All posts by dcareapro

2021-22 Season, Championship, Devon & Cornwall Point to Point Association, Features, Granville Taylor, Point-To-Point

DEVON  & CORNWALL AREA AWARDS 2022 FINAL STANDINGS

Rules as at p31 of planner 2021/22;

Hunt qualification with Devon & Cornwall packs mandatory for awards 4 points win, 2 points 2nd, 1 point 3rd.

LEADING TRAINER: MORE THAN FIVE HORSES –

 Dean Summersby  74 Points

, Leslie Jefford  34 points

 Neil McLean  33 points

FIVE HORSES OR LESS – H J Widdicombe Memorial Challenge Trophy–

John Heard  30 points

Jill Dennis,Nicky Martin, Mary Sanderson, Susan Darke, Helen Bament  14 points

LEADING OWNER – G K Probert Perpetual Challenge Cup

Tom Malone 20 points

John & Sonia Gardene16 points

Jill Dennis, Mary Sanderson, Sue Trump, Bradley Partnership, Helen & Peter Bament, Edward & Susan Darke 14 points

OWNER / RIDER MOST POINTS ONE HORSE- Silver Ransome Perpetual Challenge Cup

Anna Hylands Nikki Steel 9 points

James Shaw Lapford Lad  7 points

Ella Herbert Field Exhibition, 6 points

LEADING VETERAN RIDER – Orchard Perpetual Challenge Cup

Will Biddick

OWNER OF LEADING HORSE- Axminster Carpets Perpetual Challenge Cup

Transition Period , John & Sonia Gardener,  Eric The Third, J Heard, Mrs S Heard, Mrs J Trevarthen, D Hooper & Mrs B Hooper each share with  16 points

Sykes 15 points

 Minimalistic 14 points

Broadclyst, Say About It, 13 points

OWNER OF LEADING NOVICE HORSE- Little Vanity Perpetual Challenge Cup

Transition Period,  16 points, John & Sonia Gardener

Say About It 13 points

Honest Opinion 11 points

OWNER OF LEADING MARE – Cornish Princess Perpetual Challenge Cup

Honest Opinion 11 points, Nicholas Banks, Tony & Jenny Boon, John Burrow & W Britton

Golly Its Molly, Walkin out 8 points

River Myth 7 points

Singapore sage 7 points

OWNER OF LEADING VETERAN HORSE (12 YEARS & OVER) – Anjuba Perpetual Challenge Trophy

Eric The Third 16 points, J Heard, Mrs S Heard, Mrs J Trevarthen, D Hooper, Mrs B Hooper

Sykes 15 points

Nikki Steel 9 points

Alternatif 8 points

OWNER / BREEDER OF LEADING HORSE BRED IN THE AREA- Seal Marine Perpetual Challenge Trophy

 Golly Its Molly , 8 points Mrs Sarah Prouse  

The Thomas Family, Arv Way There 6 points, Mr & Mrs Nigel Faulks  Amore Alato 5 points

RIDER GAINING MOST POINTS AT A SINGLE MEETING –Prideaux Horse Perpetual Challenge Trophy

Will Biddick 18 points  Four Burrow

Darren Edwards, Darren Andrews, Jake Bament  14 points

RIDER OF WINNER WITH LONGEST SP – Devon & Cornwall Bookmakers Perpetual Challenge Trophy

Chad Bament 25-1 Mustmeetforapint @ Tiverton Staghounds

WESTERN MORNING NEWS TROPHY

To be announced

Any queries of scores to Awards Co-ordinator, or volunteers to take the scoring job on, please contact Granville Taylor

Granville Taylor
Granville Taylor

Devon & Cornwall Point-To-Point Press Officer and PtPRC Race Reader

Email Granville

2021-22 Season, Devon & Cornwall Point to Point Association, Eggesford, Granville Taylor, Granville's betting Column, Point-To-Point, Upcott Cross

GRANVILLE’S BETTING GOSSIP – EGGESFORD POINT-TO-POINT AT UPCOTT CROSS ON SUNDAY 8th MAY 2022

There wasn’t a lot of big money around the ring at Upcott Cross according to the dozen bookmakers. It proved to be a bit of an up and down day for the serious punters.

At least The Big Sting (4-6 into 1-2) put us on the right track by winning the opener. Port O’Clock (6-4) had won the Intermediate hunter chase final at Exeter, but his front running tactics were foiled this time as Biddick pinched the inside and the decisive lead at the 12th fence as his rival jumped out to the left.

The form book will show that Jabbea (6-1) was the only one of the four runners to finish in the Intermediate, but this will not reveal the full story. Will Biddick’s mount Knockmoylan (6-4) set the pace jumping well until a bad blunder at the 13th jump had his rider hanging out of the saddle. As I saw it, Biddick’s attempt to defy gravity, as he came unstuck from his stumbling mount, led him to grab for a life raft and he found one alongside in fellow jockey’s Josh Newman’s arm. Both eventually capsized to the turf, much to the rider of Dr Rhythm’s (11-8 fav) understandable displeasure.

Punters could not separate Liberty Rock (7-2 to 5-2) and Mount Oscar (5-2) at the head of the market in the 14-runner Maiden. They had the race to themselves from the top bend with Liberty Rock getting on top at the last. Liberty Rock will progress to better class and Mount Oscar is also one for the note book. The obvious eye catcher in this race was third placed Firefly Lane who had no friends at 25-1, but stepped up markedly from some modest efforts under rules. Mykonos Ammos (8-1) had disgraced himself at Trebudannon but ran well here whilst four-year-old previously unraced Onward Soldier (8’s to 9-2) showed a bit of promise.
I thought that novice rider Ella Herbison gave Pyleigh Court (5-2) a fine waiting ride to win the Restricted to nail 5-4 fav Jetmeoutofhere. Don’t write off non finisher Quintin’s Man (3’s to 5-2) who still has plenty of potential, but Highland Legend (5’s to 4’s) disappointed after showing such promise at Kilworthy.

Controversy arose again in the lucky last (lucky for some). Chad Bament and Eric The Third (5-2) set a cracking pace and held on well to beat Imogen’s Thunder (evens to 4-6 fav), but Chad’s weight cloth came off at half way leading to disqualification at weighing in. After the amended result was announced backers of the winner who had discarded their tickets caused amusement by forming a loose scrum before frantically diving into the waste paper bins to find them.

Granville Taylor
Granville Taylor

Devon & Cornwall Point-To-Point Press Officer and PtPRC Race Reader

Email Granville

2021-22 Season, Devon & Cornwall Point to Point Association, Donna Harris, East Cornwall, Great Trethew, Point-To-Point

Preview: East Cornwall Point-to-Point at Great Trethew, nr Liskeard on Sunday 27th February 2022

Hopefully the storms are over, and the weather looks to be drying up in time for the East Cornwall Hunt to host their meeting at Menheniot, Great Trethew, on Sunday 27th February. This promises to be a fabulous day out for all the family, with the first of the two area Pony Races heading up the action at 11am. The Pony races have been generously sponsored by Toad Hall Cottages.

After which six races are on offer, attracting over 100 entries, with the Feature race of the day being the INEOS GRENADIER Mixed Open, which is a Cheltenham Mixed Open Hunter Chase final to be held in May. This could be a great area battle between highest rated River Myth, for trainer Stuart Sampson, taking on Sykes for the Nicola Martin team, Field Exhibition for the in form Ed Walker yard, and the two Dean Summersby entries Port O’clock and Cloudy Music.

The first race of the day is a two-mile flat race sponsored by Philip Warren, and will be fast until the uphill finish which will be a stamina test. Those catching the eye are, Honeymoon Period for jockey Charlie Sprake carrying a light weight, Gingerbread for jockey Natalie Parker , Talimar Pearl (Will Biddick) and Pour the Gin for jockey Robert Hawker. Gingerbread is bred out of a winning chaser out of the Philip Hobbs yard, and Pour The Gin’s Dam was placed twice at this track in previous years. It could be worth checking the movement in the bookies arena, as only one of the 15 entries have run before.

The Dave Hawken & Dodd/Prydis – sponsored Maiden race follows which holds thirty six entries, and looks sure to be divided on the day. Get On Ron holds hopes for team Jefford having run third at Buckfastleigh. Trainer Chloe Roddick holds two interesting entries with Bollin Twinkle, and more interestingly Cobre Noire who’s dam Sericina won multiple points plus a Hunter Chase. Polly Sans catches the eye, for the Keiran Price team is another who could make te trip down to run here.

Among the entries for the Open Maiden for 7 -years and over include Pyleigh Court for the inform Chris Barber team, who could follow up on the yard winner at Horseheath last Saturday. Ninth Wave will hold the hopes for the Will Biddick team, and Honest Opinion has been consistently placed, and must progress soon for team Summersby.

In the Group Travel-sponsored PPORA Club Members Race for Novice riders, entry Party Tunes is the highest rated, and could be a winning ride for jockey Charlotte Summersby, they could be taken on by Fionn Summers on Thewinnertakeitall, also from the Summersby yard. In the mix could be Broadclyst for team Jefford and jockey Anna Johnston, the combination winning at the January Wadebridge meeting.

The Jefferies-sponsored Restricted race closes the days events, In which Jeremy Central for owner/trainer Tom Malone looks to head the field and be a winner for Cornish born jockey Will Biddick. Jockey Will Biddick could have the option to ride Reflex Action (Paul Nicholas) a horse which he won on at Milborne St Andrew in January. Transition Period (Dean Summersby) for jockey Darren Edwards to ride has also been in the winners enclosure this season, when winning at the North Cornwall meeting in January .

This is a must event for anyone wanting a fun action packed day out at this popular track. On course facilities are hot and cold food, bar, bookies, and trade stands. Entrance to the course is £15 pp which includes a racecard and is by CASH ONLY on gate with children under 16 free. Live streaming is available via eventbrite on pointingdc.co.uk/live. The course is located at Menheniot off A38 between Menheniot and Liskeard, Postcode PL14 3PZ. A note to owners for passes, they need to contact Sandie Newton with an SAE for car passes, contact details sandie@david-newton.co.uk.

Register on Eventbrite
Donna Harris
Donna Harris

Best selling Children’s Author Interested in journalism, novel writing. Currently PRO Devon & Cornwall Point to Point.

Books by DONNA

2021-22 Season, Buckfastleigh, Devon & Cornwall Point to Point Association, Donna Harris, Live Stream, Point-To-Point, Previews, South Pool Harriers

Preview: South Pool Harriers Point-to-Point at Buckfastleigh on Sunday 13th February 2022

The Westcountry Champion Chase for Winners only Mixed Open, is the feature race of the day at next weekends fixture, to be held at Buckfastleigh, on Sunday 13th February. This race has once again been generously sponsored by Totnes & Bridgetown Race Company Ltd, who have come up with a £1000 prize fund. In which, last years Cheltenham Foxhunter Chase winner Porlock Bay, for trainer/rider Will Biddick, stands out in their quest for this seasons campaign, and a timely prep for the festival again here, if conditions suit. Famous Clermont for trainer Chris Barber, could be another option for the champion jockey Will Biddick to ride, having won at this track in January the young gelding looks progressive. Among those entries looking to join in at the finish could be ex National Hunt winning entries, Chameron for jockey Ben Sutton, Molineaux (Freddie Gingell) who won at Larkhill last weekend, so may skip this meeting, and the prolific winning gelding Southfield Theatre for the Sara Bradstock team.

A total of six races are on offer, attracting over 100 entries, with a start time of 12 noon. Racing commences with the Tattersalls Cheltenham-sponsored Maiden race in which suggestions looking progressive are Between You and Me for team Neil McLean, Rock D’Ete an interesting debut entry for team Biddick, Santos Blue for the formidable Alan Hill/James King combination, and Whatwillmothersay for trainer Stuart Sampson who could win here if coming on for her Ffos Las flat race second.

The Luscombe Maye-sponsored Intermediate race follows which looks equally competitive, with Hotel du Nord coming as the highest rated and could improve on his two length second here at the January meeting for jockey Charlie Sprake, and be another winning training success for Will Biddick. They may come up against either of the entries for the Dean Summersby team, being Party Tunes and Port O’Clock. Also turning up could be The Big Sting for the inform yard of Chris Barber, and Jeremy Central for team Malone, either of which will rate high in the betting arena and provide another competitive race.

In the Hassall Law-sponsored Maiden race for six-year-olds and over looks equally as interesting. This could see Arv Way There(Hugh Thomas), Ninth Wave (Will Biddick) and Get On Ron ( Les Jefford) be highly fancied in the betting arena.

The Jockey Club Mares Maiden race holds twenty entries, with suggestions being Honest Opinion for team Summersby and jockey Darren Edwards to improve on their second at the last meeting here in January. Polly Sans for team Keiran Price team, ran four lengths third behind Southfield Megan at Chipley Park last month. Summerleaze for the Jill Dennis team ran 8-lengths second here also in the January meeting, and Artic Milly for team Jefford who could improve for her outing here also in January, when finishing fourth under jockey Martin McIntyre.

Finally up is the Moorland Timber-sponsored Restricted race, which looks equally competitive, with recent 40-length Larkhill winner Hugueneau under jockey Ben Sutton for the Alan Hill team, Transition Period (Dean Summersby), Jeremy Central (Tom Malone) Steel Express (Mike Vanstone) Feu des Malberaux (Paul Nicolas), and Felicie du Maquis (Clive Boultbee-Brooks), who are just some of the hot progressive entries to mention who may turn up to compete on the day.

The course is located at Lower Dean, alongside the A38. Postcode TQ11 OLT. There will be hot food and refreshments, licensed bar, trade stands and bookies. Entrance to the course is £15 per person cash on the gate. Children under 16 free and dogs on leads welcome.

Donna Harris
Donna Harris

Best selling Children’s Author Interested in journalism, novel writing. Currently PRO Devon & Cornwall Point to Point.

Books by DONNA

Cover Photo Credit: Athwenna Irons/WMN

2021-22 Season, Chipley Park, Devon & Cornwall Point to Point Association, Granville Taylor, Granville's betting Column, Point-To-Point, Tiverton

GRANVILLE’S BETTING GOSSIP – TIVERTON POINT-TO-POINT ON SUNDAY 23RD JANUARY 2022

It is difficult to know where to start about the betting at Chipley Park where the car parks were overflowing.  It would have made interesting viewing for customers watching the live streaming. When I saw the 13 bookies lined up, I thought it could be unlucky for some. It was.

The single bet of one punter (not me) of £1,100 to win £1,000 on first race favourite Where’s Wilma (returned 4-7) went down the pan as the mare failed to run up to her form and could only finish fourth behind ex-chaser Steel Express (16-1), who was returning from a 691 days break This 10-year-old had not visited the winner’s enclosure for five years, but Martin McIntyre shrewdly dictated the pace to score a shade cleverly. Jabbea (8’s to 6’s) ran well to finish second with Grey Getaway (14-1) a respectable third.

That was just the hors d’oeuvres. The Mares Open Maiden at Chipley produced one of the biggest gambles I have seen on a point-to-point track for over 30 years.

 I wrote in the book, “Axe Vale Point-to-Point” by Jacquie McCullough about a successful betting coup at the mid week Axe Vale fixture in 1989. The horse in question was trained in Wales and went by the name of Katesville on the race card. “Bookmakers were said to have been stung for over £25,000”. I remember that day well- and so do some Devon & Cornwall  bookmakers still trading today.

On Sunday a good looking six-year-old mare called Highland Glory, qualified with the Llangeinor Pentyrch, was the subject of several lively wagers. 12-1 was noted early and she was backed down through all rates to evens, some books showing 8-11. My own interest (not monetary) was attracted by one or two thoughts. Her dam called Highland Retreat was successful for my good friend the late Richard Barber, and was also the first ever winner saddled by Harry Fry in 2012. I was also surprised to see Highland Glory run in some well known colours on Sunday which were not on the race card.  The mare possessed very modest form, ie two pulled ups and tenth of eleven in her three runs. After these modest efforts she was bought for only £2,000 at Goffs last month.

I am indebted to my colleagues Simon Nott and Nick Taylor for collating some of the bets struck about Highland Glory. One book showed bets of £500 – 40 each way; £540-60 e w; £525-50e w; £525-150;  £300  – 150 and £200=100. Another well known layer showed £520-65 each way and £500-100 before scrubbing the board. There were other bets of course. One senior bookie said, “liabilities were standing for more than they have done for many, many years, but business was good so no complaints”.

Well, definitely no complaints from the bookies when Will Biddick produced a peach of a ride on Southfield Megan (7-1) to ease past Highland Glory on the run in. Third placed Polly Sans (8-1) is worthy of a note book entry but another Welsh horse Boss Baby (5-4 to 11-8) who was found wanting yet again.

Feu Des Malberaux (11-2 from 8’s) produced a career best in first time blinkers to win the Maiden under a positive Darren Edwards ride. Placed horses Ask Alfie (3’s to 11-4) and Arv Way There (5-1) showed ability, but Red Cap (5-2 to 9-4 fav) was never jumping or travelling.

Bradley Gibbs is enjoying a great season and a short priced double with Highway Jewel (4-7 to 1-2) and Honey I’m Good (4-7 to 4-6 ) put him on to the 13 winner mark for the season in the saddle, just two behind Will Biddick. Highway Jewel jumped well to beat Singapore Saga (4-1) and Al Shahir (5-2) and is likely to head to the Cheltenham Foxhunter Chase in March (or whatever the authorities choose to dumb down the title to this year). It will always be the Foxhunter to me.

I was impressed by the performance of Honey I’m Good in the Restricted. She is potential hunter chase material.

The Exeter racecourse Intermediate qualifier provided a memorable head to head between Biddick on The Big Sting (evens to 4-5) and Gina Andrews on Indirocco (100-30).  Will Biddick brought The Big Sting to challenge Gina’s mount approaching the third last and they slugged it out up the climb until Indirocco asserted before the last. Dr Rhythm (7’s to 6’s) ran well on his seasonal debut and can be noted on better ground. Port O’Clock (4-1) started very slowly and was always on the back foot.

Killaro Boy (2-1 fav) headed the market for the 14-runner lucky last on the strength of his good Barbury run, but found one too good again as the ex-Christian Williams inmate Cage of Fear (7-1) showed too much foot for him under Ellie Jefferson.

Granville Taylor
Granville Taylor

Devon & Cornwall Point-To-Point Press Officer and PtPRC Race Reader

Email Granville

Photo Credit: Cat Down Photography
(official photographer for the fixture)

DEVON  & CORNWALL AREA AWARDS 2022 FINAL STANDINGS
Rules as at p31 of planner 2021/22; Hunt qualification with Devon & …
GRANVILLE’S BETTING GOSSIP – TORRINGTON FARMERS
A full array of 11 bookies lined up on the crest of …
REPORT: TORRINGTON FARMERS POINT-TO-POINT AT UMBERLEIGH ON SATURDAY 11th JUNE 2022
“Parting is such sweet sorrow”Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare 1564 – 1616 …
RESULTS – TORRINGTON FARMERS
GOING FIRM, GOOD TO FIRM IN PLACES AREA CONDITIONS – SPONSOR TORRINGTON …
2021-22 Season, Chipley Park, Devon & Cornwall Point to Point Association, Granville Taylor, Point-To-Point, Reports, Tiverton

REPORT – TIVERTON FOXHOUNDS AT CHIPLEY PARK WRITTEN BY GRANVILLE TAYLOR

“And green and golden I was huntsman and herdsman, the calves
Sang to my horn, the foxes on the hills barked clear and cold,
And the sabbath rang slowly
In the pebbles of the holy streams.”

From the poem Fern Hill by Dylan Thomas, (1914 – 1953), whose equine namesake sired convincing second race winner Southfield Megan.

The Tiverton Foxhounds featured a riding and training double for Bradley Gibbs, hot on the heels of Will Biddick for this season’s National jockeys’ title, and a head to head duel between Biddick and leading lady rider Gina Andrews in the Exeter Racecourse Intermediate qualifier.
A very large crowd at Chipley Park brought the overflow car park into use. This popular venue normally offers competitive racing and Sunday’s seven race card proved a treat for spectators.

Gibbs made all the running on the classy Highway Jewel to beat her two opponents Singapore Saga and Al Shahir in the £1,000 INEOS Grenadier Mixed Open Qualifier. A winner of a Cheltenham hunter chase last season, this high class mare will be heading to the Cheltenham festival in March for the prestigious prize formerly known as the Cheltenham Foxhunter Chase, and could also take in the final of the INEOS series at Cheltenham in May. The trainer/ rider said, “I hope that Highway Jewel will be our number one for the Foxhunters, fingers crossed, and Premier Magic will be our back up. She (Highway Jewel) missed a month’s work with a sarcoid earlier in the season. We went a sensible pace today and she was popping away. I was delighted,”

INEOS Grenadier Mixed Open winner, Highway Jewel
INEOS Grenadier Mixed Open winner, Highway Jewel, at Chipley Park on Sunday 23rd January 2022

Gibbs moved his training operation from South Wales to Hatfield, Hertfordshire, in 2020 working with his fiancée Claire Sheriff. The combination secured their Chipley double as the promising six-year-old mare Honey I’m Good lived up to her name with an easy victory in the Agrii and Mole Valley Farmers sponsored Restricted. “She came from Ireland sourced from Jimmy Kelly after showing promise in point to points. She now runs for a syndicate of ten and the long term aim is a Mares hunter chase at Cheltenham later this season,” reported Claire.
Will Biddick is riding as well as ever this season after breaking an ankle last May. He retained his lead for this year’s title by landing his 15th winner of the season with a typical waiting ride on Southfield Megan in the Jockey Club and Clarke Willmott Solicitors Mares and Fillies event. Biddick has had this Dylan Thomas six-year-old in his own yard since December after her spell under rules. She runs in the familiar colours of Angela Yeoman and thwarted a substantial gamble on the runner up Highland Glory.

The seven times champion jockey had to give best however to Gina Andrews as the promising Tom Ellis trained Warwickshire mare Indirocco held the efforts of odds-on favourite The Big Sting in the Exeter Racecourse Intermediate. Eight time National champion, Gina. who recently broke Polly Gundry’s all time record of 303 career winners for lady pointing riders, is already in pole position for another title. “Indirocco is a strong stayer and I was eager to set up a soft lead. We got into a lovely rhythm and he jumped super,” said Gina who was having her first ride at Chipley.

First time blinkers helped Feu Des Malberaux land the Mountpleasant Inn and friends of the late Geoff White Open Maiden in the hands of Darren Edwards. The seven-year-old, who jumped soundly out in front all the way, was a first training success for Paul Nicholas, one of two pointers he has at Combe Martin, North Devon. Paul shares ownership with his wife Lesley and blacksmith Keith Parkin and remarked, “I bought him as a three-year-old in Ireland as I particularly like his sire Linda’s Lad”

There was a customary Welsh success at Chipley in the shape of Cage of Fear, who gave his trainer Ellie Jefferson her third winner in the saddle in the Tozers Solicitors and McVeigh Parker PPORA Novice Riders’ event. Cage of Fear pounced on the leaders three out and stayed on strongly on the long pull to the finish.

16-1 outsider Steel Express shocked punters by beating his five higher rated opponents in the Stoneman Engineering, John Pearce& Brian Summers Hunt race. Mike Vanstone trains the winner at Rackenford for owners Nigel MacKenzie, Richard Dening and Sue Quick. Martin McIntyre rode a canny race on the winner who was scoring for the first time since his Exeter bumper success just over six years ago. Some lively activity in the ring included a four figure bet on Where’s Wilma, but the cash stayed in the bookies satchel as the prolific mare could only finish fourth.

Granville Taylor
Granville Taylor

Devon & Cornwall Point-To-Point Press Officer and PtPRC Race Reader

Email Granville

Photo Credit: Cat Down Photography
(Official photographer for the fixture)

2021-22 Season, Chipley Park, Devon & Cornwall Point to Point Association, Granville Taylor, Point-To-Point, Results, Tiverton

RESULTS TIVERTON POINT-TO-POINT AT CHIPLEY PARK 23 JAN 2022

Going good to soft

HUNT RACE – SPONSORED BY STONEMAN ENGINEERING, JOHN PEARCE & BRIAN SUMMERS MEMORIAL

1 Steel Express (Martin McIntyre) 16-1 led 12th, slight lead two out, kept on well

2 Jabbea (Rob Hawker) 6-1 held up, effort three out, strong chall flat, just held

3 Grey Getaway (Beau Morgan) 14-1 led til 12th, rallied three out, wknd last

6 ran; 1 1/4l  6l;  6m 38s

MAIDEN MARES & FILLIES – JOCKEY CLUB & CLARKE WILLMOTT SOLICITORS

1 Southfield Megan (Will Biddick) 7-1 held up, prog three out, strong run to lead flat

2 Highland Glory (Toby Wynne) evens fav  led 12th, went clear three out, headed flat

3 Polly Sans (Darren Andrews) 8-1  prom, every chance two out, no extra flat

9 ran; 2l; 1 1/2l;  6m38s

OPEN MAIDEN –MOUNTPLEASANT INN & FRIENDS OF THE LATE GEOFF WHITE

1 Feu Des Malberaux (Darren Edwards) 11-2 made all, clear three out, stayed on well

2 Ask Alfie (Will Biddick) 11-4 prog to chase ldrs three out, went 2nd next, kept on, promising

3 Arv Way There (Heidi Stevens) 5-1 prom, ridden three out, grad wknd, promising

11 ran; 10l; 7l;  6m 44s

MIXED OPEN – INEOS GRENADIER

1 Highway Jewel (Bradley Gibbs) 1-2 fav made all, clear three out, comf, impressive

2 Singapore Saga (Darren Andrews) 4-1 in touch, effort four out, kept on without trblg winner

3 Al Shahir (Gina Andrews) 5-2 mstk 4th, chased ldrs, no extra from two out

3 ran; 7l; 3/4l;  6m 29s

INTERMEDIATE – EXETER RACECOURSE

1 Indirocco (Gina Andrews) 100-30 made all,hard pressed three out til asserted last, drew clr flat

2 The Big Sting (Will Biddick) 4-5 fav handy, strong chall three out til no extra apprg last

3 Dr Rhythm (Martin McIntyre) 6-1 hdwy 12th, lost place 15th, stayed on from three out

8 ran; 4 1/2l;  4 1/2l;  6m 42s

RESTRICTED – AGRII & MOLE VALLEY FARMERS

1 Honey I’m Good (Bradley Gibbs) 4-6 fav led 15th, drew clr three out, easily

2 Transition Period (Darren Edwards) 5-2 prom, effort 15th, outpaced from next

3 Nobodydoesitbetter (Martin McIntyre) 4-1 led 8th til 15th, wknd three out

7 ran; 12l;  1l;  6m 41s

PPORA NOVICE RIDERS – TOZERS SOLICITORS & McVEIGH PARKER

1 Cage of Fear (Ellie Jefferson) 7-1 prog 15th, led next, ran on well

2 Killaro Boy (Lewis Saunders)   2-1 fav led 10th & 14th, pushed clr 15th, headed & no extra three out

3 Broadclyst (Anna Johnston) 5-2 chased ldrs 15th, one pace three out, finished 16l  fourth, promoted to 3rd

14 ran; Original distances 5l; 10l;  6m 40s  ; Ballyhowne finished 3rd but disqualified, did not weigh in

Granville Taylor
Granville Taylor

Devon & Cornwall Point-To-Point Press Officer and PtPRC Race Reader

Email Granville

Photo Credit: Cat Down Photography
(Official Photographer for the fixture)

DEVON  & CORNWALL AREA AWARDS 2022 FINAL STANDINGS
Rules as at p31 of planner 2021/22; Hunt qualification with Devon & …
GRANVILLE’S BETTING GOSSIP – TORRINGTON FARMERS
A full array of 11 bookies lined up on the crest of …
REPORT: TORRINGTON FARMERS POINT-TO-POINT AT UMBERLEIGH ON SATURDAY 11th JUNE 2022
“Parting is such sweet sorrow”Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare 1564 – 1616 …
RESULTS – TORRINGTON FARMERS
GOING FIRM, GOOD TO FIRM IN PLACES AREA CONDITIONS – SPONSOR TORRINGTON …
2021-22 Season, Buckfastleigh, Devon & Cornwall Point to Point Association, Granville Taylor, Granville's betting Column, Modbury Harriers, Point-To-Point

GRANVILLE’S BETTING GOSSIP – MODBURY HARRIERS 16 JAN 2022

After almost two years since the last fixture at Buckfastleigh, it was good to be back there, with a strong line of 11 bookies and a keen crowd of point-to-point enthusiasts. Some familiar big hitting punters have sadly departed in the interim, but there was still a vibrant atmosphere about the ring.

One of the faces still about was up and down the line backing Will Biddick’s mount Next One Please (forced from 6-4 into 4-5) in the opener. This rangy debutant made a bold bid, but was done with after the penultimate. He will atone on better ground. The winner His Own Star (5’s into 7-2) relished the heavy ground. This five -year-old had good placed form on soft ground in France, including cross country races, and improved for his British pointing debut last month at Barbury Castle. He looks a good prospect for the Stuart Sampson yard and gave Darren Andrews his 50th pointing winner. Others to note out of this Maiden are the Soldier of Fortune mare Summerleaze (8-1) who was prominent all the way, and Get on Ron (7’s to 6’s), who fluffed the second last when poised to challenge.

The Restricted favourite Fountains Chief (4-5 to evens) had taken a very early fall at Wadebridge last week, but got as far as the last fence here before exiting to a tired looking fall. His form behind Truckers Pass at the Cornwall Club was gilt edged though, and I would not give up on the six-year-old yet despite the fact that he is fast becoming the bookies best friend. The winner Stevan Steel (5-2 to 2’s) is game and gallops all day. The mount of Darren Edwards, he was left solo at the last.

Chameron (4-6 to 6-4 ) and Hazzaar (2’s to 6-4) started joint favourites for the four runner Mixed Open . Chameron has taken a while to get his act together this season (beat Cousin Pascal in a Leicester hunter chase last year) and was none too fluent here. Ben Sutton survived losing an iron at the last before drawing away in the home straight. Runner up Hazzaar (Tommie O’Brien) , a former Ascot bumper winner, was trying three miles for the first time. He ran well until his stamina gave out and can be noted for a short hunter chase. Danseur du Large (5’s into 7-4) stays well and kept on late under Chloe Emsley.

Molineaux (6-4 to 5-4 fav) jumped really well to give 16-year-old Freddie Gingell his first pointing winner in the Veteran Horses Conditions race. He looks a grand schoolmaster and can set up a sequence in this type of race. Although well beaten behind Molineaux here, Blakerigg (100-7) stayed on well. He was winning races for Nicky Richards three years ago and has joined a shrewd yard.

The punters were in full swing by now and got stuck in again as Jeremy Central (2’s to 6-4), under a confident Biddick waiting ride, strode clear to win the older horses maiden. Bought only recently by Tom Malone at an online auction, the winner had been unlucky when ridden by a claimer in Irish points. Honest Opinion (9-2) ran her usual solid race to finish second (placed on eight occasions), and Pyleigh Court (33’s to 20’s) recovered from a serious blunder at half way to finish a staying on third.
The pay out queues were even longer after the last race as Famous Clermont (4-5 from 4-6) won hard held to defy a 5lbs penalty. Trained by the in-form Christopher Barber, the seven-year-old completed a double for Will Biddick and capped a difficult afternoon for the layers. Hotel du Nord (10-1) stuck to his task well to finish runner up under Charlie Sprake.

I am pleased to say that I joined the pay out queues four times during the afternoon. Last week’s Wadebridge Point-To-Point losses recovered with interest.

Granville Taylor
Granville Taylor

Devon & Cornwall Point-To-Point Press Officer and PtPRC Race Reader

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Cover Photo Credit: Athwenna Irons/WMN

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2021-22 Season, Chipley Park, Devon & Cornwall Point to Point Association, Donna Harris, Live Stream, Point-To-Point, Previews, Tiverton

Preview: Tiverton Point-to-Point at Chipley Park on Sunday 23rd January 2022

Westcountry Pointing heads to Chipley Park, where the Tiverton Foxhounds host their event this coming Sunday 23rd January. The action will come thick and fast, attracting top entries from around the country.

The feature race of the day is the INEOS Grenadier Mixed Open race. With a prize fund of £1000, £600 of which will go to the winner, this race promises to be a thriller, with entries from top horses Highway Jewel a Hunter Chase winner at Cheltenham last April for the Bradley Gibbs team, Virak a winner of over £200k under rules and now a winning schoolmaster for Olive Nicholls, Fifty Shades a treble winner between the flags last season for the Nick Williams team, and Singapore Saga (John Heard) another who has won this season when staying on dourly to win at Wadebridge. They could be taken on by a new popular syndicate owned horse, Board of Trade (Ed Walker), with many owners looking forward to this horses future racing in the area.

A total of 92 entries have been received for the seven race card, which starts at 12 Noon. The Stoneman Engineering-sponsored Members race opens the day, and of those entered, Jeremy Central stands out for trainer/owner Tom Malone, having won last weekend at Buckfastleigh, and could score again if recovering from the tiring conditions there. The highly rated mare River Myth, for the Stuart Sampson team, has the benefit of a mares weight allowance, which could prove crucial up the long homeward hill. Where’s Wilma could defy her top weight and give local trainer Michael Watson a hat-trick of wins this season, with the mare already winning at Badbury and Barbury Castle under jockey Matt Hampton .

The Jockey Club and Clarke Willmott-sponsored Mares and Fillies Maiden race could be a steal for outside raider Boss Baby (David Gibbs), having enjoyed some decent place form in Ireland before heading over and finishing a length second at Holnicote last season. They could come up against entry Ask The Lady, for the inform Dean Summersby/ Darren Edwards combination, if progressing from her run at Wadebridge, when finishing fifth.

In the Mount Pleasant Inn & friends of the late Geoff White-sponsored Open Maiden race, which holds 17 entries, Arv Way There (Hugh Tomas), Ask Alfie (Les Jefford) and Red Cap ( Robert Chanin) are all suggestions who, at a glance, look to be progressive on their place form this season.

Whilst in the Exeter Racecourse-sponsored Intermediate race, Port O’Clock’s connections will be looking for him to follow-up on his Wadebridge win last month for team Summersby. Foot Loose (Aaron Butterfield) a winner at two of the Larkhill meetings this season, had to settle for a one-length second at the first Larkhill November meeting behind The Big Sting, who is also entered here for trainer Chris Barber, with Foot Loose’s connections possibly turning up looking to reverse the placings here. Another exciting entry is Indirocco for trainer Tom Ellis and leading lady rider Gina Andrews , who could steal this if making the trip down.

Bloodstock agent Tom Malone’s entry Jeremy Central under jockey Will Biddick, could be switched to race in the Agrii & Mole Valley Farmers-sponsored Restricted. Will is also booked to ride Benny’s Miracle (Teresa Clark) another with a mares weight allowance. They could be taken on by Honey I’m Good (Bradley Gibbs) looking to follow-up on their 10-length win at Barbury. Also recent Wadebridge Maiden winner, Transition Period, another looking progressive for the Dean Summersby/Darren Edwards combination.

Finally up is the Members Conditions race for Novice riders, and if Virak (Sam Loxton) is saved for this race, then he could give promising young jockey Olive Nicholls her second win on him in a month. Broadclyst (Les Jefford) won at Wadebridge under jockey Anna Johnston, and should be fit, whilst Killaro Boy is another having run well recently when finishing three-lengths second at Barbury for the William Pugh team.

The racecourse organisers would also like to mention sponsors GTH– sponsors of Momento’s. Tom Malone Bloodstock– sponsor of Jockeys prizes, Old Mill Accountants for Best Turned Out and Pennymoor Timber, Mr John Dorse & Mr & Mrs A Brooks – sponsors of Doctors & Paramedics who are among those who have made this meeting possible.

This course offers a must have day out in the country for all the family with a perfect viewing location. Bar, hot and cold food, bookies and country trade-stands are all on offer. Entrance is £15 per person, cash on gate which includes a race card. Children under 16 free and dogs on leads welcome.

Online streaming is available via eventbrite at pointingdc/live streaming. Book maker Dave Phillips will take bets over the phone via ringing 07810775119. Course is located at Milverton TA21 0QY.

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Donna Harris
Donna Harris

Best selling Children’s Author Interested in journalism, novel writing. Currently PRO Devon & Cornwall Point to Point.

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Photo credit: Megan Cobley Photography

2021-22 Season, Buckfastleigh, Devon & Cornwall Point to Point Association, Granville Taylor, Live Stream, Modbury Harriers, Point-To-Point, Reports

REPORT: MODBURY HARRIERS POINT-TO-POINT AT BUCKFASTLEIGH ON SUNDAY 16th JANUARY 2022

“Ghosts of men that here have ridden
Gather at the post unbidden,
Waiting till the old flag falls;
Hear the rattled guard-rails quiver
As they rush them, game as ever!”

From the poem Aintree Calls by William Henry Ogilvie, 1869 – 1963

The old decaying grandstand still looks out forlornly over Buckfastleigh racecourse, now unused and camouflaged by vegetation, but a proud sentinel of days gone by.

A double for Will Biddick and a first winner over jumps for Freddie Gingell were two of the highlights of the card at the first of three meetings scheduled for Buckfastleigh this season.

15mm of overnight rain meant the going had become heavy, soft in places, but a dry afternoon brought out a massive crowd at this historic Devon venue.

Biddick’s double was initiated when the well fancied Jeremy Central stayed on strongly to beat 15 rivals in the Maiden for seven-year-olds and over sponsored by Toad Hall Cottages. “Jumping out of the ground was hard,” remarked the leading rider of this well made gelding, who had recent good placed efforts in Ireland to his name. Taunton bloodstock agent owner/trainer Tom Malone described his seven-year-old as, “ A lovely honest staying chaser in the making,” confiding that he had this race in mind when buying the gelding by Jeremy at an online auction recently. Bloodstock agents don’t buy horses to look at so Jeremy Central is sure to progress and is likely to find a new home soon.

After fracturing his ankle in a fall last May, Will Biddick is already making a strong bid to secure his eighth National jockeys title, and rounded of a good day by riding his 13th winner of the season on Famous Clermont in the Exeter Racecourse Intermediate. Despite carrying a 5lbs penalty this progressive seven-year-old won on the bit under a typically stylish Biddick ride. Christopher Barber trains the winner at Seaborough  for a small syndicate and remarked, “We bought him as a four-year-old at Goffs for only £5,000 and the plan is to go for an Intermediate final at either Exeter or Cheltenham.” The young trainer has plenty of ammunition waiting in the wings with a number of youngsters amongst the 20 strong inmates in his Dorset yard.

There were tears and smiles in a packed winner’s enclosure after Freddie Gingell had steered Molineaux home in the Jockey Club & Retraining of Racehorses Veteran Horse Conditions event. Freddie tragically lost his mother Kim, daughter of Colin Tizzard, to cancer in May 2020.  It was apt that Colin and Freddie’s father Dave were on hand to enjoy a rapturous reception as the young rider returned in the family colours after a stylish performance on his first point-to-point winner.  A prolific winning pony race rider with 56 wins, including at this track,  Freddie said, “I finish school in May. Molineaux is a really nice horse and I was proud to be sat on him”.  Colin, who had legged up his grandson, had trained the 11-year-old to his four wins under rules for John and Heather Snook and remarked, “This is a lovely horse. He is fast and accurate and the ideal schoolmaster. He could run every two weeks until he gets tired.”

Last season’s champion novice rider Ben Sutton, based with the Alan Hill yard,   partnered his second winner this season as Chameron strode clear on the run in to win the Totnes & Bridgetown Mixed Open. The Sam Loxton trained nine-year-old faced only three opponents with Hazzaar and Danseur Du Large chasing him home. The 22-yearold rider confessed that he had lost an iron at the last fence, which was fully three furlongs from the finish at the top of the hill, as the normal final fence in the straight was omitted.  Chameron runs in the colours of the jockey’s father, Nick, who was travelling abroad. Bruton trainer Sam Loxton has six horses in training and rides out Chameron, who could go hunter chasing in due course.

Darren Andrews rode his 50th point-to-point winner on five-year-old His Own Star, backed from 5’s into 7-2 ,in the two and a half miles Tony Glynn Scaffolding Open Maiden for four to six-year-olds. Andrews was content to follow the pace set by the favourite Next One Please and Summerleaze until hitting the front approaching the last. The winner had seven runs as a four-year-old in France in 2021 and was placed five times for David Cottin. His dam won a listed hurdle at Auteuil. He is one of eight pointers now in the care of Stuart Sampson, and runs in the colours of Uffculme owner Ron Alford who was enjoying his first winner. The trainer described his charge as, “ A kind, honest individual but is no great work horse at home.”

The successful jockey was denied a double as his mount Fountains Chief fell at the last when holding a narrow lead in the Stanley Carpets Restricted.  Stevan Steel was the only other horse of the six starters standing and was issuing a strong challenge at the time. Course winner Stevan Steel is trained at Bampton by Janet Ackner, who also owns the striking grey in conjunction with John Spall. “If only every horse was as genuine as he is. He has five gears but thinks he has six.” said the trainer. Successful jockey Darren Edwards reflected on, “ A strong stayer, honest and jumped well on today’s ground.”

Granville Taylor
Granville Taylor

Devon & Cornwall Point-To-Point Press Officer and PtPRC Race Reader

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Cover Photo Credit: Athwenna Irons/WMN