand should be ideally suited by thegalloping nature of the track. Theimproving Paddy's Wish has enjoyed asix week break since beating lastSunday's Corbridge winner,Whatsthestoryman at Friars Haugh,while the lightly-raced LucindaRussell-trained mare, The Toft, beatWhatsthestoryman by a head in theBerwickshire Maiden four weeks ago.

The Ladies Open race is low onnumbers but high on quality. JoannaWalton's mount, Durban Gold, whoscored over three miles and fivefurlongs at Corbridge almost twomonths ago before striking gold againat Dalston, will relish this stayers track.First-time cheekpieces did the trick forWhiteabbey at Tranwell last time andanother bold front-running display isexpected from Rebecca Hewit'scharge. Gemma Cochrane's evergreen14-year-old gelding Keeverfield alsoloves to dictate the pace and lookedlike following up last month'sCrossford victory until a last fenceblunder at Dalston gave CatherineWalton no chance of keeping the

The Toft (near side) - a main contender for theSubaru Restricted race at Balcormo MainsPhoto: Grace Beresford p2pnorthernphotos.co.uk

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partnership intact. Whisperdale posteda career-best effort at Corbridge lastSunday, his seventh outing of theseason, when finishing a close 3rdbehind Drill Sergeant in a fast time,while ex-chaser Fozy Moss was onlybeaten one and a half lengths byIndian Print in the recent MorpethMens Open.

The aforementioned Royal Chatelierheads the 10 entries for the MensOpen and, provided there is plenty ofcut in the ground, looks the one tobeat. Proven stayer Some Target endeda four year losing run in a weakercontest at Crossford. Prolific winnerGunner Jack needs soft or heavyground these days and has only madeone appearance in the last elevenmonths. Nick Alexander's versatilegelding Rossini's Dancer scored on his75th career outing at Crossford but,next time out, could only finish 4thbehind stable companion RoyalChatelier at Dalston. Northumbrianraider Indian Print took his career tallyto seventeen at Tranwell and shouldagain be in the mix.

The NPPA Club Members Race has16 entries including theaforementioned quartet of Back OnThe Road, Master Butcher, MilanoMagic and Tipsy Dara. Of the others,Coquet Head was only beaten half alength by Whiteabbey on his first startsince Boxing Day at Tranwell, DunFaw Good is on a hat-trick followingwins at Alnwick and Friars Haugh,while Lowanbehold finished twelvelengths 2nd to Six A Side in the

Middleton Intermediate race on EasterSaturday.

There are more letters than numbersin the form figures of the nine entriesfor the concluding Open Maiden race.After being pulled-up on his first twostarts, Doreen Calder's 7-year-oldgelding Sound Barrier showed that heis heading in the right direction whenfinishing five lengths 3rd to Braeparkover two and a half miles at Tranwell.First season Pointer, Catchamatshaped with more promise when 4that Dalston, while Anzinger is betterthan recent form figures of PP mightindicate.

Watering started on Monday and willcontinue daily with no rain forecastbefore Friday, to ensure that good safejumping ground will be produced forthe day.

QUORN at GARTHORPESaturday, 25 Aprilby Emma FormanThe Quorn Point-to-Point races takeplace at Garthorpe on Saturday; 105entries have been taken in total for theseven races starting at 1pm.

The feature race is the prestigiousQuorn Gold Cup (Mens Open race)sponsored by Shouler and Son whichhas attracted 14 entries including the2013 winner Richard Russell'sGunmoney who was second in therace last year. The 10-year-old comeshere in good form having won twoMens Open races before beingnarrowly beaten by Doctor Kingsley at

the Pytchley on his latest start. Othersto consider include James Henderson'sOtto The Great who won the NoviceRiders' race at the last meeting atGarthorpe. Also Toby Hunt has DoneA Runner and Nightcap Jack enteredalthough these two horses also haveoptions in other races.

The Ladies Open race sponsored byRobert Whowell & Partners mayinclude Palypso De Creek who wouldcertainly take all the beating if he linesup; however his participation maydepend on significant rainfall duringthe week which is not forecast. Othersto consider include Qoubilai who haswon three Open races this season.Rider Lottie Crane is ahead in both theD & M Barthorpe Leading Lady riderChampionship and the Novice RiderChampionship for the Midlands Areaand extra points here would see herextend that lead. Sagalyrique won atthe Pytchley recently but punters needto be mindful of the fact that he ranout at the last fence when looking likewinning on his only visit to Garthorpein 2013. The riders of the first threepast the post will score points in theAGA Lady Riders iTotal ControlChampionship.

Lottie Crane has another good ride inthe opening Prestwold Hall GarthorpeHunts Members Conditions racewhere she may partner Mister Philson.This horse won the Novice Riders'race at Dingley on Easter Saturday.However, the current SouthwellRacecourse-sponsored Garthorpeleading horse Lough Inch is expected

Gunmoney is in goodform and looks the oneto beat in the Quorn GoldCup at Garthorpe

Photo:Jackie Olivergraftonwood.co.uk

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to line up here. Trained by TomMorgan, fresh from a treble lastSunday, Lough Inch will be ridden bythe current leading female rider atGarthorpe Kelly Morgan and will takesome beating. Lough Inch has won atthe last two meetings at the course.Navitron have sponsored a £600 prizefor the leading hunt in this series ofraces and so far the Belvoir have aclear lead.

Lough Inch and Mister Philson alsohold entries in the PPORA NoviceRiders' race sponsored by CoppiceHomes. Done A Runner could alsoopt for this race instead of the Open.He has won twice for Lucy Wheelerthis season and won on this course atthe Meynell last year. Lucy may insteadpartner Nightcap Jack who benefittedfrom a walkover at the Atherstone onSunday. Dream Garden is another toconsider here for James and FredHenderson; this horse won a ClubConditions race at Cocklebarrowearlier in the season and seems ingood form. Murphy' s Promise was aclose second to the other Hendersonhorse Otto The Great at the Belvoirand should run well again for HarryBurt.

The Kite Construction Midlands AreaClub Members race looks to bebetween Anthea Morshead's

Lockedinthepocket and Tracey Bailey'sCount Salazar. Both these horses havebeen placed in Open company thisseason and will take some beating inthis contest.

William Hercock sponsors thePPORA Club Member's Condition'srace. Murphy's Promise may opt torun here instead of his earlierengagement. John Docker'sAmithereyet is consistent and shouldgo close while Fearthedark who wonhis Restricted at the Belvoir meetingmay be the one to beat for the in-formGerald Bailey stable.

The Bailey team have a good chanceof winning a quality Open Maidenrace sponsored by Motorpoint. HereFearsome Fred may line up having runvery well on his debut at ThorpeLodge on Easter Monday. RogerJackson has Lord Golan entered; heran well to be third in a Restricted atThorpe Lodge and will be ridden byTom Strawson who is currently in thelead for the Southwell Racecourseleading male rider at GarthorpeChampionship. Finally OliverGreenall's entry Beware The Bear ishighly regarded and finished second atBangor on his only start. Overall thislooks a fascinating contest to end thePoint-to-Point action.

AXE VALE at STAFFORD CROSSSunday, 26 Aprilby Donna HarrisHameldown Tor could be out lookingfor his fourth win of the season, forowners the Otter Club, in the LeeClifford Engineering-sponsored MixedOpen at Stafford Cross this weekend.It is the turn of the Axe Vale to hosttheir Point-to-Point meeting, nearSeaton, Exeter, on Sunday 26th April.Local trainer Ed Walker scored adouble last weekend, with HameldownTor taking the Mixed Open at FletePark, and Level Spirit, another for theOtter Club, took the Confined race.Both are entered again here, and eitherare options for Robbie Henderson toride. The challengers could be fromthe in-form Jack Barber team, withboth Posh Totty and Subtle Sovereignhaving won recently under WillBiddick.

With pony racing heading up theaction at 12 noon, this promises to bea great day out for all the family.Nearly 100 entries have been receivedfor the main seven race card, whichkicks off with the Beviss &Beckingsale-sponsored Members raceat 1.30pm. Hameldown Tor also holdsan entry in the Members race, withouthim in the equation, Tandori is one toconsider, from the Paul Phillips team,

Done A Runner has a couple of options atGarthorpe on Saturday

Photo: Nico Morgan nicomorgan.com

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a previous course winner here, and rana good second at Hackwood Park lastmonth.

J & FJ Baker sponsor the Confinedrace in which Kostaquarta, anotherfrom the Barber team, could run welland follow up on his win at MilborneSt Andrew. Louis Pasteur would needto improve on his recent second atCharlton Horethorne, Steeltown andFiulin both ran well in a Hunter Chaseat Exeter on Monday and could figurehere if turning out again.

The Intermediate race has beensponsored by Martin Diplock EstateAgents; entry Cold Knight catches theeye, he is progressive and could go onebetter than his recent second atAndoversford, when sent off favouritethat day. Sonoftheking is another toconsider, also having run second in anIntermediate race, and is alsoprogressing well for the Nicola Martinteam.

Harry Cobden won a Handicap Chaseat Wincanton, whilst riding Ulck DuLin for Paul Nicholls last weekend, hethen made it to Littlewindsor the sameafternoon to win on Cock Of TheRock. Harry’s possible mount in theLentells Accountants-sponsoredNovice Riders race is Silver Token,having clocked up four wins so far thisseason they are the likely favourites.Loose Preformer has been impressive,owned/trained and ridden by farrierHedley Webb, they have won all threeof their starts so should go close.Mic’s Delight for owner/trainer/jockey Jennifer Davenport is likely to

set the pace, and will put up a boldshow.

The Restricted race is sponsored bySubaru, this could go the way ofanother Ed Walker trained entry OnYour Max, having run close seconds intwo Restricted races this season. BothRoyalzaro and Anglingforcharlie couldimprove on their recent Maiden winsand be in the mix. Gleannacreim fromthe Charlotte Hawker team, andSparkling Miss from the MichaelMiller team are other entries to note ifthe going stays on the good side.

The Scott Rowe Solicitors-sponsoredOpen Maiden race could go the way ofthe Milan sired newcomer San Satirofrom the Barber team. He is a halfbrother to The Eaglehaslanded, whotook this race last season, and isowned by champion National Hunttrainer Paul Nicholls, he could beanother horse for the future.Whatastormnorm ran well at bothGreat Trethew meetings, clocking up asecond and third. Queens Law lookedto find the going too testing whenthird at Upcott Cross, and is anotherwho could appreciate the drier ground.

CHESHIRE at TABLEYSunday, 26 Aprilby Rory AlkinThe Mixed Open (3.25) at Tabley onSunday looks a competitive affair.King Fontaine was well ridden here inthe Mens Open a fortnight ago byGillon Crow and looked to have themeasure of Third Of The Third who

fell at the last. Fruit Fayre woncomfortably at Eyton-On-Severn onEaster Monday and would stand areasonable chance but if MickeyBowen brings Sir Du Bearn to themeeting from West Wales, the LydstepOpen winner may just have too muchclass for his rivals and give the owner/trainer’s cousin Peter Bryan anotherwin in his quest to become leadingNovice Rider.

In the Intermediate (2.50) Bryanstands a good chance with his father’sLotus Pond who ran well here at thelast meeting but had no answer forNumbercruncher in the NoviceRiders. Sheila Crow may saddleAbbeyview who was running awaywith a Confined at Brampton Bryanbefore falling at the second last andthen ran a good race when second toSam Cavallaro at Eyton-On-Severn.However, if Gary Hanmer decides torun Third Of The Third here ratherthan the Mixed Open, he is taken toprevail.

Numbercruncher had consistently runwell for veteran owner/rider DavidO’Brien over the past year and lookedvery useful when gaining his first winfor the stable. The combination aretaken to win the Novice Riders (2.05)and may have most to fear fromGullible Gordon who was unluckywhen hampered and unseated riderlast time here, having lookedimpressive when winning at Bangorlast month.

In the opening Confined (1.30) coursespecialist Time Gentleman who won

Silver Token, the likelymount of Harry Cobdenin the Novice Riders raceat the Axe Vale meetingat Stafford Cross

Photo:Tim [email protected]

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at the course for the eighth time in theCheshire Forest Members stands agood chance as would the Sheila Crowtrained choice of Irish Anthem orConnies Cross. However, it may provebest to take a chance with PenangIsland who won impressively atBangor before falling behind KingFontaine last time out.

Road West trained by CarolineRobinson and ridden by her daughterImmy easily won the Maiden here afortnight ago and is likely to prove toostrong in the Restricted (4.00) for thelikes of No Alterations, Wood Parkand Jalingo’s Mate. In the concludingMaiden (5.10), the Oliver Greenalltrained 5-year-old Late Romanticshould run a big race having just failedto beat Belton Red Fox at Bangor onhis first ever run. The other one tolook out for in the race is Happy RingHouse who shaped very promisinglybehind Road West here and shouldimprove for that experience.

FARMERS BLOODHOUNDSat WHITFIELDSunday, 26 Aprilby Jake ExelbyThe second meeting of the season atWhitfield has attracted a total of 101entries for its seven races. The ratio of

runners to entries has been extremelyhigh this season, so racegoers canexpect a high turnout, and the coursemanagement is making every effort tomaintain this trend, as MeetingSecretary Jenny Haycock explained.

"The course looks very good," shetold me having walked it on Mondayafternoon. "We started watering onSunday and will continue to do so inorder to produce the best possiblegoing."

National sponsors AGA turn theirattention to the Maiden Race, in whichowners and jockeys will be trying torack up points for the AGA AllComers Championship, whichconcludes at Chaddesley Corbett onMay 29th. With 25 entries, there isevery chance that it will be split on theday. Laura Thomas' Nightscape isbound to be a leading contender andthe trainer confirmed that he is anintended runner, following his recentKimble fourth. "He didn't like thegood to soft ground there and needs ita bit firmer, he'll like the stiff uphillfinish too," she said. However, he willhave to reverse the form with MissMilly Massini, who finished fivelengths ahead in third that day.Andrew Pennock's raiders from EastAnglia have to be respected and LordBaltimore is improving with every

race, having finished second twice thismonth, while Nick Pearce's Slidecheckhas been placed in all three outings inPoint-to-Points.

The main event of the day is theLadies Open - in aid of the NewbottleFun Ride on June 21st - but unusually,there is no equivalent for male riders.Positive discrimination for a change!This event has attracted 17 entries, butthey'll all have to go to beat recentcourse winner Qoubilai, who isunbeaten in three runs this season,having won his last two for LottieCrane by 70 lengths and one and a halffences! Rey Nacarado has won twoPoints this year for Gina Andrews, thecurrent leader in the Lady RidersChampionship, and My Minds Maidmay not have raced this season, but isbest at this time of year and can't beruled out for the bang-in-form GabeMahon yard. And keep an eye onChris Loggin's Cutlass Silver. Sheneeds to improve on her seasonaldebut, but her astute trainer is startingto get into gear and his runners arealways worth watching when he does.

Following the pony races, thethoroughbreds kick-off with the HuntMembers Race. The best form thisseason has been shown by Ilongue,third to Dabinett Moon on herreappearance where Tousupreme

Road West and Immy Robinson look the ones to followin the Restricted race at Tabley

Photo: Sweet Photography sweetphotography.com

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pulled-up. Chris Loggin's ToweringRun showed little on his first run thisyear but always thrives with the sun onhis back, while Killurin's recentMaiden race third could see him inwith a shout.

The Groundlines Novice Riders Racehas 17 possible contestants. Faringdontrainer James Henderson confirmedthat he is likely to run Thanks ForComing - a winner under rules lastseason - with son Freddie on board."We're mystified with hisdisappointing form this season," histrainer told me. "He seemsenthusiastic and has been hunting andcantering well, but hasn't beenfinishing his races. We're just hopinghe'll come right soon." SimonGilmore's Sivola De Sivola has beenconsistent in this type of race thisyear, while supporters ofShropshirelass - a winner at theGrafton meeting here last season - willbe hoping that Ilongue gives herMollington form a boost by winningthe opener. Done A Runner, from thepowerful Alan Hill stable, has beenentered but may go to Cheltenhamnext Wednesday for the Connolly'sRed Mills Intermediate Final.

The Restricted Race is sponsored byThe Veterinary Centre at MaidsMoreton and has 13 entries, includingMr Jalfrazy, placed twice in this type ofcontest, for in-form trainer TomWeston, since winning his Maiden atCocklebarrow earlier this season. NickPearce is responsible for two

improvers - Simonsruudt and MissAlice Jones - and Tims Crusader fromthe Jeremy Mahot yard is also on theupgrade. One potentially interestingcontender could be Chris Loggin's Bitof A Barney. He's only run once sincewinning his Maiden here in 2012, andhas been placed on the other four ofhis five starts, but his trainer assuresme that he's fit and ready to run. Lastseason he was entered in Points moretimes than any other horse who didn'trun - and is just waiting for the idealground.

The Intermediate Race, jointlysponsored by On Tap and A CutAbove, is possibly the mostcompetitive event of the day.Improving mare Dabinett Moon, agrand-daughter of the greatbroodmare Windfall VI, is set tofollow-up her win in the mares race atMollington and is "well and bouncing"according to rider Claire Hart. FreddieHenderson is currently leading theSouth Midlands Area Novice RidersChampionship and will be hoping toscore more points on Oliver James, ofwhom trainer (and breeder of thejockey) James said. "He's my favouritehunter - a gentleman. But he's a bigold tank so we don't run him much."Watch out when he does run though -he's won his last two, including atLockinge on his seasonal debut. LauraThomas is hoping to run CreditCrunched, who has been "buckingaway since his Kimble win," althoughplans are ground-dependent.

The concluding race on the main cardis a Conditions race for older horseswho haven't won since 2013.Himalayan Express is highest-ratedand ran well behind the classy DivineIntavention last time, but his bestform has come in shorter HunterChases. Woodlark Island and Play TheMarket are closely matched - throughChardonnay - on this year's form andPaddycards has not lived up to hisearly season promise recently. NipperJohn is admirably consistent and mayprove hard to beat if returning to his2013 form - when he won five times -after a truncated season last year.Finally, Ed Turner's Kriss William isanother from a yard that always runsinto form at this time of year.

Believe it or not, there will actually bea grand total of 12 races at Sunday'smeeting! As well as the seven contestsdescribed above, 31 entries have beenreceived for the three pony races thatprecede the Point-to-Point races,meaning that one of them will bedivided on the day. And proceedingsclose with a new race, the FarmersBloodhounds Challenge Race,sponsored by A & E Deverall and BobTofield. Jenny Haycock explained howit will unfold. "It's for riders andhorses who have hunted with theFarmers Bloodhounds at least fourtimes this season. Horses will raceover a course of one and a half miles,jumping all the fences including theopen ditch, and all the entry moneygoes to the Air Ambulance."

Mr Jalfrazy could run forin-form trainer TomLacey in the Restrictedrace at Whitfield

Photo:Phil Brittphilbrittphotos.zenfolio.com

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SOUTH & WEST WILTSat LARKHILLSunday, 26 Aprilby Brian & Gill ArmstrongBedrock Fred is fancied to record hisfifth Larkhill success in Sunday's South& West Wilts Mens Open. El Tannerand Dave Weston's 9-year-old geldinghas contested seven of his last 10races at the Wiltshire venue, winningat the Avon Vale fixture in March, andwas not disgraced when fifth of 14 inBlinding Lights' Exeter Hunter Chasea week ago. James Young's coursespecialist Hincheslea Moor, NewForest winner Perfectly Willing, whowas second in a high-class 18 runnerMens Open here in January, Paxfordwinner Anseanachai Cliste and stablecompanions Quedillac andTrueflyingcolours are five more toconsider. King's Legacy proved hiswellbeing with a comfortable win inKingston Blount's Confined onSaturday, but Bedrock Fred gets thevote.

Trurflyingcolours, a good winner hereat the Avon Vale, will be the selectionif connections opt for the LadiesOpen. The 15 entries includeHincheslea Moor and Quedillac andSeigneur Des Bois, who couldn't copewith Trueflyingcolours at the Avon

Vale. Major Decision, No No Bingoand Wak A Turtle will be supportedbut the consistent Ruapehu, whochased up the prolific Sagalyrique atBadbury Rings and Warwickshire, agood runner-up to Volcan Surprise atHigham, are fancied to contest theplacings behind Trueflyingcolours.

David Fisher's recent Andoversfordrunner-up Cold Knight is fancied toresume winning ways for the TomWeston stable in the Intermediate.Native Pride, the only horse to beatthe progressive Ask The Weathermanthis season, Oliver James, who is on ahat-trick after Garthorpe andLockinge successes, and Wak a Turtlelook the dangers.

Chinatown Boy can follow up hisAvon Vale Maiden race success in theRestricted. Anglingforcharlie, whoeasily overturned subsequent winnerBingo Tiep here in March, is fanciedfor the forecast.

Trueflyingcolours and Quedillac arethe automatic selections if turning outfor the Hunt race.

The consistent Deal Of the Day andAndoversford runner-up Xpectationsare two suggestions for the Maiden.

TIVYSIDE & CARMARTHENSHIREat LYDSTEPSunday, 26 Aprilby Maria EvansThe second West Wales meeting ofthe season has attracted 82 entriesover seven races. It is another meetingat Lydstep, Tenby, which on EasterMonday attracted a giant crowd. TheTivyside and Carmarthenshire Huntshave joined forces for this Point-to-Point, with the first race off at 2pm.The course will be watered to achieve‘good' ground, and some bends havebeen moved since the last meeting atthe course.

The Hunt race has six entries, whereKisha King could give young ElenNicholas her first winner in what willbe their fifth race as a pair. EmmaMoseley will be looking to continueher rich vein of form after having twowinners in two weeks, with her veryown Milled and Nishay both entered.Rob Luke, who will be hoping foranother winner to add to hisincreasing tally after first time outmaiden Midnite Grace won herMaiden at the Llangeinor and Pentyrchmeeting last weekend, has Boldwoodentered. Frenni Lad and RedbridgeRebel make up the numbers.

Bedrock Fred looks set to chalk up his fifth win at Larkhill onSunday for trainer El Tanner

Photo: Phil Britt philbrittphotos.zenfolio.com

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The second race has attracted themost entries, with 19 in the Non-RulesRunners Maiden. Now that the seasonhas got going, the horses arebecoming better known. Boost ThePower, Final Storm, Brideberry andNorthgeorge stand out. Boost ThePower finished runner up lastweekend, and looks close to losing hismaiden tag soon. Brideberry finishedrunner up on this course on EasterMonday so we know he'll be suited bythe track. Final Storm andNorthgeorge look to be improving asthe season goes on.

Both the Ladies Open and MensOpen look wide open, with a handfulof horses doubling up in both races.One who is double entered is BobsLaw, who hasn't been seen sincefinishing seventh in the AintreeFoxhunters. On that form he shouldbe the runaway winner wherever helines up. Both Highly Unlikely and SirDu Bearn won on this course last timeout. The former in the Ladies Openand the latter in the Mens Open, andcould well repeat that again. Cygnet isone to look out for in the Ladies if helines up, as he was very unlucky whenslipping up when in contention lasttime out on the course.

The Open Maiden has attracted 15entries, where we see Northgeorgeentered once again. His stablematesWhich Sky and Miss Treacle also holdentries. Joshella looks an interestingrecruit for trainer Amber Griffiths.The seven-year-old may still be amaiden, but he's not short on

experience having ran a number oftimes under Rules in Ireland up untilJanuary. Gardiners Hill is another Irishrecruit, and has run in seven IrishPoint-to-Points to date. The five-year-old was third last time out in March.

There are seven entered in theRestricted. Mister Bricolage won hisMaiden last time out on the course,and will be looking to make it a coursedouble for trainer Mikey Bowen. Thishorse will more than likely go backunder Rules for Mikey's father Peter,after the Point-to-Point seasonfinishes. Stony Road has had asuccessful season so far, having wontwice, and finishing second atBrampton Bryan last time out. DreamBolt is another who could be incontention if lining up.

The final race on the card is the WestWales Area Club Members Conditions,and eleven are entered. MisterBricolage is also entered in this race,along with the Amber Griffiths duo ofHarpsy Cord and Lydstep Hills, whowould both be in with chances. MyCoranna has shown plenty ofpotential this season, and looks to beone who keeps improving.

YORK & AINSTYat EASINGWOLDSunday, 26 Aprilby Charlotte RussellThe first of two meetings to be held atEasingwold takes place on Sunday26th April when the York & Ainstyhost the next Yorkshire Point-to-

Point. Seven races are scheduled withthe first at 2pm. Racing starts with theYork & Ainsty (North and South)Hunt Members race. Opera Og hasrun some excellent races this season,only out of the first two on one startand should be able to take this. DeadRinga will be the main challenger andbids for his third win in this race. “Heshould have a good chance, he’sbursting for a run and it’s been fiveweeks since he last ran so he’s ready toroll!” said jockey Emma Todd.

The second race is the first of twomaidens; this one is for four, five, sixand seven year olds. Devil At Midnightwas extremely unlucky last time whencarried out by a loose horse and itwould be no surprise to see him takethis. The main challenge could comefrom Chris Dawson’s Roll The Dough,who has been second on his last twooutings and is likely to go well overthis easy three miles. The Millar Man isanother who might be in the frame:“He’s had his excuses this year but he’srun his best races at Easingwold,” saidWill Milburn.

French Seventyfive can go well in theLadies Open, having won here twicelast season. “A bad jump at Bedalecost him when it mattered, but he’sback to his best and he lovesEasingwold,” said Emma Todd.Renegotiate is another course winner:“It looks a hot Ladies but he won thislast year and fingers crossed he’ll gowell again,” said rider Alice Petch.Callhimwhatyouwant and Tasheba areboth entries from out of the area and

Highly Unlikely (far side)won at Lydstep last timeout and could go wellagain at the Tivyside &Carmarthenshire meeting

Photo:Alun Sedgmoresportingprints.biz

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will be the main danger of taking thetrophy away with them.

In the Mens Open, either of theEasterby pair, Banny’s Lad orRoycano, could go well. Roycano woneasily enough last time out and shouldrun a big race. Emma Todd reportsthat Six A Side is in good order. “Helikes Easingwold and we’re hoping forwin number four,” she said. Sposalizioran a good race at Mordon but wantsquick ground and Lockedinthepocketcould also run a good race for theMorsheads.

Kings Lodge may take his place forWilliam Easterby: “We haven’tfinalised plans for the weekend yet butI’d say he’ll run, he seems in reallygood form and I think we’ll run himin blinkers,” said the jockey, butwarned there will need to be some rainif Pebbleglen is to turn out.

The Restricted race could be verycompetitive. Apassionforfashionrefused to start at Mordon last week,

which is most out of character for thekeen mare but she was reported to bein season. “Ruby Bay has got plenty ofability but has been a bit unlucky thisseason. The track and ground will suitand I’m looking forward to ridinghim,” opined Emma Todd. MrMistopheles won his maiden well atAskham Bryan and this course shouldsuit, so he could also run a big race.Mickey Miller is likely to line up forJack Teal, he was just touched off in aRestricted last time out and could goclose.

The sixth race is a Club MembersConditions race, where jockeys notdeemed to be novice riders at thebeginning of the season will carry a5lb penalty. Pertemps Networks hasrun some nice races in his first seasonPointing but looks as though staminamight not be his strongest suit, andtherefore he could run well here.Battle Range has run two very goodraces so far without quite getting his

head in front and this could be hisrace, although Scots Gaelic is anotherwho has run well and his jockey -Fionn McSharry - will not have tocarry a penalty.

Racing finishes with an Open Maidenrace; Will Milburn is hopeful of agood run from Lady Nefertiti. “By allaccounts she is in good form and Ihope she can run well. The trackshould suit her and she was secondhere last year,” said the jockey.However his girlfriend, Emma Todd,is hoping for a big run from MrConductor: “He jumped and travelledwell at Sheriff Hutton and has comeon loads for the run. I’m confident hecan go well,” she said.

Little But Nice was second on his lastrun in the Bedale Hunt race but mayfind this track a bit sharp, andStagecoach Jasper is another who cancome on with experience, havingfinished second at Charm Park onEaster Monday.

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2015 Mr Mistopheles should be suited by the course and could run a

big race in the Restricted at EasingwoldPhoto: Peter Barber pointtopointphotography.co.uk


TOP TWEETS hashtag your tweets#GoPointing to feature!

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@caledoniaphotoJack Charlton relives a moment from1966 at Corbridge P2P #GoPointing

@photo_gb86There was a pre race course inspection2day at Corbridge p2p #GoPointing#lambsoncourse#grassisgreeneronotherside

@sambucks77@ChaddesleyRaces @MiddletonP2P@HannahW31105413 #winnerwinner#aga #restricted #happybirthdayharry#gopointing

@FMcsharryThis p2p game is really challengingmums washing skills !! #grassstains#p2p #gopointing

@TheBoldpuntThe assistant trainer & I have been sentpointing on our own must remember 2put saddle on the right way#gopointing

@TheBoldpuntIt would appear we might have doneok!!! #gopointing

@BrodieHampson1Off pointing with the best one to rideFort George! #GoPointing

@WillHickman7First winner found and bought. Aidedby the ride of the season by the jockey.#gopointing

@kateleckenbyAnother good day at the p2p yesterday(I think) #GoPointing


DARTMOOR at FLETE PARKSaturday, 18 April138cm & under race1 Ginger Wizard Chad Bament2 Talponciau Perfect Print Hamish Clarke3 Jobanker Morning Mist Finn Muirhead4 Magic Honor Weatherlake5 Parkhill Playboy Joshua Brown6 Wide Valley March Walter Fisher-BarnettNon Runners: Becca Walk O’the Wild Side (Molly Landau), Churchill(Tamby Welch)

148cm & under race1 Vadlawalkover Tamby Welch2 Springs Thomasina Eyston3 Shotgun Minnie Tyler Heard4 Pickmere Bond Street Hamish Clarke5 Nuala Michael Treneer

LLANGEINOR at PYLESaturday, 18 April138cm & under race1 Molly Connor Brace2 Wian Dark Lad Iwan Thomas Bartle3 Milly Jessica Llewellyn4 Oscar Morgan Winstone5 Calelvador Serendu Thomas Pugh6 Annie May Daniel Ellis7 Woodbine Rosemarie Alice Rees

148cm & under race1 Don’t Tell Dai Connor Brace2 Shesagoodun Jack Tudor3 Captain Hurricane Lily LlewellynNon Runner: Peateaoh (Connor Brace)

OLD SURREY, BURSTOW & WEST KENTat PENSHURSTSaturday, 18 April148cm & under RaceTech Novice Riders Race1 Mon Mallisa Ria Evans2 Goldfinch Jessy Ellie Vaughan3 Moorhall Royal George Bass4 Abahinn Edward Moss5 Cailin Katy Moss6 Penway Merlin Alexandra Geldard7 Kaline Jibi Olivia O'Reilly8 Mountain Sinbad Harvey Carrington9 Tom Tom Amelia Dipper

138cm & under race1 Honky Tonk Girl Bradley Kent2 Little Chick William Carver3 Chaceside Catwalk Benoit De La Sayette4 Willow The Wisp Boris Ball5 Stambrook Master Plan Alfie Marshall6 Gazza Cruiser Mary Ashby7 Footprint Ben PearsonNon Runner: Baronsdown Obi Kanobi (Owen Lewis)

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2015 PONY RACING RESULTS sponsored by

148cm & under race1 Flo Tinaway Cosmo Ball2 Hope William Humphrey3 Princess Propeller Will Thirlby4 My Top Lot Tobias Mussettur Annie Get Ur Gun Izzy Marshall

COTSWOLD VALE FARMERS at ANDOVERSFORDSunday, 19 April138cm & under race1 Diptford Moon Walker Elliot England2 Bronze Lawrence Roisin Leech3 Merryment Topcat Tristan Durrell4 Renaissance Iii Henry Main5 Luanshya Ambassador Becky Wilkins6 Deehaven Chipmunk Ivor Herbert7 Fofsway Kingfisher Molly Burton

148cm & under race1 Regimental Bay Lucy Hammond2 Buddy’s Girl Jimmy Daly3 Irish Joker Paddy Barlow4 Milly XI Joshua Smith5 Viva Tristan DurrellNon Runner: All Of My Dreams (Amy Furneaux)

SEAVINGTON at LITTLE WINDSORSunday, 19 April138cm & under race1 Angelic Olive Nicholls2 Helsington Vanetta Lewis Mcdonald3 Becca Walk O’the Wild Side Molly Landau4 Minky Zoe Stanbury5 Mayday Black Mink Charlie Sprake6 Clonamully Danny Boy Mary Woollacottwd Mocking Bird Alfie Godfrey

148cm & under race1 She’s A Lady Jamie Perrett2 Calypso Ben Godfrey3 Goldwell’s Gucci Harriet Godfrey4 Tell Me Twice Liam Harrison5 Green As Grass Arron Butterfield6 French Flame Luca MorganNon Runners: Goodnight (Bruce Young), Cool Runner (Thomas Doggrell)


BERKELEY at WOODFORDSaturday, 25 April128cm & under raceDoylan Imagination Poppy ScottRiff Raff Oscar PalmerRoel May Marvel Jamie SpencerRyehall On Broadway Zara BrooksZebedee William Jones

138cm & under raceBalfour Hill Song George DalyBronze Lawrence Roisin LeechDiptford Moon Walker Elliot EnglandDutchess Elena NikouNook Class Act Minty BlossLuanshya Ambassador Becky WilkinsMocking Bird Alfie GodfreyPennway Merlyn Alexandra GeldardTalponiciau Perfect Print Hamish Clarke

148cm & under raceAries Albie TufnellCalypso Ben GodfreyChiumbo Luke ScottOtterburn Lady Alfie MartindaleRegimental Bay Lucy HammondShoot The Moon Jack DayusStambrook Socialite Connor BakerTally Ho Tina George DalyTell Me Twice Liam HarrisonTouch Control Simon MorganReserve: Two The Manor Born Will Cox

FIFE at BALCORMO MAINSSaturday, 25 April138cm & under raceAnnie Nick Barratt-AtkinArdbrennan Beauty Iona BillingeCheval Summertime Jesika RennieMountain Sirocco Elliot StockwellPatch Elizabeth CasasolaStretcholt Hermes Charlie ToddXena Thomas Young

148cm & under raceCaveiro Tara StockwellHazelcroft Good Time Lucy PittendrighHow Ya Talkin Harry CharletonJambo Lyall HodginsJust Dennis Anna CasasolaMillie Jack YoungMiss Tiny Jessica SwanMorgan Abby RobertsonMr Marshall Rachel SharpePerfect Place Bruce LynnPick Pocket Connor Murtagh

Safety factor for all pony races is 10. If 11 ponies are declared on the daythe 148cms & under race will be divided. If less than 11 ponies declare itwill run as one race.

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2015 PONY RACING ENTRIES sponsored by

AXE VALE at STAFFORD CROSSSunday, 26 April148cm & under raceBarboza Isabel HuntGoldwells’s Gucci Harriet GodfreyGoodnight Bruce YoungIgo Zuminov James ArmstrongShotgun Minnie Tyler HeardSongbird Finley MarshSprings Thomasina EystonTwo The Manor Barn William CoxVadlawalkover Tamby Welch

138cm & under raceAngelic Olive NichollsBecca Walk O’ The Wild Side Molly LandauBroomsdown Heavenly Gift Kelsie BeilbyChurchill Tamby WelchClonamully Danny Boy Archie WoollacottGinger Wizard Chad BamentHelsington Vanetta Lewis McdonaldMinky Zoe StanburyPark Hill Playboy Joshua BrownThe Jobs Not Straight Tyler Heard

CHESHIRE at TABLEYSunday, 26 April138cm & under raceDillans Girl Ella McCainCui Monte Don James CaldwellEmyvale Joker Josh BridgesGerdinen Anita Elsa BrauntonGwalch Sian Bach Constance BrauntonJazz Harry MyddletonLittle Anne Charlie ToddLake James McMahonNomoranun Oakley BrownRavara Super Ted Camilla BrosterSandboro Sernity Rose DiggleTango Imogen KennedyTigga Marnie GreenWernlas Shakira Kiera Booth

148cm & under raceAbrickinthewall Harry MyddeltonCarrowmeer Nick Lucy PittendrighFinnley’s Diamond Finnley GreenIrish Joker Paddy BarlowLive Wire Abbie McCainLittle Bull Abbie McCainLyle Rio Finnley GreenOtterburn Lady Alfie MartindaleQuickstep Star Niall ReynoldsThe Mumbler Ella McCainSafety factor for all pony races is 10. The 138cms race will divide if morethan 10 declare on the day.


FARMERS BLOODHOUNDS at WHITFIELDSunday, 26 April128cm & under raceDoylan Imagination Poppy ScottKerrells Razzamatazz Ben ColmerRockie Three Alec VoikhanskyGunthwaithe Royal Secret Marc De La SayetteRuby Tuesday Freddie De La SayetteBarkway Harlequin Freddie CurtisGlebedale Stopwatch Bradley Kent

138cm & under raceGlin Road Ger SuppleChaceside Catwalk Benoit De La SayetteRenaissance III Henry MainMerryment Top Cat Tristan DurrellCovenham Generation Luke ScottWarmwell Lizzie Connor FletcherFair N Square Sophie SmithPush The Button Sophie SmithHonky Tonk Girl Bradley KentTelynau Fabio Alana TaylorErnford Ballot Box Violet BartonPalesides Spectator Sarah LongthornDolly Cal VoikhanskyMouse Olivia TubbStambrook Master Plan Alfie MarshallLittle Lord William William Curtis

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2015 PONY RACING ENTRIES sponsored by

148cm & under raceBeside The Sea Benoit De La SayetteBasford April Rose Nia KerslakeLynne Alana TaylorLittle Lucky Lass Tess MurphyKeep it Real Samuel WisbeyViva Tristan DurrellScribblin Ben SuttonSheís Agoodun Jack TudorSafety factor for all pony races is 10. The 138cms race will divide if morethan 10 declare on the day.

TIVYSDIE & CARMARTHENSHIRE at LYDSTEPSunday, 26 April138cm & under raceWian Dark Lad Iwan Thomas BartleAnnie May Daniel EllisCalelvador Serendu Thomas PughMolly Connor BraceTealson Topic Niamh MasonMilly Lilly Llewelyn

148cm & under raceDon't Tell Dai Connor BraceCaptain Hurricane Jessica LlewelynShe's A Goodun Jack Tudor

Close-up action from the 148cms Pony Race atthe Llangeinor & Pentyrch meeting at PylePhoto: Alun Sedgmore sportingprints.biz


THE RIDERS & PONIES CHAMPIONSHIPPOINTS SERIESThe Riders & 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 33Diptford Moonwalker 31Honky Tonk Girl 29Bronze Lawrence 26Little Chick 26Dough Boy 24Willow The Wisp 24Mocking Bird 23Churchill 21Mayday Black Mink 21

Benoit de la Sayette 35Connor Brace 33Elliot England 31Brad Kent 29Charlie Todd 26Roisin Leech 26William Carver 26Alfie Godfrey 23Charlie Sprake 21Tamby Welch 21

William Carver 34Harriet Godfrey 30Isabel Hunt 26Ben Godfrey 25Lucy Hammond 24Connor Murtagh 21Abbie McCain 19Jamie Perrett 14Rachel Sharpe 14Alfie Martindale 13Bruce Lynn 13Will Thirlby 13Ben Sutton 12Finnley Marsh 12Izzie Marshall 10Jack Young 10Thomasina Eyston 10Francesca Flinton 8Josh Bryan 7Sam Burton 7William Cox 7Katie Sinclair 6Jimmy Daly 5Michael Treneer 4Sam Burton 4Cameron Hillhouse 3George Bass 3Jessica Swan 3William Rekert 3Harry Charleton 2Morgan Winstone 2Honor Whyte 1Kieren Rundell 1

138CMS RIDER RACETECH GRADUATE

148CMS & UNDER PONIESBeside the Sea 35Goldswell Gucci 30Hope 29Flo Tinaway 28Don’t Tell Dai 26Calypso 25Regimental Bay 24She’s Agoodun 22Pick Pocket 21She's A Lady 21

Connor Brace 40Benoit de la Sayette 35Harriet Godfrey 30William Humphrey 29Cosmo Ball 28Isabel Hunt 26Ben Godfrey 25Lucy Hammond 24Jack Tudor 22Connor Murtagh 21Jamie Perrett 21

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 YoungMilly XI Joshua SmithMorgan 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*Needs to be registered to eligible to enter

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 – onefor each size category (138cms/148cms) will be staged.

REMAINING QUALIFYING RACESMeeting Course Date Entries closing AreaLauderdale 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?There was plenty of action for ourphotographers and film crews to take inlast weekend starting with theWorcestershire at Chaddesley Corbett; itwas Marilyn Sweet of SweetPhotography and the West CountryVideos team who were in attendance toensure every angle of the popularmeeting was covered. Jeff ’s film crewwere also at Flete Park for the Dartmooron the same day before taking in theSeavington at Littlewindsor on Sunday

to compete a trio of fixtures in two days.At the latter, Jeff was joined byphotographer Tim Holt who ensured allthe stills were captured. Elsewhere onSaturday photographer NealeBlackburn was at the Kimblewick atKingston Blount, while Alun Sedgmorewent to Pyle for the Llangeinor &Pentyrch.

Twenty-four hours later two northernregulars took in the Braes of Derwent as

snapper Grace Beresford was joined byKeith Simpson; the latter filmed all theaction as it unfolded. Staying in thenorth, photographers Peter Barber andTom Milburn joined forces at theCleveland at Mordon, whilst furthersouth, Alastair Johnston was at theAtherstone at Clifton-on-Dunsmore.Alastair was joined at the Warwickshirecourse by David Jones Media who wereon hand to record proceedings as theyunfolded.

Tom Milburn facebook.com/TomMilburnPhotographyCleveland at Mordon

Grace Beresford p2pnorthernphotos.co.ukBraes of Derwent at Corbridge

Sweet Photography sweetphotography.comWorcestershire at Chaddesley Corbett

Tim Holt [email protected] at Littlewindsor

Peter Barber pointtopointphotography.co.ukCleveland at Mordon

Al Johnston aljohnstonphotography.comAtherstone at Clifton-On-Dunsmore

Neale Blackburn chasdog.comKimblewick at Kingston Blount

Alun Sedgmore sportingprints.bizLlangeinor & Pentyrch at Pyle

IN THE FRAMEGO

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

Will Biddick 45 winsJohn Mathias 19 winsDarren Edwards 17 winsNick Orpwood 14 winsJoe Hill 13 winsJamie Thomas 13 wins

Bradley Gibbs 12 winsTom Hamilton 12 winsRobbie Henderson12 winsJames Tudor 12 winsWilliam Easterby 11 winsPete Mann 11 wins

FULLER’SGENTLEMANPOINT-TO-POINTRIDERSCHAMPIONSHIP

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

Harry Cobden 9 winsPeter Bryan 6 winsJoe Drinkwater 6 winsFred Henderson 6 winsJames Nixon 6 winsSam Coltherd 5 wins

David Noonan 5 winsRoss Chapman 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 9 winsSam Coltherd 5 wins

Sean Houlihan 3 winsAndrew Bartlett 2 winsfourteen 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 18 winsHannah Watson 14 winsClaire Hart 11 winsCatherine Walton 11 winsPage Fuller 9 winsJo Buck 8 wins

Leanda Tickle 8 winsKaty Lyons 7 winsLara Mahon 6 winsEmma Todd 6 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 6 winsLucy Wheeler 5 winsLottie Crane 4 winsHannah Welch 4 winsAmy Broome 3 winsElla Darwin 3 wins

Olivia Hutchings 3 winsEmma Moseley 3 winsAlice Stevens 3 wins

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

Lara Mahon pictured following her success on Lake legend at The Kimblewickmeeting at Kingston BlountPhoto: Neale Blackburn chasdog.com

Lottie Crane 4 winsOlivia Hutchings 3 winsAlice Stevens 3 wins

Charlotte Dun 2 winsEmma Chaston 2 winsHeidi Lewis 2 wins

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 28ptsLara Mahon 20ptsJohn Smith-Maxwell15ptsJoe Drinkwater 14ptsLucy Wheeler 14ptsAmy Broome 12 pts

Peter Bryan 10ptsBen Brackenbury 8ptsRoss Chapman 8ptsStan Sheppard 8ptsAlice Stevens 8ptsFred Timmis 8pts

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 11 winsMiss Sarah Dawson 8 winsRichard Hewitt 8 winsJ. Simpson 8 winsVictor Thompson 8 winsM. J. R. Bannister 7 wins

J. Barber 7 winsSarah Easterby 7 winsJohn Ferguson 7 winsfour owners on six wins

LEADING POINT-TO-POINT OWNER

Nick Wright (left) heads the Leading Point-to-Point Owner table thanks to thesuccesses of It Was Me, Patsy Finnegan, Bally Wall, Baroque Style, In A BlueDust & Stress Photo: David Simpson

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 30ptsThe Troubled Partnership (Mr M. Weston) 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 15ptsBiddles Bedouin 12ptsZiggerson Hill 11ptsComedinewithme 9ptsNelly La Rue 9ptsExclusive Rights 7pts

Lady’s Favourite 7ptsMorebutwhen 7ptsFrelia 6ptsTwo Smokin Barrels 6pts

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 winsThe Magherally Man 5 winsWorking Title 5 winsAll on 4 wins: Ask TheWeatherman, Crazy Diamond,Executive Benefit, Gonalston

Cloud, Jepeck, Ockey DeNeulliac, Patsy Finnegan,Rosies Peacock, Silver Token,That’s Rhythm

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 50ptsClaire Hart 46ptsLeanda Tickle 46ptsCarey Williamson 46ptsPage Fuller 42ptsHannah Lewis 42ptsJoanna Walton 42pts

Emma Moseley 40ptsKaty Lyons 38ptsFreya Brewer 34ptsElla Darwin 34ptsEmma Todd 34ptsJo Buck 30ptsBryony Frost 30ptsAngela Rucker 30ptsAlly Stirling 30pts

AGALADIESOPENPOINT-TO-POINTCHAMPIONSHIP

Hannah Watson is the latest rider to hit the magic 50 mark in the AGA LadiesOpen Point-to-Point ChampionshipPhoto: David Simpson

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Jack Barber 37 winsAlan Hill 24 winsKayley Woollacott17 winsTom Weston 15 winsGerald Bailey 13 winsRobert Chanin 12 wins

Stephanie Easterby 12 winsNick Wright 11 winsPauline Harkin 10 wins

CONNOLLY’SREDMILLSTRAINERSCHAMPIONSHIP(8+HORSES)

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

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

David Kemp 2 winsMatt Hampton 2 winsJames Nixon 2 winsTommie O’Brien 2 winsNick Orpwood 2 wins

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) 40ptsAsk The Weatherman (Wessex) 36ptsJepeck (Devon & Cornwall) 36ptsLotus Pond (North Western) 34ptsCome On You (South East) 32ptsMinellacelebration (Welsh Border) 30ptsBeuvron (Devon & Cornwall) 28ptsThe Mythologist (Wessex) 28ptsChampagne Benefit (S Wales & Mons) 28ptsPlay The Ace (East Anglia) 28ptsThoonavolla (West Midlands) 28ptsFull Trottle (South Midlands) 28ptsRadio Nowhere (Yorkshire) 27ptsRepeat Business (S Wales & Mons) 26ptsDabinett Moon (South Midlands) 26ptsAccording To Harry (Wessex) 26ptsRunning In Heels (South East) 26ptsSwingbridge (South Midlands) 26ptsTiger Rag (S Wales & Mons) 26pts

PPORA YOUNG HORSE AWARDS

Rachael Green 7 winsNick Alexander 6 winsWillie Bryan 6 winsCharlotte Fuller 6 winsJessica McKie 6 winsKaty Price 6 wins

Lauren Braithwaite 5 winsJames Henderson 5 winsGabe Mahon 5 winsNeil Mechie 5 winsRichard Mitford-Slade 5 winsVerity Nicholls 5 win

CONNOLLY’SREDMILLSTRAINERSCHAMP(7ORELESSHORSES)

Lotus Pond (Peter Bryan), pictured at the Vine & Craven meeting. A multiplewinner this season for trainer Willie BryanPhoto: Julie Drewett racehorsephotos.co.uk

Enda Bolger 2 winsMikey Bowen 2 winsMike Dawson 2 winsHenry Daly 2 winsChris Honour 2 winsDavid Kemp 2 wins

Paul Nicholls 2 winsJonjo O’Neill 2 winsJoe O’Shea 2 winsGlyn Slade-Jones 2 wins

LEADING HUNTER CHASE TRAINER

The success of On The Fringe at Aintree sees Enda Bolger join the list oftrainers on two Hunter Chase wins this seasonPhoto: Mark Cranham

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Mrs S. Fryer’s Volcan Surprise leads the field in the race for the PPORA YoungHorse AwardsPhoto: Julie Drewett racehorsephotos.co.uk

TOP PERFORMERS 14/15


Worcestershire at Chaddesley Corbett

in association with

& David Simpson ‘The AGA Man’

The Robinson girls, Kitty, Caroline & Immy

James Martin, winner of theConfined race on Seven Days

Best Director, winner of theRestricted race

A very happy Powell family & Hannah Watson after RuddyArticle’s win in the Ladies Open

The Troubled Partnership & Tom Weston withThoonavolla, winner of the Hunt Members race

North Hill Harvey & Charlie Deutsch,winners of the AGA Open Maiden

A unique view of this fantastic course, normally only seen by the jockeys

A last minute adjustment forHannah Watson before the AGA

Open Maiden

Emily Timms with her mum,Amanda Timms

Annmarie Newman(AGA Kidderminster)

meets Will Biddick

BEEN POINTINGGO

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A nice photo of the girls before the Dr Syntax Inn Ladies Open race

Cave Hunter has just won the MensOpen under Tom Hamilton & Wendy

has forgotten her AGA hat

What a stunning setting for a Point-to-Point course!

Nick Orpwood(left) & Tommy

Dowson

Double trouble - Jacinta Beresfordand Stan Simpson

Former Royal Ascot winner, DrillSergeant has just won the Ladies

Open for Joanna Walton

Clerk of the Course, Bob Middleton& top northern photographer,

Grace Beresford

Joanna Walton gets a congratulatory hug from The AGA Man

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2015 Braes of Derwent at CorbridgeBEEN POINTING

Northern Point-to-Pointcorrespondent Myles McNultylooking dapper in a new AGA cap

Emily Young, who will be joining usat Stratford Racecourse at the endof May for the AGA final


Cleveland at Mordon

Rozener & Chris Dawson

Will the next stop be Chaddesley Corbett on25th May for Game As A Pheasant?

One of the best vantagepoints on the course

L-R: Bella Sowray, Jacqueline Coward, Samantha Coward & Joanna Mason watch the Open Maiden

The AGA man, Cath Walton & Kai May fly the flag for the AGA Championship, theMountain Warehouse Anglo-Irish Challenge... and Go Pointing!

John Smith pretends he hasn't seen me!

Smiles all round from team Coward after Catherine Walton hasfinished 2nd in the Open Maiden on Game As A Pheasant

Lucy Mechie ‘the real boss’ andChantry Melody, winner of the OpenMaiden

Alice Petch (winner of the LadiesOpen on Oaklands Bobby) & her

husband to be, John Dawson

Lee ‘Lazer’ Russell watchesthe last race

BEEN POINTINGGO

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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, TREBUDANNON

Melton 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 | 22 april 2015

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