The Point to Point horse racing season is back on track after the summer break with the first fixture being held at Black Forest Lodge, Kenton, near Exeter. The Black Forest Club stage their meeting this Sunday December 1st. It promises to be an exciting day out for all the family, with seven races, and a start time of 12 noon. There can be few better ways to enjoy the fresh countryside air in a delightful setting, whilst taking in the thrills and spills of racing.
Devon trainer Kayley Woollacott, won the area trainers title last season and she will be looking to open her account up with a win in the Dyson,Quaintance & Strange Financial advisor’s sponsored Open Maiden two miles four furlong race with MR BINGLEY. Another entry, THE GUNNER BRADY has shown some form in Ireland, with a third in a Point to Point before joining Kim Smyly’s yard, and looks set to go off favourite.
The Black Forest Club Members race, sponsored by Heltor, has attracted the highly rated LORIKARAD, the Charlotte Jones trained gelding has been off the track for two season, and was last seen when winning a Mixed Open at Tweseldown three lengths ahead of the prolific winner Divine Intavention. OFFSHORE ACCOUNT from the Tracey Bailey yard is also to be respected with four Open wins to his credit, and the going should suit. Other entries to note are CHECKERBOARD, owned,trained and to be ridden by Kayley Woollacott, and JOPERO, previously trained by Kayley Woollacott, with a win last season in the Mixed Open at Trebudannon for Robbie Henderson at 25-1. Jopero is now owned by the Welch family, and could see Hannah Welch ride in her first Point to Point.
In the Tiverton Best Western Hotel sponsored Restricted, CREDIT CRUNCHED was unlucky to be headed after the last in a Restricted at Whitfield in May, when beaten two lengths by Aaly. MARLPIT OAK showed promise when second at Parham, before unseating at Whitfield in June. WELSTONEDRUID, a previous course winner here, would be a popular winner for trainer Robert Chanin and local owners Andrew and Sue Knox.
The Strutt & Parker sponsored Mixed Open follows with Lorikarad and Offshore Account both entered, could figure if not choosing the earlier members race. Trainer Fred Hutsby has PENMORE MILL entered. The horse has only been beaten once in six outings when four lengths second to Doctor Kingsley.
Two divisions of the Open Maiden race follow, sponsored by The Old Thatch Inn, Cheriton Bishop, and J Edwards Sellars. In division one EARL GREZ from the Alan Hill yard has been in the frame on all seven of his outings and could well deserve a win first time out here. In the second division, an interesting entry HARRY HEDGEHOG, could make an appearance. Owned and trained by Exeter Racecourse announcer Luke Harvey. His runs to date have seen him clock up thirds at Kingston St Mary and Chipley Park for jockey Darren Edwards.
Exeter racecourse have again kindly sponsored the Intermediate series, with the final to be held at Exeter racecourse on 6th May, this series is sure to produce some star quality for future. HINCHESLEA MOOR trained by James Young led the field at Larkhill before unseating his jockey two out, his previous two seconds at Badbury and Barbury put him as a main contender. David Brace has a good strike rate here, DIRECT LINE has run well in Intermediate company and could take the spoils for the Welsh trainer.
The course offers good viewing, with ringside parking for the disabled. On course facilities include hot food, bar, bookies and trade stands.
Entrance ÂŁ20 Car with four occupants ÂŁ10 Car and driver
Course is located at Kenton near Exeter off A380. Postcode EX6 8HR
Useful Information:
Met Office 5 day forecast: Exe Estuary, 2.7 miles from EX6 8HR at the same altitude
BBC Travel News: Devon
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