Sadly East Devon’s point to point races, due to be held at Ottery St Mary on Saturday, has had to be postponed due to flooding.
Heavy overnight rain has led to water lying on large parts of the course.
It is hoped the races can be rearranged for a later date – watch this feed for news.
UPDATE: 20th October 2021 at 09:21
Sadly East Devon’s point to point races, due to be held at Ottery St Mary on Saturday, has had to be postponed due to flooding.
Heavy overnight rain has led to water lying on large parts of the course.
It is hoped the races can be rearranged for a later date – watch this feed for news.
With Pointing getting underway on it’s annual Autumnal start this Saturday, the East Devon host their Point-To-Point meeting at Bishops Court, Ottery St Mary. This track offers a stunning parkland view, offering a fabulous way for the whole family to enjoy the seven races on offer, which commence at 12 noon. Although the entries are reduced, the quality should provide some competitive racing.
The opening Harris Timber Products members race could see trainer Les Jefford saddle the winner with Broadclyst, with jockey Conor Houlihan to ride and follow up on the five-lengths second in a Handicap Chase at Warwick last season for Chris Down. Inch Rock could be his main rival here, now trained by Robin Gundry, looks to have the booking of jockey Pippa Glanville to ride and they would be looking to improve on their second place at this track previously.
Mount Vets sponsor the Open Maiden race for four and five year-olds. Captain Westie looks to be a likely favourite having run second in an Irish NH race and is in ownership for Bloodstock Owner/trainer Tom Malone with the booking of Will Biddick to ride. Hey Soul Sister looks a promising young horse for trainer Chris Barber running off a low weight, and So They Say is an entry for local trainer Ed Walker, another who could be one to follow for the future.
In the Micheal Pidsley & Son limited-sponsored Men’s Open race could be a dual finish between Where’s Wilma under jockey Matt Hampton for trainer Michael Watson having run well in second at this meeting last season, and The Mulcair for trainer Camilla Scott who could follow up on their win at Bratton Down last season.
The Paul Whitfield-sponsored Ladies Open entry Cousin Pascal won the Foxhunter Chase in April at Aintree for the Joseph O’Shea team and should be likely favourite here, Hawkhurst is another showing consistency last season and would be expected to run well for the Alan Hill team and notch an early season win for jockey Izzy Marshall. Copain Des Classe is an entry for owner/ trainer Sam Loxton and this gelding could be one to follow in the pointing field for the future and give his lady jockey’s and connections some successful pointing days out in the future.
Trainwreck holds the highest rating in the Woolfeden-sponsored PPORA Club Conditions race for the Francesca Poste team having previously scored in Ireland under NH rules as a dual hurdle winner, however this could be a race for entry Copain Des Classe’s connections to challenge in this rather than the previous race.
Envious Editor stands out in the Valley Constructions Restricted race for the Joe O’Shea team having had some decent Irish hurdle place form, Sergeant Brody ran a creditable second at Hexham in May and Schiap Hill is another who will be high in the betting arena having run well in runner-up places at this venue and Wadebridge previously.
Finally up is the R Greenslade-sponsored Maiden race for six year olds and over, in which Truckers Pass for team Malone with jockey Will Biddick looking to set the standard and Dock Of The Bay for team Jefford and the Otis partnership, being another who could run well on debut this season.
Entrance to the course is by cash only at £15 per head including a racecard, children under 16 free and Dogs on leads welcome. Live streaming will be available through www.eventbrite.co.uk at £12 per viewing plus a small admin fee. Check out the pointingdc website and pointingdc.eventbrite are offering a seasons package at £75. Betting is available via Dave Phillips 07810775119. The course is located at Bishops Court Postcode EX11 1RJ.
Live Streaming of the Point to Point fixtures will continue to be developed in the Devon and Cornwall this season with the first 3 meetings until the end of this year now fixed and followed by most if not all of the remaining fixtures through until next June. Cornelius Lysaght and Robert Cooper, both nationally known horse racing broadcasters will lead the presentations and interviews, betting information from Simon Nott and race form and tips from racing correspondent Donna Harris.
The team includes Videographers plus technical students from the Falmouth University’s in-house creative agency Mayn Creative who supported the initial programme last year plus Pearce’s Public Address specialists who are supplying robotic wireless cameras around the course, along with a dedicated broadcast van, tailored graphics and video editing software for sale of race recordings on the day, director’s comms and audio requirements this season.
Live Streaming costs are £12 per view (plus a small Eventbrite admin fee) for the full action packed day of horse racing in Devon and Cornwall and can be seen on your Iphone or computer with the link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/east-devon-point-to-point-livestream-tickets-161608831365
A special offer for 40 tickets to view all the broadcasts throughout the season at a discounted total cost of £75 is being promoted at the beginning of the season from https://pointingdc.eventbrite.com and this offer is expected to be taken up quickly.
Cover Photo Credit: Athwenna Irons/WMN
WRITTEN BY GRANVILLE TAYLOR
“Well, they are gone, and here I must remain”
From a poem by Samuel Taylor Coleridge: 1772 – 1834: English poet who lived at Ottery St Mary. This famous resident had also gone long before Mr Oliver Carter opened the racecourse in 1979.
In fact, most people had “gone” as the new British point-to-point season got under way last Saturday (24 Oct) at Ottery St Mary under strict protocol due to COVID-19 stipulations. In the earliest ever start to a British season, the East Devon race meeting had to take place behind closed doors. Only essential personnel were allowed in. (luckily including me)
On a thoroughly wet, blustery day, seven times National champion jockey Will Biddick took the honours with a treble. “My best ever start to a season” said the Truro born rider.
Art Mauresque set the ball rolling under a copybook Biddick ride in the opening Hunt race. The Tom Malone trained gelding eased into the lead in the home straight to hold Raddon Top who was one of a trio of Leslie Jefford trained runners in the race. One of the other Jefford runners, Ryves Rocky finished a creditable third giving a memorable first race ride to Kirsty O’Dell.
Biddick teamed up with the David Maxwell owned Jalatuwih to take the Men’s Open after a spirited duel with Navanman (Darren Edwards). The pair had the race to themselves in the closing stages. Biddick’s mount proved the stronger on the run to the judge, looking like a top class hunter chase prospect. Trainer Beth Childs reported, “He came from Philip Hobbs to run in point-to-points.” He was described by his jockey as, “A classy horse under rules and the aim is to go to the Foxhunter at Cheltenham. He travelled strong. I gave him a click and he moved on”
Taunton bloodstock agent Tom Malone provided Will Biddick with his treble when saddling Starsky to win the second section of the Maiden for six-year-olds and over. This time the leading rider limped into the parade ring having been kicked about like a football by most of the field after falling from A Tipple or Two at half way in the previous race.
The trainer, who also owns Starsky said,” I originally bought him as a store. He was at Ditcheat for a while, then the owners wanted him moved on so I took him back. He is still a maiden under rules so we have that option, but plan to keep him pointing for a while. In typical bloodstock agent fashion Malone added of the six-year-old Shantou gelding, “He is for sale.”.
The earlier division of this race also went to another ex-inmate of the Paul Nicholls Ditcheat yard when the six-year-old Grey Getaway came clear after Takeabid had fallen at the last jump. Matt Hampton, who now trains and rides the South Dorset qualified gelding for a small partnership said. “He is a nice horse. We picked him up in February as he had lost his way a bit under rules. It is nice to get his head in front and get a bit of confidence back,” The well bred six-year-old still has a long way to go to pay off the £190,000 he cost previous connections as a four-year-old.
The easiest winner of the day came in the Ladies’ Open when the useful ex-chaser Red Indian travelled from his Leicestershire base to stroll home by a distance unchallenged under Alice Stevens. The winner was in command from a long way out in the colours of Sir Johny Weatherby, and looks set for a successful campaign. The jockey enthused, “He was delightful to ride and I had a great time.”
The Tattersalls Cheltenham sponsored Maiden for four and five-year-olds attracted a quality field of 13 mostly unraced horses. Four-year-old debutant Kyntara came out on top, pulling clear of his rivals under Alex Edwards after the second last to score by four lengths from Great Colewood and Feu Des Malberaux. A good topped youngster by Kayf Tara, the winner was sent out by Shropshire based Mel Rowley, a likely harbinger of many more successes for the yard this season. The promising gelding is out of a winning hurdler from a good jumping family. Kyntara cost £30,000 as a three-year-old, from the Tattersalls Ireland Derby sales.
There was drama at the last fence in the NHS Print Concern Restricted when the strong challenging Papal Present fell, bringing down Prove Me Wrong. This left Ryan’s Fancy in command , and the ex-Irish pointer was not hard pressed to hold the giant sized Schiap Hill. The winner was ridden by Immy Robinson, whose mother Caroline made history by riding Eliogarty to win both the Cheltenham and Aintree Foxhunters’ in the 1980’s under her maiden name of Caroline Beasley. She remarked, “We bought him at Doncaster sales, he had won a point-to-point, wasn’t a big price and is by Getaway.” Immy modestly added, “He did it all. I just held on to him as long as I could.”
The seven-year-old winning hurdler Sparkleandshine lived up to his name with a 20 lengths success over the Hobbs runner Rolling Dylan in the PPORA Club Members’. Tommie O’Brien steered home the winner who cost only £3,000 at Ascot last December. “It was probably best that he couldn’t run for a while and put on condition during COVID”, said trainer Alan Hill.
The East Devon organisers deserve much praise for their considerable efforts to put this fixture on. It was also the first of the 25 scheduled meetings in Devon and Cornwall to be live streamed this season.
The PPA advise that the Covid-19 situation and how Point-To-Points respond to it will be changing continusly this season and advise everyone monitors the national website www.pointtopoint.co.uk for the latest information and updates
1 Art Mauresque (Will Biddick) 1/3 held up, hdwy 15, led last, comf
2 Raddon Top (Conor Houlihan) went 3rd two out, ran on to 2nd nr finish
3 Ryves Rocky (Kirsty O’Dell) first ride, led 3rd til joined two out, no extra flat
6 ran; 2l; 1l; 6m 37s
1 Kyntara (Alex Edwards) 3/1 prog 16th, led after next, soon clear, easily
2 Great Colewood (Peter Mason) hdwy 12th, went 2nd apprg last, kept on
3 Feu Des Malberaux (Fionn Summers) with leaders til 14th, stayed on agn clsg stages
13 ran 4l; 4l; 6m 22s
1 Jatiluwih (Will Biddick) 4/6 held up, hdwy 14th, led two out, drew clear last, impressive
2 Navanman (Darren Edwards) disp lead from 7th, led four out til two out, kept on steadily
3 Ballykan (Ben Bromley) led / disp til 16th, no extra from next
7 ran 3l; 5l; 6m 20s
1 Red Indian (Alice Stevens) 5/2 drew right away 14th, unchallenged, impressive
2 Master Baker (Jo Supple) bhd til good late hdwy to 2nd flat, better for race
3 Eric The Third (Natalie Parker) prom, chased winner til outpaced from 14th
10 ran; distance; 15l; 6m 14s
1 Sparkleandshine (Tommie O’Brien) 8/1 made most, clear three out, comf
2 Rolling Dylan (Isaac Buncle) mstk & lost place 13th, rallied three out, no chance with winner
3 Guerrilla Tactics (Finn Muirhead) first ride, mid div, late progress, almost snatched 2nd nr post
10 ran; 20l; 10l; 6m 25s
1 Ryan’s Fancy (Immy Robinson) 12/1 with leaders led 16th, left clear last
2 Schiap Hill (Charlie Marshall) mid div, stayed on to take 2nd at last
3 Gerties Garter (Chloe Emslay) chased leaders 14th, nearest at finish
12 ran; 7l; distance; 6m 32s
1 Grey Getaway (Matt Hampton) 4/1 prom, led 15th, hard pressed last, dvn out
2 Some Boy McCoy (Tommie O’Brien) went 2nd 15th, every chance last, no extra flat
3 Briery Bunny (James King) good hdwy two out, closing when hampered last
11 ran; 1l; 2l; 6m 52s
1 Starsky (Will Biddick) 4/6 held up chasing ldrs, went 2nd three out, disp last, ran on well
2 Jimmy Tew (Darren Edwards) alwys handy, 3rd two out, fin well
3 Eros (Josh Newman) led 8th, soon well clear, wkng when joined last, tired flat
10 ran; 4l; 3l; 6m 41s
photo credit: Athwenna Irons / WMN
The live streams are available for replay until noon on Tuesday when they have to be taken down (a condition of being able to live stream in the first place)
Welcome to http://www.pointtopoint.co.uk – The Official Home of Point-to-Pointing. We bring you the latest entries, results and fixtures for the season.
— Read on pointtopoint.co.uk/news_articles/update-for-participants-at-this-weekend-s-point-to-point-fixtures
Please note these are the entries for the East Devon Point-To-Point and this fixture is being run BEHIND CLOSED DOORS and as such there will be no blue zone for the paying public at the fixture. The fixture will be live streamed and telephone betting is available, see below for details.
| Race | Start time | Link to entries and form for race |
| 1st | 12:00 | Members Race |
| 2nd | 12:35 | Tattersalls Cheltenham Maiden Race for 4 & 5 year olds |
| 3rd | 13:10 | Mens Open Race |
| 4th | 13:45 | Ladies Open Race |
| 5th | 14:20 | PPORA Club Members Conditions (Level 3) Race |
| 6th | 14:55 | The Print Concern Supports the NHS Restricted Race |
| 7th | 15:30 | 6 years and up Maiden Race (Division 1) |
| 8th | 16:05 | 6 years and up Maiden Race (Division 2) |
After heavy rain overnight the going at Bishops Court has changed, Following a course inspection the BHA Chief Course Inspector put the going as good to soft soft in places
– John Bradley, Clerk of Course
With a herculean effort from Devon & Cornwall Point-to-Point Chairman Frank Yeo, along with Secretary Gordon Chambers, in combination with the Point-to-Point Authority, and the fantastic efforts of the East Devon team, the first fixture of the season is to be held at Bishops Court, Ottery St Mary, to take place this coming Saturday 24th October. Racing will be behind closed doors for this meeting with no public access.
Following the disappointment of the early abandonment of racing in March due to Covid-19 pandemic, a huge thanks must go to the Totnes & Bridgetown Racing Co Ltd for their generous sponsorship to help fund the three fixtures scheduled to take place in the area up until Christmas. Tattersalls are also on board for sponsorship of the maiden races.
Eight races are on offer with a start time of 12 noon. It will be the first fixture to offer live television streaming, headed by Cornelius Lysaght and a team of presenters offering the action as it happens. The card looks really exciting with 142 entries received.
Organisers at the course would like to thank all who have helped and supported getting the event together, along with support staff on the day which include the essential Doctor team of Suzannah Hoult and Lee Humphreys, also the vet team led by James Bosley, Graham Potts, Nigel Woodford and Philip Brown. Sponsorship has come in the way of Banner funds, and the team would like to thank all those involved who have contributed, these include WBW Solicitors, Stephens & Scown Solicitors, Symonds & Sampson Estate/Land Agent, Cornish Mutual, Independent Agri-parts Co, Malcolm Pring and Sidmouth Scaffolding. Also huge thanks go to landowners Andrew and Della Carter.
Live streaming will be available via the Devon & Cornwall Point-to-Point Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/PointingDC/Live (you don’t need a Facebook account to view via that link) and website.
Some bookmakers will be offering a betting service by phoning them and opening up an account. Full details will be on the Devon & Cornwall Point-to-Point website or visiting https://pointingdc.co.uk/2020/east-devon-point-to-point-telephone-betting/
Participants (Green Zone) and Owners (Amber Zone) will need to apply for tickets and complete a health declaration to be allowed to enter the course. The tickets can be obtained from https://www.pointtopoint.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/events/897724824037828
| 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:
An up to date form guide and synopsis of the horses entries at this meeting. Form figures for up to 6 outings appear. A dash(-) is used to separate 2019/20 form from 2018/19 form. Figures preceded by an oblique (/) represents 2017/18 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.
[display-posts taxonomy=”category” tax_term=”East Devon” taxonomy_2=”category” tax_2_term=”2020-21 Season”]
| List of Races | Next Race |
| Number | Form | Name | TRAINERS | Rating | Race Comments |
| 1 | *285f/133- | ART MAURESQUE (FR) | Thomas Malone | 44 | Won 9NH (6 Chases) Beat Bletchley Castle 6L(easy) in Cottenham Open 2020; acts gd/heavy; Chances here |
| 2 | p1/40504- | BALLYBRUFF (IRE) | Leslie Jefford | 36? | Won 2m4f maiden & Eggesford Rest(4L);acts on any; 47L 10th & 45L 5th Modbury Interm; stays, but one paced |
| 3 | 4/pup44/- | CIDER ‘N’ BLACK | Michael Sweetland | 29? | Veteran; Won Maiden 2013 & 28L 4th only form 2018; acts gd/firm; moderate 4ths last 2 starts 2019; best watched |
| 4 | 533345/7- | KILCREA BRIDGE | Robert Hawker | NR | Beat Wheres Wilma 1/2L in S.Dorset maiden & Exeter 3m chase 2018;plsced Chase 2020;acts gd/heavy |
| 5 | p/52/0s8- | MICKY STARK | Zoe Hawkins | 34? | Dam won Ptp; Won maiden 2017 & Buckfast Rest 2018 ;acts soft; Well behind when completing in 3 starts 2020 |
| 6 | 14/3p412- | RADDON TOP (IRE) | Leslie Jefford | 40 | Dam won 2NH;Won 4 Ptps;(Beat Somewhere To Be 2 1/2L in Wadebridge Conds) acts soft; capable of winning again |
| 7 | 423212/9- | RYVES ROCKY (IRE) | Leslie Jefford | 39 | Dual Flete winner(Maiden/Rest) Beat Cloudy Music 1L in S.Tetcott Conds 2019; acts any; consistent sort |
Art Mauresque for bloodstock agent/trainer Tom Malone, is also entered in the Men’s Open race, but the trainer could run him in the opening Hunt members race. Here he could be the likely favourite and follow up on his win at Cottenham last season under jockey Will Biddick.
Raddon Top holds an entry for trainer Les Jefford, with the booking of talented young jockey Conor Houlihan to ride, they could be the ones to take Art Mauresque on at the finish.
| Previous Race | List of Races | Next Race |
| Number | Form | Name | TRAINERS | Rating | Race Comments |
| 1 | ALLABOUTTHEMEMORIES | Lee Glanville | NR | Unraced in Point to Points and NH | |
| 2 | BRUELAY | Jill Dennis | NR | Dam won on the Flat (6f) Unraced in Point to Points and NH | |
| 3 | EXCLAMATION MARK | Francesco Nimmo | NR | Dam won NHFlast/Hurdle; Unraced in Point to Points and NH | |
| 4 | 2/up5- | FEU DES MALBERAUX (FR) | Joe Tickle | 24? | 5L 2nd to Matt’s Legacy Buckfastleigh 2m4f maiden 2019;failed to shine in 2020 (51L 5th) |
| 5 | GETAWAY CORY (IRE) | Neil Mclean | NR | Unraced in Point to Points and NH | |
| 6 | GONE SURFING (IRE) | Jill Dennis | NR | Unraced in Point to Points and NH | |
| 7 | GREAT COLEWOOD | Neil Mclean | NR | Unraced in Point to Points and NH | |
| 8 | HUNG JURY (IRE) | Francesco Nimmo | NR | Half Bro to winning hurdler Call my Lyreen; Unraced in Point to Points and NH rules | |
| 9 | IGGLE PIGGLE | Edward Walker | NR | Unraced in Point to Points and NH | |
| 10 | JUPITER RISING (FR) | Christopher Barber | NR | Unraced in Point to Points and NH | |
| 11 | KYNTARA | Melanie Rowley | NR | Unraced in Point to Points and NH | |
| 12 | LADY ELLIE | Christopher Barber | NR | Dam won 5 Ptps; Unraced in Point to Points and under NH | |
| 13 | 6p63- | MACS FRONTIER (IRE) | Ben Clarke | NR | Well held in 4 Irish Points in the Spring (23L 3rd on final start) acts on soft |
| 14 | MILTIADES (IRE) | Christopher Barber | NR | Unraced in Point to Points and under NH | |
| 15 | p/- | OSCARA (IRE) | Anabelle Bacon | NR | Pulled up 2 out in Irish maiden on only start to date 2019 |
| 16 | PEEPING JIMMY (IRE) | Joshua Guerriero | NR | Dam won Irish 2m2f hurdle; Unraced in Point to Points and NH | |
| 17 | POLLARDS FEN (IRE) | David Phelan | NR | Unraced in Point to Points and under NH | |
| 18 | SAMBLUCKY | Joshua Guerriero | NR | Unraced in Point to Points and under NH | |
| 19 | SHANNON ROCCCO (IRE) | Neil Mclean | NR | Unraced in Point to Points and under NH | |
| 20 | SKATING AWAY (IRE) | Amanda Sloyen | NR | Unraced in Point to Points and under NH | |
| 21 | SONIC GOLD | Emma Yardley | NR | Unraced in Point to Points and under NH | |
| 22 | TERMINAFOND (FR) | Sam Holdsworth | NR | Dam won in France ((Flat -1m4f) Unraced in Point to Points and NH | |
| 23 | THE PLAYER QUEEN(IRE) | Melanie Rowley | NR | Unraced in Point to Points and NH | |
| 24 | p- | TIP TOP MOUNTAIN (IRE) | Ian Chanin | 0 | Dam won 2 Irish Ptps; Pulled up 3 out in Quantock maiden won by Kings Cave March 2020 |
| 25 | WHY ANNIE (IRE) | Tom Ellis | NR | Unraced in Point to Points and NH |
Tattersalls have sponsored the Maiden series, and in the race for four and five year olds there have been plenty of entries.
Those catching the eye are the Getaway-sired gelding Gone Surfing for trainer Jill Dennis, who has a good strike rate with her maiden horses. Mac’s Frontier (Ben Clarke) is the highest rated, and Getaway Cory is an entry for the Neil McClean team who think highly off him and Jockey Josh Newman who is in form with a win at Exeter this week.
| Previous Race | List of Races | Next Race |
| Number | Form | Name | TRAINERS | Rating | Race Comments |
| 1 | *285f/133- | ART MAURESQUE (FR) | Thomas Malone | 44 | Won 9NH (6 Chases) Beat Bletchley Castle 6L(easy) in Cottenham Open 2020; acts gd/heavy; Chances here |
| 2 | 254/221- | BALLYKAN | Melanie Rowley | 40 | Won 6 NH (4 Chases) Easy winner of Larkhill Conds (25L) runner in 2 Nov Riders races in 2020 |
| 3 | 33/3p11- | FULL IRISH (IRE) | David Phelan | 43 | Won 4NH(2 Chases) won Charing Open & Fakenham Hunter chase 2020; acts on gd/heavy; Chance here |
| 4 | 611433/p- | IM ALL SET (IRE) | Claire Hitch | 39? | Won 6 Ptps 2015/17;Won Open & Hunter chase 2019; 25L 4th Hunter chase ;acts any; pu 13th only start 2020 |
| 5 | *1/11128- | JATILUWIH (FR) | Bethen Childs | NR | Won 6 NH 2019 (5 hurdles & French Chase- up to 2m5f ) 21L 8th in Pertemps Hurdle at Cheltenham, useful |
| 6 | 32p111/p- | LAWSONS THORNS (IRE) | Mike Vanstone | 40 | Won maiden 2017 & Bratton Rest & 4L winner Bratton Conds, best on acts gd/firm; pu 3out only start 2020 |
| 7 | 12/11131- | NAVANMAN (IRE) | John Heard | 47 | Won 3 Hurdles & 11Ptps;Won 4 2020(inc Opens) stays well; best soft/heavy; very consistent; chances here |
| 8 | 342p0/p4- | O MAONLAI (IRE) | Rebecca Welch | 35? | Won 4 NH(2 Chases 2m6f) 6L 3rd E.Corn Open 2019;Well held since ;one paced; acts on any |
| 9 | *0/4211u- | ORGANISED SOLUTION (FR) | Nicky Sheppard | 39 | Won Chaddesley maiden & beat the Chaseison 2L Badbury Rest; acts gd/soft ;steps up in class here; acts soft |
| 10 | *153/u34- | PAULS HILL (IRE) | Max Comley | 42 | Won Hurdle/Chase 2017/18;stays 3m2f+; 16L 3rd Coronation Cup (lead until 2out) acts gd/soft; EW chances |
| 11 | *14u00/56- | RED INDIAN | Mimi Eggleston | NR | Won 3NH (2m5f Nov Chase 2018) 14L 5th in Peter Marsh grade 2 chase 2020; but well behind after |
| 12 | 3211111/- | RIVER MYTH | Stuart Sampson | 43 | Won 9 Ptps; Won Rest/Interm 2018 & Club & Mixed Open 2019; acts on any; stays well; unraced in 2010 |
| 13 | 55224/32- | THE DAPPER FOX | Jack Veysey | 40 | Won 8 Ptps; won 3m6f Conds; often placed ; stays 4m ; acts on any; 10L 2nd in Heythrop 3m6f Open |
| 14 | 252/111- | THE GALLOPING BEAR | Ben Clarke | 41 | Won Maiden/Rest & 15L winner of Buckfastleigh Interm 2020; acts soft/heavy; looks sure to improve further |
| 15 | 111/2432- | THE LAST BUT ONE (IRE) | Thomas Malone | 42 | Won 3 Chases/Hurdle; Won 4 2019; acts on any; Head 2nd Didmarton Nov Riders 2020; may win again |
| 16 | *202p/p1- | THUMB STONE BLUES (IRE) | James King | 41 | Won NHFlat & 2 Hurdles 2015/1;placed in 3m+ chases after; Beat Frelia 3L Quantock Club. acts soft; Stays |
| 17 | 4142212/- | TOP CHIEF | Stuart Sampson | 41 | Won 4 NH & 7 Ptps; won N.Abbot Chase (3m2f) acts on any; 15L 2nd Four Burrow 3m4f Open April 2019 |
| 18 | /1111/41- | TUFF NANO (IRE) | Teresa Clark | 42 | Won 5 Ptps; Irish maiden & Rest/Interm/Conf 2019;Beat Silent Man 4L in Quantock Open; acts gd/heavy |
| 19 | p1/p2pp- | UCELLO CONTI (FR) | Melanie Rowley | NR | Won 11NH;(6 Chases ) Irish Hunter chase winner 2019 & 4L 2nd Irish Nov Riders 2020;stays well |
| 20 | 25112/11- | VIVALDI COLLONGES (FR) | Melanie Rowley | 45 | Won 5NH & 4Ptps;Beat Now Ben 3/4L Cottenham Open & 15L winner Larkhill Nov Riders; acts gd/heavy |
| 21 | 54121/11- | WICK GREEN | Peter Mason | 42 | Won 5 Ptps 2018/20;Won Larkhill Conds & Horseheath Open (1 1/2L) act on gd/soft; sure to win again |
The Men’s Open looks to be the feature race of the day which include multiple winning pointer Navanman, last seen when winning by 70 lengths at Buckfastleigh in March under jockey Darren Edwards for trainer John Heard.
There are plenty entered who will try to reel him in, these include the Bethan Childs-trained ex National Hunt entry Jatiluwih, who could be a ride for Will Biddick. The horse has to be respected on his previous National Hunt form, which includes a hurdle win at Cheltenham last November when in training with Phillip Hobbs.
Other’s among the entries are the highly rated Wick Green for trainer Peter Mason, Vivaldi Collonges, and Ucello Conti a half brother to Silviniaco Conti. Ucello Conti had good form in Ireland when in training with Gordon Elliot and is now with Melanie Rowley for Ben Bromley to ride.
Art Mauresque for bloodstock agent/trainer Tom Malone, is also entered in the Men’s Open race, but the trainer could run him in the opening Hunt members race. Here he could be the likely favourite and follow up on his win at Cottenham last season under jockey Will Biddick. Raddon Top holds an entry for trainer Les Jefford, with the booking of talented young jockey Conor Houlihan to ride, they could be the ones to take Art Mauresque on at the finish.
| Previous Race | List of Races | Next Race |
| Numbers | Form | Name | TRAINERS | Rating | Race Comments |
| 1 | 20/14/p4- | AQUA DUDE (IRE) | Catherine Williams | 40? | Won 3 NH & Ptp; Won Beginners chase 2017;Pulled up Open & 19L 4th Hunter chase 2020; acts on soft |
| 2 | *285f/133- | ART MAURESQUE (FR) | Thomas Malone | 44 | Won 9NH (6 Chases) Beat Bletchley Castle 6L(easy) in Cottenham Open 2020; acts gd/heavy; Chances here |
| 3 | *00079//- | COURT MINSTREL (IRE) | Catherine Williams | NR | Won 11 NH(up to 2m5f|) ;Once Useful Hurdler & Chaser ; acts gd/heavy ; last won 2017 ;last seen 2018 |
| 4 | *05747/- | ERIC THE THIRD (IRE) | John Heard | NR | Won 7NH (4 Chases – up to 2m5f) moderate recent form ; last raced in Nov 2019 ;best on good/firm |
| 5 | /58531/4- | IT’S A STEAL (IRE) | Lee Glanville | 40 | Won 2 Chases/Irish Ptp; won Members 2019;32L 4th Buckfastleigh Ladies won by Master Baker; gd/soft |
| 6 | 112p/811- | MASTER BAKER | Lisa Jefford | 45 | Won 12Ptps(Opens) & 3 Hunter chases; Dual Ladies Open winner 2020; stays well; acts soft; chances here |
| 7 | /5617p/u- | MENDIP EXPRESS (IRE) | Bethen Childs | 40? | Won 8 NH & 7 Ptps; Veteran; Won Sandown Hand chase 2018;lightly raced since; acts on gd/soft |
| 8 | 5/pp/221- | MILLANSIE BOY | George Beilby | 42 | Hurdle/Chase winner 2017;4L 2nd Buckfast Conds & beat Raddon top 3L Buckfast Nov Riders; acts any |
| 9 | *5890/44/- | OWEN NA VIEW (IRE) | Paige Topley | 36? | Won 6 NH (5 chases & Irish Ptp) 4L 4th in Cottenham Nov Riders 2019;best sub 3m races; best good/firm |
| 10 | *153/u34- | PAULS HILL (IRE) | Max Comley | 42 | Won Hurdle/Chase 2017/18;stays 3m2f+;16L 3rd Coronation Cup(lead until 2out) acts gd/soft; EW chances |
| 11 | *14u00/56- | RED INDIAN | Mimi Eggleston | NR | Won 3NH (2m5f Nov Chase 2018) 14L 5th in Peter Marsh grade 2 chase 2020; but well behind after |
| 12 | 762p/343- | STAGE ONE (IRE) | Alan Hill | 38+ | Won Irish maiden & 3 UK Ptps 2018/19; 5L & 12L 3rd’s in Larkhill/Cottenham Opens 2020 |
| 13 | 111/2432- | THE LAST BUT ONE (IRE) | Thomas Malone | 42 | Won 3 Chases/Hurdle; Won 4 2019; acts on any; Head 2nd Didmarton Nov Riders 2020; may win again |
| 14 | *632465/3- | UEUETEOTL (FR) | Heidi Stevens | 34? | Won 4 NH (NHflat/Hurdles & Chase 2011/16) stays 3m; 32L+ 3rd Barbury Nov Riders Dec; acts on gd/soft |
In the Ladies Open race The Last But One is another out of Tom Malone’s yard with decent form, latest clocking up a second at Didmarten in March.
Entry Master Baker (Les Jefford) for Jo Supple to ride holds strong claims having won at Buckfastleigh by 2.5 lengths in March bringing his tally of wins to twelve to date.
Millanisi Boy won the Novice Riders race at the Buckfastleigh meeting under Fergus Gillard who has progressed well, and now has the booking of Emma Jones to ride.
Mendip Express could give young Molly White a competitive ride around, the now veteran had some good National Hunt form when in training for Phillip Hobbs, and the young jockey will be keen to progress her future here.
| Previous Race | List of Races | Next Race |
| Number | Form | Name | TRAINERS | Rating | Race Comments |
| 1 | 20/14/p4- | AQUA DUDE (IRE) | Catherine Williams | 40? | Won 3 NH & Ptp; Won Beginners Chase 2017;Pulled up Open & 19L 4th Hunter chase 2020; acts on soft |
| 2 | 513/432/- | BAY TO GO (IRE) | Patricia Armstrong | 38 | Won 2 Hunter chases/6Ptps; Won Members 2018; best on gd/firm;6L 2nd Torrington open in 2019 |
| 3 | 41/5/36p- | BERNARDELLI (IRE) | Max Comley | NR | Won 7NH (5 Chases up to 2m5f) 2013-18; placed over 3m ; acts on soft/heavy; pu 8th last start(never going) |
| 4 | 2p/p5p4- | BEUVRON (FR) | Sam Holdsworth | 37? | Won 3 French/7 Ptps(4 at Buckfastleigh) 29L 5th Nov Riders & 12L 2nd Conf 2019 .moderate form after |
| 5 | *640fpp/- | BUYWISE (IRE) | Catherine Williams | NR | Won 7NH & Irish ptp; Won 3m Chase 2018; lost form last few starts in 2019; acts on soft/heavy |
| 6 | *00079//- | COURT MINSTREL (IRE) | Catherine Williams | NR | Won 11 NH(up to 2m5f|) ;Once Useful Hurdler & Chaser ; acts gd/heavy ; last won 2017 ;last seen 2018 |
| 7 | 11/3/3f2/- | EVERY BREAKIN WAVE (IRE) | Claire Hitch | 38? | Won maiden/Rest & Members 2017; acts any; 8L 2nd in Cherrybrook Conditions 2019; lightly raced |
| 8 | */52360- | GUERRILLA TACTICS (IRE) | Camilla Scott | NR | Won 3NH & Badbury Rings Ptp (2016/18) stays 3m ; acts on good/firm; last seen in Dec 2019 |
| 9 | 2/r4p4//- | MARYAM JAAN | William Harman | 32? | Won Chaddesley Mares maiden 2016;acts gd/firm; moderate form Rests 2017;last seen in May 2018 |
| 10 | 42p0/p4- | O MAONLAI (IRE) | Rebecca Welch | 35? | Won 4 NH(2 Chases 2m6f) 6L 3rd E.Corn Open 2019;Well held since ;one paced; acts on any |
| 11 | *57697/3- | OUR THREE SONS (IRE) | Charlotte Fuller | 38 | Won 4 NH(3 Hurdles) 2017/18; 10L 3rd in Didmarton Novice Riders won by Doc Carver; acts good/firm |
| 12 | *84p4/4p- | QUITE BY CHANCE | Stuart Sampson | NR | Won 5 Chases (2014-16) stays 3m2f; acts on good/soft; placed in Chases 2019/20; may win again |
| 13 | *5/p4735- | ROLLING DYLAN (IRE) | Laura Parker | NR | Won 4 NH (2 Chases 2015-2018) stays 3m ; acts on soft/heavy; 21L 5th Taunton Hand chase Mar 2020 |
| 14 | 2pfp/32p- | SOMEWHERE TO BE (IRE) | Rebecca Welch | 38 | Won 2m3f Chase 2018(heavy) 3L 3rd Corn Nov Riders & 2L 2nd to Raddon Top Wadebridge Nov riders 2020 |
| 15 | */343p8- | SONOFTHEKING (IRE) | Nicola Martin | NR | Won 3 Chases & 2 Ptps(2015-17) Stays 3m1f+, acts on any; 46L 8th in Uttoxeter Hand Chase in July |
| 16 | 4035/f06- | SPARKLEANDSHINE (IRE) | Alan Hill | NR | Won Huntingdon 2m Hurdle 2018;well beaten in completing only chase; acts on good/soft |
| 17 | 0pp/u4p- | THE IBBSTER (IRE) | Alexandra Goodman | 30? | Maiden/Rest winner 2017; well beaten 4 starts NH 2019; acts gd/soft; stays 3m;50L 4th Tiverton Nov Riders |
| 18 | *32465/3- | UEUETEOTL (FR) | Heidi Stevens | 34? | Won 4 NH (NHflat/Hurdles & Chase 2011/16) stays 3m; 32L+ 3rd Barbury Nov Riders Dec; acts on gd/soft |
| 19 | 6332/2pf- | WESTERN DIVA (IRE) | Claire Hardwick | 40 | Won 2m+ hurdle & 6 Ptps; Won Conds & Mendip Ladies(4L)2018;acts gd/soft;10L 2nd in Ladies; consistent |
The PPORA Club Members race entry Ueueteotl could follow up on his form when third at Barbury under Heidi Stevens, Rolling Dylan looks an exciting prospect for trainer Laura Parker, and Every Breaking Wave for Somerset based trainer Claire Hitch, could run well having been placed on eight of his ten starts to date, having won three, and jockey Martin McIntyre will been keen to get a good start to the season.
| Previous Race | List of Races | Next Race |
| Number | Form | Name | TRAINERS | Rating | Race Comments |
| 1 | p/*3378/- | ANN MARIES REJECT (IRE) | Christine Gray | NR | Won Ottery maiden 2018;placed Rests (4L 2nd & 12L 3rd after) act on any; placed (2L 3rd) NH 2019 |
| 2 | 22/52312- | COTTAGE ROSE | John Heard | 35 | Dam won 7Ptps;beat Arctic Milly 1L in Wadebridge maiden(kept on well; acts on any. consistent sort |
| 3 | 133p/fpp- | DIPLOMATICO (USA) | Jason Warner | 29 | Easy winner of Tedworth maiden (4 ran) well beaten(40L+) in Rest since; pu last S.Dorset Rest; front runs |
| 4 | p/413/p3- | FAB VINNIE (IRE) | Martin Wanless | 30 | Won Peper Harow maiden(beat On Parole 1L;gd/firm) pu 3out Horseheath & 26L 3rd Larkhill Rests 2020 |
| 5 | 242/13f2- | FRANK AND HONEST (IRE) | Peter Mason | 35+ | Beat Pheonix Park 3/4L in Cottenham Maiden & 5L 2nd to Getaway Flyer Chaddesley Rest; acts on any; |
| 6 | /6226p/p- | GERTIES GARTER | Ed Walker | 34 | Won Little Windsor maiden 2018; 2L & 4L 2nd in 2 Restricteds in 2019; acts on any; may win again |
| 7 | 5/47p2/2- | GOLANDER (IRE) | Gordon Chambers | 35 | Irish maiden winner 2016;Runner up in 2 Restricteds (3/4L & 12L) 2019/20 ;acts on any; may win a small race |
| 8 | 66up/pp- | HALLOWEEN HARRY (IRE) | James Ridley | NR | Won Dingle maiden 2018;7L 3rd in maiden hurdle after; no form after (bbv) on last start Jan 2020 |
| 9 | p212/- | ICHIFOOT (USA) | Patrick Picton-Warlow | 35 | Ex USA Flat 2016; Beat What a Bug 30L Stevenstone maiden & 10L 2nd in Bratton Rest 2019; acts gd/firm |
| 10 | 2/r4p4//- | MARYAM JAAN | William Harman | 32? | Won Chaddesley Mares maiden 2016;acts gd/firm; moderate form Rests 2017;last seen in May 2018 |
| 11 | *f6/6pp7- | NORUKI (IRE) | Andrew Gardner | NR | Irish maiden winner March 2017;Well beaten under rules last 5 starts in 2019/20 |
| 12 | */5007p- | OBORNE LADY (IRE) | Sally Rawlins | NR | Salisbury Flat winner (1m6f) May 2019;1/2L 2nd in 3m hurdle after; well behind in 2 Chases July 2020 |
| 13 | *09800- | PAPAL PRESENT (IRE) | Tim Underwood | NR | Won Irish Maiden April 2018;Beaten 20L+ 5 Irish hurdles races when last seen in 2019; acts on soft/heavy |
| 14 | 77u53/- | PROVE ME WRONG (IRE) | Max Comley | NR | 12L Irish maiden winner Dec 2017;9L 3rd after; acts soft; pulled up in last 3 starts in 2018 |
| 15 | 1/p/p3/p- | REALITY BITES (IRE) | Claire Hardwick | NR | Won Irish maiden Feb 2016;Distant (30L+) 3rd Mollington Rest 2019 (Weak 2 out) lightly raced; acts any? |
| 16 | p/p/134/- | RYANS FANCY (IRE) | Caroline Robinson | NR | 12L winner of Irish Maiden October 2019;10L 3rd in winner of one after; acts on gd/heavy |
| 17 | /3431/42- | SCHIAP HILL | Hannah Clarke | 35 | 2nd in Ptp Flat; Won Mollington maiden 2019;8L 2nd to The Golden Rebel Charing Rest; acts on gd/soft; |
| 18 | p/p3421- | STEVAN STEEL (IRE) | Janet Ackner | 33 | Beat Gunner Vic 15L in Buckfastleigh maiden (heavy) stays well; seems capable of winning again |
| 19 | p55/122- | THECHASEISON | Christopher Barber | 37 | Beat the Whiskey Man 8Lin 2m4f Larkhill maiden; 4L & 2L 2nd in Restricteds after; acts any; May go close |
In the Print Concerns Restricted race, this could be between Buckfastleigh maiden winner Steven Steel for Janet Ackner and jockey Darren Edwards, Thechaseison after his second at Badbury Rings trained by Christopher Barber, and Schiap Hill having scored second at Charing in February for jockey Charlie Marshall.
| Previous Race | List of Races | Next Race |
| Number | Form | Name | TRAINERS | Rating | Race Comments |
| 1 | 2/3222/- | A TIPPLE OR TWO | Caroline Keevil | 33 | Dam won maiden; Runner up in 3 maidens (4L 2nd in Axe Vale maiden) front runs; acts on gd/firm |
| 2 | */r4f/f54- | BET ON BETTY | Christine Gray | 26 | Dam won French Chase; 20L 4th 2m4f maiden 2019 & 12L 5th to Minella Beag in Tiverton Mares maiden |
| 3 | *7/0p64- | BRIERY BUNNY | Maurice Linehan | NR | Unplaced in 6 Hurdles & NHflat race;13L 4th in Huntingdon 3m Hurdle; unraced over fences |
| 4 | /34/42/3- | BUSINESSMAN (IRE) | Leslie Jefford | 31 | 16L 4th & 10L 2nd in maidens;31L 3rd to Smoking Pigeon in Didmarton Maiden 2020 |
| 5 | 07fpp//- | CAPTAINS HORSE (FR) | David Mitchell | NR | Unplaced in 4 Chases & 3 hurdles when last seen in 2016/17 |
| 6 | *590- | GETAWAY LUCY (IRE) | Neil McLean | NR | 15L 5th in Irish maiden Nov 2019;well held in 2 hurdles after |
| 7 | /3f/455/f- | GLIMPSE OF GLADYS | Robert Pudd | 24 | Dam won 3mhurdle;4L 3rd Ptp Flat 2018;19L 4th maiden 2019; fell 2 out (in rear)Larkhill maiden 2020 |
| 8 | -687935 | GREY GETAWAY (IRE) | Matthew Hampton | NR | 2L 2nd in Irish Maiden Nov 2018;17L 3rd in 2m3f hurdle Jan 2020; acts on soft/heavy |
| 9 | /pfuu/5p- | MAYBE FEESCARI | Ross Farr | 0 | Unplaced Bumpers 2016;failed to complete in maidens 2019;70L+ 5th in Ffos Las Mares Maiden on return |
| 10 | up324/p- | MONTARLOT (IRE) | Harriet Brown | 25 | 10L 2nd & 8L 4th in Irish maidens 2018; 4L 2nd in Larkhill maiden Mar 2019; |
| 11 | 2f2/36/p- | MOONARO (IRE) | Susan Darke | 32? | Head 2nd in Lamerton maiden (just failed) & 30L 2nd Ottery maiden 2018; modest form in 2019; acts on soft |
| 12 | /3fp33/3/- | OUR GREY BOY (IRE) | Annabelle Bacon | 26 | Beaten 15L+ Irish Ptps;20L 3rd 2m4f maiden & 2 1/2L 3rd to Gerties Garter Cattistock maiden; missed 2020 |
| 13 | 2/72/63u- | PASCHALS DREAM (IRE) | Daniel Bourne | 22? | Ex Irish Pointer(Runner up in 3 maidens- beaten 2L+) 2018; 45L 3rd Chaddesley maiden & ur last in 5th 2020 |
| 14 | f64/373- | SOME BOY MCCOY | Alan Hill | NR | 8L 2nd NHflat 2018; 1L 3rd in 2m4f hurdle & 13L 3rd in Sedgefield 2m chase ; acts on any |
| 15 | pp/p/p- | SPOILER ALERT (IRE) | Claire Hitch | 0 | Pu in Irish maiden 2017 & in rear when pu 14th Axe Vale maiden 2019;yet to complete & lightly raced |
| 16 | /p5p/7p- | TAKEABID (IRE) | Stuart Sampson | 16 | Half Sis to Fishy Story & River Myth;26L 5th in 2m4f maiden 2019 & 22L 7th Tiverton Mares maiden in 2020 |
| 17 | p- | TIME TO DEPLOY (IRE) | Jill Dennis | 9 | Pulled up last in Buckfastleigh 2m4f maiden on 1st run in 2020; may do better in time |
| 18 | 273u54/- | WINTER HOLIDAY | Charlotte Fuller | NR | 17L 5th in Ptp Flat Race 2018;runner up in 2 NHflat Races after; beaten 23L+in hurdles 2019 |
| 19 | p- | YIPEE KAI AYE | Sam Holdsworth | 0 | Pulled up 3 out in E.Corn 2m4f maiden(heavy) on only run to date in 2020 |
Finally up there are two divisions of the Maiden race for horses six years and over, which looks to hold plenty of talent of the future. Suggestions in the first could be A Tipple Or Two (Caroline Keevil), Businessman for trainer Les Jefford, Grey Getaway owned and trained by Matt Hampton, and Some Boy McCoy for the formidable Alan Hill team.
| Previous Race |
| Number | Form | Name | TRAINERS | Rating | Race Comments |
| 1 | 00/4p/p- | AWESOMEDESTINATION (IRE) | William Harman | 00? | Runner up twice in 2 Welsh maidens in 2018;well held NH after; pu up 9th in Ffos Las maiden only start 2019 |
| 2 | BRISE VOLE | Hannah Clarke | NR | Unraced in Point to Points and NH | |
| 3 | 0485/u- | DIVA DU MAQUIS (FR) | Julie Mansell | 22 | Runner up NHFlat 2017;placed hurdles after; every chance when ur 11th in Barbury 2m4f maiden Dec 2019 |
| 4 | *0p//p- | EASTERN PROMISES | Claire Hitch | 0 | Well behind in NHfalt race & pulled up in Novice hurdle in Dec 2018; pu 2out 2m4f Quantock maiden 2020 |
| 5 | *6/0647- | EROS (FR) | Neil McLean | NR | Only form NH when 8L 4th in Huntingdon 2m hurdle (heavy) Feb 2020; unraced over fences |
| 6 | */p00/pp- | EXIT PLAN | Sue Brown | NR | Placed in 2 Irish maidens (2L 2nd of 4) 2019; well beaten in 3 hurdles & pulled up in 2 Chases |
| 7 | *233222- | I’M WISER NOW (IRE) | Sally Randell | NR | Placed in 9 of 10 runs NHflat/Hurdles (2018/20) up to 2m5f ; acts on good/heavy; chances clear round |
| 8 | /5/p- | ISLAND TYPHOON (IRE) | Zoe Hawkins | NR | 44L 5th & pulled up last in 2 Irish maidens in 2019 |
| 9 | 6c3u/3p- | JIMMY TEW | Janet Ackner | 23 | 3L 3rd in Mollington Maiden 2019; 25L 3rd in S.Dorst maiden won by Lagonda; acts on any; |
| 10 | /6p8p- | JOHNNY B (IRE) | Pam Roffe-Silvester | NR | Ex Irish(beaten 18L when completing in 4 maidens 2018/19) acts on good/soft; pu 2 out E.Corn 2m4f maiden |
| 11 | */6607/- | LUMA’S GIFT | Megan Bevan | NR | Unplaced in 2NHFlat & 2 Novice hurdles when last seen in 2017/18 |
| 12 | /ppp/pp- | MAD FOR ACTION (IRE) | Abigail Lewis | 0 | Beaten 20L+ in 4 hurdle races in 2017/18; pulled up in all three Maidens in 2019 ;hard to fancy |
| 13 | *4pppp/- | MONTY MASSINI | Shan Farr | NR | Ex NH (unplaced in 8 Chases) 16L 4th in 2m4f hurdle & pulled up last 4 runs in Summer 2019 |
| 14 | p/f254u- | ON RAGLAN ROAD (FR) | Harriet Brown | 23? | 4L 2nd in Irish Ptp & 2 Hurdles(neck 2nd 2018) 15L 2nd in Modbury Maiden & 43L 4th ;error prone |
| 15 | u/p43ff- | SPIVEY COVE | Arron Butterfield | NR | Ex Irish Pointer (4L 2nd June 2018 & 5L 3rd Dec 2019) acts on gd/heavy; fell last 2 starts |
| 16 | *637333- | STARSKY (IRE) | Thomas Malone | NR | Runner up in NHflat 2018;Placed in 4 2-2m4f hurdles (beaten 4-8L) acts gd/soft; unraced over fences |
| 17 | 8p- | THIS’LL DO | Leslie Jefford | 12 | Dam won a maiden; 30L 8th in Barbury Ptp Flat race won by Raffle Ticket on 1st run; should improve |
| 18 | *0/- | UMBERLEIGH | Steve McCracken | NR | Beaten 46L in a Wincanton NHFlast race in Dec 2018; on only start to date |
Whilst in the second division, I’m Wiser Now (Sally Randell) and Starsky (Tom Malone) should go well judged on previous place form.
Written by: Donna Harris
With a herculean effort from Devon & Cornwall Point-to-Point Chairman Frank Yeo, along with Secretary Gordon Chambers, in combination with the Point-to-Point Authority, and the fantastic efforts of the East Devon team, the first fixture of the season is to be held at Bishops Court, Ottery St Mary, to take place this coming Saturday 24th October. Racing will be behind closed doors for this meeting with no public access.
Following the disappointment of the early abandonment of racing in March due to Covid-19 pandemic, a huge thanks must go to the Totnes & Bridgetown Racing Co Ltd for their generous sponsorship to help fund the three fixtures scheduled to take place in the area up until Christmas. Tattersalls are also on board for sponsorship of the maiden races.
Eight races are on offer with a start time of 12 noon. It will be the first fixture to offer live television streaming, headed by Cornelius Lysaght and a team of presenters offering the action as it happens. The card looks really exciting with 142 entries received. The Men’s Open looks to be the feature race of the day which include multiple winning pointer Navanman, last seen when winning by 70 lengths at Buckfastleigh in March under jockey Darren Edwards for trainer John Heard. There are plenty entered who will try to reel him in, these include the Bethan Childs-trained ex National Hunt entry Jatiluwih, who could be a ride for Will Biddick. The horse has to be respected on his previous National Hunt form, which includes a hurdle win at Cheltenham last November when in training with Phillip Hobbs. Other’s among the entries are the highly rated Wick Green for trainer Peter Mason, Vivaldi Collonges, and Ucello Conti a half brother to Silviniaco Conti. Ucello Conti had good form in Ireland when in training with Gordon Elliot and is now with Melanie Rowley for Ben Bromley to ride. Art Mauresque for bloodstock agent/trainer Tom Malone, is also entered in the Men’s Open race, but the trainer could run him in the opening Hunt members race. Here he could be the likely favourite and follow up on his win at Cottenham last season under jockey Will Biddick. Raddon Top holds an entry for trainer Les Jefford, with the booking of talented young jockey Conor Houlihan to ride, they could be the ones to take Art Mauresque on at the finish.
Tattersalls have sponsored the Maiden series, and in the race for four and five year olds there have been plenty of entries. Those catching the eye are the Getaway-sired gelding Gone Surfing for trainer Jill Dennis, who has a good strike rate with her maiden horses. Mac’s Frontier (Ben Clarke) is the highest rated, and Getaway Cory is an entry for the Neil McClean team who think highly off him and Jockey Josh Newman who is in form with a win at Exeter this week.
In the Ladies Open race The Last But One is another out of Tom Malone’s yard with decent form, latest clocking up a second at Didmarten in March. Entry Master Baker (Les Jefford) for Jo Supple to ride holds strong claims having won at Buckfastleigh by 2.5 lengths in March bringing his tally of wins to twelve to date. Millanisi Boy won the Novice Riders race at the Buckfastleigh meeting under Fergus Gillard who has progressed well, and now has the booking of Emma Jones to ride. Mendip Express could give young Molly White a competitive ride around, the now veteran had some good National Hunt form when in training for Phillip Hobbs, and the young jockey will be keen to progress her future here.
The PPORA Club Members race entry Ueueteotl could follow up on his form when third at Barbury under Heidi Stevens, Rolling Dylan looks an exciting prospect for trainer Laura Parker, and Every Breaking Wave for Somerset based trainer Claire Hitch, could run well having been placed on eight of his ten starts to date, having won three, and jockey Martin McIntyre will been keen to get a good start to the season.
In the Print Concerns Restricted race, this could be between Buckfastleigh maiden winner Steven Steel for Janet Ackner andjockey Darren Edwards, Thechaseison after his second at Badbury Rings trained by Christopher Barber, and Schiap Hill having scored second at Charing in February for jockey Charlie Marshall.
Finally up there are two divisions of the Maiden race for horses six years and over, which looks to hold plenty of talent of the future. Suggestions in the first could be A Tipple Or Two (Caroline Keevil), Businessman for trainer Les Jefford, Grey Getaway owned and trained by Matt Hampton, and Some Boy McCoy for the formidable Alan Hill team. Whilst in the second division, I’m Wiser Now (Sally Randell) and Starsky (Tom Malone) should go well judged on previous place form.
Organisers at the course would like to thank all who have helped and supported getting the event together, along with support staff on the day which include the essential Doctor team of Suzannah Hoult and Lee Humphreys, also the vet team led by James Bosley, Graham Potts, Nigel Woodford and Philip Brown. Sponsorship has come in the way of Banner funds, and the team would like to thank all those involved who have contributed, these include WBW Solicitors, Stephens & Scown Solicitors, Symonds & Sampson Estate/Land Agent, Cornish Mutual, Independent Agri-parts Co, Malcolm Pring and Sidmouth Scaffolding. Also huge thanks go to landowners Andrew and Della Carter.
Live streaming will be available via the Devon & Cornwall Point-to-Point Facebook page at facebook.com/PointingDC/Live and website.
Some bookmakers will be offering a betting service by phoning them and opening up an account. Full details will be on the Devon & Cornwall Point-to-Point website or visiting https://pointingdc.co.uk/2020/east-devon-point-to-point-telephone-betting/
Participants (Green Zone) and Owners (Amber Zone) will need to apply for tickets and complete a health declaration to be allowed to enter the course. The tickets can be obtained from http://www.pointtopoint.co.uk
Internationally known horse racing broadcaster Cornelius Lysaght will head up the Devon & Cornwall live streaming presenting team when the 2020/2021 point-to-point season gets under way with the East Devon races at Ottery St Mary on Saturday 24th October, writes Granville Taylor.
With the meeting set to take place behind closed doors (BCD), the Devon & Cornwall area organisers work during the extended close season looks to have paid off. Anticipating the likelihood of racing BCD, the committee have used part of a £10.000 grant from Totnes and Bridgetown Racing Company Ltd to purchase live streaming equipment, and the area, with the approval of the British Horseracing Authority and the Point-to-Point Authority, is set to be the first in the UK to broadcast all their 25 meetings in the area for the coming season.
Announcing the initiative, Frank Yeo, Area Chairman said, “It is hoped this new venture will be able to bring the atmosphere and excitement of point-to-point racing to everyone at home. We are delighted that Cornelius Lysaght, with nearly 30 years experience as BBC Racing Correspondent, will be the lead presenter.”
The live streaming programme will include coverage of all the races, plus pre-race and post-race information, interviews and analysis. The long established West Country Videos team will be operating two cameras at each meeting.
Frank Yeo added, “We are very grateful to all those who have helped us get this off the ground, especially Totnes and Bridgetown Races Company Ltd, whose generous £10.000 will also boost race sponsorship in these difficult times.”
The Point-To-Point Authority have issued an updated newsletter details the latest processes and procedures that everyone will need to undertaken to access a Point-To-Point course whilst we are at level 4 status.
The Newsletter also unfortunately announces that our opening fixture, the East Devon Races fixture at Bishops Court on the 24th October will be run behind closed doors.
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 Following a meeting on 16 July, the PPA Board has agreed that the proposed early season programme of point-to-points should go ahead. The decision was not taken lightly, particularly as there are several factors which cannot as yet be fully quantified. However, on the balance of probability, given present progress at both national and sporting levels, and more specifically racing under Rules, it is believed that point to pointing will be able to start in October, hopefully on Saturday 24 at Bishops Court in East Devon. The full provisional fixture list for 2020-21 (subject to BHA approval) can be downloaded here, but the following fixtures are planned for the early season: 24 Oct – East Devon at Bishops Court 25 Oct – Ledbury at Maisemore Park 1 Nov – Kimblewick at Kimble 8 Nov – The Wheatland at Chaddesley Corbett 15 Nov – South East Hunts Club at Charing 15 Nov – Dunsmore Racing Club at Dunsmore The favourable response to the owner/trainer survey that was circulated earlier this month combined with the general progress made on Covid-19, and the possible losses to pointing if we did not make an early start, helped to make the PPA Board’s decision. Of course, there may localised Covid-19 spikes between now and October, and indeed at any stage. To that end protocols have been written for the fixtures at varying levels at which they can be run, including racing behind closed doors. The sport emphatically does not wish to race without spectators, and we certainly hope we do not have to. However, it is important to plan for all eventualities and to provide opportunities for the sport’s participants, whilst ensuring it is financially viable for the fixture. Click here to download the full 2020/21 provisional fixture list. |
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