go pointing | 15 april 2015

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C O N T E N T S

9 Meeting Reports 35 The Wizard of Woodway 20 Competition Time

6 What’s On This Week

21 Sponsorship News 25 Recent Landmarks 26 Picture Perfect 31 Getting To Know You

32 5 Minutes With David Simpson 39 Meeting Previews

51 | In Profile - Tommy Dowson

52 | Top Tweets

53 | Pony Racing Results

54 | Pony Racing Entries

55 | PonyRacingTopScorers

56 | In The Frame

57 | Top Performers

60 | Been Pointing

62 | Fixtures 2015


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HART-TRICK HEROThe headlines on Saturday weredominated by jockey Claire Hartthanks to a superb treble at the NorthWarwickshire meeting at Mollington.Victory aboard Richard Bandey’sprogressive Alskamatic in the LadiesOpen - where the duo held on bravelyto deny Sharp Suit and Katy Lyons -was the pinnacle, but there were alsowins on Dabinett Moon in the TBAMares Club Members race and LeithHill Lad in the Open Maiden.

The inspirational Guy Disney alsograbbed a share of the limelight as herode Gotoyourplay to an eight-lengthvictory in the Mens Open at Saturday’sTeme Valley meeting at BramptonBryan, the first of two winners overthe weekend. This was Guy’s firstvictory since his return to the saddleriding with a prosthetic leg and itwasn’t long before he was in thewinners’ enclosure again; he guidedBallycassel home in front in theMembers race at the Cotswold atAndoversford on Sunday.

Elsewhere on Saturday there was adouble for Rupert Stearn at HighEaster’s Essex fixture, courtesy of twonarrow successes on DesertmoreValley (Intermediate) and Beat TheIndex (Open Maiden). It Was Me wasalso a gutsy winner of the LadiesOpen in the hands of regular pilotCarey Williamson; the duo had

previously claimed the scalp of SharpSuit, and this time lowered the coloursof another top class Ladies performerin Berties Dream.

On Sunday I was at a very wet andwindy Hornby Castle for the Bedale;luckily the elements eased as the racingbegan and the £1,000 Yorkshire Areafeature race was won in fine style byElliott Brookbanks and Executive’sHall. Despite the bumper prize fundon offer only three horses faced thestarter, but it was an exciting finishnonetheless as the odds-on favouriteMy Old Piano and Executive’s Halljumped the last almost upsides eachother before the latter stayed on thestrongest to claim the £700 first prize.

The Sandhurst Area also staged theirArea Feature race courtesy of the3m6f Tedworth Gold Cup at BarburyRacecourse. Like in Yorkshire onlythree horses lined up and it was CecileDe Volanges and Charlie Dando whoupset the 8-13 market leader, TurtleBoys.

There were doubles aplenty up anddown the country on Sunday, startingin the north where Tom Hamilton andAmie Waugh shared the spoils withtwo winners apiece at the Morpeth atTranwell. Meanwhile, Gillon Crowrecorded a brace at the CheshireForest at Tabley and Mark Wall did

likewise at Andoversford’s Cotswoldmeeting.

Finally, at Upcott Cross for theEggesford, it was Will Biddick andDarren Edwards who were the jockeysto follow as the pair recorded doubleson the day. The latter took the featurerace on the card, the 4m Mixed Open,aboard Bradley Brook for trainerNicola Martin.

If you haven’t already entered ourlatest competition to win a bottle ofDemijohn’s Sloe or Seville Orange Ginyou still have another week to enter.All you have to do is answer thesimple question on page 20 to putyour name in the hat; the winner willbe announced in next week’s issue.

Looking ahead and the big race thisweekend comes at Chaddesley Corbettwhere they will be staging the finalNational Classic race of the season,The Lady Dudley Cup. With the likesof Benedictus, Woodview Prince,Executive Benefit, Brackloon High,Mr Mercurial, What A Laugh & Sir DuBearn entered, itpromises to be acracking race andI urge anyonethinking ofattending to doso!

Ben Roe,Editor

WELCOME FROM THE EDITOR

GOPOINTINGis published by The Point-to-Point RacingCompany Ltd

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

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Front Cover Photo Cecile de Volanges andCharlie Dando on their way to winning theTedworth Gold Cup at Barbury Racecourse lastSunday by Phil Brittphilbrittphotos.zenfolio.com

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

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

Alskamatic and Claire Hart (far side) ontheir way to victory in the Ladies Openat Mollington on SaturdayPhoto: Neale Blackburn chasdog.com

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SATURDAY, 18 APRILDARTMOORat Flete Park (Devon)Off A379 10m E of Plymouth, leave A38 at Ivybridge via A3121Provisional Going: Good, good to firm in places; watering willcommence on WednesdayFirst Race: 2.00pm (Pony Racing from 1.00pm; Clydesdale Racingfollowing Point-to-Point races)Number of Races: 7 Number of Entries: 116Admission Prices: £20 per car, £10 single occupancy

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SATURDAY, 18 APRILLLANGEINOR & PENTYRCHat Pyle (Mid-Glamorgan)Dunraven Stud, Pyle. Near A48, 1m from jct 37 M4, 3m from jct 38 M4.CF33 6RLProvisional Going: Good, good to soft in one patch; watering to maintain goodFirst Race: 2.00pm (Pony Racing from 5.30pm)Number of Races: 7Number of Entries: 86Admission Prices: £10 car and driver, £5 per additional occupant

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SATURDAY, 18 APRILWORCESTERSHIREat Chaddesley Corbett (Worcestershire)Next to A448 midway between Bromsgrove and Kidderminster (Exit 4or 5, M5). DY10 4QTProvisional Going: Good, watering to maintainFirst Race: 2.00pmNumber of Races: 7Number of Entries: 125Admission Prices: £10 per person, under 16s free

SATURDAY, 18 APRILKIMBLEWICKat Kingston Blount (Oxfordshire)8m NW of High Wycombe (Exits 5 or 6, M40), off B4009 towardsChinnor. OX39 4SGProvisional Going: Good, good to firm in places; will continue to waterto maintain good First Race: 2.00pmNumber of Races: 7 Number of Entries: 57Admission Prices: £10 pedestrians, £20 per car in lower car park, £30per car in upper car park

SATURDAY, 18 APRILOLD SURREY, BURSTOW & WEST KENTat Penshurst (Kent)3m SW of Penshurst, W of B2188, well sign-posted (12m Exit 5, M25)Provisional Going: Good, good to firm in places; watering willcommence tomorrow and continue through to SaturdayFirst Race: 2.00pm (Pony Racing from 1.00pm)Number of Races: 6Number of Entries: 88Admission Prices: £25 per car, £10 single occupancy

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SUNDAY, 19 APRILATHERSTONEat Clifton-on-Dunsmore (Warwickshire)Next to A5, 3m NW of M1 junc 18, 2m E of Rugby. CV23 0BBProvisional Going: Good, good to soft in placesFirst Race: 1.00pmNumber of Races: 7Number of Entries: 115Admission Prices: £10 per person, 16 and under free

PR denotes Pony Racing at the meeting


SUNDAY, 19 APRILBRAES OF DERWENTat Corbridge (Northumberland)3m N of town, off A68 on B6318. NE45 5QDProvisional Going: Good, good to soft in placesFirst Race: 1.30pmNumber of Races: 7Number of Entries: 57Admission Prices: £8 per person, under 16s free

SUNDAY, 19 APRILCOTSWOLD VALE FARMERSat Andoversford (Gloucestershire)6m SE Cheltenham, nr junc of A40 and A436 (Exit 11A, M5). GL54 4LQProvisional Going: GoodFirst Race: 2.00pm (Pony Racing from 1.00pm)Number of Races: 7Number of Entries: 67Admission Prices: £10 per person, children free

PR

SUNDAY, 19 APRILWEST NORFOLKat Fakenham (Norfolk)At the racecourse, 2m SW of town. NR21 7NYProvisional Going: Good, will water as required to maintain goodFirst Race: 2.00pmNumber of Races: 6Number of Entries: 68Admission Prices: £10 per person, under 16s free

SUNDAY, 19 APRILCLEVELANDat Mordon (Co. Durham)Nr A1(M), 4 miles S of Sedgefield, 1 mile N of Great Stainton. TS21 2HGProvisional Going: Good to soft, soft in placesFirst Race: 1.30pmNumber of Races: 7Number of Entries: 114Admission Prices: £10 per person, under 16s free

SUNDAY, 19 APRILSEAVINGTONat Littlewindsor (Dorset)3m S of Crewkerne nr A3066 (16m from Exit 25, M5). DT8 3QUProvisional Going: Good, watering to maintain goodFirst Race: 2.00pm (Pony Racing from 1.00pm)Number of Races: 7Number of Entries: 85Admission Prices: £10 per person, max £30 per car

PR

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HUNTER CHASESFriday, 17 April - Southwell6:25 Southwell Racecourse Countryside Evening 12th May OpenHunters', 2m4f110ySunday, 19 April - Stratford-On-Avon4:30 totepoolliveinfo.com Hunters' Chase, 2m7fMonday, 20 AprilHexham4:10 Northumberland College Graduate Open Hunters' Chase, 3m1fKempton Park5:00 Watch On 3 Devices racinguk.com Open Hunters' Chase, 2m4f110yTuesday, 21 April - Ludlow4:15 Eddie Mapp Memorial Open Hunters' Chase, 2m4f


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ESSEX at HIGH EASTERSaturday, 11 Aprilby James CrispeAn unscheduled, and potentiallydangerous, excursion onto thecarriageway of the A11 on the way tothe course did not stop Rupert Stearnfrom becoming the hero of the day asone of East Anglia’s most popularPoint-to-Point meetings producedsome exciting sport at High Easter,near Chelmsford, on Saturday.

The day did not begin well for theStearn family, from Wymondham, astheir horse box suffered a total powerfailure just beyond the Fourwentwaysjunction of the A11 near Linton – asection where there is no hardshoulder.

Fortunately, the box of their friendand fellow Pointing trainer, RobertAbrey, was following some minutesbehind so Desertmore Valley, thehorse inside the Stearn vehicle, waspicked up from the side of the road.

Remarkably both Desertmore Valleyand the initial occupant of the Abreybox, Beat The Index, later won theirraces in thrilling finishes, completing ariding double for Rupert Stearn and

enabling him to lift the trophy on offerto the day’s top jockey.

After Desertmore Valley just outstayedthe odds-on favourite, Play The Ace,by a neck to land the IntermediateRace, Simon Stearn, Rupert’s fatherand the winning trainer, said: “Wewouldn’t even have made it here if ithadn’t been for Robert Abrey.”

“The police stipulated that the A11had to be closed in both directionswhile we transferred the horse and Iwas very worried as Desertmore Valleywas getting a bit stewed up and he canbe a sod to load. But in the end hewent up the ramp as good as gold.”

Stearn junior repeated the dose, againprevailing by just a neck, in thefollowing Maiden race aboard BeatThe Index. Abrey, from Wretham nearThetford, was enjoying his firsttraining success for four years andrevealed: “Beat The Index is prettystraightforward at home – he wouldhave to be as I ride him everymorning!”

These two races did not, however,produce the closest finish of the day.Fittingly, that honour befell the BaileysHorse Feeds Warwick Vase Ladies

Open, the East Anglian Area FeatureRace for the season with maximumprizemoney of £750.

Only four runners lined up for this,but it resulted in a titanic duel betweenthe two best Ladies horses around, ItWas Me and Berties Dream. It Was Mecame out on top by the narrowestpossible margin – a short head – afterBerties Dream had almost made up atwo length deficit in the closing stages.

It Was Me is trained at Badlingham,near Newmarket, by Nick Wright, whosaid afterwards: “It was a privilege tobe involved in such a great race andmy heart is still pounding fromwatching it. It Was Me will run in ahunter chase next but I am not surewhich one.”

Trainer-rider David Kemp, fromCroxton near Thetford, followed uphis famous hunter chase double atFakenham on Easter Monday byguiding Po Valley to a comfortablesuccess in the Restricted Race.

And jockey George Greenock, whohails from Gateley, near Fakenham,notched up his fifth success of thecampaign when making almost everyyard of the running in the three-and-

Rupert Stearn endured a nightmare journey to High Easter, butmade it count when he arrived with a double at the meeting

Photo: Julie Drewett racehorsephotos.co.uk

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three-quarter mile Club Members Raceaboard Empire Builder

Finally, hats off to owner-trainer NigelPadfield, from Abridge, near Epping,who landed the Essex Hunt Race foran incredible fifth straight yearcourtesy of Star Of Massini, ridden byGina Andrews.

NORTH WARWICKSHIRE HUNTCLUB at MOLLINGTONSaturday, 11 Aprilby Andrew NormanLadies title contender Claire Hart rodeher first treble at the NorthWarwickshire Hunt Club Point-to-Point at Mollington on Saturday.

Hart, successful with all three of hermounts on the afternoon, said: “Whatan awesome feeling, I never thoughtthis would happen. I’m riding with alot of confidence and I think PalypsoDe Creek has played a big part inthat.”

The hat-trick has put Hart, who trains,pre-trains and breaks horses in fromher base in Adlestrop, in the mix forthe National Ladies Title but the riderisn’t getting carried away: “I wouldlove to think I could give it a go but itremains just a dream.”

The first leg of the treble came in theTBA Mares Club Members race asDabinett Moon devoured the uphillfinish. The seven-year-old has nowwon three of her last four starts forChipping Norton-based couple Chrisand Fran Marriott.

The going, described as good, good tosoft in places, was just acceptable forthe winner, who led four out beforeromping home by eight lengths.

Chris, who has bred racehorses fordecades out of the winner’s grand damWindfall VI, said: “She needs genuinegood ground and that was proventoday as her two worse jumps came atthe same fence on the hill, where it’svery soft. She handled the track wellthough and I’d like to bring her backhere for the Warwickshire meeting(May 4th).”

Fran, who has nothing to work theMidnight Legend mare with at homeexcept a hunter, added: “She’s donenothing wrong. The two of us ride outand canter her and keeping thingssimple seems to work! Ultimately, we’dlike to run in the Subaru RestrictedFinal at Stratford (May 29th).”

Hart drove Alskamatic to a hardfought victory over old adversarySharp Suit in a thrilling Ladies Openrace. The nine-year-old, ninth at theCheltenham Festival last month,battled tenaciously close home toscore by a neck after being brieflyheaded on the run-in.

The pair had finished first and secondin last year’s Connolly’s Red MillsIntermediate Final at Cheltenham,with Sharp Suit prevailing by a neckand Alskamatic’s owner/trainerRichard Bandey was delighted to gethis revenge: “He’s a stronger horsethis year and ran really well in theFoxhunters. The race wasn’t run to

suit today by being in front and heneeds a big field to be seen to his best.He’s a bit idle unless he’s in a fight.He’ll probably run in another Pointnow before going to Fontwell (May14th).”

Leith Hill Lad completed the treble forHart with a smooth six-length successin the Open Maiden. The Kayf Taragelding, who had shown promise onhis two previous starts, was given aconfident ride, anchored at the rearbefore gradually picking off his rivals.

The winner, owned and bred by Neiland Jane Maltby, was foaled on the dayAP McCoy won the Grand Nationalon Don’t Push It in 2010. “We were atAintree five years ago when heard thenews and so gave him the nickname isAP. It’s very fitting he has won hisMaiden on Grand National day onAP’s last ride in the race,” said Neil.

Hart, who also trains Leith Hill Lad,added: “I was keen to give him asmuch confidence as possible today andI hope he’ll be a nice one. The plan isto run him in the DBS Point-to-PointBumper at Aintree (May 15th).”

Delighted rider Sarah Bowencelebrated her first ever Point-to-Pointwinner as Definitely Rosie powered toa twenty-length triumph in the SubaruRestricted race.

Owned and trained by the rider’smother Sue, the eight-year-old mare isstationed in Hanbury and was acquiredfrom Ascot Sales last June for just£800 out of the Cynthia Woods yard.

Leith Hill Lad and ClaireHart (right) on their wayto winning the OpenMaiden at Mollington

Photo:Neale Blackburnchasdog.com

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The rider had enjoyed five wins inArab Racing between 2010 and 2012with the consistent Yankey, but had yetto get off the mark between the flags.Bowen, 22, who works as head girl forAngela Rucker, said: “I wasn’texpecting that! I'm over the moon andit hasn't sunk in! She seems to stayvery well and I might even have a lookat the 3m 2f Ladies at Chaddesley nextSaturday as she takes her racing well.”

Man Of Steel (Joe Hill) continued hisprogression by running out acomfortable winner of the ClubMembers race.

Main market rival Kristian Grayensured it was a proper test (joint-fastest time of the day with LadiesOpen) by jumping boldly in front butwas headed after three out before thewinner was driven to a three-lengthsuccess.

Running in the colours of FredRoughton, who owns the gelding inpartnership with Toby Hunt, theCraigsteel gelding wasn’t always fluentearly but his fencing improvedthroughout and has the scope toimprove further.

“He’s only six and if he hadn’t beenhurdling, everyone would be ravingabout him.” said trainer Alan Hill, “Wepossibly ran him back a bit quick today

so we’ll give him a month until hisfinal run of the season.”

Penmore Mill, owned by clerk of thecourse Ken Hutsby, walked over in theMens Open race. Trained by theowner’s son Fred in Wellesbourne, theten-year-old was intended to have aprep run en-route to the CheltenhamHunter Chase evening on April 29th.“That’s messed up our plans a bit,”said the trainer, “a run today wouldhave put him spot on for Cheltenham,where he’ll run in the two-miler as hedidn’t stay over further there last year.”

Hutsby, who saddled Rash Move toland the aforementioned Cheltenhamcontest three years ago, continued:“We intended to send Penmore Mill toAintree on Thursday but he suffered asmall cut and we just couldn’t get himthere 100%. There’s always next yearand, as it turned out, it probably wasn’ta bad race to miss as we wouldn’t havebeaten the winner.”

TEME VALLEYat BRAMPTON BRYANSaturday, 11 Aprilby Peter MansellOn a day when the headlines weredominated by A P McCoy and theGrand National, deep in ruralHerefordshire local rider Guy Disney

achieved a feat which is unparalleled inrecent times.

Two hours before the world'sattention was focused on one of theNation's greatest sporting events, thismodest young man proved with theright outlook, motivation and will tosucceed - anything is possible.

It has been well chronicled the 32-year-old lost the bottom half of hisright leg after his armoured vehiclewas attacked in Afghanistan in 2009.

Attempts to acquire a licence to ridewith his prosthetic leg were initiallydenied by Racing Authorities, but aftertwo Walking with WoundedExpeditions with Prince Harry to theNorth and South Poles, and with thehelp of Andoversford trainer KimBailey he was finally gained approvallast autumn.

He's been a regular participant atPoint-to-Points and seems genuinelyembarrassed by all the attention hereceives. His first success with hisprosthetic leg was reward for his battlewith the Authorities but they toodeserve credit for allowing him to ride.

His long term goal was achieved onGotoyourplay in the Mens Openduring the Teme Valley Point-to-Pointat Brampton Bryan.

Guy Disney, pictured at the Teme Valley meetingPhoto: Peter Mansell

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That Beats Banaher made the earlyrunning before Surenaga took over athalfway, but Disney gradually creptinto the race before asking his mountfor an effort coming round the finalbend.

Timing his run to perfectionGotoyourplay sprinted past his rivalsbetween the final two fences, beforeputting in an exuberant jump at thelast and cruising to victory on the flat.

Disney does not seek the headlines butspeaking afterwards said "I work for aLondon based charity during the weekbut my home is at Laverton. I keeptwo horses with Sarah Stafford atGuiting Power and ride out atweekends.

I decided to follow Surenaga and hegave me a good tow throughout therace and when I asked my horse to go- he went. I didn't and don't want anyfuss I just wanted to get riding againand let the results speak forthemselves. I am over the moon withthis success" a fact repeated by hisparents John and Fiona later in theafternoon.

Queried how he had acquired the rideDisney explained: "Gotoyourplay'sowner Major Patrick Darling (HighSheriff of Herefordshire) rode thishorse in a Garnons Members, but thatwas a one off and he wanted a rider

with a military background to takeover from him. Patrick's best man OllyEllwood recommended me and asboth Patrick and myself were in thesame regiment (Light Dragoons) thatmust have helped."

YSTRAD TAF FECHANat YSTRADOWENSaturday, 11 Aprilby Brian LeeRacegoers at the Ystrad Taf FechanPoint-to-Point Steeplechases lastSaturday had plenty to smile about asall seven races were won by thefavourites. And several bookmakerswho 'caught a cold' - there was a coldwind blowing throughout the day -shut up shop before the last race hadbeen run.

One well known hunt-racingenthusiast who also had a smile on hisface was Bridgend builder RogerWillcox as he took both Open raceswith his only two horses and which hetrains himself. And there cannot bethat many occasions when an owner/trainer has landed both the MensOpen and the Ladies Open races atthe same meeting.

In the John Lovell Memorial MensOpen race, his eight-year-old baygelding Patricktom Boru, which heowns in partnership with his great

friend Bill Corrigan who runs afabrications and engineering companyin Port Talbot, was well ridden byLlanharan's Evan David who sent the5-4 favourite into at clear lead threefences from home and then went onto score by 20 lengths from recentcourse winner Captain Scarlett riddenby Welsh champion John Mathias.Patricktom Boru will run next in theDunraven Bowl Hunter Chase atChepstow on April 24.

In the Ladies Open race for theMandryka Challenge Trophy,Lauberhorn, who blotted hiscopybook with a last fence fall at theMonmouthshire when just aboutleading eventual winner ChesnutAnnie and Fine Resolve, came homefive lengths ahead of the blinkeredSangfroid after Lion On The Prowl,who had jumped dangerously to theleft at all his fences, ran out afterjumping the 13th fence. Winning riderAnna Metekohy said: "I was confidentof catching him anyway, he was just amarker, something to aim at."Lauberhorn also won the best turnedout award which is more than could besaid about his jovial owner/trainerwho is one of the real characters onthe Welsh hunt-racing circuit.

Paul and Myfanwy Miles's prolificFindlay's Find, which had been beatenby just a length by Highly Unlikely at

Patricktom Boru underEvan David took theMens Open race at theYstrad Taf Fechanmeeting

Photo:Alun Sedgmoresportingprints.biz

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the South Pembrokeshire EasterMonday fixture, after being stuck inhis box for more than an hour in atraffic jam which had caused him tosweat up that day, made the earlyrunning but was overtaken by MolonLabe, Canshetrain and Cinaman andappeared to have no chance threefences from the finish. However, thenine-year-old who was patiently riddenby Hannah Lewis, ran on inastonishing style to score by threelengths from Molon Labe. "He justdoes things his own way" said Hannahand Myfanwy added, "He likes toworry us but we will have to see if hegoes for a repeat win in the LadyDudley Cup ."

Former national champion rider JamesTudor riding Steve Whistance's seven-year-old bay gelding Railway Benefitmade every yard of the running to winthe Restricted by three parts of alength from Distant Sound. "Hejumped brilliantly" said Tudor ondismounting.

Another horse who could be in theline up for the Dunraven Bowl isAndrew Leyshon's six-year-old baygelding Fine Resolve who ran out a sixlengths winner of the Intermediaterace. "He used to have troublebreathing but we took him to SkerBeach a few times and galloped him

and it seemed to do the trick" said MrLeyshon. Winning rider MatthewBarber said: "He tried jink four outbut he ran on well in the closingstages."

Jimmy Frost, who rode the 1989Grand National winner Little Polvier,saw his wife Nikki'sTheGreenDaleRocket beat thepacemaking Captain Camelot by half-a-length in the young horse Maidenrace after they had jumped the lastfence together. The well backed six-year-old by Oscar, was ridden by theVale of Glamorgan's ByronMoorcroft, who used to ride out forJimmy Frost, said: "I was all out andmy horse was definitely stopping." Thewinner is owned by Mr Dave Williamswho said: "This is my first winner, Ibought him at the Ascot Sales lastsummer and he was a bit backward buthe has come on a lot since then." MrWilliams also admitted having a nicelittle touch on the horse.

Ogmore-by-the-Sea's Nick Williams,riding the best turned out Wood Park,a nine-year-old bay gelding, took theaged Maiden by three parts of a lengthafter jumping the last alongside therunner-up Millys Delight ridden byWill Gordon. These were the only twoof the seven starters to complete thecourse. The winning owner Mr Elvet

Wilkins, from Amroth in West Wales,bought the horse from his daughterLorna Williams who said: "Wood Parkwas wearing cheek pieces for the firsttime and they certainly helped to keephis mind on things."

BEDALE at HORNBY CASTLESunday, 12 Aprilby Charlotte RussellIt was a cold and windy start for theBedale Point-to-Point which tookplace on Sunday 12th April, but thisdidn’t deter the spectators who wereeventually rewarded with warmerconditions. Racing started with theBarkers of Northallerton ConfinedHunts Race and nine runners went topost. The winner was Blackthirteenpartnered by Jess Gillam, always intouch the pair crept forwards on thesecond circuit. Almond Court had thenarrow lead into the second last untilBlackthirteen passed her on the way tothe last and stayed on well to win by alength from Almond Court andTommie Dowson with Son of Flickaand Max Johnson finishing in third.“He’s such a tough horse whonormally front runs but I wasconcerned over whether he’d stay asit’s a longish track so I tried to keephim covered up a bit. He seemed toreally enjoy being amongst the others

Executive’s Hall and Elliott Brookbanks (near side) lead My OldPiano and Harry Bannister over the last at Horby Castle

Photo: Peter Barber pointtopointphotography.co.uk

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and just kept finding more,” said thewining rider.

Three went to post for the Strutt &Parker Bedale and West of Yore HuntsMembers, Subscribers & Farmers Racebut there were only two finishers andAccording To Dan under JohnDawson beat Little But Nice and RossWilson by two lengths, who mademost of the running. Held up andridden patiently, John broughtAccording To Dan through to jumpthe last upsides Little But Nice andasserted towards the line. “It’s been onMark’s (Whitney, owner) bucket list towin his hunt race,” said the winningtrainer’s daughter Jo Foster. “Heorganises the sponsorship at the Point-to-Point and works really hard in thebackground so I’m thrilled for him.He ran well at Dalston last week but itwas a prep and he needed it. I thinkhe’s a lovely horse but he only doeswhat he has to,” she added.

The Mark Johnston Racing Restrictedrace became a battle betweenBanderitos and Anddante with theWilliam Easterby piloted Banderitosgetting the better of the two to win byfive lengths. Anddante ran an excellentrace under Chris Dawson and SpruceUp was three lengths further back forRussell Lyndsay.

The Ladies Open, sponsored by SilkFamily Law was a very competitiveaffair but it was Young Hurricane,partnered by Freya Brewer thatmanaged to continue their winningpartnership to make this a hat trick ofwins on their last three starts. French

Seventyfive and Emma Todd put up agood fight on a course that is possiblylonger than ideal for him but werebeaten a length. Talkonthestreet wasfive lengths further back on hisseasonal debut under Fionn McSharry.“This track suited him better thanAskham Bryan,” reported winningtrainer Guy Brewer. “They don’t gothat quick so he was keen early on butI was pleased with how he ralliedwhen he was headed on the run in,”added Guy.

The George F White Mens Open Racehad a prize fund of £1,000 and threerunners went to post. My Old Pianowas the short priced favourite butcouldn’t quite hold off the challengeof Executive’s Hall, ridden by ElliottBrookbanks. The pair were racing hardfrom two out but Executive’s Hallasserted by three and a half lengths inthe fastest time of the day. “We knewMy Old Piano was the one to beat butI was worried it would turn into a catand mouse race and I didn’t want oursforced to go on. Elliot did exactly ashe was told and I knew he had thepace to go at the end if it turned into abit of a sprint, I was just worried thatthe ground went a bit softer as he hasmore form on better ground but itdidn’t seem to matter,” said winningtrainer Sarah Dent.

Point-to-Point racing concluded withthe Armstrong Watson Open MaidenRace. Duke Nelson made most of therunning, before running violently righthanded on the home turn after thefirst circuit, taking out Shenton in the

process, the result of a broken rein.However it was the Brader family’sother runner, The Dark Duchess, whowas making her racecourse debut thatlanded the spoils. Ridden by EmmaTodd, deputising for the injured JackTeal, The Dark Duchess jumpedfluently from the outset and went intothe lead on the final bend to win by 10lengths. Weaverthorpe, ridden by CraigHoggart survived a mistake at thesecond last to finish in second withSmart Act and William Easterby fourlengths further back in third. “She’sthe fifth generation in the Duchessline and we’re just delighted with howshe performed today,” said thewinning owner, trainer Charles Brader.“Emma rode a super race but JackTeal must take the credit for schoolingher well, she’s a lovely mare and I wasimpressed with how grown up shewas,” he added.

COTSWOLD at ANDOVERSFORDSunday, 12 Aprilby Peter MansellSuccess for Master Mariner in theMaiden at Andoversford Races onSunday afternoon rewarded years ofhard work by Tetbury trainer AmandaMaller, while co-owner Gary Meredithrecalled: "it has taken me 14 years toget into the winners enclosure".

Master Mariner and Xpectations beganto draw clear of their rivals on theclimb to the home straight and GeoffBarfoot Saunt drove his mountthrough to secure the vital inside berth

The Dark Duchess,pictured after landing theconcluding Maiden raceat the Bedale meeting

Photo:Tom Milburnfacebook.com/TomMilburnPhotography

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on the final bend. This secured them anarrow lead at the last which wasextended on the run in.

The jockey explained: "Gary andAmanda have been staunch supportersof the sport for a number of years.They do this for the enjoyment so thissuccess is well deserved. This is thefirst time the horse has worn cheekpieces in this country and I think thatand the firmer conditions have madethe difference today".

Less than 24 hours after Guy Disneyhad won at Brampton Bryan theLaverton based rider went onto tocomplete a weekend double onBallycassel in the Members.

The 10-year-old led from flag fall buthis sole rival Be Definite was nevermore than a couple of lengths behindbefore Disney's mount began to goclear at the 17th.

Be Definite kept on resolutely but wasunable to close the gap as the tworunners made the tiring climb to thefinish; a result which meant that GusLevinson's mount was finishingsecond for the sixth time this season.

Ballycassel had form under Rules forNigel Twiston Davies and CharlieLongsdon but was selected as asuitable conveyance for Disney's

comeback and was placed in the careof Sarah Stafford at Guiting Power.

Westbury on Severn rider HannahLewis is one of the more experiencedriders on the Point-to-Point circuit andshe used that to good effect onHistory Master in the Ladies Open.

Stratford Stroller had taken the lead athalfway and had just started to stretchhis rivals when he fell at the 16th.

Miss Lewis sent her mount into a clearlead at the bottom of the hill and theopposition were always fighting alosing battle on the final climb.

Coln St Rogers based Mark Wall ridesthis course better than most, a factillustrated by his successes on DivineIntervention in the Mens Open andDandan's victory in the Intermediate.

Both horses carry the colours ofHugh Wilson with DivineIntervention returning to Point-to-Pointing after running under Rules lastyear. On paper, victory looked aformality but he was pushed all theway by Himalayan Express who wasonly a length behind his rival at theline.

Enterprising tactics proved the key toDandan's success in the Intermediate.Wall took his mount to the front at thestart of the second circuit and

quickened the pace going down theback straight for the final time.

They were soon 8-lengths clear butTom Weston was alive to the situationand sent the favourite Cold Knight inpursuit. They began to close the gap,but Weston started to get moreagitated between the final two fencesand they had no more to give in thehome straight.

EGGESFORD at UPCOTT CROSSSunday, 12 Aprilby Granville TaylorIt was a day of doubles on testinggoing at Upcott Cross, where a healthytotal of 74 runners faced the starter ineight races.

The breezy, cool afternoon featuredthree training doubles coupled withtwo riding doubles. Darren Edwards ishaving a tremendous season andlanded the four miles 'Devon National'on the useful Bradley Brook. “Hisjumping can be sketchy at times but hewas fine today,” reported the jockey.Bradley Brook’s trainer Nicky Martinwas not sure that her charge would seeout the long trip. The Exmoor trainersaid, “They go a bit slower over fourmiles and he did well. He needs softishground and ran well over three and a

Bradley Brook and Darren Edwards (near side) en route tovictory in the Devon National at Upcott Cross

Photo: Tim Holt [email protected]

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half miles at Stratford last year. Wecould go there again.”

Edwards completed his double whenCracking Habit won the appropriatelynamed Sarah Prouse BirthdayCelebration Open Maiden. The winneris owned and trained by Sarah atCrediton, Devon. She had earliersaddled her Beetle Jack to win theDavid Phillips Bookmaker OpenMaiden under David Noonan, whocurrently leads the area novice riders’championship “We haven’t got an allweather gallop and train them on asmall strip in the field. Both thesehorses were home bred by Henry(Sarah’s late husband) out of our mareMonty’s Lass who won a hunter chase.Our daughter Caroline broke them in,rides them and jumps them.”

Kayley Woollacott’s successful seasoncontinued thanks to Cinevator’s Huntrace win and Jepeck’s hard foughtConfined victory. Harriet Skinner wasenjoying her third career success onboard ex-chaser Cinevator – “abrilliant serious spin”, in her words.

Rose Ash trainer Kayley Woollacottwent on to saddle her 16th winner ofthe season when the progressiveJepeck (Jamie Thomas) got his head infront on the line in the colours of JonPike to beat According To Harry.Jepeck gained the first of his four winsin the opening race of the season atBlack Forest Lodge and, “loves cut inthe ground and a good test,”according to his trainer.

Jack Barber is another trainer whocannot stop saddling winners from hisDorset base. His two winners here puthim on the 34 winner mark for theseason and a comfortable lead for theConnolly’s Red Mills National trainers’title. Ask The Weatherman was nothard pressed to win the ExeterRacecourse Intermediate in the handsof Will Biddick. The champion jockeywent on to record his 43rd winner onthe season on the exciting five-year-oldBoa Island, who went into manynotebooks when trouncing his 12rivals in a good quality Restricted. “Hehas now won his two Point-to-Pointsand that will be him for the season. Hewill join Paul Nicholls to go underrules and is for sale to stay in theyard,” said Jack

Robbie Henderson steered the EdWalker trained Annwyl to win theMares and Fillies Open Maiden. “Shehas been a bit slow at her fences in thepast, but we have done a lot of workwith her and she jumped big today,”commented the jockey.

MORPETH at TRANWELLSunday, 12 Aprilby Peter BurgonHeavy rain, which had started mid-morning before clearing after the thirdrace, eased the going to Good to Softin Sunday's Morpeth Hunt Point-to-Point fixture at Tranwell and the hardyenthusiasts who had braved theelements were rewarded with a dry,

sunny afternoon for the second halfof the card.

The former Donald McCain-trainedgelding, Dannanceys Hill carried thewell-known colours of Tim Leslie tovictory in the Go As You PleaseMorpeth Hunt Members Race toinitiate a double for local jockey, AmieWaugh. In command throughout thefinal circuit, the 8 year old survived hisonly serious mistake at the last to beatOcarina by four lengths. The winnerwas sent to Waugh last year and shesaid of him: "He burst a blood vesselon his second run for me at SheriffHutton three months ago and hasbeen given plenty time to recover. Hejumped and travelled well and shouldimprove again for the run."

After a string of disappointing effortsearlier in the season, Whiteabbeybounced back to form to completeWaugh's double in the FormosusLadies Open Race. Fitted withcheekpieces for the first time, the 10year old made virtually every yard ofthe running and had enough in reserveto hold off a late challenge fromCoquet Head by half a length. Thegelding's Reston-based trainer,Rebecca Hewit said: "He has finallyrecovered from a virus which wasaffecting all of my horses earlier thisyear. I think he's got a bit lazy in hisold age and the cheekpieces havedefinitely sharpened him up and kepthis mind on the job."

After being placed on her last threestarts, the consistent Nelly La Ruefinally broke her duck in the V & S

Whiteabbey and AmieWaugh (near side)bounced back to form inthe Ladies Open race atthe Morpeth meeting atTranwell

Photo:Grace Beresfordp2pnorthernphotos.co.uk

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Developments Open Maiden Race toprovide Tom Hamilton with the firstleg of a double. Given a positive ridefrom the off and always in the leadingpair, the mare gradually forged clearfrom four out to beat Kinder Scout bysix lengths. This was a welcome firstwinner of the campaign for Newton-by-the-Sea owner/trainer, MarkThompson, who bought the 8 year oldfor £2200 at Doncaster Sales last May.Hamilton said: "She jumped well allthe way and this galloping track suitedher much better than Friars Haugh."

Flash Garden supplemented lastmonth's Crossford Maiden win in theAgrii Restricted Race to maintain hisunbeaten record and completeHamilton's double. The 7 year oldwarmed to his task as the contestunfolded and, after hitting the fronttwo out, cruised home seven lengthsin front of Kilmacallogue Bay. He wasbought for £3000 at Doncaster Salesin May 2012 by his Meldon handler,James Cookson, who said: "He's a verystraightforward type and such a goodmover. He saw out the extra half milewithout any problems and will be evenbetter on good ground."

After a string of placed rides onPampanito and Scuderia this season,there was a richly deserved first winnerfor 18 year old Andrew Bartlett onBraepark in the two and a half mile

North East Grains Open MaidenRace. Produced with a perfectly timedchallenge, the 6 year old overhauledthe odds-on favourite, Roll TheDough inside the last fifty yards toscore by a neck. Bartlett, who is basedat Alan Swinbank's Melsonby yard,said: "He was very brave at his fencesand kept finding extra when I got himstoked up down the home straight."

The youngster finished 4th on histhird run in Ireland last April beforebeing bought by Ed Cameron for£6000 at Doncaster Sales thefollowing month. His trainer, DavidDickenson, who also sent out DevilsDyke to win this race in 2012, said:"He had muck in his lungs whenpulled up at Thorpe on his first startfor me two months ago and we knewhe was much better than that."

Last week's Vale of Lune Maidenscorer, De Bee Keeper was the mostimpressive winner of the day in theGrainco Ltd PPORA Club MembersRace for Veteran and Novice Riders.In a strongly run affair from theoutset, Ross Chapman's mount wasalways going well and never lookedlike being caught after taking it up fourout. Despite diving at the last , herecovered well and had twenty fivelengths to spare over Sir Watty in theday's fastest time. Iveston trainer,Russell Ross, uncle of the winning

rider, said; "He has earned a shortbreak after two wins in eight days andwill probably be entered for the HeartOf All England Maiden Hunters'Chase at Hexham on May 2 along withstable companion, Sea Scout."

Indian Print took his career tallybetween the flags to seventeen under apeach of a ride from Nick Orpwoodin the Metnor Group Mens OpenRace. Patiently ridden behind the twoleaders, Back On The Road and FozyMoss, Orpwood's mount quickenedfour lengths clear after two out andcomfortably held off a renewedchallenge on the run-in from Back OnThe Road by a length, with Fozy Mossa neck away in third place.

The 11 year old's victory ended a sixweek barren spell for VictorThompson's Newton-by-the-Sea yard.His charge sustained a nasty injury ona hind leg when he tried to clear a wirefence six months ago but is now fullyrecovered and likely to reappear in theforthcoming fixtures at Corbridge andBalcormo Mains. This was Orpwood's14th Pointing winner of the seasonand his first in the Thompson colours."It's still a long way from home fourout and so I delayed any move untilafter the next. He cruised to the fronttwo out and sealed victory withanother great jump at the last," hesaid.

Flash Garden and Tom Hamilton on their way towinning the Restricted race at Tranwell

Photo: Grace Beresford p2pnorthernphotos.co.uk

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PYTCHLEY at GUILSBOROUGHSunday, 12 Aprilby Emma FormanA very large crowd enjoyed somethrilling finishes when the Pytchleyheld their Point-to-Point races at thepopular course at Guilsborough onSunday. Jockeys and trainers were fullof praise for Clerk of the CourseGerald Bailey and his team whoproduced 'good' going on the day andthe track was in fantastic condition.

Bailey did have some incentive to do agood job as he had a number ofrunners from his stable taking part andwas rewarded with a winner and athird in the opening King WestMember's race. Here his runnerSandpipers was the heavily backedfavourite and ridden by Alex Vaughan-Jones replicated the form fromDingley last Saturday beatingAmithereyet and Nick Docker. Thelatter had to stay on resolutely to beatBailey's other runner the fast finishingHardwick Wood and Henry Gurney.

Fearthedark was well fancied to giveBailey and Vaughan-Jones a double inthe Borneo Martell Confined race buthe finished a disappointing fourth.The race went to Chardonnay andJames Jackson-Stops who looked likewinning fairly comfortably two fencesfrom home before Pete Manngalvanised Colonial Boy to challenge.Colonial Boy, the leading novice horseof last season, was putting in his bestrun of the season but had to settle forsecond with Play The Market andJonny Bailey in third.

Pete Mann did not leave Guilsboroughempty handed however, as he rode

Doctor Kingsley to victory in theAbbey Ross Mens Open racecollecting the Dick Saunders MemorialTrophy for his efforts. The enigmaticDoctor Kingsley was recording afourth win at Guilsborough and athird in this Open race for Doug andPauline Harkin who collected theLowther Challenge Cup. The 13-year-old now has the option of running inthe £7,500 3m 2½f Bonham's MensOpen Point-to-Point ChampionshipFinal at Cheltenham on Wednesday29th April or the four miles OpenHunter Chase on the same evening.Gun Money finished a gallant secondfor Richard and John Russell; his nexttarget will be the Quorn Gold Cup atGarthorpe on 25th April, a race hewon in 2013. Jonny Bailey was thirdon Theodore Lamb; his two thirdplaces earned him two more points inthe D&M Barthorpe Midlands AreaLeading Rider Championships puttinghim on 12 points a long way behindTom Strawson who is on 35 points. "Ican't catch him now and I am not evengoing to try to. I missed most of lastseason with a serious injury and I amjust pleased to be back riding," said theformer area leading rider.

The Ladies Open race sponsored byBerry Bros saw Sagalyrique record histenth Ladies Open Point-to-Pointvictory since he began racing betweenthe flags in 2011. The eleven-year-old,partnered by Angela Rucker, beat SeeYou Jack and Gina Andrews with BayTo Go and Lucy Wheeler in third.Sagalyrique's task was made easierafter the Confined winner at thismeeting last year Life Long

unfortunately fell when making upground but he and rider Faye Conwaywere fortunately unhurt. The firstthree riders in this race scored pointsfor the AGA Lady Riders iTotalControl Championship.

Lucy Wheeler's afternoon got better asshe partnered Treacyswestcounty inthe Dallas Burston Open Maiden race.Kicking clear with three fences to go,Treacyswestcounty soon left thefavourite Sea Rock struggling andwent on to score from Miles Awaywho finished second with Violet Crackin third place. Lucy Wheeler has madesome headway in recent weeks and isnow four points behind Kelly Morganfor both the D &M Barthorpe LeadingLady Rider and the Novice Riderawards.

There was something of a surprise inthe MacIntyre Hudson Restricted racewhere 10- 1 shot Biddles Bedouinlanded the spoils. Trained by StuartMorris, for Mrs C and Mrs J Knight,this nine-year-old mare won herMaiden at Whitfield in March on herseventh attempt and since then wasplaced second in a Restricted race."She's a very game little mare andjumps great; the penny has reallydropped with her now. It's a nice spareride to pick up," said the delightedwinning rider Sam Davies-Thomas forwhom this was a seventh winner ofthe season. Biddles Bedouin has nowqualified to run in the SubaruRestricted Point-to-Point Series Finalat Stratford on Friday 29th May.Fiasco finished second with DreamMistress in third.

Lucy Wheeler celebratesher victory onTreacyswestcountry inthe Open Maiden race atthe Pytchley meeting atGuilsborough

Photo:Neale Blackburnchasdog.com

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TEDWORTHat BARBURY RACECOURSESunday, 12 Aprilby Cameron Crawford-SmithThere were two doubles on the card atthe bright and breezy Wiltshire trackwhere a large crowd gathered to watchthe feature race of the day - theTedworth Gold Cup (the JM Finn &Co Mixed Open Race) - a stayers testover 3m6f. Patiently ridden by CharlieDando, the Michael Hawker trainedmare, Cecile De Volanges, was tuckedin behind the leaders for much of therace, before Dando made his movefive fences from home. Turtle Boys,however, was not going to go downwithout a fight but the mare eventuallygot up to win by two and a halflengths. "She travelled well althoughshe made a couple mistakes earlywhich knocked her confidence,"explained Dando, "but as the raceprogressed she became more fluent,winging everything down the backstraight and running on well." Hawkerdashed off to saddle Bobble Mist inthe next race, who duly obliged whenfinishing alone in the Simpsons

Subaru and Jockey Club Mares OpenMaiden, giving her trainer his secondwin of the day.

Trouble Digger, partnered by JoeDrinkwater gave elder brother andtrainer Sam Drinkwater his first win ina tightly fought finish to beat Joe TheTrucker by a neck in the WilliamBartholomew Party Organisers ClubMembers Race for Veteran & NoviceRiders. John Wills, who owned andbred the winner, is no stranger to thesaddle himself having taken part in theGrand National back in 1969.Drinkwater's second win came in the2m4f Open Maiden Race whereBreath of Blighty, having run out inhis previous race, was firmly anchoredby jockey, Charlie Deutsch to beatDeal Of The Day, who has now beenplaced five times in Maidens thisseason.

Sent to post the 1-5 favourite the SallyAlner trained Garstin under LukeKilgarriff led for much of the way andstayed on well to hold off a challengefrom Getyouractogether and Amelia

Glass to take the Prestat ChocolatesConfined Race.

Coeur Brule, owned, trained andridden by David Turner won thePheasant Inn at Lambourn RestrictedRace cosily from Daves Venture. "He'skept and trained from a fieldbelonging to Paul Coombes - myfarrier," smiled Turner, "so I have himto thank."

In the Haddon Training sponsoredpony races that preceded the maincard, Harriet Godfrey, one of theleading pony race riders in the countrywon Division II of the 14.2hh race onGoldwell's Gucci, just ahead of thefast finishing Alfie Martindale andOtterburn Lady. Poppy Scott won the13.2hh pony race aboard CovehamGeneration followed by Division I ofthe 14.2hh race won by Ben Suttonriding Scribblin.

The day concluded with the TedworthHunt Charity Race, run in goodhumour in aid of the Wiltshire AirAmbulance and won by MichelleWilliamson and Spider.

David Turner salutes the crowd following his success aboardCoeur Brule in the Restricted race at Barbury RacecoursePhoto: Phil Britt philbrittphotos.zenfolio.com

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AINTREE BUMPER GAINING NATIONWIDERECOGNITION

Point-to-Point trainers around Britainare eyeing Doncaster BloodstockSales’ new Point-to-Point bumper atAintree on May 15.Somerset-based Jack Barber, Britain’sleading trainer this season, isconsidering Royalzaro for the race –the five-year-old son of Laveron wasplaced twice before winning atBadbury Rings on Easter Saturday, andBarber says: “Royalzaro is a possible –I looked into running Boa Island [whois two from two and won impressivelyat Upcott Cross on Sunday], but heran in a bumper before coming to me,so is ineligible. I think the race is agreat idea, because it is a chance togive a young horse another experience,without having to send it to a licensedtrainer.”Shropshire-based Phil Rowley has theDBS bumper on the agenda for Shan’tAgree (Shantou), a four-year-old whowon nicely on debut at Bitterley onEaster Saturday, while Pembrokeshire’sRobert Luke is hoping debutanteMidnite Grace can qualify with a top-three placing in the opener (2.00) atPyle on Saturday. Luke says: “She’s ahalf-sister to a number of winners andis certainly as good as Chosen Milan[his stable star] at the same age. Youcan never tell how they will take to itfirst time out, but if she runs well itwill be the plan to run at Aintree. It’s agood initiative and I’m keen tosupport it.”Another possible contender scored atHornby Castle in Yorkshire on Sundayunder Emma Todd. Five-year-old TheDark Duchess (Bollin Eric), making

her racing debut for owner/trainer/breeders Charles and Gilda Brader,won pulling clear by ten lengths in aten-runner field.In becoming the Braders’ firstdebutante, homebred winner, shecreated their second-best racing day.The best came in 2007 when TheDark Duchess’s dam, DuchessAccount, won Yorkshire’s ClassicPoint-to-Point, the Grimthorpe GoldCup, under the couple’s daughter,Emma.Charles says of The Dark Duchess:“She came out of the race well – a bittired, but she’s good in every otherway. I doubt she will run in a Point-to-

Point again this season, but Aintree,while unlikely, is a possible optionbecause she has a bit of speed.”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. It is open tofour-, five- and six-year-olds that havefinished in the first three in a maiden –but horses that have competed underRules are ineligible.Worth £10,000 in prize money, it alsoguarantees the first three a place in theDBS Spring Sale, which starts threedays later (May 18-20).

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RoyalzaroPhoto: Tim Holt [email protected]

The Dark DuchessPhoto: Peter Barber pointtopointphotography.co.uk


CONNOLLY’S RED MILLS PRECISION NUTRITION SERIES 2014/15Taunton Vale at Kingston St Mary, Easter Monday 06 AprilThe final Connolly’s-sponsoredqualifier of the 2014/15 season washeld at Kingston St Mary on EasterMonday, so it was apt that MarieMcGuinness, trainer of the winnerSoul Native, should be a Red Millscustomer.No plans have been formulated forthe nine-year-old, and although he maybe given an entry, Marie reasoned that,as he wasn’t very big, it might be toomuch to ask of him to send him overthe Cheltenham fences on his firstforay under Rules. More likely targetsare either the 4m Ladies’ Open atFlete Park – “He stays very well,” –Marie asserted – or the ExeterIntermediate final. “He wears his hearton his sleeve,” she continued. “Healways tries so hard.”Soul Native was bought as a three-year-old by father and son Max andDave Churches, but failed to sell whenput through the ring at Ascot last year.Max has been unwell but happily wasable to be present at Kingston towitness the victory.Marie, who trains near Bridgwater, hasfor several years had strong links withPhilip Hobbs’s stable, running asatellite yard and breaking in and pre-training youngsters which go on to rununder Rules. One of those which wentthrough her hands was the smartFingal Bay, winner of the PertempsFinal at the 2014 Cheltenham Festival.

The runner-up Sonoftheking gave histrainer Nicky Martin and owners, The

Bradley Partnership, a second optionfor the final, Infamous Grouse havingqualified at Buckfastleigh.Connections would have hoped for abetter run from their One For TheGuv’nr at Aintree, but they werecompensated by Alberobello’sChepstow victory on the same day,and Bradley Brook’s success at UpcottCross 24 hours later.Sonoftheking ran without muchdistinction from Philip Hobbs’s yard,and Richard Johnson recommendedthat he would benefit from a spell ofhunting. “He’s loving life,” said Nicky,“but he is lucky still to be here. Hetwisted his gut on the gallops last year,but we managed to get him to our vet,who is very close, and he was operatedon within an hour and a half. It wastouch and go.”Although he has won on heavy, Nickyis of the opinion that he would prefergenuinely good ground, her onlyreservation about going toCheltenham being that she considershis optimum trip to be slightly short ofthree miles. If she decides against atrip to the final his next outing may beat Stafford Cross on April 26th.

Third-placed Turtle Too will not beheading to Cheltenham.”He’s still quitegreen,” explained handler HarrietBrown, who trains him for an eight-strong syndicate, “and ideally he needssoft ground. We may even turn himaway now. It would be lovely to have a

runner [in the final] but hopefully hecould qualify next year.”

Turtle Too, whose extended pedigreeincludes the 1995 Velka Pardubickawinner Its A Snip, was purchased atAscot last June. “He’s easy to do, andhe’s mostly very quiet, but he’s gotquite a good buck in him when hefeels like it!”For the past two seasons Harriet hasridden out for Anthony Honeyball inthe mornings before doing her ownhorses in the afternoon. She currentlyhas four Pointers in her yard, andwould like to increase her string fornext season.

Farrier Jack Veysey, who is in his first“proper” season riding between theflags – he had a ride round in the AxeVale Members’ about six years ago –finished fourth on his own TheDapper Fox, who was bred at ChrisDawson’s Nunstainton Stud nearSedgefield. Jack, who rode his initialwinner on the seven-year-old atCothelstone last month, has no plansto contest the Cheltenham final,preferring to keep his mount to alower-key campaign.“His action implies that he wantsquicker ground, but he hasn’t got thecruising speed to be able to keep upwith really good horses,” he explained.His next outing could be in theConfined at Flete Park on April 18th,providing the going is suitable.

Will Biddick and Soul Native at Kingston St MaryPhoto: Tim Holt [email protected]

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SUBARU RESTRICTED POINT-TO-POINT SERIES 2014/15

Paul Tunnicliffe, Managing Director of Subaru UK presents SarahBowen with her Subaru Restricted Point-to-Point Series Trophieswith assistance from Hannah and Lauren of Cross Roads Garage

Photo: Neale Blackburn chasdog.com

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SUBARU RESTRICTED PROVIDES RIDER'S MAIDEN VICTORYYoung rider Sarah Bowen scored thefirst victory of her Point-to-Pointingcareer with an impressive victory onDefinitely Rosie in the SubaruRestricted Point-to-Point Seriesqualifier at Mollington on 11 April.

Sarah has recently progressed to ridingin Point-to-Points from Arab racingand displayed her skills in riding out astrong finish as she powered aheadtwenty lengths clear of her nearestchallenger, Dunara Castle, ridden by

Tom Ellis. Definitely Rosie is ownedand trained by Sarah’s mother, Sue.

The team from Cross Roads GarageLtd in Treddington, Warwickshire, waspresent at the North WarwickshireHunt Club meeting just north ofBanbury in Oxon that was dominatedby Lady riders as Claire Hart rode herfirst treble.

The weekend saw a second Subaruqualifier, at the Cheshire Forest fixtureat Tabley near Knutsford. Local dealer,

Mangoletsi were in attendance topresent the winners trophies whichwere received by the connections ofthe favourite in the race, Push Aheadridden by Gillon Crow and trained byGary Hamner.

There is now a break until the finalweekend in April that sees three of thelast eight qualifiers at Balcormo Mainsin Fife, Stafford Cross in Devon andWoodford in Gloucestershire.


THE TBA MARES CLUB RACE SERIES 2014/15

Claire Hart and Dabinett Moon at MollingtonPhoto: Neale Blackburn chasdog.com

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DABINETT MOON TOO GOOD FOR MOLLINGTON RIVALSDabinett Moon became the latestwinner of a Thoroughbred Breeders’Association Club Members’ race forfillies and mares when scoring atMollington in Oxfordshire onSaturday – she formed part of a hat-trick for rider Claire Hart.

Carrying the colours of her owner/trainer/breeders, Fran and ChrisMarriott, the seven-year-old daughterof Pitchall Stud stallion MidnightLegend scored comfortably fromShropshirelass and Ilongue.

On Tuesday morning, she was riddenaround her owners’ Oxfordshire farmby Chris and was reported to be:“Very jolly and full of beans.”

The Marriotts are considering Point-to-Points at Whitfield on Sunday weekor back at Mollington on the first MayBank Holiday Monday as their mare’snext target, while longer term they areeyeing the valuable Subaru RestrictedHunter Chase final at Stratford (May29).

Dabinett Moon, who is named after anapple popular with Somerset cidermakers, has the stable name of Bertha,because she became so fat on grass asan unbroken three-year-old shereminded her owners of a large cowthey owned called Big Bertha.

Now much slimmer and certainlyquicker, she is part of a dynasty

created by the Marriotts from themare Windfall VI, who was bought in1970 and ridden by Chris in Point-to-Points. Her daughter, Miss Crabapple(Sunyboy), produced Dabinett Moon.

The next Thoroughbred Breeders’Association Club Members’ race forfillies and mares – round six of tenraces during this Point-to-Point season– takes place at Tabley in Cheshire onSunday week, April 26. It is arescheduled race following theabandonment of last month’sHolcombe meeting at Whittington.


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

RECENT LANDMARKSClaire Hart managed two landmarks atthe same meeting on Saturday,recording her first treble at Mollington,and on the third winner, Leith Hill Ladin the Maiden, registering her half-century between the flags. Six weekspreviously Claire had reached a career50 [see Landmarks, March 2nd], and inaddition to her Point-to-Point victorieshas ridden nine winners under Rules.

Her two other Mollington successescame on Dabinett Moon in the TBAMares’ Club Members’ race andAlskamatic in the Ladies’ Open, andthe three-timer took her into joint-third, with Catherine Walton, in thechampionship table behind GinaAndrews and Hannah Watson.

Mollington was also the venue for theinitial victory of Sarah Bowen, 22, onDefinitely Rosie in the SubaruRestricted. It was the race immediatelyafter a break in proceedings for theGrand National, and Sarah, who hasworked for Angela Rucker for fiveyears, admitted “It was a bit of a rushto get ready after watching that.”

‘That,’ of course, was referring to heremployer’s Alvarado, who had finishedfourth in the big race for the secondsuccessive year.

Sarah had her first rides on the track atthe age of 18, when she won five Arabraces, and in 2012/13 she rode in fouramateur flat races for her aunt, PamFord. “I’d much rather ride over jumps,though,” she stressed.

Definitely Rosie, who “stays all day,”was purchased at Ascot last year bySarah for just £800.

18-year-old Andrew Bartlett, who hashit the crossbar on many occasions thisseason, notching up five seconds andfive thirds, finally opened his account inthe 2m4f Maiden on the DavidDickenson-trained Braepark.Coincidentally it was for Braepark’sowner Ted Cameron that Andrew hadhis first ride between the flags in 2013.

He never had the chance to try Ponyracing, but he has a backgroundsteeped in hunting. His father wasMaster of the Zetland for five years,and his mother is the DistrictCommissioner for the hunt’s PonyClub.

Andrew is now amateur to AlanSwinbank, for whom he has workedfull-time since leaving school, and priorto that during his holidays. He iscurrently doing his Category ‘B’ course

at the Northern Racing College, and isplanning to turn Conditional next year.

Former Conditional Jason Kiely, 24 in aweek’s time, gave himself an earlybirthday present when scoring his firstsuccess since returning to the amateurranks – he rode one winner betweenthe flags in Ireland – on Sweet LikeYou in a match for the Restricted atAndoversford.

Jason, who worked in Ireland for PatO’Donnell and Philip Fenton, and alsospent a summer with Dermot Weld,has been based with Tim Vaughansince coming to Britain in 2011. Hespent more than two seasons as aConditional, riding five winners, butreverted to amateur status due to lackof opportunities. “I don’t think I wasever going to be good enoughanyway,” was his modest assessment.

One of his regular rides at the Vaughanyard is Dalaman, who has made theframe in all three Bumper starts to date,and of whom Jason has a high opinion.

He has made plenty of Pointingcontacts since arriving in Wales, withPat Hanly and Peter Ponting (trainer ofSweet Like You) among those forwhom he is getting rides.

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2015 Sarah Bowen and Definitely

Rosie at MollingtonPhoto: Neale Blackburn

chasdog.com

Andrew Bartlett andBraepark at TranwellPhoto: Grace Beresfordp2pnorthernphotos.co.uk

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


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2015 PICTURE PERFECT

Some great shots from a thrilling weekend’s Pointing

Jess Gillam and Blackthirteen drive through the pouring rain on their way tovictory in the Confined race at the Bedale meeting at Hornby Castle

Photo: Peter Barber pointtopointphotography.co.uk


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2015 Claire Hart and Dabinett Moon in full flight en route to taking the TBA Mares

Club Members race at the North Warwickshire Hunt Club meeting at MollingtonPhoto: Neale Blackburn chasdog.com

Robbie Henderson and Annwyl, winners of the Open Maiden race for maresand fillies at the Eggesford meeting at Upcott Cross



James Jackson-Stops and Chardonnay share a moment after winning theConfined race at the Pytchley meeting at Guilsborough


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2015 Ross Chapman and De Bee Keeper survive a blunder on their way to

winning the PPORA Club Members race at the Morpeth meeting at TranwellPhoto: Grace Beresford p2pnorthernphotos.co.uk

The field in the Open Maiden at the Pytchely meeting at Guilsborough(winner, Treacyswestcountry under Lucy Wheeler, centre with cerise stars)



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GETTING TO KNOW YOUDate of birth: 20th May 1988.Job or profession: CommercialProperty Agent.Are you from a racing background?If not, how did you get started inPoint-to-Pointing? Yes, my Dad rode.What was your first ride in public?2008.First winner – name of the horse,owner & trainer, the date & thecourse: Regal Reign, owned by Dad,trained by me hunting, in the BrocklesbyMembers in February 2012. We finishedalone!Apart from the first winner, what hasbeen your most memorableride? Shinrock Pearl winning theMelton Hunt Club meetingRestricted at Garthorpe last year.She was never expected to staythree miles and win at the firsttime of asking, so it was a nicesurprise. Her owner EmmaForman persuaded AGHAULcompany director MichaelGreen that his haulage companyshould sponsor me.Is there a ride you look backon and think “could havedone better?” Too many! It wasfrustrating to finish second twiceon my mate Harry Burt’sMurphy’s Promise in twocompetitive early seasonMaidens last year. Harry got fitfrom a broken ankle and won onhim the next two times! I stillhaven’t heard the end of it!For which trainers/owners doyou mainly ride? Mainly lots ofsmall local trainers - TheRobinson Family, Geoff Hunter,Tim Tarratt, Clive Mulhall, andRachel Burt.Who has been most influential onyour riding career so far? ProbablyAlan Hill. A big tall lanky chap like methat rode extremely successfully till hismid-30. I rode out for him for for threeyears or so when at Reading Universityand learnt a tonne. When I think I’msick of trying to do the weight, I thinkhe did it so can I!Which are your favourite courses?And for what reasons? Brocklesby –it’s a rider’s course with proper stifffences. If you’re on a bad jumper youwill hit the deck! - and Garthorpe – Irode a memorable treble there last

season and it always has some popularwell attended spring meetings.What car do you drive? VW Golf.Name your perfect night in andperfect night out: Night In – theweekly Chinese takeaway at Riby afterPointing on a Sunday. Night Out – asession around Gareth Bow’s(Brocklesby Huntsman) kitchen tableafter a proper days hunting.Where do you like to go on holiday?Skiing as I don’t get bored, but it’sdifficult fitting it in with the Pointingseason. I also enjoy any quick trip toIreland for hunting/racing/sales/drinking!

Who would be your ideal travellingcompanions to the races? Probablymy house mate Harry Burt and brotherHenry. We always have a lot of banterand they won quite a bit of money onme last year which made car journeys agood craic!What music are you currentlylistening to? I’m a bit of an old manwith music. Any old cheesy classic!What are your favourite films and TVprogrammes? Any Bond film and TakeMe Out!What has been either your ownfunniest incident, or the mostamusing thing you have seen or

heard at the races? Anything thatcomes out of valet Dave Sunderland'smouth is always very amusing in thechanging room!!Who are your biggest heroes inracing? AP McCoy – the toughestsportsman on this planet.Which particular horse (in anydiscipline) would you like to ride? Athis prime, Sprinter SacreApart from race-riding, in what othersports do you participate? Hunting,Tennis and GolfDo you have any regrets in yourriding career to date? Not gettinggoing younger when I was 16. I didn’t

have a ride until I was 19.What ambitions do you havein racing? I’d love to have aspin round in the Aintree FoxHunters.Are there any changes thatyou think would benefit thesport in the future? Being toobig I’m anti the talked aboutweight allowance for young /novice jockeys as the younglarger contingency wouldstruggle to get rides. That iswhat the amateur/conditionallicence is for. I’d like to seesome Open races and HunterChases that are restricted totrue Pointers. It makes itdifficult for the true amateurowners and trainers to competewhen top Grade 1 horses stepback and clean up.What are your aspirations forthe season? To ride morewinners than last season andretain the Midlands Title.Can you give us a horse tolook out for this season?

Director's Forum, a 7-year-oldtrained by 82-year-old Geoff Hunteracquired from Doncaster out of JessicaHarrington’s yard.Can you give us an up and comingrider to look out for this season? TomBroughton, a 17-year-old that had hisfirst few rides last season. I’ve huntedwith him all my life. He's keen, the rightsize and had a few spins in amateurraces under Rules.If you were on an island and couldonly bring three things, what wouldyou bring? A bottle of Gin, a cow andAbbey Clancy!And finally, sum up Point-to-Pointing in one word: Exhilarating.

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TOM STRAWSONBased in the Midlands Area, Tom is fan of Bond films and Dave Sunderland’s humour! Being of a similar frame, he

draws inspiration from the career of Alan Hill, and would take a cow and Abbey Clancy to his desert island hideaway.

Tom aboard Gonalston Cloud at this season’s Belvoir meeting at GarthorpePhoto: Nico Morgan nicomorgan.com


5 MINUTES WITHDAVID SIMPSONTHE AGA MANPhoto: Charly Prichard


For how long have you beeninvolved with Point-to-Pointing?Sunday, 6th February 2011 was thefirst time I had ever set foot on aPoint-to-Point course (SMAC -Whitfield), it’s safe to say that I havenever looked back since!

Where are you based?Cubbington, a small village to thenorth-east of Royal Leamington Spa,however, I was born in Durham City

Are you from a racing background?No, although I've always lovedNational Hunt racing. Not having aracing background has its advantagesas I can look at Pointing with fresheyes, although the disadvantage is thatthere is a lot to learn and initially Itried to run before I could walk! I’mgoing at a sensible pace now,supported and advised by a lot of verynice people.

What car do you drive?A red Audi A3 Sportback.

What kind of music do you like?I often publish a 'Pointing Playlist' onsocial media and let’s just say that theyare varied and interesting. I’ve a verybroad taste and a journey to the racescould just as easily feature 'sounds ofthe 60's' or Kiss FM! During the weekthe car radio is tuned to Radio 2, withSmooth Extra and Absolute 80'staking over at the weekend. I alsomade my Music Festival debut in 2013,attending V Festival! Late 70's andearly 80's is my time and punk/ska/new wave would feature on most ofmy play lists. My top 10 albums wouldmost likely change weekly but theStone Roses and The Jam wouldalways be in there, and Club Tropicanais guaranteed to have me cranking thevolume up and singing (badly). ClubTropicana was released in 1983, fastforward to 2m41s in the video, Isported that look for a while (I was aLOT slimmer).

What are your favourite films andTV programmes?I love a good film and enjoy manydifferent genres, although Titanicwould be about the nearest I could getto a love story without wishing tovomit! Particular favourites areQuadrophenia, The Business, Casino,Any Given Sunday, A Few Good Men,Goodfellas, Pulp Fiction, SaturdayNight Fever and Grease! As for TV,Peaky Blinders is TV gold and I love abit of Downton Abbey. Soap Operasare guaranteed to get me grumbling,they are wretched!

Describe your perfect night in andperfect night out:Both would involve gin and goodfriends and the night in wouldinvariably involve talking rubbish atsome point (this is related to the gin).Dining, drinking and talking Al frescowould be a favourite. I can also stillrouse myself for a good party and thehighlight of the social calendar in 2014was Bridget Andrews 21st (that set thebar very high).

What do you do to take a break –any hobbies or favourite holidaydestinations?Cuba made a huge impression, wehave a passion for cruising andDurham City and the Lake Districtwill do for starters in the UK, alongwith Port Isaac and Dartmouth.

Who would be your ideal travellingcompanions to the races?Mrs S can be a very entertainingtravelling companion, Derek Martinwho used to drive the AGA van is alsogood value and I've had a couple ofenjoyable trips with Mr & Mrs Ellis.

Who are your biggest heroes – in orout of racing?My dad, Stan; Paul Weller and BrianClough.

What has been your funniestincident at the races?Too numerous to mention, although Idid step on the scales over in Irelandlast year at Fairyhouse for the Anglo-Irish challenge to weigh out, only to betold ‘sorry sir, they don’t go up thatfar’, a lot of people laughed at that!

If you were an Owner, which horsewould you like to own – in Pointsand under Rules?I'll be greedy and have four Pointersplease! Start Royal, Doctor Kingsley,That's Rhythm and Palypso De Creekwould make a formidable team, withAmicelli and Billyvoddan to hunt on!

If you hadn’t gone to work for AGA,what would you have done instead?I could never imagine not being theAGA man. I have a real affinity for theproduct - I am an AGA owner – I loveit and think everyone should have one!

What ambitions do you have?I turned 50 in January but still thinkthere's another move upwards to bemade job wise, and would relish theopportunity to work abroad. I’d loveto have a Pointer and no doubt willhave an interest sooner rather thanlater.

Three things you may not knowabout the AGA man –1: I love musicals, I was in the WestEnd last Friday with Mrs S, watchingThe Commitments. 2: I used to be apublican. 3: On 24th February 1979Sunderland beat Newcastle 4-1 at StJames Park, however, I wasn’t there,but I was in Newcastle... learning todance like John Travolta in Grease.

What are your favourite coursesand meetings - and why?By the end of this season I will havebeen to more than 60 courses. It's ajoy to visit Kingston Blount, a greatsetting and a well maintained course;the same can be said for ChaddesleyCorbett (which will host the MountainWarehouse Anglo-Irish Challenge on25th May). The YAPPC meeting atSheriff Hutton and the Blackmore &Sparkford Vale at CharltonHorethorne are among my favouritemeetings, the welcome is second tonone and the people who run themreally want you to be there.

What developments do you thinkwould benefit the sport in thefuture? Demystify the sport and makeit easier for 'outsiders' to discover it. Ifit hadn't been for AGA it is entirelypossible that I would never have foundPoint-to-Point horse racing. It’s afantastic product and should bemarketed accordingly, be proud of thehistory and heritage but embracechange and move with the times(some are already doing this). It can beviewed as cliquey but it most definitelyis not, it's unique and one of thebiggest strengths is the manywonderful people that are involved(lots of characters). Whatever happenswith AGA in the future Point-to-Pointhorse racing has got me for life, butthere must be thousands more like meout there. So, we need to find them,welcome them and keep them. Thereare currently some very passionate andknowledgeable people looking at waysto attract more horses to the sport,and that's got to be a good thing. Formy part I am passionate aboutpromoting the sport and getting newpeople through the gate (and makingsure they come back). Social media is agreat tool and this is now beingembraced by many more people, oftenwith spectacular results. ommunicationcan be patchy at times and varies fromarea to area; maybe some social mediaworkshops would help.

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http://www.agacookshop.co.uk/

http://www.agacookshop.co.uk/


WOODWAY

Photo: David Simpson

THE WIZARDOF


Having had a share of a horse intraining at Woodway Farm for the pastthree seasons, I’ve got to know AlanHill, wife and professional trainerLawney and their children Gaby andJoe – a leading Point-to-Point jockey –quite well. Indeed, when I firstsuggested a more formal interview forthe Trainer Talk series, Alan dismissedthe idea with the words: “You alreadyknow everything about me.” However,I persevered with the intention and aday spent with them watching thehorses enlightened me far more than Icould have imagined.

As a regular racegoer at Point-to-Points for the past 25 years, my ownearly memories of Alan Hill were as ajockey long on elbows, effort andeffectiveness and short on style. Andthat he gave up the inside to no one!Since his retirement in 1997, he andLawney have gradually built up theiryard into one of the most powerfulestablishments in the sport of Point-to-Pointing, culminating in winningthe National Trainers Championshipfor the first time last season, with atotal of 27 wins.

But I didn’t get to know Alan Hill theman until three years ago and didn’treally delve into his background untilmy recent visit. Born in 1959 andbrought up at Woodway Farm in theOxfordshire village of Aston Rowant,he was the first Hill son in fivegenerations not to be named Joe(something he rectified on the birth ofhis own son. All his family haveridden. “My grandfather used to ridein races in full hunting kit,” herecalled, “In the days when they reallydid ride from point to point. One yearhe beat the Prince of Wales (the futureEdward VIII of Wallis Simpsonrenown) in the Hunt Race at longdefunct Stoke Talmage.”

Alan’s father – Joe, obviously – andmother Sheila both rode in races in the1950s and early 1960s. Their besthorse was Alfalfa, named after thecrop, on whom Sheila rode severalwinners and Joe rode to finish fourthin the Cheltenham Foxhunters.Apparently it was the horse, ratherthan his female jockey, who initiallycaught Joe’s eye! Elder sister Tina, whonow lives in Devon, also rode winners– “like my daughter Gaby (who nolonger race-rides but still events) she

did it for a while then moved on” –but it was Alan who proved to be themost enduring and successful of thefamily jockeys.

Alan is well known in the sport for histhree Foxhunters winners – atCheltenham in 1985 on Elmboy and atAintree in 1987 on Border Burg and1995 on Sheer Jest – but how did it allstart? “I was supposed to have my firstride in 1975 at the age of 15 – youcould ride that young in those days,”he reminisces. “But the horse gotinjured, so I had to wait until 1976. Irode Dad’s horse Possett in a MensOpen at Tweseldown. There were 27runners, something else you wouldn’tsee nowadays. He gave me a nice saferide and we pulled up two out. ChrisKing won the race – he’s ended upbeing one of my best mates.”

The fledgling jockey had three furtheroutings on Possett that season, all inMens Opens, with his best finish beingsecond at Kimble. “There weren’t anynovice riders races at the time, so wetended to ride in Opens, as it wasn’t agood idea to put an inexperiencedjockey and a green horse together!Also, opportunities were limited.There were five-race cards, the seasonlasted from mid-February until the endof May and there was no Sundayracing.”

Which is probably why it took Alanuntil 1979 to ride his first winner.“Dad wouldn’t let me even take anoutside ride for two years. He wantedme to learn from the bottom – firstleading up his horses, then ridingthem. He thought I’d give up and goand play rugby, but luckily I hatedrugby.” That first winner came, butunfortunately he soon lost the ride.“The horse fell with me at Lockingeand I was blamed! But wouldn’t havewon the race anyway – we were takingon Water Sport, who was one of theleading horses that season.”

It was a gradual climb, rather than ameteoric rise, then, for the young AlanHill. “I was stupid enough to take anyspare ride going, but I gradually builtup my contacts and started ridingbetter horses,” he admits. Someone towhom he remains grateful is fellowtrainer Chris Loggin. “It was 1981.Chris was due to ride Royal Roussel atKimble but he fell in the first race so Itook the mount. I started riding more

and more for Chris and his father sonot only was I riding more regularly,but I was winning and getting placed,so I was getting noticed more.”

So how did the connection withElmboy come about? “His owner-trainer Norman Mawle had a horsecalled Ebor Lad, who would run onconcrete. I was riding it one bakinghot day at the old course atLowsonford and we finished second –Norman and the other owners weredelighted, as they’d had a huge bet onme to finish second to the favourite!”As a result of that, Alan was given theride on another Mawle horse, JustOnce, and was then told about “ayoung horse for you to take hunting”.That young horse was, of course,Elmboy. The pair won three HunterChases in 1984, including the AudiGrand Prix de Chasse at Sandown, inpreparation for their tilt atCheltenham in 1985 where, as Alanindelicately puts it, “we pissed up!”

Border Burg was owned by bloodstockagent James Delahooke, who boughtthe brilliant Dancing Brave for KhalidAbdullah. To draw a parallel foryounger pointing fans, he was the1980s equivalent of John Ferguson,with a stable full of top-class Point-to-Pointers to go with the flat race blue-bloods he paid vast sums for. “I firstrode for James in 1984 on Jack Of AllTrades,” recalls Alan. “I was supposedto ride the horse at eleven stone – inthose days you had to weigh out witheverything, including a body protector– and even eleven and a half was astruggle. I spent the whole morning inthe sauna and lost eleven pounds. Icouldn’t see clearly, everything wascloudy, but I still won the race.”

“He was the best trainer I ever rodefor,” continues Alan. “His horses werethe fittest and best-presented. A lot ofwhat we do now – lots of fast, shortgalloping – is based on what I learntfrom James.”

And what about his second winnerover the Grand National course, SheerJest? “My first ride for owner BillWarner was a ‘spare’ at Cottenham,”he admits. “I used to get asked to ridea lot of bad jumpers as I had thereputation as someone who could getthem jumping properly. My techniquewas to let the fence come to the horse,

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

about his time as a rider...


doing things quietly, withoutfrightening my mount.” But his firstouting on Sheer Jest caused a rift withhis wife. “We were meant to go toDavid Loder’s wedding that day,” Alanconfesses, “but I was always going togo to the Oakley to ride Sheer Jest andWall Game, so Lawney went on herown!”

The end of a successful career came atMollington in 1997, after Alan finished

second on Radical Views and Run ForFree. “I told Lawney on the way to thecourse that I’d been thinking about itand was going to give up that day.Basically, I’d run out of good horsesto ride.” There’s certainly some falsemodesty there – as Radical Views wasa high-class pointer and Run For Freehad won the Scottish Grand Nationalfor Martin Pipe!

Alan, as far as he remembers, finishedon 98 wins in point to points and 48 inHunter Chases, but was never temptedby the obvious landmarks of 100 and50. “I never set myself goals – Iremember poor old Bob Woolley, hewas on 99 winners when he fell andwas paralysed, ending up in StokeMandeville hospital. I didn’t want tofinish that way.”

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THE FIRST XI

Consigliere “I’d like to take him to theBonhams Mens Open Final atCheltenham on April 29th if the groundis right. Otherwise he’ll stay pointing.”

Harbour Court “The four-miler at theCheltenham Hunter Chase evening is adefinite objective and he’s being trainedfor that. He may have lost some of hisspeed at nine, but his Newbury runshows that he stays.”

Start Royal “He’ll go for anotherLadies Open, maybe at Fakenham onSunday. The big aim for this winner of21 races is the three and a half mileHunter Chase at Fontwell on May 14ththat he won last year.”

Sharp Suit “He’ll stick to Ladies Opensthen may go for the AGA Ladies Race atStratford on May 29th if the groundcomes up good.”

Ravethebrave “Also qualified for theBonhams at Cheltenham and may gothere if Consigliere doesn’t. He’s stilllooking for his ground and we’ll target alate season Hunter Chase.”

Done A Runner “He’ll be entered forthe Connolly’s Intermediate Final atCheltenham, a hard act to follow as we’vewon it for the last two years withHarbour Court and Sharp Suit. If heruns, Lucy Wheeler will keep the ride.”

Broken Eagle “Been on the easy listsince his Larkhill second but is beingaimed at the Maiden Hunter Chase at theFontwell evening meeting.”

Brians Well “We’ve got a million andone ideas for him. He’ll stay pointing thisseason and will go for an Intermediate orClub Race next.”

Alpha Native “Goes to KingstonBlount on Saturday then owner SusannahGill will make her Hunter Chase debut atFontwell. She works for ARC and wouldlove to ride at one of her courses.”

Photo: Neale Blackburn Photo: Julie Drewett Photo: Neale Blackburn

Photo: Julie Drewett Photo: Julie Drewett Photo: Nico Morgan

Photo: Julie Drewett Photo: Neale Blackburn

Fiddleesticks “Won his Maiden at Kimble recently forBrentford fanatic Bob Groves so will go for a Restricted next.”

The Crumpet Mine “A maiden I train for Lawney. He was meant torun last month but had a small niggle and we hope to run at KingstonBlount this weekend. The long preparation will have benefitted him.”

The Aston Rowant maestro updates us on his plans for therest of the season for some of his string

Photo: Neale Blackburn


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DARTMOOR at FLETE PARKSaturday, 18 Aprilby Donna HarrisThe first of two Point-to-Point horseracing fixtures takes place nextSaturday 18th April at the gloriouscourse of Flete Park Ermington. TheDartmoor will be hosting the daysevent, which is one of the mostpopular venues for enjoying the thrillsand spills of racing for all the family.Pony racing heads up the action at1pm with the 138cm and 148cm races,followed by the main seven race cardat 2pm.The popular charity Clydesdalerace will run at the end of theafternoon.

With the weather forecast lookinggood, picnics will be brimming, andthe atmosphere electric. With over 100entries received, the feature race looksto be the Mixed Open race, run overfour miles, for the Lord MildmayMemorial Challenge Cup. Sponsoredby Totnes & Bridgetown, entries inthis include Kingswood, a winner herelast year for the Henderson family. Hismain challenger looks to beHameldown Tor, the prolific winninggelding from the Ed Walker yard, hestays four miles, prefers the drier

ground, and is seeking his hat-trick ofwins this season.

Sally Goodman sponsors the openingMembers race, in which Before TheWar should run well, having won twiceon this track. Locally trained BrandyAnd Red could go well for trainerDavid Roger, having recently runsecond at Great Trethew under PippaGlanville.

In the Kitson Solicitors-sponsoredRestricted race, Steel Brush from theKeith Cumings team, has to be fanciedhaving made all to win his maiden atKingston St Mary, he had previouslycome home second to Doyen Dynamoat Kilworthy. Leo Clo De La Londecould follow up on his second atCherrybrook, and Molly Oscar isanother to note having run well untilslipping up at Cherrybrook.

High Priority, another from the KeithCumings yard, ran third at this courselast season, and could run well againhere in the Francis Clarke-sponsoredOpen Maiden two mile four furlongrace, he was unlucky to be disqualifiedwhen finishing second to Judge JohnDeed at Kingston St Mary.Applesolutely is another to have been

knocking at the door of a win, whenfinishing two lengths second at GreatTrethew, under talented young jockeySean Houlihan.

Rogers of Plymouth sponsor theMembers Condition race, in whichlocally trained Sunken Secret is aprevious course winner here, he wouldrelish the drying ground for youngjockey Pippa Glanville. The veteranDuxy Hill Lady could put up a goodrun, as could previous hurdle winnerKnight Pass for the Frost team.

In the Elizabeth Maye MemorialConfined race, Right Enough won atboth last years Flete meetings, he islightly raced this season and wasrunning well when finishing third atCherrybrook. Swansbrook has alsoscored twice at this track and hasfinished in the frame on three of hisfour outings so far this season, andcould figure here again.

The Open Maiden race is sponsoredby Tony Glynn Scaffolding, this hasattracted 28 entries and may well bedivided on the day. Suggestions wouldbe Follow The Paint, Miss Weld, MyRosie B and Spendajennie.

Hameldown Tor looks the one to follow in the Mixed Open raceat the Dartmoor meeting


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2015 MEETING PREVIEWS


KIMBLEWICKat KINGSTON BLOUNTSaturday, 18 Aprilby Jake ExelbyOrganisers are hoping for a highturnout of runners for the secondmeeting of the season at KingstonBlount this weekend. Entry conditionsfor some of the races have beenmodified this year to attract moreentries – the conditions for theConfined Race now include morequalifying Hunts and Novice Ridersnow have a race to themselves, ratherthan sharing with the Veterans!

The course has been receiving ravereviews for its ground conditions inrecent seasons and this meeting shouldprove no exception. Clerk of theCourse Stewart Nash told me: "Thegoing is currently good. We put 50,000gallons of water on it on Monday andwill keep watering all week as theforecast is for a dry week with anincrease in temperatures."

Highlight of the day is the four-mileMixed Open – the Philip ScoullerMemorial Southern Grand National –which has attracted a high-class entry,most notably Welsh winning machineFindlay's Find. The nine year oldgained his 21st career victory atYstradowen last weekend and isdifficult to beat once he finds hisform. Dual Open winner BrackloonHigh could bid to go one better thanhis recent Kimble second for MichaelKehoe, while one planned runner isAlpha Native for leading local trainerAlan Hill. "Being by Alflora, he'll stay

every inch of the trip," confirmedAlan. "He's also entered in the NoviceRiders' but was favourite for this racelast year." Owner-rider Susannah Gill,Director of External Affairs at ARC,should also stay the trip, as she will berunning in the London Marathon onSunday week. Moscow Blaze shouldbe a danger if rediscovering lastseason's good form - and should staythe trip – while Sarah Case's WitherYenot is an interesting newcomer toPointing, having won and been placedat Southwell under rules last summer.

The opening Confined Race,sponsored by The Restaurant Group,looks likely to be competitive. LauraThomas' Full Trottle is likely to bid toconfirm his recent course superiorityover Kazuri Kate. "We're going to puta tongue-tie on him because he made anoise at Siddington," confirmed Laura."Hopefully it will make a difference."Kazuri Kate's trainer Claire Hart –who rode her first treble last weekendat Mollington – was bullish about herchances. "We gave Kate a week offafter her win at Sandon and she's beenabsolutely bouncing since. We want totake her to Cheltenham for the MaresHunter Chase and thought we'd takein another Point-to-Point first." Top-rated in the race is Alan Hill's KingsLegacy, who has not yet run thisseason but who won't be lacking forfitness. "He usually runs on right-handed courses," said the trainer, "butwe've done a lot of work with him and(jockey and son) Joe feels he's a more

straightforward and better-balancedhorse this year."

The second race of the day, sponsoredby Ashley Wilde Group, is aConditions Race for horses who havenot won since 2012. Last year's winnerSee You Jack used it as a steppingstone to further success, having wontwo and been placed in all his otherstarts since. This year, Tallow Fairhopes to use the race to resurrect acareer that started so promisingly in2012 with three consecutive wins,before injury struck. Owner-trainerTim Underwood said: "I'll ride himmyself as I'll be able to look after him– he's a bit of a monkey at home. Hewas hacking when he came down onhis reappearance at Charing." Tim is67, has ridden in six consecutivedecades and rode his last winner in2012 – does anyone know of anyoneolder to have ridden a winner in aPoint-to-Point? Opposition couldinclude Claire Hart's Marblehead,fourth at Sandon last time for 16-year-old Lily Pinchin and CloudedThoughts, who was formerly usefulunder Rules.

Lake Legend, unbeaten in six Point-to-Points dating back to 2012 and fifth ina good-class Hunter Chase last time,looks the class act in the FieldSeymour Parkes Novice Riders Race,although recent course winnerWorking Title, a winner of four out ofhis six starts this season, will providestiff opposition. Alan Hill may runEarl Grez and also has an interest inSafe Investment, who he has leased

Findlay’s Find is anexciting entry in theMixed Open race at theKimblewick meeting atKingston Blount


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for the season to Harry Wallace to ridein Points. Harry was second on LooseChips in the Royal Artillery Gold Cupat Sandown, then again finishedrunner-up in the Grand Military GoldCup there on Merrion Square, beaten aneck by…Loose Chips!

There are two Maiden Races on thecard, one over two miles five furlongsfor younger horses and one over thefull trip. Thrice placed EmperorArcadius and Bitterley second Crostonlook the pick on form in the shorterrace, The Guy Luck Memorial,although they also hold entries in thethree-mile Maiden, as does TheCrumpet Mine. Trainer Alan Hilladvised: "We'll decide nearer the timewhich contest he goes for. We plannedto run at the last meeting here but hegot sore shins. He's OK now though."Owner Toby Hunt has two entered –the hitherto disappointing PackermacJack and newcomer Why Lie, whoToby tells me is named after "one ofmy favourite sayings to my children!"

Recent Kimble form is wellrepresented in the three mile MaidenRace, sponsored by PC Turner ofFarnborough. Midnight Monkey wassecond to winner Fiddleesticks there,with Nightscape a disappointingfourth, but the latter's trainer LauraThomas tells me that she hopes to

reverse the form. "He didn't like thegood to soft ground there and needs ita bit firmer. We're planning to run."One on the upgrade is Chris Loggin'sSteel Away J, whose horses always runinto form with the sun on their backs.He was a fast-finishing second behindthe progressive Leith Hill Lad atMollington last Saturday. One thing isfor certain – he'll be odds-on to winthe best-turned out award. "He's runsix times for me and won five,"laughed Chris. Praise is due to TashRose, who looks after him.

A competitive Restricted Race, thanksto Norcal Vets of Thame, closes thecard. Fiddleesticks and Triple Brandywon last time out, the latter under acomposed ride from Ben Hicks atLlanvapley. Trainer Lynn Redman hasmade multiple entries for her horseand confirmed that Ben will keep theride. "He did little at Llanvapley andstill won easily – he seemed to like thenoseband," said Lynn (about the horsenot the jockey). "He never gives 100%so we still don't know what he'scapable of." Tim Underwood isconfident about Carnglave Cat, to beridden by Katy Lyons, another horsefrom his yard who he describes as 'amonkey'. "He could have won atLockinge and I'll be puttingcheekpieces and a tongue-tie on him

this time." Celtic Intrigue, twicesecond since his eight-length win atthe last meeting here, is another whocannot be ruled out.

LLANGEINOR & PENTYRCHat PYLESaturday, 18 Aprilby Brian LeeThe Llangeinor & Pentyrch HuntPoint-to-Point Steeplechases take placethis Saturday at the Dunraven Stud,Pyle near Bridgend and racing getsunder way at 2:00pm with the younghorse Open Maiden race over a two-and-a-half miles course.

Chris Williams's Boost The Power,which finished third behind Star Riseand Moontripper at the SouthPembrokeshire Easter Mondaymeeting, could get backers off to agood start.

Jonathan Tudor, who has been ingood form this season, holds the keyto the Members' race with four entriesand his selected one should win.

In the Mens Open race, all eyes will beon David Llewellyn's prolific RosiesPeacock who last time failed by justhalf-a-length to beat Sir Du Bearnwho will probably be in the line up forthe Lady Dudley Cup at Chaddesley

Fiddleesticks could run for trainer Alan Hill in theRestricted race at Kingston Blount


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Corbett. Rosies Peacock wasn't hisusual self that day and will have to beat his best if he is going to beat JeffBird's Repeat Business, a ten lengthswinner of the Mens Open at theMonmouthshire and who has beensuccessful in his previous three starts.

Roger Willcox's Lauberhorn was a fivelengths winner of the Ladies Openrace at the recent Ystrad Taf Fechanmeeting and the only danger, if heruns in this race, appears to be theJonathan Tudor trained Tiger Rag.

Of the 13 down to run in theRestricted race, Banned In Bhutan,Distant Sound and Shanks A Bunchare preferred in that order, whileSahara Haze, Final Storm and Mimicrylook the pick in the Open Maidenrace.

OLD SURREY, BURSTOW &WEST KENT at PENSHURSTSaturday, 18 Aprilby Will HickmanPoint-to-Pointing returns to the SouthEast at Penshurst on Saturday 18April, after having last weekend off togive us all a chance to enjoy thedelights of the Grand National.

The 88-strong card is packed withlocal trainers sending plenty of theirhorses as well as decent horses fromvarious different areas.

The day begins with a Novice Ridersrace, a race type that had beenreceiving baffling low entries earlier inthe season but which has attracted 19

of them here. Rose Grissell has threeentered, recent Aldington winner DeClare Man, veteran Dead Or Alive andOrfeo Conti. Rose herself will ride theformer or the latter in this, with bothof them also entered in the followingClub Members Conditions race. PhilYork is likely to run two in the race -the seconditis suffering HuntersLodge and recent Charing winnerGamato. The former will be prayingfor rain and watering while Gamatoenjoys nothing more than a firmsurface to bounce off. Duke OfKentford gave Stewart Wright his firstwinner at Charing and he bids tofollow up in this. The 13-year-old is astrong stayer but may not be able toget such an easy lead this time around.Festival Bound won here in 2012under Bridget Andrews, and SandraFryer could send him back withAndrews’ younger brother Jack doingthe steering this time round. The nineyear old has been placed with Jack onhis last two runs and a win looksimminent for the pair.

The following Conditions race hassimilar entries to the novice riders'event, but one horse that stands out inthis is Counting House, who was aclose second to Behind The Sceneshere before unseating in the SouthEast Grand National at Godstone.Threats could include progressiveCounty Foolery, the Nick Pearcetrained Conkies Lad, David Phelan’srecent Aldington winner Running InHeels, as well as a couple of Ed

Turner trained horses, Franks AMillion and Sa Kaldoun.

The Ladies Open has 13 entries andcould be a thrilling race should all takepart. The first horse to mention isBehind The Scenes, who won anexciting Ladies Open race here beforefinding Rear Gunner a bit too speedyaround Charing. That horse is set toreappear here, a race that he won lastseason under his familiar jockeyHannah Rawdon-Mogg. On top ofthese two we also have Little Legendmaking a reappearance after hisdisappointing effort four weeks ago,No No Bingo who only foundTheophrastus too good at Aldington,and Sandra Fryer’s Volcan Surprise,who won nicely at Higham overEaster. The bookmakers will be hardpressed to find a favourite and thewinner is not an easy one to pick.

The Mens Open should be a fairlystraight forward affair as Philip Hall’sAdept Approach is rated above hisrivals. However, his jumping was farfrom smooth at Aldington, eventhough he did win very easily. He willneed the ground to be on the easy sideso can't be guaranteed to run if theground is too quick. Anything thatputs his jumping under pressure couldhave a good chance of getting thebetter of him and that could fall downto a few horses. Count Salazar wasrated highly under Rules and hasplaced on all of his starts incompetitive Mens Opens; he will easilybe able to run into a place. EdTurner’s Good Order was similarly

Lauberhorn looks set toland the spoils in theLadies Open race at theLlangeinor & Pentyrchmeeting


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highly rated and is steadily improvingwith every run. The Turner’s have ahabit of nicking a few races at thismeeting and Good Order could be theone to do it for them. A surprise entryis Port Golan, trained by triple GoldCup winning trainer Henrietta Knight.The seven-year-old was just touchedoff in a thriller at Lockinge on EasterMonday, splitting a pair of decentOpen horses with only a short headseparating the three.

The Restricted race has 12 entries andis a good quality with plenty of recentMaiden winners stepping up in grade.Here I Am was a good winner atCharing, showing plenty of resolutionto win by six lengths, he could providethe Grissell team with anothermemorable day. Jenna Pride unseatedin Here I Am’s maiden race, but cameout two days later and woncomfortably at Aldington. Of the twoshe was perhaps the more impressiveand it’s a surprise to see her ratedlower. Kingsfold Flare won nicely herelast time and she could easily followup, she’s the highest rated but hasn'tfaced the class of some of these yet.Miss Alice Jones is Nick Pearce’ssecond entry and she is also expectedto improve for a firmer surface. Shewon impressively at Godstone aftershe had finished 20 lengths adrift of

Spiritofchartwell at Charing and he isentered to re-oppose, where the dryingground could also be in his favour.

The Open Maiden has 15 entries, withtwo horses vying for the top ratedstatus. Those two are BallybrackDancer and Slidecheck, who wereseparated by a head at Charing. Theyare both improving but neither havehuge amounts of stamina and bothwill appreciate the drying ground. Thenearest horse to them on the ratings isMy Brother Pat, who could only finishfifth here last time but improved tofinish third behind Jenna Pride atAldington on Easter Monday. The restof the field includes the likes of BollinAli, Crowd Control and Dccovi, whowill all have to step up to have achance here.

WORCESTERSHIREat CHADDESLEY CORBETTSaturday, 18 Aprilby Peter MansellEvery owner wants to see The LadyDudley Cup on their horse's C.V. andwith 22 entries for Saturday's event therace looks extremely competitive.

The honours board for the DudleyCup goes back to 1897 and with morethan half the entries for this year's race

having a rating of over 100 thatindicates both quantity and quality.

Silver Token finished runner up in thiscontest 12 months ago and has beenin good form since changing stables,but there has to be a question markover whether he is capable of goingone better this time around.

Triple Cheltenham Gold Cup winningtrainer Henrietta Knight started off inPoint-to-Point Racing and has nowreturned to her roots, with Port Golanfinishing runner up on his debut forthe yard a couple of weeks ago.

Cheshire trainer Joe O'Shea is alwaysvery vociferous about his horse'schances so it will be interesting to seewhether Executive Benefit orWoodview Prince carry his hopes.

On paper there is not much to choosebetween Sir Du Bearn and Stone,while Perfectly Willing is the likelypace setter. What A Laugh has theright profile for this contest, whileothers to note include Mr Mercurial,Ice Cool Benny and Otto the Great.

Benedictus has done little wrong sincethe start of the season and will haveChampion elect Will Biddick in thesaddle. Brackloon High always put inhis best work at the finish so watchout for him in the closing stages.

Here I Am is entered in a competitive lookingRestricted race at Penshurst

Photo: Julie Drewett racehorsephotos.co.uk

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This is the home meeting forKatherine Smith-Maxwell, AngelaRucker and Christine Banks, thedaughters of one of the sports leadinglady riders Pat Tollit.

More than half of the 11 entries forthe Members will be sporting thefamilies' royal blue and cerise hoopcolours and you would not bet againstone of them prevailing.

Gate Please comes from the Smith-Maxwell stable at Phepson, while MrsRucker has entered Domtaline,Stonemaster and Tripitco from heryard near Droitwich, and the Banksfamily have Tullyraine. Mrs Tollitherself owns Stratford Stroller whowas going like a winner until falling atAndoversford seven days ago.

Hindlip trainer Tom Weston will betrying hard to neutralise theirchallenges with Mr Jalfrazy andThoonavolla. The latter suffered asurprise defeat at Upton butconditions are likely to prove moresuitable on Saturday.

Domtaline, Triptico, Tullyraine andThoonavolla all have alternativeengagements in the Confined, butAtomic Tangerine stands head andshoulders above his rivals in thiscontest and the betting is likely toreflect that fact.

Uppertown Hawk scored a pillar topost victory at Siddington and that isprobably his best chance of success -go off in front and try and run hisrivals off their feet.

Khyber Kim holds an entry in theLadies Open where CamillaHenderson (daughter of national hunttrainer Nicky) is likely to take the ride.Their form has stood up to closescrutiny this year, but Miss Hendersonlacks the experience of some of heropponents and that could tell in theclosing stages against Amanda Bushand John Daniell, Claire Hart onKazuri Kate and Page Fuller onMoscow Blaze.

The Open Maiden looks an idealopportunity for Twilight Fox to openher account. She finished a promisingsecond at Hereford and one of thehorses behind her that day has comeout and won since.

Wind of Hope has been placednumerous times in Ireland so takenote if he makes the trip up from theWest Country.

Celtic Intrigue, Castle Connell andEarthpower have all proved capable ofwinning a Restricted, but TomWeston's Mr Jalfrazy could thwarttheir chances.

The meeting closes with the Maidenand some well-known stables havehorses entered.

Tom Lacey's newcomers always haveto be feared in these type of eventseven if they are making theirracecourse debuts - North Hill Harveyand Pinnacle Panda fall into thiscategory.

Zara Phillips had a winner at Paxfordand the Gatcombe trainer will be

hoping that Catena Alta can repeatthat feat, while Joe O'Shea saddlesJayjayrumi.

Philip Rowley has a good record overthis course but Leighton Lass andRound Robin are both unknownqualities while newcomer San Satirowill attract interest because he isowned by Champion national hunttrainer Paul Nicholls.

ATHERSTONEat CLIFTON-ON-DUNSMORESunday, 19 Aprilby Emma FormanThe Atherstone Point- to- Point takesplace on Sunday at Clifton-on-Dunsmore and 115 entries have beentaken for the seven race card startingat 1pm.

The fourth race; the Mens Open raceis one of the feature races, it hasattracted 17 entries is kindly sponsoredby local businessman A. Davenport.The winning horse will qualify to runin the £7,500 Bonhams Men’ OpenPoint- to- Point Championship FinalHunter Chase at Cheltenham onWednesday 29th April. Ice Cool Bennyhas already qualified for Cheltenhamfollowing his win at Paxford on EasterMonday and Tom Weston’s charge,who won this race twelve months ago,will be bidding for a repeat. TomWeston could also choose to runJetnova the winner of three noviceriders’ races this season. The prolificwinning mare Fruit Fayre holds an

Benedictus and WillBiddick hold strongclaims in The LadyDudley Cup atChaddesley Corbett

Photo: Tim [email protected]

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entry and she could foil a Westonwinner in the race. Sheila Crow’s marehas won two Open races already in2015. However, the one they may allhave to beat is Atomic Tangerine fromthe Waley-Cohen stable. Sheunfortunately unseated Sam Waley-Cohen on her latest start but the five-year-old mare won a TBA Mare’s ClubMember’s race in March and will beable to take advantage of weightallowances for her gender and age.

James Bennett Ltd of Hinckley aresponsoring the other feature race; theLadies Open race for which there are12 entries. The prolific Palypso DeCreek a winner of three HunterChases and an Open race at Sandon sofar this season will take all the beating.Rider Claire Hart is in top form havingcompleted a treble last weekend.Qoubilai is unbeaten in three outingsin 2015 and will probably put up thestrongest challenge. The riders of thefirst three past the post will scorepoints for the AGA Lady Riders iTotalControl Championship.

Twenty-six entries have been receivedfor the Jockey Club and SharnfordTractors Ltd Mares Maiden race, andNick Pearce’s five-year-old Inside Outis one for the shortlist having finishedsecond in a Member’s race on herlatest start. Another with some good

form is Fred Hutsby’s Kinlochspelvewho finished second on her latest startin a Mare’s Maiden and may be able togo one better. The first three horsespast the post will score points for theJockey Club Mares Maiden Series.

Domtaline may be able to score forthe first time since reverting to theamateur ranks in the 18 entryConfined Hunts race sponsored byHowkins & Harrison. This eight-year-old owned by the Ruckers was rated140 when racing under Rules a yearago and should be able to get back towinning ways. Sheila Crow’s entryConnie’s Cross won a Confined race atEyton-on-Severn recently with easeand is on the upgrade, while theconsistent The Talking Horse shouldfill a place.

The Restricted race has attracted 15entries and is being sponsored by BRIWealth Management. Shutthebackdoorlooks the pick here to score forowners Lizzie Harris and Dave Cook.Just a five-year-old, Shutthebackdoorhas won a Maiden and already beensecond in a Restricted race. His riderSam Davies-Thomas was in form witha winner at the Pytchley last weekend.The winning horse will qualify for theSubaru Restricted Point-to-PointSeries Final at Stratford on Friday 29thMay.

Racing begins with the AtherstoneMember’s race sponsored by MTS Ltdwhere Defying Gravity looks the bestof the five entries. Now a 12-year-oldDefying Gravity is a former Openwinner and along with Qoubilaishould be able to boost rider LottieCrane’s points; she is two pointsbehind Kelly Morgan in both the D &M Barthorpe Midlands Area leadinglady rider and leading novice riderawards.

The final race of the day is scheduledfor 4.30pm and 22 entries have beentaken. This race is the Open Maidenrace for Horses and Geldings and hasbeen sponsored by the Barton family.It is hard to look beyond GeraldBailey’s Fearsome Fred who ran verywell on his debut to finish secondbehind No Alterations at ThorpeLodge on Easter Monday. In hisabsence Midnight Monkey could bethe next best for the Connell family;he has raced with promise this seasonand has been placed twice.

Following this race the Tom RileyMemorial trophy will be awarded tothe leading rider at the meeting, theHall trophy will be presented to therider of the fastest winner and theCliff Toone trophy to the leadingAtherstone rider.

Shutthebackdoor looks the pick in the Restricted race atClifton-On-DunsmorePhoto: Julie Drewett racehorsephotos.co.uk

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BRAES OF DERWENTat CORBRIDGESunday, 19 Aprilby Peter BurgonThe Northern Area Point-to-Pointseason continues with the Braes ofDerwent fixture at the Downhillscourse near Corbridge on Sunday 19thApril.

The opening Members Race at 1.30pmhas only received one entry, resultingin a walk-over for Kate Leckenby'smount, Hardy Oscar.

The 10 entries for the IntermediateRace include last month's Tynedalewinners, Shannon Silver, Boy InBangkok and The Gotfor Man. Theformer is still on the upgrade andfollowed up his Corbridge success inthe Holderness Restricted two weekslater. The Gotfor Man also scorednext time out at Friars Haugh beforefinding only Splendid Blue too good inthe Duke of Buccleuch's Mens Open.Dun Faw Good is unbeaten this termfollowing wins at Alnwick and FriarsHaugh, while the consistent MasterButcher, two wins and two secondplaces from four starts, will appreciatea sounder surface.

The Gotfor Man is also listed in the 12entries for the Mens Open Race alongwith Splendid Blue, Cave Hunter,Clonea Power and Ballyvesey. CaveHunter was the Northern Area's topperformer last season with five winsfrom seven starts but has beenrestricted to a couple of outings in2015 and fell on his last appearance in

a Catterick Hunters' Chase on March4. Clonea Power and Ballyvesey aremore effective on good ground, whileJoanna Boswell's progressive mare,Splendid Blue extended her unbeatensequence at Friars Haugh to five withtwo wins there in March.

Durban Gold landed the 3m5fTynedale Ladies Open seven weeksago and edged out Rolecarr in athrilling finish at Dalston on EasterMonday. The duo are expected tomeet again in Sunday's equivalent, inwhich the other eight entries includeTemple Green, Drill Sergeant andFozy Moss.

Last month's Crossford scorer,Afterclass has also finished in the firstfour on his other five starts and isguaranteed to figure prominently inthe Restricted Race. Of the other 10entries, Beau D'Argent recorded herfirst win for three years in theHurworth Members on March 21,Blue Bertie got off the mark here inMarch 2014, Farm Pixie was quiteimpressive when losing his maiden tagunder Charlotte Dun at Friars Haugh,while Hardy Oscar, Paddy's Wish andOscar Stanley also enter calculations ina competitive-looking affair.

There are only six entries for the OpenMaiden Race. Awman, Hawk Aziraand Kildare Blowin were all pulled uplast time out, while Blue Lodge wasbeaten more than twenty five lengthswhen 4th at Hornby Castle lastSunday. The two top-rated horses,Mister Kit and Whatsthestoryman arealso entered in the other Open Maiden

contest. Mister Kit only weakenedafter the last when finishing a close3rd behind Pharawaydante andScuderia on her reappearance atDalston on Easter Monday, whileWhatsthestoryman has finishedrunner-up in four of his five starts in2015 and deserves to get his head infront.

The concluding Open Maiden Racefor 4, 5, 6 and 7-year-olds has sevenentries. Bollin Buster, Don't Point,Hawk Azira and Just A Gin were allpulled up on their most recent outings.The aforementioned Mister Kit andWhatsthestoryman may well avoideach other, while the other one toconsider is Tulliroad, who onlyweakened after three out when sixth toLady's Favourite on her seasonal debutat Friars Haugh five weeks ago. Thatform has subsequently been boostedby the placed horses, Nelly La Rue andThe Toft, who have both won since.

CLEVELAND at MORDONSunday, 19 Aprilby Charlotte Russell114 entries have been received for theCleveland Point-to-Point which takesplace at Howe Hills, Mordon onSunday 19th April. Racing starts at1.30pm with the Hunt Members raceand Tough Talkin Man can take thisfor Paul Collins. He has beenimproving all season and this level islikely to suit. Oaklands Bobby will bethe main danger, he's a coursespecialist having won five times round

Durban Gold is enteredfor the Ladies Open raceat Corbridge

Photo: Grace Beresfordp2pnorthernphotos.co.uk

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here and was running an excellent raceat the Hurworth meeting until missinga doll with two fences to jump. "I'mreally looking forward to riding himbut I don't know if Mr Russ hasdecided which race to run in yet, ashe's also entered in the Ladies," saidAlice Petch who will be riding him.

The second race is a Maiden race forfour, five, six and seven-year-olds, runover the shorter distance of 2m4f. RollThe Dough was running a great raceat Tranwell, coming second and can goclose if he turns out again. JerusalemBells put up a good show to comesecond on his debut at Charm Parkand could be the main danger; whileDicky Shore was another who rannicely in the other Charm Park Maidenand can improve for the experience.Fairy Mix was a good third in herHunt race on only her third run andcould also be in the frame. Annies Actis another who will appreciate theshorter distance, "She ran nicely atSheriff Hutton but hated the groundat Dalston, she just couldn't manage itso I think she'll suit the shorter trip onbetter ground," said Jo Foster.

Scots Gaelic is entered in the LadiesOpen and he ran his best race to datehere in February and with a jockeywho is continuously improving theycould be hard to beat. Larkhall wonwell at Charm Park and can make this

step up to Open Class and will beinteresting to watch carrying lessweight, however he also holds an entryin the Mens Open. Chernik wasrunning well on his seasonal debut atthe Hurworth meeting under his firsttime jockey and he could also put up abold show.

Sposalizio could go well in the MensOpen if the ground is good. "Hebypassed the Bedale meeting due tothe rain softened ground," said trainerChris Dawson. Banny's Lad has wononce this season but was a littledisappointing last time out atBrocklesby in early March and may befreshened up having had a good break.Camden is another who could run abig race but is one of three entries forSarah Easterby.

The Restricted race has received themost entries for this type of race sofar this season in Yorkshire. BartonJubilee was a very close second atCharm Park on Easter Monday andcould easily go one better here.Kilmacallogue Bay was second atTranwell at the weekend and seems tothrive on racing so could be in with achance. Mickey Miller won his Maidenat this course in February impressivelyand is another who could go close.Totom Chief is also a course winnerhaving won his Maiden here lastseason. "He's come on for his Charm

Park run and come out of the racewell. He's in good form at home andready to run," reported trainer GuyBrewer.

The PPORA Club Members race isrun over the extended distance of3m5f and one who relishes a long tripis Oaklands Robbie. "He's come outof the Grimthorpe Gold Cup reallywell (finished second) and shouldenjoy this trip," said jockey AlicePetch. One Conemara has also lookedlike he needs a trip this season and wasin third place, running well untilunseating three out in the Grimthorpe.It was in fact Sportingfriendship thatfinished in third and he is another thatcould run well over this trip.

Racing concludes with the OpenMaiden race. Chantry Melody has beenprogressive this season and is capableof taking a Maiden before the seasonis out. On Vacation was a close secondat Askham Bryan, "we didn't run atthe Bedale, although I'm keen to tryhim on a longer track, but he wantsbetter ground so we decided to waitfor Mordon," said trainer Guy Brewer."We're still learning about the horse,"he added. Smart Act finished in thirdat the Bedale and Trentside Williamwas running well in the same race andis likely to be suited by an easier threemiles.

Sposalizio could go well in the Mens Open race atthe Cleveland meeting at MordonPhoto: Peter Barber pointtopointphotography.co.uk

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COTSWOLD VALE FARMERSat ANDOVERSFORDSunday, 19 Aprilby Peter MansellWorking Title seems to have an easytask in the Members at Andoversfordon Sunday afternoon.

Trained locally at Fiddington he hasbeen a model of consistency so farthis season and won several racesdown at Wadebridge, which has asimilar profile to Andoversford.

The horse’s jumping is exemplary andsuccess would be one for the familyalbum because the gelding is owned byPaul Drinkwater, trained by his sonSam and ridden by his youngerbrother Joe.

Scenic Route finished in front ofNoble Ben over this course last week,but Kim Smyly’s runner will needsome extensive schooling in theinterim otherwise he will be lefttrailing in Working Title’s wake.

Keen Eye carries the colours ofmeeting secretary Jason Warner andhis name is already engraved on thetrophy on several occasions, but it ishard to see that happening this year.

The Club Maiden will not take muchwinning because most of the entrieshaving struggled so far to make anyimpact in this grade. Big Night Out,Cocoa Minnie and Darsi’s Path have achance if reproducing their best form,while Expectations made a bold bidfor victory last weekend, but willconnections take a chance and run

him again so quickly? Amanda Mallerand Gary Meredith tasted success lastweek after years of trying. It could bea case of you wait a long time for oneto come along – you know the rest.

The remaining races are confined toVeteran (over 45) or Novice Riders(less than 5 winners) and these alwaysthrow up some interesting results.

John Smith-Maxwell rides Gate Pleasein the PPORA Club race. Theygalloped their rivals into submission atthe Croome meeting but conditionswere extremely testing that day and itis unclear if the prevailing conditionswill play to his strengths.

Gold Duster ran at the same meetingwith Justin Brotherton in the saddleand showed some promise so theycould prove worthy of a smallinvestment.

Smith-Maxwell looks to have a goodchance of landing the Mens Openwith Jetnova, who won at Paxford overEaster and had been successful priorto that.

Mobassher ran some good races inbetter company earlier in the season,but recent efforts have left somethingto be desired, although Dave Mansellis sure to get the best out of him.

The Ladies Open could see one of therare appearances outside Wales forthat prolific winning mare ChesnutAnnie. Ilongue won this race 12months ago but this is a much stiffertest of his ability, while Hall Kelly will

relish the prevailing conditions and thecourse.

Basil Fawlty could put up a boldshowing judged on his effort behindGauvain (who has won again since) atHereford. Mae Daffern did well torecover from a mistake at the first onthat occasion and their rivals mustensure they do not give them an easylead – otherwise they might live toregret it.

Marblehead has given Lilly Pinchin agood education in her first season ofrace riding. Jumping has always beenthis horse’s forte but he is getting longin the tooth. However, this coursesundulations and twist and turns couldprovide some sort of rejuvenation butwhether that is enough for them toland the West Midland Area Club raceremains to be seen.

SEAVINGTONat LITTLEWINDSORSunday, 19 Aprilby Brian & Gill ArmstrongPicturesque Littlewindsor stages theSeavington Hunt’s Point-to-Point thisSunday, 19 April.

Harry Cobden can increase his lead inthe National Novices’ table aboardSilver Token in the Mens Open. Thegrey, who provided Harry’s first-eversuccess at Chipley Park in January, isunbeaten in four outings for theRachael Green stable, most recently atGreat Trethew a fortnight ago. The 10entries include Glenwood Present and

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Jetnova and John Smith-Maxwell have a goodchance of landing theMens Open race atAndoversford

Photo: Jackie Olivergraftonwood.co.uk


course winner Otis Tarda, while EdWalker has a strong hand withWadebridge winner Before The War,Milborne St Andrew and BadburyRings winner Hameldown Tor andLevel Spirit, winner of four races lastseason but yet to show his best in2015. The fascinating runner is TheMythologist, unbeaten in fourcompletions before pulling up behindLucette Annie at Buckfastleigh, butSilver Token is the selection.

Harry Cobden can double up on CockOf The Rock in the Novice Riders’event. A prolific winner when ownedand trained by David Brace, Cock OfThe Rock is on a hat-trick afterwinning for Harry at Larkhill andBadbury Rings. The evergreenBarney’s Mate and the Smith-Maxwells’ unchallenged Upton-upon-Severn winner Gate Please are thedangers, but Cock Of The Rock is aconfident selection.

Sweet My Lord can return to winningways in the Ladies Open. The ex-Irishchaser impressed when winning twiceat Wadebridge before finishing third ina Wincanton Hunter Chase and failingto finish in two subsequent Point-to-Points. Others to consider includeAcademy General and Knight Pass –first and third in Trebudannon’s EasterMonday Confined – John Daniell,winner of his most recent race over3m-4f at Hackwood Park and TresBien. Hunter Chase winner Rebel DuMaquis disappointed behind JohnDaniell at Ston Easton, but is the oneto challenge Sweet My Lord, who mayappreciate the lower weight scale ofladies’ contests.

Champagne Rosie is one of fiveentries for a competitive looking HuntMembers and will be supported tofollow up her 2013 win. Gypsy Jack,who won his maiden here in 2011 andBlack Forest Lodge winner Sea Bear –representing the Chloe Newman yardthat provided 2011 and 2012corresponding contest winner SobreTresor – look the dangers.

Sea Bear is among the 11 entries forthe Restricted. Larkhill and KingstonSt Mary third Golden Squirell,Trebudannon third Just Seven andWadebridge winner The Sweetener areinteresting, but Spuddler was leadingwhen falling three out at CharltonHorethorne and looks the one.

Two Maiden races also feature on thecard. Tempestatefloresco can gaincompensation for his Cotley finalfence fall in the 2m4f contest. MasterMax, Road to Success, Spendajennieand Kernel Victor are four suggestionsfor the longer event.

Two pony races get the afternoon’sracing underway at 1.00pm, with thefirst of seven Point-to-Point races at2.00pm.

WEST NOFOLK at FAKENHAMSunday, 19 Aprilby James CrispeA thrilling Mens Open race is inprospect when Fakenham stages itssolitary Point-to-Point of the year -the six-race West Norfolk fixture - onSunday (April 19th). The first race getsunder way at 2.00pm, the last comes

under orders at 4.30pm, and a total of68 entries have been received.

The Mens Open is the stand-out raceon the card with a number of classytypes among its 11 entries. Forinstance, both Patsy Finnegan andRonnie Lawson are unbeaten in threestarts this season and Ronnie Lawsonin particular looks sure to have abright future – this will be his firstouting in Open company but he hasbeen impressive all year and is a full-brother to the very useful NationalHunt horse, Kings Palace.

Other interesting contenders here areMaster Workman, who proved hisliking for this course when taking ahunter chase here on Easter Monday,and Mr Madeit, who was the enviablerecord of four wins and three secondsfrom his last seven outings.

Rider Gina Andrews holds the whiphand in the 11-entry Ladies Open asshe is the regular partner of the twoleading candidates, Start Royal andCan Mestret. Start Royal has beenexpertly placed by trainer Alan Hill towin 19 of his 27 Pointing starts whileCan Mestret has already won aFakenham hunter chase and foundonly Master Workman too strong hereat Easter.

Inside Out should be worth followingin the Maiden if she makes the longjourney up from the Sussex yard ofNick Pearce while Baroque Styleappears to have got his jumping acttogether and can continue the finerecent form of Patsy Finnegan’strainer, Nick Wright, in the RestrictedRace.

Sweet My Lord could return to winning ways in the LadiesOpen race at the Seavington meeting at Littlewindsor


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PLUSpointing

EVERY SATURDAY IN RACING PLUS

PLUSpointingMay 3-4, 2014

Edition 24

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

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

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

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

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

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

Picture:JULIE DREWITT

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

Picture:SWEET PHOTOGRAPHY

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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Fortunately for Tommy Dowson, hisfortunes in the saddle have improvedconsiderably since his debut ride atMordon in 2012, when his mount, therather inappropriately named JumpinJohnnie, was hampered and broughtdown at the very first fence.

Neither had his Pony racing days givenmuch encouragement for the future.“My pony wasn’t very good, and Ithink I finished last every time I rode,”he laughed.

None of this adversity was enough todeter the now 19-year-old, for whomracing was always uppermost in histhoughts. His father, David McCaskill,rode winners on the flat and overjumps, while among the countlesssuccesses achieved by his uncle, WillieMcCaskill, was the Zetland Gold Cupon Foggy Bell.

Both had retired from the saddlebefore Tommy was born, but hecouldn’t wait to finish his formaleducation and follow in theirfootsteps. “I hated school!” headmitted, but he nonetheless passedhis GCSE exams without working toohard! “I think I was lucky,” he added.

A chance conversation out huntingbetween his mother and RachelDawson led to Tommy, then 14, goingto work for the latter’s son Chris atNunstainton Stud on Saturdays and inhis school holidays. While there heexperienced his first schooling session,and helped out with breakers andyoung stock. “Chris is a greathorseman,” he enthused, “and Ilearned a lot.”

When he left school he went to DavidThompson, and while with the CoDurham handler he erased any badmemories of Mordon by opening hisaccount at that course on Cap Benat in2013. Nearly two years ago he joinedRose Dobbin, and turned up for dutyonly to do a double take when he sawhis allotted mount for first lot. “It wasStitched In Time, who I’d ridden atChris’s,” he recalled. “He hadn’t beenthe easiest ride – he was a bit sharp.”

Last year he completed a five-dayCategory ‘B’ course at the NorthernRacing College, and he has since hadseveral rides under Rules, mainly forhis employer and for Robert andKenny Johnson, to whose yard he

goes when time allows. Fortunately hehas his own set of wheels to enablehim to travel, although he has asomewhat chauvinistic attitudetowards his vehicle. “It’s a SuzukiSwift. I do get ragged about it, becauseit’s really a bit of a girl’s car!”

It was for the father and son duo thathe registered a success over hurdles,Captain Sharpe at Newcastle inDecember, and he is appreciative oftheir support. “They’ve been verygood to me,” he stressed.

A horse he rides every day at home isRobin’s Command, winner of sixChases, but he has no doubts when itcomes to naming his favourite in theyard. He has a soft spot for PyjamaGame, on whom he triumphed atAlnwick, and who recently finishedsecond to Special Portrait atSedgefield.

Tommy, who would like to turnConditional when he has gained moreexperience, is starting to pick upoutside rides, but is always on thelookout for more.

Tommy and Mr Mistophelese at the Badsworth & Bramham Moor meetingPhoto: Peter Barber pointtopointphotography.co.uk

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IN PROFILETOMMY DOWSONby Carolyn Tanner


TOP TWEETS hashtag your tweets#GoPointing to feature!

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@pheasieAbsolutely awesome day with theamazing Number Cruncher winning atTabley #PointToPoint !!! Absolutelythrilled!!!

@kfrupertwakley2 winners in 2 days for @knightfranksponsored Guy Disney #andoversfordP2P toady with young Elliott England!

@garethtophamColoured RC for today's PTP atAndoversford. Don't think I've evercalled a PTP with a coloured RC, & I'mnot today!

@LydiaHislopThe great Doctor Kingsley

@redlionthornby#point2point #horseracing @#guilsborough! Be sure to drop in to uson the way home later! #Northants@PytchleyHunt

@cwgshieldsJepeck goes on, winning the confined atUpcott Cross today, 6 starts & 4 wins@GoPointing @RMWoollacott#GoPointing

@_joannelouiseeJay Jay Rumi & WoodView Princeenjoying the sun #GoPointing

@lutie1234It's amazing what you can do whenyour off injured! Preparation forSunday #gopointing #guilsborough#picnic

@photo_gb86Competition was strong for the bestturned out prize in the first at Morpethp2p today #GoPointing @GoPointing


ESSEX at HIGH EASTERSaturday, 11 April128cm & under race1 Silaz Ted Featherstone2 Glebedale Stopwatch Brad Kent3 Ruby Tuesday Freddie de la Sayette4 Ryehall on Broadway Minty Bloss5 Gunthwaite Royal Secret Marc de la Sayette6 Darcey Ryan SecombeNon-runner: Shooting Star (Emma d’Angibau)

148cm & under race1 Beside the Sea Benoit de la Sayette2 Hope William Humphrey3 Gwen Joe Bradnam4 Little Lucky Lass Tess Murphy5 Annie Get Ur Gun Lewis Kent6 Pepsi III Franccesca Flnton7 Boolagh Mississippi Emma Buckle8 Stambrook Master Plan Laura Pearson

CHESHIRE FOREST at TABLEYSunday, 12 April138cm & under race (Division I)1 Geridinen Anita Elsa Braunton2 Coco Bean James Mcmahon3 Cui Monte Don James Caldwelldq Gwalch Sian Bach Constance Brauntondq Wernlas Shakira Kiera Booth

138cm & under race (Division II)1 Nomoranun Oakley Brown2 Dillans Girl Ella McCain3 Ravara Super Ted Camilla Broster4 Fair N Square Sophie Smith5 Deehaven Chipmunk Ivor Herbert6 Sandboro Serenity Rose DiggleNon-runner: Jazz (Harry Myddlelton)

148cm & under race (Division I)1 Live Wire Abbie McCain2 Abrickinthewall Harry Myddleton3 Carrowmeer Nick Lucy Pittendgigh4 Heavenly Rose Milo Herbert5 Finnley’s Diamond Finnley Green6 Quickstep Star Niall Reynolds

148cm & under race (Division II)1 Follow The Star Josh Bryan2 Lyle Rio Finnley Green3 The Mumbler Ella McCain4 Little Bull Abbie McCain5 Shoot The Moon Jack Dayus6 Irish Joker Paddy BarlowNon-runner: Barboza (Izzy Hunt)

COTSWOLD at ANDOVERSFORDSunday, 12 April138cm & under race1 Bronze Lawrence Roisin Leech2 Balfour Hill Song George Daly3 Diptford Moon Walker Elliot England4 Mocking Bird Alfie Godfrey5 Luanshya Ambassador Becky Wilkins

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2015 PONY RACING RESULTS sponsored by

148cm & under Racetech Novice Riders Race Qualifier1 Milly XI Joshua Smith2 Stambrook Socialite Connor Baker3 Spring Daisy White4 Rosevale Seren Salute Katie Sinclair5 Chester Tiggy Cowan6 Palesides Spectator Sarah Longthorn7 Spot Tastic Sadie May Walters

MORPETH at TRANWELLSunday, 12 April138cm & under race1 Stretcholt Hermes Charlie Todd2 Beveriche Tynagh Tom Baker Cresswell3 Clonross Star Nick Barratt Atkin4 Xena Thomas Young

148cm & under race (Division I)1 Pick Pocket Connor Murtagh2 Underwraps Tom Midgley3 Millie Jack Young4 Hazelcroft Good Time Lucy BrownNon-runners: Tricky Vicky (Roy Day), JD Delivers (Elizabeth Gale)

148cm & under race (Division II)1 Mr Marshall Rachel Sharpe2 Perfect Place Bruce Lynn3 Miss Tiny Jessica Swan4 How Ya Talkin Harry Charleton5 Morgan Abby RobertsonNon-runners: Good Luck Rosie (Kieren Rundell)

TEDWORTH at BARBURY RACECOURSESunday, 12 April138cm & under race1 Covenham Generation Poppy Scott2 Mayday Black Mink Charlie Sprake3 Little Lord William William Curtis4 Milly Lily Llewellyn5 Riff Raff Oscar Palmer6 Fofsway Kingfisher Molly Burton7 Barkway Harlequin Freddie CurtisNon-runner: Spring (Daisy White)

148cm & under race (Division I)1 Scribblin Ben Sutton2 Goodnight Bruce Young3 Just Cruzin Sam Burton4 Captain Hurricane Jessica Llewellyn5 French Flame Luca MorganNon-runners: Aries (Albemarle Tuffnell), Mick The Miller (WilliamBevan)

148cm & under race (Division II)1 Goldwell's Gucci Harriet Godfrey2 Otterburn Lady Alfie Martindale3 Little Quaker Rose Curtis4 All My Dream Amy Furneaux5 Chiumbo Luke Scott6 Pickmere Bond Street Hamish Clarke7 Cool Runner Thomas Doggrell


DARTMOOR at FLETE PARKSaturday, 18 April138cm & under raceBecca Walk O’ The Wild Side Molly LandauChurchill Tamby WelchGinger Wizard Chad BamentJobanker Morning Mist Finn MuirheadMagic Honor WeatherlakeParkhill Playboy Joshua BrownTalponciau Perfect Print Hamish ClarkeWide Valley March Walter Fisher-Barnett

148cm & under raceNuala Michael TreneerPickmere Bond Street Hamish ClarkeShotgun Minnie Tyler HeardSprings Thomasina EystonVadlawalkover Tamby Welch

LLANGEINOR at PYLESaturday, 18 April138cm & under raceOscar Morgan WinstoneMilly Jessica LlewellynAnnie May Daniel EllisMolly Connor BraceCalelvador Serendu Thomas PughWian Dark Lad Iwan Thomas BartleWoodbine Rosemarie Alice Rees

148cm & under raceCaptain Hurricane Lily LlewellynShesagoodun Jack TudorPeateaoh Connor BraceDon’t Tell Dai Connor Brace

OLD SURREY, BURSTOW & WEST KENTat PENSHURSTSaturday, 18 April148cm & under RaceTech Novice Riders RaceAbahinn Edward MossCailin Katy MossGoldfinch Jessy Ellie VaughanKaline Jibi Olivia O'ReillyMon Mallisa Ria EvansMountain Sinbad Harvey CarringtonPenway Merlin Alexandra GeldardTom Tom Amelia DipperMoorhall Royal George Bass

138cm & under raceBaronsdown Obi Kanobi Owen LewisChaceside Catwalk Benoit De La SayetteFootprint Ben PearsonGazza Cruiser Mary AshbyHonky Tonk Girl Bradley KentLittle Chick William CarverStambrook Master Plan Alfie MarshallWillow The Wisp Boris Ball

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148cm & under raceAnnie Get Ur Gun Lewis KentFlo Tinaway Cosmo BallHope William HumphreyMy Top Lot Tobias MussettPrincess Propeller Will Thirlby

COTSWOLD VALE FARMERS at ANDOVERSFORDSunday, 19 April138cm & under raceBronze Lawrence Roisin LeechDeehaven Chipmunk Ivor HerbertDiptford Moon Walker Elliot EnglandFofsway Kingfisher Molly BurtonLuanshya Ambassador Becky WilkinsMerryment Topcat Tristan DurrellRenaissance III Henry Main

148cm & under raceAll of My Dreams Amy FurneauxBuddy’s Girl Jimmy DalyIrish Joker Paddy BarlowMilly XI Joshua SmithRegimental Bay Lucy HammondViva Tristan Durrell

SEAVINGTON at LITTLE WINDSORSunday, 19 April138cm & under raceAngelic Olive NichollsBecca Walk O’ The Wild Side Molly LandauClonamully Danny Boy Mary WoollacottHelsington Vanetta Lewis McdonaldMayday Black Mink Charlie SprakeMinky Zoe StanburyMocking Bird Alfie Godfrey

148cm & under raceCalypso Ben GodfreyCool Runner Thomas DoggrellFrench Flame Luca MorganGoldwell’s Gucci Harriet GodfreyGoodnight Bruce YoungGreen As Grass Arron ButterfieldTell Me Twice Liam HarrisonShe’s A Lady Jamie Perrett


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

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

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TOP SCORERS138CMS & UNDER PONIES

Molly 26Diptford Moonwalker 24Dough Boy 24Mocking Bird 23Willow The Wisp 23Honky Tonk Girl 22Bronze Lawrence 21Churchill 21Little Chick 21Mayday Black Mink 21

Benoit de la Sayette 32Charlie Todd 26Connor Brace 26Elliot England 24Alfie Godfrey 23Brad Kent 22Charlie Sprake 21Roisin Leech 21Tamby Welch 21William Carver 21

William Carver 29Harriet Godfrey 27Isabel Hunt 26Connor Murtagh 21Ben Godfrey 20Abbie McCain 19Lucy Hammond 17Rachel Sharpe 14Bruce Lynn 13Alfie Martindale 13Ben Sutton 12Finnley Marsh 12Sam Burton 11Izzie Marshall 10Jack Young 10Will Thirlby 10Francesca Flinton 8Jamie Perrett 7William Cox 7Josh Bryan 7Katie Sinclair 6Thomasina Eyston 5Michael Treneer 4Cameron Hillhouse 3William Rekert 3Jessica Swan 3Harry Charleton 2Honor Whyte 1Kieren Rundell 1Morgan Winstone 1

138CMS RIDER RACETECH GRADUATE

148CMS & UNDER PONIESBeside the Sea 35Goldswell Gucci 27Hope 24Flo Tinaway 21Pick Pocket 21Calypso 20Don’t Tell Dai 19Regimental Bay 17She’s Agoodun 17Abrickinthewall 15The Mumbler 15

Benoit de la Sayette 35Connor Brace 33Harriet Godfrey 27Isabel Hunt 26Connor Murtagh 21Cosmo Ball 21Ben Godfrey 20Abbie McCain 19William Humphrey 19Jack Tudor 17Lucy Hammond 17

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

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 AreaOld Surrey, Burstow & West Kent Penshurst Sat 18 Apr Sat 13 Apr South EastLauderdale Mosshouses Sat 2 May Sat 25 Apr NorthernRadnor & West Hereford Cold Harbour Sun 3 May Sun 26 Apr Welsh Border CountiesDulverton West Bratton Down Sun 17 May Sat 9 May Devon & CornwallGrafton Whitfield Sun 17 May Sat 9 May South MidlandsKnutsford Races Tabley Sun 17 May Sun 10 May North Western

sponsored by


Who was capturing the action last weekend?The weekend kicked-off with fourmeetings on Saturday and photographerNeale Blackburn took in the first of twomeetings at the North WarwickshireHunt Club at Mollington. Neale wasjoined by West Country Videos, whoalso attended a brace of meetings acrossthe two days, and they ensured all theaction was captured as it unfolded. Nealethen joined forces with David JonesMedia on Sunday to ensure every angle

was covered at the Pytchley atGuilsborough. The latter was also at theEssex at High Easter twenty-four hoursprevious, whilst Alun Sedgmorecaptured the stills at the Ystrad TafFechan at Ystradowen.There were a host of photographers outin force at the Bedale at Hornby Castleon Sunday, including Peter Barber, TomMilburn and Nina Edminson. Tim Holt

took in his sole meeting of the weekendat Upcott Cross, who played host to theEggesford; he was also joined by JeffGuyett’s West Country Videos crew.Elsewhere, Grace Beresford took thestills at the Morpeth at Tranwell, PhilBritt was at Barbury Racecourse for theTedworth and Marilyn Sweet, of SweetPhotography, was at the Cheshire Forestat Tabley.

Alun Sedgmore sportingprints.bizYstrad Taf Fechan at Ystradowen

Peter Barber pointtopointphotography.co.ukBedale at Hornby Castle

Nina Edminson nephotography.co.ukBedale at Hornby Castle

Tom Milburn facebook.com/TomMilburnPhotographyBedale at Hornby Castle

Sweet Photography sweetphotography.comCheshire Forest at Tabley

Tim Holt [email protected] at Upcott Cross

Grace Beresford p2pnorthernphotos.co.ukMorpeth at Tranwell

Neale Blackburn chasdog.comPytchley at Guilsborough

Phil Britt philbrittphotos.zenfolio.comTedworth at Barbury Racecourse

Neale Blackburn chasdog.comNorth Warwickshire Hunt Club at Mollington

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

Will Biddick 43 winsJohn Mathias 18 winsDarren Edwards 17 winsNick Orpwood 14 winsJoe Hill 12 winsJamie Thomas 12 wins

James Tudor 12 winsTom Hamilton 11 winsPete Mann 11 winsWilliam Easterby 10 winsTom Ellis 10 winsfour riders on nine wins

FULLER’SGENTLEMANPOINT-TO-POINTRIDERSCHAMPIONSHIP

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

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

David Noonan 5 winsRoss Chapman 4 winsJohn Smith-Maxwell 4 winssix riders on three wins

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

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

Harry Cobden 8 winsSam Coltherd 5 winsSean Houlihan 2 winsthirteen 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 15 winsHannah Watson 12 winsClaire Hart 11 winsCatherine Walton 11 winsPage Fuller 9 winsJo Buck 7 wins

Leanda Tickle 7 winsEmma Todd 6 winsHannah Lewis 5 winsKaty Lyons 5 winsLara Mahon 5 winsfour riders on four 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 5 winsHannah Welch 4 winsLucy Wheeler 4 winsLottie Crane 3 winsOlivia Hutchings 3 winsAlice Stevens 3 wins

All on 2 wins: EmmaChaston, Ella Darwin,Charlotte Dun, Rose Grissell,Anna Metekohy, KellyMorgan, Kate Rowntree

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

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

Lottie Crane 3 winsOlivia Hutchings 3 winsAlice Stevens 3 wins

Charlotte Dun 2 winsEmma Chaston 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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2015


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

Ross Chapman 8ptsStan Sheppard 8ptsAlice Stevens 8ptsFred Timmis 8ptsBen Brackenbury 7pts

HARLEY RACING PPORA NOVICE RIDERS SERIES

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

Nick Wright 10 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 winsMrs V. J. McKie 6 winsJ. M. Pike 6 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 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,H. Wilson

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 winsAsk The Weatherman 4 winsCrazy Diamond 4 winsExecutive Benefit 4 winsGonalston Cloud 4 wins

Jepeck 4 winsOckey De Neulliac 4 winsSilver Token 4 winsThat’s Rhythm 4 winsWorking Title 4 winsthirty-seven horses on three wins

CONNOLLY’S RED MILLS LEADING HORSE

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

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

Katy Lyons 38ptsJoanna Walton 38ptsEmma Todd 34ptsFreya Brewer 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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2015 TOP PERFORMERS 14/15


Jack Barber 34 winsAlan Hill 23 winsKayley Woollacott16 winsTom Weston 14 winsGerald Bailey 12 winsRobert Chanin 12 wins

Stephanie Easterby 12 winsNick Wright 10 winsfive trainers on nine wins

CONNOLLY’SREDMILLSTRAINERSCHAMPIONSHIP(8+HORSES)

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

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

Darren Edwards 2 winsDavid Kemp 2 winsTommie O’Brien 2 winsNick Orpwood 2 winstwenty-three one riders on one win

LEADING HUNTER CHASE RIDER

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

Ask The Weatherman (Wessex) 36ptsJepeck (Devon & Cornwall) 36ptsLotus Pond (North Western) 34ptsVolcan Surprise (East Anglia) 34ptsCome On You (South East) 32ptsMinellacelebration (Welsh Border) 30ptsBeuvron (Devon & Cornwall) 28ptsChampagne Benefit (S Wales & Mons) 28ptsPlay The Ace (East Anglia) 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) 26pts

PPORA YOUNG HORSE AWARDS

Nick Alexander 6 winsWillie Bryan 6 winsCharlotte Fuller 6 winsRachael Green 6 winsJessica McKie 6 winsKaty Price 6 wins

Lauren Braithwaite 5 winsJames Henderson 5 winsVerity Nicholls 5 winsnine trainers on four wins

CONNOLLY’SREDMILLSTRAINERSCHAMP(7ORELESSHORSES)

Afterclass, one of Nick Alexander’s six winners this season, pictured at theLanarkshire meetingPhoto: Grace Beresford p2pnorthernphotos.co.uk

Enda Bolger 2 winsMikey Bowen 2 winsMike Dawson 2 winsChris Honour 2 winsDavid Kemp 2 winsPaul Nicholls 2 wins

Jonjo O’Neill 2 winsJoe O’Shea 2 winstwenty-nine trainers on one win

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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2015 TOP PERFORMERS 14/15

Ask The Weatherman shares the lead in the PPORA Young Horse Awards forowners Mr D. Martin & Mr P. BarberPhoto: Tim Holt [email protected]


North Warwickshire Hunt Club at Mollington

in association with

& David Simpson ‘The AGA Man’

Rachel Talbot smiles after finishing3rd on Ilongue

Mine's a treble! Claire Hart celebrates a first ever treble

Go Pointing correspondent, JakeExelby & his wife, Caroline watch

the National

The Plantation Picnic Club, Claire Hart & Richard Bandey celebrate anotherwin for Alskamatic (the middle leg of a treble for Claire)

Laura Horsfall & Lutie Akinci are in the front row to watch the Grand National

I'm under strict instructions to never take a photo of formerchampion lady rider, Jenny Pidgeon, but Big Tone (right) said itwas ok!

A win for Man Of Steel (Joe Hill) is about to be celebrated with themost impressive bottle of gin ever seen on a pointing course!

A contender for the best dressedman in pointing, 'Dapper' DerekFreathy

Gracie Nailor helps Dabinett Moonto cool down after another great win

AGA Rangemaster Group FinanceDirector, Shaun Smith chats to

Heather Kemp

BEEN POINTINGGO

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A big kiss for History Master from Jo Priest

Grand National-winning jockey Jason Maguire poses with the pony riders

The Chaddesley team do some promotion for the MountainWarehouse Anglo-Irish challenge

Charly Prichard was here in asupport role today

Connections of Golanzine in the paddock before the AGAOpen Maiden race

Guy Disney is presented with the Kenneth CampbellPerpetual Challenge Bowl

Bob Hope, Sally Randall & AlexHope study the opposition for the

Intermediate

Elliot England weighs in after the NFUMutual 138cm and under pony race

A great way to get around when youonly have little legs

A 14 year wait for a winner is officially over for Gary Meredith,as Master Mariner (trained by Amanda Maller) wins

the AGA Open Maiden

GOPO

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April

2015 Cotswold at AndoversfordBEEN POINTING


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wed 13 MayWeston & Banwell Harriers, COTHELSTONE

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

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

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

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

Sat 30 MayMeynell & South Staffordshire, GARTHORPE

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

Sat 6 JunePembrokeshire, TRECOED

Sun 7 JuneTiverton Staghounds, BRATTON DOWN

Sat 13 JuneTorrington Farmers, UMBERLEIGH

FIXTURES 2015 Fixtures in Blue denotes Pony Racing at the meetingGO

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

go pointing | 15 april 2015

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