Monthly Archives: April 2017

2016-17 Season, Devon & Cornwall Point to Point Association, Entries, Jeff Guyett, Point-To-Point, Stevenstone, Vauterhill

Entries: Stevenstone Point-To-Point at Vauterhill on Bank Holiday Monday 1st May 2017

 

Race Start time Link to entries and form for race
1st 14:00 Members Race
2nd 14:35 Restricted Race
3rd 15:10 Mixed Open Race
4th 15:45 Confined Race
5th 16:20 Intermediate Race
6th 16:55 Open Mares Maiden Race
7th 17:30 Open Maiden Race

 

Preview extract:

Vauterhill near High Bickington is the location for Bank Holiday Mondays meeting where the Stevenstone will stage their day. Seven races are on offer with a start time of 2pm. 99 entries have been received.

Course facilities include good viewing, hot food and refreshments, bar, bookies and a number of trade stands. Entrance is £10 car and driver, £20 car driver and one passenger, max £30 per car. Location is at High Bickington, signed from A377, A3124 and B3217 – EX37 9BT.

FORM GUIDE

Key:

f = fell u = unseated rider
p = pulled up k = knocked over
b = brought down c = carried out
d = disqualified ? = unreliable form
s = slipped up + = improving rating
r = refused blkd = baulked
ro = ran out t = took no part
© = course winner

Abbreviations:

NH = National Hunt
L = Length
Rest – Restricted
Nov = Novice
RT – Rating
PTP – Point to Point

An up to date form guide and synopsis of the horses entered at this meeting. Form figures for up to 6 outings appear. A dash(-) is used to separate 2015/16 form from 2014/15 form. Figures preceded by an oblique (/) represents 2013/14 form or earlier. Horses marked with an asterisk (*) indicates National Hunt form. The higher the rating the better the form. No responsibility can be accepted for any errors which may be considered to have occurred.

Produced by Jeff Guyett of Westcountry Videos.

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2016-17 Season, Axe Vale, Devon & Cornwall Point to Point Association, Entries, Jeff Guyett, Point-To-Point, Stafford Cross

Entries: Axe Vale Point-To-Point at Stafford Cross on Sunday 30th April 2017

Race Start time Link to entries and form for race
1st 13:30 Members Race
2nd 14:10 Confined Race
3rd 14:45 Mixed Open Race
4th 15:20 Intermediate Race
5th 15:55 Novice Riders Race
6th 16:30 Restricted Race
7th 17:05 Open Maiden Race

 

Preview extract:

Another bumper weekend of racing is in store in the Devon & Cornwall Point-to-Point area when the Axe Vale host their meeting at Stafford Cross on Sunday 30th April.

Brockwood Livery sponsor the Pony racing which  heads up the action with two pony races opening the days event at Axe Vale at Stafford Cross on Sunday at 12 noon. Followed by seven races on the main card commencing at 1.30pm, 96 entries have been received.

The course offers track side viewing, hot food, refreshments, bar, bookies and many trade stands. Entrance to the course is £10 single person, £25 per car and passengers. Children under 16 free. The course is located at Seaton, off A3052, 20m from M5 junction 30- EX24 6HZ.

FORM GUIDE

Key:

f = fell u = unseated rider
p = pulled up k = knocked over
b = brought down c = carried out
d = disqualified ? = unreliable form
s = slipped up + = improving rating
r = refused blkd = baulked
ro = ran out t = took no part
© = course winner

Abbreviations:

NH = National Hunt
L = Length
Rest – Restricted
Nov = Novice
RT – Rating
PTP – Point to Point

An up to date form guide and synopsis of the horses entered at this meeting. Form figures for up to 6 outings appear. A dash(-) is used to separate 2015/16 form from 2014/15 form. Figures preceded by an oblique (/) represents 2013/14 form or earlier. Horses marked with an asterisk (*) indicates National Hunt form. The higher the rating the better the form. No responsibility can be accepted for any errors which may be considered to have occurred.

Produced by Jeff Guyett of Westcountry Videos.

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2016-17 Season, Dartmoor, Devon & Cornwall Point to Point Association, Flete Park, Lee Glanville, Pony Racing, Reports

Pony Racing Report: Dartmoor Point-To-Point, Flete Park, Saturday 22nd April 2017

The new course at Flete Park, Ermington – reversed from previous years – proved a great success, with close finishes in both pony races.A full strength field of 138cm ponies went to post in the first race, which was won by Ted Hunt, younger brother of jockey Hugo, on Glin Road. He gave the pony a cracker of a ride to get home by a length from Joshua Brown on Talponciau Perfect Print. 

Bejowans Bouquet – in her last year of racing at 20 years old – was a fantastic third for Kelsie Beilby, with best local Artemis Morgan,10, fourth with Menedh Jumping Jack Flash.

There was drama in the 148 race when one of the favourites, Motor Edd, slammed on the brakes approaching the woodchip run through, sending jockey Tyler Heard flying. The field were tightly bunched throughout, all jockeys riding sensibly around the long and undulating track.

The Summersby family are carrying all before them this season and Charlotte got Vadlawalkover home half a length ahead of Harry Brown on Little Bull. Fergus Gillard on Hawkesfield Flyer was just a neck back in third. The others were close up with Tamby Welch best local on Tarka.

The next pony races are on Sunday at Axe Vale point to point. 

2016-17 Season, Devon & Cornwall Point to Point Association, Donna Harris, Point-To-Point, Previews, Stevenstone, Vauterhill

Preview: Stevenstone Point-To-Point, Vauterhill Monday May 1st 2017

Vauterhill near High Bickington is the location for Bank Holiday Mondays meeting where the Stevenstone will stage their day. Seven races are on offer with a start time of 2pm. 99 entries have been received.

Lomas Helicopters sponsor the opening Members race in which Katkolys could run well for the David Stephens team, previously second to Chosen Lucky at Upcott and an intermediate race winner last season. Carrigkerry could be the one to take him on after his recent third at Upcott Cross for the Have Another Whisky Partnership and trainer Jennifer Boucher.

The Hembury 4 x 4 – sponsored Restricted race could go the way of the Marie McGuiness-trained Emperor Renard, to follow up his recent Ston Easton win under Sean Houlihan. Snapping at his heels could be the entry from Dean Summersby yard, Honest Deed, for the newly formed Little Acres racing club who enjoyed a double of wins at the recent Upcott Cross meeting.

Wades Funiture store sponsor the Mixed Open race in which Parkham Jack must go close, he ran well at Cotley when winning the Ladies Open race under top female jockey Bryony Frost, and was then only just denied a win at Kingston St Mary when ridden by Jamie Thomas, a previous course winner here and of two Hunter Chases gives him solid form. De Boitron is also entered and could run well for the Janet Ackner Ackner team, having won at Great Trethew and then third at Trebudannon behind Ask The Weatherman.

Whenharrymetsally should be well respected in the E C Haste and Son-sponsored Confined race, with wins nearly in double figures and the mare always tries hard for the Keith Cumings team. Devon General won this race last season under jockey Matt Hampton and could go well again for the Kayley Woollacott team, as could their other entry Larhill winner Churchfield Champ.

The Exeter Racecourse-sponsored Intermediate race could be a race for Fishy Story if connections choose this meeting over the Axe Vale meeting the day before. Fishy Story won her maiden here last year and is showing progression having won two of her four starts this season. With the Dean Summersby team in flying form you could not leave Air Glider out of the equation who looks to be ready to step up into Intermediate company. Another to note is Cothelstone winner High Priority for the Keith Cumings team if the going suits.

Those catching the eye in the Jockey Club-sponsored Mares Maiden race are Upcott Cross runner up Meldon Express for the John Heard team, Ruby Fool  for the Richard Mitford-Slade team if she can re kindle the form shown when runner up at Wadebridge and Cothelstone, and Gold Relief a runner up in this race last season to Fishy Story.

Finally up is the Brewer Harding & Rowe-sponsored Open Maiden race sponsored by Brewer, Harding and Rowe with 24 entered this maybe divided on the day, those to note are Berry Smart to improve on his third here last season,  Upcott runner up Moonaro and Zip The Lip who has shown some good place form this season.

Course facilities include good viewing, hot food and refreshments, bar, bookies and a number of trade stands. Entrance is £10 car and driver, £20 car driver and one passenger, max £30 per car. Location is at High Bickington, signed from A377, A3124 and B3217 – EX37 9BT.

2016-17 Season, Axe Vale, Devon & Cornwall Point to Point Association, Donna Harris, Point-To-Point, Previews, Stafford Cross

Preview: Axe Vale Point-to-Point, Stafford Cross on Sunday April 30th 2017

Another bumper weekend of racing is in store in the Devon & Cornwall Point-to-Point area when the Axe Vale host their meeting at Stafford Cross on Sunday 30th April, who are watering throughout the week to get the ground as good as possible, followed by the Stevenstone staging their meeting on Bank Holiday Monday 1st May at their track at Vauterhill.

Brockwood Livery sponsor the Pony racing which  heads up the action with two pony races opening the days event at Axe Vale at Stafford Cross on Sunday at 12 noon. Followed by seven races on the main card commencing at 1.30pm, 96 entries have been received.

The Lee Clifford Engineering-sponsored Mixed Open race looks to be the feature race of the day, with the Sally Alner-trained Tom Barton standing out among the 13 entries. Having won here last season, he should go well again for young jockey Lorcan Williams who has already scored a hat-trick of wins on him this season. Equity Swop could be another option for Lorcan Williams to ride for trainer Paul Harmer who will be looking for an improvement on their neck second at Pyle in April. Champion jockey Will Biddick looks to have the leg up on Doyen Dynamo for the Ed Walker team, but will need to find improvement on his second to Tom Barton here last season.

The opening Beviss & Beckingsale Solicitors-sponsored Members race has Master Baker standing out as an entry, he goes well under regular jockey Jo Buck having recently won a Mixed Open race at Milborne St Andrew, Stay Tuned could be his closest challenger trained and ridden by local female jockey Zoe Hawkins.

Athreeothree gets the vote in the J & FJ Baker-sponsored Confined race to follow up on his recent wins at Charlton Horethorne and Lower Machen, and was an unlucky faller at Larkhill in January. Another entry Morbihan for the Robin Pike team found some form when winning at Kingston St Mary and should go well again having previously run well in runner up place at this track.

The Martin Diplock Estate Agents-sponsored Intermediate race looks highly competitive with another Sally Alner-trained inmate Apples Queen looking progressive having won three of her four starts for the yard, hot on her tail could be recent winners Fishy Story for the Stuart Sampson team and the Dean Summersby-trainer Air Glider, both will put on a bold bid if turning up here.

In the Lentells Accountants-sponsored Novice Riders race Posh Totty from top trainer Jack Barber would be the likely favorite, she should go well again for young jockey Christopher Barber to follow up on their Badbury Rings win earlier this month. Apples Queen could be another option for Lorcan Williams to ride in the absence of Posh Totty, having held   Adrenalin Flight into second at Milborne St Andrew and could result in another close contest.

Cereal Killer is another inmate from the Jack Barber yard who has shown an exciting turn of foot when coming home a 26 length winner of his maiden race at Cotley, if building on that form he should take the Hammett Associates-sponsored Restricted race. Emperor Renard could be the one to take Cereal Killer on, having the booking of Sean Houlihan who won a maiden on him at Ston Easton for the Marie McGuiness team in March.

Finally up is the open maiden race in which suggestions are Treod Y Melin if connections choose not to run the mare in the Geoffs Bumper mares race at Exeter. Gentleman Farmer finished a head third in a thrilling finish at Upcott Cross,  If It Be Your Will could build on his recent second at Badbury Rings, and Worthy Farm looks an exciting debutante for the future.

The course offers track side viewing, hot food, refreshments, bar, bookies and many trade stands. Entrance to the course is £10 single person, £25 per car and passengers. Children under 16 free. The course is located at Seaton, off A3052, 20m from M5 junction 30- EX24 6HZ.

2016-17 Season, Dartmoor, Devon & Cornwall Point to Point Association, Donna Harris, Flete Park, Granville Taylor, Point-To-Point, Reports

Reports: Dartmoor Point-to-Point, Flete Park, Saturday April 22nd 2017

Written by: Donna Harris

A huge crowd of several thousand turned out on Saturday to enjoy the delightful picturesque setting of Flete Park, near Ermington, where the Dartmoor hosted their Point-to-Point meeting last Saturday. Race goers were treated to seven competitive races, where the lady jockeys took on the men to win four on the day.

Leading lady jockey Bryony Frost took the opening A Salon Called Fish-sponsored Members race on Bogoss Du Perret, trained by mother Nikki at Buckfastleigh. Bryony rode a patient race, when Alf Wight ridden by Bee Smith, took off early and at one point held a 40 length lead. Bryony was leading the chasing pack of four which were all ridden by lady jockeys, eventually reeling in the runaway Alf Wight who quickly faded on the final circuit, with Bogoss Du Perret staying on well to win by four lengths with Lady Vie back in second. Delighted owner Joan Bury quoted “I am so lucky to have such a lovely horse, a lovely trainer and jockey.” Trainer Nikki Frost stated “Haddon sourced Bogoss in France, it has been an educational day for him, and the plan will be for him to return to National Hunt which he previously struggled in. Bryony knows him so well; he is just a big gorky baby.”

The Frost family scored a double on the day, when Bryony won the Kitson-sponsored Open Maiden race on The Hill of the Rock which was again trained by Nikki Frost. The race started off at a steady pace, but by two fence from home became a thrilling battle between Eddies Pearl who narrowly took up the lead from Wind Tor who bravely fought on to be denied a win by eventual winner The Hall Of The Rock under Bryony having taken the lead over the final fence to win by a length. “I found him at Jim Best’s, he is a lovely horse, I have always had faith in him, but he is very tricky to travel. I have to collect him from the yard late and arrive at the last minute with him as he doesn’t settle.” explained owner Chris Unwin who added “Bryony gave him a peach of a ride”.

Hannah Welch was the other lady jockey to score a double on the day in the Totnes & Bridgetown-sponsored four mile Mixed Open race. This attracted only three runners, with Welstonedruid being sent off odds on favourite. Hannah rode a patient race tucked in behind Welstonedruid and other entry Sea Bear who set the pace. Welstonedruid was unable to make his challenge on the final circuit, with Hannah Welch kicking on down the final hill going on to win by an impressive 20 lengths. Trainer Deborah Treener explained “My son Barnaby who normally rides Uncle Keef is studying for his A Level so Hannah took the ride. We are lucky that Uncle Keef is still here, he has had several life threatening injuries including a fractured bone in his knee and a pedal bone infection in his hoof.” She added my husband Mark bought him for £700 from Ascot sales a few years ago and intends to hunt him next season.”

Hannah’s double came in the way of Beuvron winning the Elizabeth May Memorial Confined race. Riding another patient race, Hannah took up the running before the final ditch, with Beuvron enjoying his jumping and flying over the final two fences to win by four lengths with previous course winner The Dapper Fox in second. Beuvron is another horse to have been severely injured in the past and spent several months at Western Counties Equine Hospital with a cut to his pastern, sustained when running at this course a year ago. Owner Charles Stanley loves his pointing and stated “Beuvron has done well to come back and win here, he ran third the other day. We may run him under rules in the summer.” Trainer Sam Holdsworth added we sourced him from Toby Jones Bloodstock agents in France, he has found us six different horses that have won over 35 races for the yard.”

Hannah would have had a treble on the day, as she steered Carumba home in front in the Subaru Plymouth-sponsored Restricted race. However there was a weight discrepancy when she weighed in and was disqualified, the race was then awarded to the Les Jefford-trained Ballinaclasha Lad ridden by Sean Houlihan. “We leased the horse from Gordon Chambers for a syndicate called The Cash Club, as they had lost a horse earlier in the season and were looking for another to replace it. We hope to go to the Exeter Intermediate final which he has qualified for already. He is for sale at the end of the season.” Explained the trainer.

There was another drama on the day this time in the Rogers Of Plymouth-sponsored Club Members race, when two of the horses suffered falls on the flat when obstructed by another. Both Coombe Hill under jockey Millie Wonnacott and Hurricane Ridge under Ben Roberts, who were travelling well on the final circuit, were brought down up the hill before the ditch. Hopefully only minor injuries sustained, but this depleted the field with Cornish Beau ridden by Abbie Hughes having avoided the accident, was stalking the leaders to go on and win the race by half a length. Delighted with his run, trainer Pam Roffe-Silvester who owns and trains Cornish Beau stated “I ride him myself every day, I am lucky to be able to use Chris Down’s gallops and Ed & Polly (Walker’s) schooling area, I can’t thank them enough, also Les Jefford who helps me out too. I bought him out of Ascot sales in October 15, he was previously with Dr Richard Newland.”

The Francis Clark-sponsored Open Maiden race for four-five and six year olds often produces some quality stars to follow for the future, and this race didn’t disappoint here. Jack Barber trained the winner, a five year old debutant Earth Storm ridden by national champion jockey Will Biddick. Demonstrating a super round of jumping, Earth Storm came home half a length ahead of Burning Desire under Bryony Frost who almost scored a treble on the day. Owner Roger Penny who was chuffed with his purchase said “He came out of the Landrover sale in Ireland.” Will Biddick added “He ran well and he kept out jumping the one next to me which won him the race.”

GRANVILLE’S BETTING GOSSIP

Another very big crowd at Flete Park

A first and last race success for the Nikki Frost yard thanks to Bogoss Du Perret in the Hunt race and Thehill Ofthec Rock in the concluding Open Maiden.

Bryony Frost is riding in top form and had little difficulty in getting Bogoss Du Perret (4-7 into 1-2) home in the Hunt race. The Open Maiden provided a sterner test with Thehill Of the Rock (4’s to 2’s) just getting the better of Wind Tor (7-4 fav)

Hannah Welch also recorded a double thanks to outsider of three Uncle Keef (5-1) in the four mile Mixed Open and Beuvron (4-1) in the Confined,

Hannah’s other “winner” Carumba landed some nice bets at 6-1 in the Restricted, but a saddle mix up meant that the rider weighed in light with disqualification inevitable. The race was awarded to ballinaclasha lad (14’s to 12’s) – a nice present for Sean Houlihan and connections.

Jack Barber introduced a promising youngster with Earth Storm (6-4fav) just beating market rival Burning Desire (5-2) in the two and a half miles Maiden.

A driving finish to the Conditions race saw Cornish Beau (12’s to 6’s) staying on well to hold Swansbrook (7’s to 6’s) and Tolatetobeearly (solid 8’s)

For regular readers, I will be sidelined for a while but hope to be back later in the season

2016-17 Season, Dartmoor, Devon & Cornwall Point to Point Association, Flete Park, Granville Taylor, Point-To-Point, Results

RESULTS: DARTMOOR POINT-TO-POINT AT FLETE PARK 22 APRIL 2017

 

GOING: Good to Firm

 

Hunt race (Sponsor – A Salon Called Fish)

1 Bogoss Du Perret (Bryony Frost) 1-2 fav led four out & agn two out, easily

2 Ladyvie (Lucy Provan) 9-1 prog to lead three out, headed before next, no extra

3 Railway Vic (Anna Hylands) 16-1 behind from four out

5 ran; 4l; distance

Owner: Joan Bury; Trainer; Nikki  Frost

 

Restricted (Subaru) 2m 4f

1 Ballinaclasha Lad (Sean Houlihan) 12-1 chased ldrs, took 2nd nr finish – awarded race

2 Marguerite St Just (Martin McIntyre) 4-1 prom, chased ldr til wknd two out, lost 2nd nr finish

3 Cider ‘N’ Black (Mervyn Woodward) 5-1 not reach ldrs

(Carumba (Hannah Welch) 11-2, won by 8 lengths but was disqualified –  rider not draw correct weight)

8 ran; original distances 8l; 5l;  5m 8s

Owner; The Cash Club; Trainer; Leslie Jefford

 

Mixed Open (Totnes & Bridgetown Races Company) 4 miles

1 Uncle Keef (Hannah Welch) 5-1 held up, led three out, easily

2 Welstonedruid (Tom Chanin) 1-3 fav made most til four out, soon one pace

3 Sea Bear (James Legg) 5-2 with leader til wknd four out

3 ran; 20l; 1l;  7m 50s

Owner; Deborah Treneer; Trainer; Deborah Treneer

 

Open Maiden (Francis Clark) 2m 4f

1 Earth Storm (Will Biddick) 6-4 fav tracked leaders well in touch til led flat, cleverly

2 Burning Desire (Bryony Frost) 5-2 made most til three out every chance last, kept on

3 Budsers Best (Leanda Tickle) 9-1 tracked leaders, led three out, close up & every chance til no extra nr finish

5 ran; 1/2l; 2l;  5m 46s

Owner; Roger Penny; Trainer; Jack Barber

 

Club Members’ Conditions (Rodgers of Plymouth)

1 Cornish Beau (Abbi Hughes) 6-1 mstk 1st, prog four out, effort two out, stayed on flat

2 Swansbrook (Lee Drowne) 8-1 2nd four out, led after next, every chance til no extra nr finish

3 Tolatetobeearly (Taylor Pook) 8-1 made most til three out, outpaced in 2nd  apprg next, rallied & kept on flat

10 ran; 1/2l; 1/2l;  6m 26s

Owner; Pam Roffe-Silvester; Trainer; Pam Roffe-Silvester

 

Confined – Elizabeth May Memorial – (Full Circle Motors)

1 Beuvron (Hannah Welch) 4-1 led 13th, stayed on well, comfortably

2 The Dapper Fox (Jack Veysey) evens fav held up, went third three out, ran on strongly nr finish

3 Gershwinner  (Mervyn Woodward) 10-1 led til 12th, kept on gamely

6 ran; 4l; 2l;  6m 23s

Owner; Charles Stanley; Trainer; Sam Holdsworth

 

Open Maiden (Kitsons)

1 Thehill ofthe Rock (Bryony Frost) 2-1 jt fav made most til headed two out, ran on strongly flat

2 Wind Tor (Will Biddick) 2-1 jt fav tracked leaders, every chance two out til not quicken flat

3 Eddies Pearl (Rex Dingle) 7-2 hdwy four out, led two out, wknd apprg last

1l; 2l;  6m 35s

Owner; Chris Unwin; Trainer; Nikki Frost

 

2016-17 Season, Devon & Cornwall Point to Point Association, Donna Harris, Eggesford, Granville Taylor, Point-To-Point, Reports, Upcott Cross

REPORT ON THE EGGESFORD POINT-TO-POINT AT UPCOTT CROSS SATURDAY 15TH APRIL 2017

WRITTEN BY GRANVILLE TAYLOR AND DONNA HARRIS

 “There is no fragrance in April breezes til breathed with joy as they wander by”

 William Cullen Bryant 1794-1878

 It was a bit of a cool breeze at Upcott Cross where more runners turned out than any other British meeting on that day.

 In fact a total of 65 runners contested the eight races on predominantly soft ground.

The Wealerdealer is in great form and was an impressive winner of the featured Mixed Open.  Rex Dingle sent the 10-year-old clear of There’s No Panic approaching the last to score by a comfortable six lengths. Becky Chanin trains the consistent gelding alongside her husband Ian, who has his eye on the final of the Timico series at Cheltenham, with a Towcester hunter chase providing another option next month.

The Chanin family again occupied the winner’s enclosure after the Restricted, as Robert Chanin had saddled Norman Conquest to scoot clear on the run-in, ridden by Ian’s brother Tom. Robert Chanin described this Tamure eight-year-old, owned and bred by Chris Tory, as a “big, raw horse making impressive progress”, a remark echoed by jockey son Tom who added. “He missed last season but he is an easy ride – a steering job”.

 The likeable young mare Fishy Story won the Hunt race for the second year in succession for her owner Martin Tucker. Matt Hampton sent her to the front on the final bend to score comfortably from Le Clo De La Londe. “She was fresh early and really needs better ground, but won going away and is an exciting mare,” reported the rider. Trainer Stuart Sampson saddled both the winner and the runner-up. 

 Fishy Story had been disqualified after winning on her previous outing at Buckfastleigh, and the Sampson trained Baltazar Du Seuil (Christopher Barber) suffered the same fate here in the two and a half miles Open Maiden. This time it was interference on the run-in as the gelding appeared to edge across Jabbea near the finish to gain a head verdict. The stewards had little option but to reverse the first two placings.  This was however a change of luck for five-year-old Jabbea, who had fallen at the last with the race at his mercy at Cothelstone. Owner/trainer Mary Sanderson remarked, “We bought him at Tattersalls (Ireland) as an unbroken three-year-old and he is a full brother to Robin De Souza. He is still a bit weedy but is a proper racehorse.”

 Nick Lawton had the mount on Jabbea, and was completing a double initiated by Honourable Exit in the Exeter Racecourse Intermediate. “These are my first winners this year since I broke a hand at the start of the season,” said the 26-year-old jockey who works for the Philip Hobbs yard. Winning trainer Joe Tickle explained that the dual Irish pointing winner had only been purchased two weeks ago. “He came from Sussex really as a riding horse but when we got him home he felt like a racehorse. We sweetened him up on the moors and the beach and he loved it.”

 The jockey/trainer combination of Darren Edwards and Dean Summersby mopped up the final three races on the card. The Summersby yard has been in unstoppable form this year and Honest Deed, Carrignagapple and Chosen Lucky proved a winning trio.

 Honest Deed was all the rage for his division of the Open Maiden and justified odds-on favouritism with a convincing victory. “We bought him privately in Ireland six weeks ago and put a syndicate of eight together. He wants better ground,” said the trainer.

 The six-year-old Apple Tree gelding Carrignagapple beat ten opponents with ease in the other Maiden division. “He has plenty of ability and I really like him,” commented the rider.

 Chosen Lucky became the 15th winner of the season for Darren Edwards in the closing Confined event. This six-year-old is now unbeaten in six races this season, putting himself and his trainer in a good position towards National titles. “He didn’t really handle the tacky ground and we will try him on better ground. We might find a hunter chase for him,” said the successful trainer.

2016-17 Season, Devon & Cornwall Point to Point Association, Eggesford, Four Burrow, Granville Taylor, Point-To-Point, Reports, Trebudannon, Upcott Cross

GRANVILLE’S BETTING GOSSIP – EASTER POINT-TO-POINTS EGGESFORD & FOUR BURROW

Two busy meetings with a total of 65 runners at Upcott Cross and 50 runners at Trebudannon.

 Fishy Story got favourite backers off to a good start  in the Hunt race at a breezy Upcott Cross on Saturday (4-7 touched evens), She stays well (like most Midnight Legends) and won comfortably.

 This was some consolation to the Stuart Sampson stable for Fishy Story’s recent disqualification at Buckfastleigh, but more woe was bestowed on that yard when first past the post Baltazar De Seuil (drifted from 5-2 to 100-30) was adjudged to have interfered with Jabbea (5-2 jt fav) in closing stages of the two and a half miles Maiden. Mary Sanderson’s Jabbea is a full brother to the useful Robin De Souza and will improve again.

 The Mixed Open was a reunion for former Paul Nicholls trained chasers. At one stage in their careers the Ditcheat dynamo housed three of the five runners, Polisky ((5-2), There’s No Panic (5-2 touched 3’s) and Wilton Milan (8-1). None of these could cope with The Wealerdealer who was well backed from 2-1 to 5-4 fav and won easily.

 Norman Conquest (9-2 touched 5’s) showed a good turn of foot on the run in to beat Eastern Calm (7-4 to 5-4 fav) in the Restricted. Tackler (3’s to 2’s) had every chance before finishing third.

 The last three races on the card went to Dean Summersby trained horses. That yard has been in such form this year they could probably turn out a donkey to win, but the trio of winners on Saturday all impressed. Honest Deed (5-4 to 4-6) was appearing for the first time in this country and the ex-Irish pointer won his maiden division by 20 lengths. He has the scope to progress.

 I thought at one time that Darren Edwards had got a bit behind on Carrignagapple (4-5 touched evens), but he cut down his 11 rivals without a bother and obviously judges pace better than me.

 The third Summersby / Edwards winner was Chosen Lucky (1-4 to 1-5), now unbeaten this season in his six points after coming over from Ireland. A very smart young pointer.

 Easter Monday attracted a massive holiday crowd to Trebudannon. It seemed a bit unfair that 13 bookies were taken on by a cast of thousands, but the prevailing once a year punter places a lot of faith in pretty colours, numbers and a sharp pin and doesn’t mind the queues to bet. In consequence our friends chalking up the odds had a permanent smile on their faces all afternoon.

 Jeu De Mots (9-4 to 2’s) displaced his fellow four-year-old Captain Cattistock (7-4 out to 9-4) as favourite for the two and a half miles Maiden. This pair fought out the finish with Captain Cattistock just fending off his market rival under a good ride from Martin McIntyre.

 A Jack Barber training treble was completed by Ballyknock Cloud in the Restricted and Ask The Weatherman in the grandly titled Cornish National. Darren Edwards’ mount Rockinrolldixie (11-2 from 7’s) went close to upsetting Ballyknock Cloud (4-5) after a neck and neck battle up the home straight.

 One of the top rated point-to-pointers in the country, Ask The Weatherman, was always long odds-on to land the big race and was sent off at a prohibitive 1-4 – or £1 to win 25p to my auntie. Christopher Barber brought Top Chief (8-1) to challenge the certainty at the second last and his spirited effort made Biddick work hard on the jolly to prevent an upset.

 Archie Rice (7-4 into evens) has developed into a useful Ladies’ horse and obliged for the Frost yard with Harriet Tucker standing in for Bryony Frost who was committed to another meeting. At one stage Aiteen Thirtythree (7-2 to 5-2) looked a real danger, jumping well until blowing up in the last half mile. He had been off for two years and will benefit from this outing.

 Air Glider (2’s to 7-4 fav) kept the Summersby / Edwards band wagon rolling by winning the Restricted, but had to work hard to see off River Myth (8-1)

 Martin McIntyre completed his double in the concluding Open maiden on Every Breakin Wave (7-2 to 9-2). On paddock observations I made it between the winner and subsequently unplaced Somethingornothing (8’s from 10’s). No guesses which one I went for – a long drive home with plenty of time for cursing…. maybe I should have used a pin

2016-17 Season, Devon & Cornwall Point to Point Association, Donna Harris, Four Burrow, Granville Taylor, Point-To-Point, Reports, Trebudannon

REPORT ON THE FOUR BURROW POINT-TO-POINT AT TREBUDANNON , EASTER MONDAY 17TH APRIL 2017

WRITTEN BY GRANVILLE TAYLOR AND DONNA HARRIS

 “When April scatters charms of primrose gold among the copper leaves in thickets old, and singing skylarks from the meadow rise to twinkle like black stars in sunny skies”

 William Henry Davies 1871-1940 – April’s Charm

 A treble for Will Biddick and a double for Martin McIntyre were the highlights of the Four Burrow card before a packed holiday crowd at Trebudannon.

 The course was in great shape as usual. Biddick’s afternoon started with a pillar to post Hunt race win on Awesome Tunes for the Ed Walker yard. Local owner Ross Oliver was taking this trophy home for the 12th time, having purchased the Milan seven-year-old after his Restricted win at the East Devon last month.

 Truro born Biddick took another step towards his sixth consecutive jockeys’ title with a further two successes for the Jack Barber yard to add to his Saturday double at Littlewindsor.

 Ask The Weatherman started long odds-on to take the three and a half miles Cornish National Men’s Open, but this prolific gelding had to pull out all the stops to hold the late challenge of outsider Top Chief (Christopher Barber). “Ask The Weatherman is probably feeling the effects of his run in the (Cheltenham) Foxhunter,and that will probably be it for the season with the ground drying up,” remarked the trainer.

 The same stable’s Ballyknock Cloud also had to work hard to land the Confined after a protracted neck and neck battle all the way up the home straight with runner-up Rockinrolldixie (Darren Edwards). “I bought him at Doncaster sales last year after he had run a few times in Ireland,” said Jack Barber.

 The newcomer Captain Cattistock proved yet another winner for the Barber yard in the two and a half miles Open Maiden for four to six-year-olds. This time Martin McIntyre was in the saddle as the Black Sam Bellamy gelding headed the well backed Jeu De Mots (Chester Williams) jumping the last. “We got him at the Goffs Land Rover sales in Ireland last June, but he is still a big baby. He will be for sale in time,” reported the trainer. One of the Partnership joint owners, Paul Nicholls, was on hand at Trebudannon, taking a welcome day off from chasing the NH trainers’ title whilst celebrating his birthday. 

 Jockey Martin McIntyre is enjoying his best season, and went on to ride his 15th winner of the season when completing his double on Every Breakin Wave in the Open Maiden. Trainer Claire Hitch shares ownership in this seven-year-old with Kieran Johns and Ray Kingdom. and said, “I bought him privately in Ireland as a six-year-old after he had a few runs in point-to-points.”  

 Darren Edwards completed his successful Easter weekend by scoring on Air Glider to follow up Saturday’s Upcott Cross treble. “He is keen going and gives everything,” reported the jockey. This was another winner saddled by Dean Summersby, based near Launceston, who shares ownership in the ex-Irish seven-year-old with Nick Banks. “He always runs his race and is the nicest hunter I have ever sat on, smiled the trainer.

 Harriet Tucker came in for the winning ride on Archie Rice in the Ladies’ Open since his regular rider Bryony Frost was committed to rides at Chepstow. The consistent Nikki Frost trained gelding turned in an impressive performance, beating Devon General by 15 lengths. “I was lucky that Bryony recommended me and this is my third career win,” said the 21-year-old rider who works for the Paul Nicholls stable.