WRITTEN BY GRANVILLE TAYLOR
A total of 46 runners lined up for the eight races on an afternoon punctuated by heavy showers. Underfoot conditions on the track varied from soft to heavy for this second of three meetings on the showground this season.
The Novice riders’ contest attracted 12 runners and the Open Maiden was divided, but the card was a bit lop sided with a couple of two-horse races and just three of the five entries lining up for the Restricted.
There was plenty of activity in the ring for the Novice Riders’ where the leading pair in the market fought out the finish. Premier Portrait (solid 7-4 fav) kept his unbeaten record for the season, running on strongly up the hill to hold Kirkleigh (2-1). Sobre Tresor had been backed from 12’s to 8’s and was given a positive front-running ride by young Tom Hawke before finishing a creditable third. I thought that Beuvron (11-4 after a regular punter had helped himself to 6-1) would improve for his seasonal appearance last month (form ties in with today’s first and second), but he found nothing from the bottom bend. I would not give up on this French bred gelding yet.
Saltash trainer Jackie Du Plessis is in good form and struck again with Ray Diamond (1-2 from 4-6) in the Ladies’ Open. Once again the Wadebridge December form held up well with Olivia Hutchings repeating her Cornwall Hunts Club win in identical fashion. She pushed the winner well clear of Rebel Du Maquis (7-2) up the final climb. Special Account (11-4/ 3’s) ran well after a long lay off and this former prolific points winner can regain winning form in a similar race.
Bob The Butcher looked well after his lay off in the Restricted which amazingly only attracted five entries. Three went to post with the home bred Welsh gelding (2-5 to 1-3) always holding runner up Annwyl.
With Harbour Court electing to go to Ampton where he had a walk over, it was left to just Big Fella Thanks and Doctor Braveheart to contest the Men’s Open in Cornwall. The former Harry Findlay owned Big Fella Thanks opened at 2-5 but touched 1-2 before settling at 4-9 in the face of support for his rival from 13-8 into 11-8. Byron Moorcroft is in confident form at present and duly landed his sixth winner of the season with a canny ride when making all on the ever improving Doctor Braveheart.
Sutton Storm (5-4 to 11-10) was a warm order for the first maiden and duly obliged under Mike Legg. This gelding has been unlucky having suffered broken ribs in a Wincanton fall in the past. He had shown useful form in a better race at the Wadebridge December meeting. Mike Legg had little doubts about his stamina, and he ran away from his rivals up the final hill. Bertie’s Way (5’s to 4’s) once again showed promise when just snatching second, but Geraldo The Sparky (5’s to 4’s) looked green and may need more time.
There was a late flurry in the ring in the second division. The David Brace trained Dunraven Doc was cut from 12’s (my SP was 15-2) but lost touch down the hill. Looking Glass was the one for money, settling at 5-2 fav, but this Westerner gelding finished very tired behind the hooded mare Follow The Paint, who had previously made a habit of finishing second. It was good to see Jo Buck steering home the winner for rookie Devon trainer Lydia Svensson.
Iron Chancellor is a consistent West country pointer (and hunter chaser) and he justified 6-4 (touched 13-8) favouritism in the Confined. Ladyvie (solid 5-1) is always knocking at the door and finished second, and third placed Reliable Richie (5’s to 4’s) ran well enough but will strip fitter next time.
Incidentally, this course is well worth a visit. The Royal Cornwall Showground provides hard roads for parking, a large barn with bar, refreshments, TV, and trade stands all under cover. Oh yes and the line of bookies operate in the barn – nobody needs to get wet.
RESULTS & REPORT
Results of the North Cornwall meeting
Report of the North Cornwall meeting
VIDEO
Westcountry Videos filmed the meeting, order on 01884 840403 or through the website later in the week at www.westcountryvideos.co.uk
PHOTOGRAPHERS
The following photographers were at the meeting: Tim Holt, Marcus Bath, John Beasley, Adele Stevens (Cornish Equine Media), Roger Peaple, Shayoleigh Dabbs Photography, and Athwenna Irons (Western Morning News).
Recent Live stream replays:
[rss url=https://katch.me/PointingDC/rss show_date=true]
Upcoming Event
- Sunday 17th January 2016, Silverton Point-To-Point, Black Forest Lodge, Kenton, nr Exeter
- Sunday 24th January 2016, Tiverton Point-To-Point, Chipley Park, nr Wellington Somerset
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