There was a good line of nine bookies at Bratton Down on the Saturday of the Bank Holiday weekend, and it was also nice to see spectators allowed to return, although limited in number. It was also a relief to get a proper race card at Bratton Down instead of the sheets of paper which are virtually impossible to work with- well done to the organisers.
The Hunt race at Bratton looked a simple puzzle so I piled in on Hadmeathello (try saying it) to justify 1-2/ 4-7. He had impressed me when winning at Dingley but Chloe Emsley never seemed really happy on the beast on this occasion , neither was I. He was well held on the run in by The Mulcair (7-4 to 13-8) giving Blumndell’s schoolboy Finn Muirhead his first winner.
They went 4-1 joint favourites Florrie Webb and Thewinnertakeitall in the 11-runner Maiden. Darren Edwards took a crashing fall from the latter, but Florrie did the job well, setting Conor Houlihan off on his weekend five winner spree. I did some each way thieving on Minella Beag (5-1) who had caught the eye at the previous fixture here. She finished third. The Dartmoor Rose (12’s to 8’s) was nearly brought down at the 10th and this run can be ignored.
Weston-Super-Mare rider/ trainer Lucy Mager is a much under rated jockey and gave Moscow Prices (6-4 to 11-8) a perfect waiting ride to win the Ladies’. If you think I am talking through my pocket, no, I did not have a bet.
The Men’s Open featured a re-match of the Trebudannon Open between the useful mare River Myth and the big imposing gelding Los Alamos (who won that day). It was a bit like Little and Large. River Myth proved an uneasy favourite here (1-2 to 8-13) with Los Alamos clipped in from 3’s to 11-4 to atone for his poor Holnicote run last time. I don’t suppose that Coolmore had Bratton Down in mind when they bred this son of Galileo, but he is a classy pointer, now with leading owner Jason Warner, and readily drew clear up the hill.
The first division of the Conditions race produced the finish of the season. Conor Houlihan on Bridge of Spies (6-1) and Matt Hampton on Where’s Wilma (drifted to 9-4) charged up the hill locked together and were still inseparable at the post. Neither deserved to lose and a dead heat was a fitting result. Crown of Thorns (3-1) ran his usual solid race to finish third and fourth placed Beau Sancy (10’s to 8’s) was well there until the final fence.
Blairs Cove (2-1) made all and won the second division easily under James King, who is about to be crowned National champion jockey for the first time. Runner up Rolling Dylan (2’s to 7-4 fav) had a BHA rating of 143 in his prime, but is not the force he was. He is a fine schoolmaster though.
Darren Edwards took another heavy fall in the getting out stakes as Jimmy Tew (2-1) over jumped at the ninth and brought down Spivey Cove (9-1). Best to Come (3’s to 4’s) came from well off the pace under Conor Houlihan to claim the prize. Runner up Golly its Molly (20-1) showed her first worthwhile form and can only improve further, but Evron (7-2 to 3’s) folded quickly after leading from half way.
Granville Taylor
Devon & Cornwall Point-To-Point Press Officer and PtPRC Race Reader
Please note these are the entries for the Tiverton Staghounds Point-To-Point. The fixture is open to all zones and will have a crowd limit of 1500 people, it will be live streamed and telephone betting is available, see below for details.
Thursday Morning – The going at Bratton Down is good, good to firm. The course has been moved to fresh ground where necessary.
Monday 31st May 9.00am
Monday Morning – The going at Bratton Down is good. The course will be moved to fresh ground where necessary. The forecast looks promising for this to be maintained.
Friday 28th 8.00am
Friday Morning, after a lovely day the going at Bratton Down is now predominately good, with good to soft in places.
Tiverton Staghounds Spectator tickets
Tickets will be available via the www.pointtopoint.co.uk website, there is a fee of £15 which includes a racecard.
Children under 16 go free but must apply for an e-ticket.
Social distancing still must be adhered to at all times.
Spectator ticket sales close at 6PM on Saturday 5th June
With on site bar, bookies and trade stands, it will be great to get this outdoor event back on track in the beautiful picnic location, which has a back drop view of Exmoor to enjoy.
Postcode for the course is EX31 45G
Tiverton Staghounds Preview extract:
The final meeting of the Devon & Cornwall 2020-2021 Point-to-Point season takes place this coming Sunday when the Tiverton Staghounds stage their meeting at the Bratton Down track, which boasts a stunning backdrop view of Exmoor.
Over 110 entries have been received for the six races on offer, and with 27 entered in the open maiden, this race could well be divided on the day.
Hat’s off to all the trainers together with their teams who have produced these horses in tip top condition, also owners who have stood by these stunning animals during strict Covid lockdown conditions to compete at the course. The action starts at 2pm.
There will be on course facilities bar, food stands, bookies and many trade stands, providing a great day out in the country for all the family. e-tickets can be obtained via visiting https://pointingdc.co.uk. Under 16’s go free but must also apply for a ticket.
Course is located at Bratton Down, Bratton Fleming EX31 4SG
Tiverton Staghounds Live Stream
Live streaming of the races with race commentary and all day presentation with interviews of participants led by former BBC racing correspondent Cornelius Lysaght is on offer for the eight Point-To-Point races, with a start time of 2.00pm with the first of the races.
There is a fee of £10 plus a small Eventbrite admin fee to view the race meeting, which is the same cost as if you attended as a spectator, and the sport needs the income from live streaming to ensure its future.
Some bookmakers will be offering a betting service by phoning them and opening up an account.
For those spectators wanting to place a bet, the contact numbers to register are 07711 298746 for Richard Pittard and 07810 775119 for Dave Phillips. The deadline to register for bets at this event is one hour before racing commences.
Tiverton Staghounds Green and Amber zone entry tickets
Participants, officials and Owners (Green Zone), and spectators (Amber Zone) will need to apply for tickets and complete a health declaration to be allowed to enter the course.
The tickets and the latest information required for accessing the course on the day can be obtained from https://www.pointtopoint.co.uk
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.
The Winston Pincombe Land Rovers-sponsored opening Members race could go the way of Alternative for young Otis Morgan to ride and follow up on their second at Cothelstone. Broughton’s Rythm looks to be another who could run well here and improve on his third at the meeting last weekend for trainer Bronwen Hurley.
The maiden race holds 27 entries and could well be divided on the day. Just some of those having shown promise are Businessman, Craven Bay, Eastern Promise, Honest Opinion and What A Bug.
Whilst the Exmoor Hay and Straw-sponsored Intermediate race could see Imogen’s Thunder reproduce his form from the previous meeting here when running a close second under promising young jockey Charlie Sprake. Another catching the eye is Largy Mountain, having won three on the bounce for the Fran Nimmo team and is an option for leading gentleman jockey James King.
Both the Greenslade Taylor Hunt-sponsored Ladies Open and the Men’s Open races have received top entries from around the country. These include Moscow Prices (Lucy Mager), Board Of Trade (Ed Walker), Fox Valley (Tom Ellis) and Summer Sounds for the Fran Nimmo team, all holding claims in the Ladies race. Whilst in the Men’s Open recent winner Thumb Stone Blues another from the Fran Nimmo team could provide another thrilling battle between him under jockey James King and Chameron for either Jack Andrews or Ben Sutton to ride, With the previous two mentioned also holding entries at the Garthorpe meeting on Saturday, this could leave the race open for Bridge of Spies to follow up on his impressive win at last Saturday’s meeting under top Novice jockey Conor Houlihan.
Both the Greenslade Taylor Hunt-sponsored Ladies Open and the Men’s Open races have received top entries from around the country. These include Moscow Prices (Lucy Mager), Board Of Trade (Ed Walker), Fox Valley (Tom Ellis) and Summer Sounds for the Fran Nimmo team, all holding claims in the Ladies race. Whilst in the Men’s Open recent winner Thumb Stone Blues another from the Fran Nimmo team could provide another thrilling battle between him under jockey James King and Chameron for either Jack Andrews or Ben Sutton to ride, With the previous two mentioned also holding entries at the Garthorpe meeting on Saturday, this could leave the race open for Bridge of Spies to follow up on his impressive win at last Saturday’s meeting under top Novice jockey Conor Houlihan.
Those catching the eye in the Totnes & Bridgetown-sponsored Restricted race are Fan Club Aulmer after his win at Mollington, The Kitchen Mechanic (Teresa Clark) and Lucky Lucarno for the Martin Wanless team.
The final meeting of the Devon & Cornwall 2020-2021 Point-to-Point season takes place this coming Sunday when the Tiverton Staghounds stage their meeting at the Bratton Down track, which boasts a stunning backdrop view of Exmoor.
Over 110 entries have been received for the six races on offer, and with 27 entered in the open maiden, this race could well be divided on the day.
Both the Greenslade Taylor Hunt-sponsored Ladies Open and the Men’s Open races have received top entries from around the country. These include Moscow Prices (Lucy Mager), Board Of Trade (Ed Walker), Fox Valley (Tom Ellis) and Summer Sounds for the Fran Nimmo team, all holding claims in the Ladies race. Whilst in the Men’s Open recent winner Thumb Stone Blues another from the Fran Nimmo team could provide another thrilling battle between him under jockey James King and Chameron for either Jack Andrews or Ben Sutton to ride, With the previous two mentioned also holding entries at the Garthorpe meeting on Saturday, this could leave the race open for Bridge of Spies to follow up on his impressive win at last Saturday’s meeting under top Novice jockey Conor Houlihan.
The Covid Race tgether with DSSH-sponsored opening Members race could go the way of Alternative for young Otis Morgan to ride and follow up on their second at Cothelstone. Broughton’s Rythm looks to be another who could run well here and improve on his third at the meeting last weekend for trainer Bronwen Hurley.
Those catching the eye in the Totnes & Bridgetown-sponsored Restricted race are Fan Club Aulmer after his win at Mollington, The Kitchen Mechanic (Teresa Clark) and Lucky Lucarno for the Martin Wanless team.
Whilst the Exmoor Hay and Straw-sponsored Intermediate race could see Imogen’s Thunder reproduce his form from the previous meeting here when running a close second under promising young jockey Charlie Sprake. Another catching the eye is Largy Mountain, having won three on the bounce for the Fran Nimmo team and is an option for leading gentleman jockey James King.
The maiden race holds 27 entries and could well be divided on the day. Just some of those having shown promise are Businessman, Craven Bay, Eastern Promise, Honest Opinion and What A Bug. Hat’s off to all the trainers together with their teams who have produced these horses in tip top condition, also owners who have stood by these stunning animals during strict Covid lockdown conditions to compete at the course.
The action starts at 2pm. Tickets can only be obtained prior to the event, via SPECTATOR TICKETS or the Point-to-Point Racing Co website. Children under 16 go free but must apply for ticket online. On course facilities are Bar, bookies hot food and refreshments and trade stands.
There will also be a Tiverton Staghounds live-stream, tickets for which can be bought through eventbrite.
Betting can be accessed by phoning either Richard Pittard 07711298746 or Dave Phillips on 07810775119.
Donna Harris
Best selling Children’s Author Interested in journalism, novel writing. Currently PRO Devon & Cornwall Point to Point.
“MAY is a pious fraud of the almanac. A ghastly parody of the real Spring”
From Under the Willows by James Russell Lovell , 1819-1891, American poet
I couldn’t agree more Mr Lovell. The month of May is not supposed to be cold and wet in England. Even the Exmoor point-to-point had to be postponed for six days, but at least we finally got some action in front of a crowd enjoying ice cream weather for the second of the traditional three late season fixtures at Bratton Down.
A first time treble for jockey Conor Houlihan, and a double for the champion elect James King were the highlights of the Exmoor fixture on a day when motorway hold -ups caused delays, late arrivals, and in the case of some horse boxes no shows.
Restricted winner Florrie Webb (centre), ridden by Conor Houlihan. Exmoor Point-To-Point at Bratton Down on 29th May 2021
Conor Houlihan is set to land his first Devon & Cornwall Novice riders’ title, and the 23-year-old from Dungarvan, County Waterford, who works in Will Biddick’s Somerset yard, kicked off with a five lengths success on the Biddick trained Florrie Webb in the Rosettes Direct Restricted. With his boss and mentor on crutches after breaking an ankle, the tall Irishman proved an able substitute in the saddle, sending seven-year-old Florrie Webb clear after jumping the last.
A dead heat on Bridge of Spies in the Bielby colours in the first division of the Kingdon family sponsored Conditions race saw Houlihan force his mount up to share the spoils with the favourite Where’s Wilma (Matt Hampton). This pair swooped on Crown of Thorns and Beau Sancy at the foot of the hill and battled it out all the way up the climb to the line. “We were both flat out and happy to share a dead heat,” remarked Matt Hampton.
Conditions (Division 1) winners Bridge Of Spies (centre, blue and purple silks) and Where’s Wilma (far side, blue and maroon silks) who couldn’t be split at the line, with the judge declaring a dead-heat verdict
A chance ride on Tattersalls Leading Owner Jason Warner’s eight-year-old Best to Come rounded off Houlihan’s successful day in the Totnes & Bridgetown Open Maiden. James King handed over this ride due to a sore ankle, but had earlier lifted his season’s tally to 28 thanks to Los Alamos and Blairs Cove.
Los Alamos mastered odds-on favourite River Myth jumping the last in the Moore Scarrott Men’s Open to add to his Trebudannon win. “He got stuck in the mud at Holnicote last time and the drier ground helped here,” reported the jockey.
Men’s Open winner Los Alamos (James King) pulls away from River Myth (Darren Andrews). Exmoor Point-To-Point at Bratton Down on 29th May 2021
photo: Athwenna Irons/WMN
Forcing tactics paid off for King as Jason Warner’s Blairs Cove led all the way to take the Wedgewood Buildings Ltd Conditions Race Division Two at the expense of the favourite Rolling Dylan (Isaac Buncle).
It was a memorable day for 17-year-old Finn Muirhead, who partnered his first point-to-point winner on the Camilla Scott trained The Mulcair in the colours of his father Alex in the RSM Beares & Brian Thorne & Son sponsored Hunt Race. The Mulcair pulled clear of Hadmeathello up the finishing climb under his promising teenage rider, who is a pony racing graduate and nephew of Jamie Osborne, who is currently studying for A levels at Blundell’s School, Tiverton.
Hunt Members winner The Mulcair, ridden by Finn Muirhead. Exmoor Point-To-Point at Bratton Down on 29th May 2021
After her successful ride at Stratford upon Avon on the previous evening, Chloe Emsley, who is looking sure to lift her first Devon & Cornwall ladies’ title this year, had to settle for the runner up spot behind The Mulcair on Hadmeathello in the Hunt Race.
She occupied the same spot on Inch Rock in the Bray Leino Ladies’ Open, where Moscow Prices was a stylish seven lengths winner. Lucy Mager, who shares ownership of 11-year-old Moscow Prices with Kim Tripp, trains the gelding at Weston-Super-Mare. “He was my second winner of the season and we might come back to Bratton next week,” remarked Lucy.
Granville Taylor
Devon & Cornwall Point-To-Point Press Officer and PtPRC Race Reader
HUNT (SPONSORS RSM BEARES & BRIAN THORNE & SON), MRS H M WALEY-COHEN CUP
The Mulcair (Finn Muirhead) 13-8 alwys prom, effort three out, led last, stayed on well
Hadmeathello (Chloe Emsley) 1-2 fav witrh ldrs, led four out til headed last, no extra flat
Darsi’s Pass (Mervyn Woodward) 25-1 hdwy 15th, outpaced two out
5 ran; 4l; 18l; 6m 5s
RESTRICTED (MR D WALLACE, ROSETTES DIRECT), GUY JACKSON MEMORIAL TROPHY
Florrie Webb (Conor Houlihan) 4-1 jt fav led / disp 12th til left clear two out, stayed on well
Forty Acres (George Hiscock) 5-1 held up, good late hdwy, kept on flat
Minella Beag (Chloe Emsley) 5-1 held up, some hdwy two out, kept on one pace
11 ran; 5l; neck; 5m 53s
LADIES’ OPEN (BRAY LEINO), C B B SMITH-BINGHAM CUP
Moscow Prices (Lucy Mager) 11-8 well in touch, effort two out, led & soon clear after last
Inch Rock (Chloe Emsley) 6-1 prom, slt lead 13th til headed after last
Mahler Style (Ella Orttewell) 11-2 led / disp til 13th, wknd two out
5 ran; 7l; 2l; 5m 52s
MEN’S OPEN (MOORE SCARROTT) CAPT TIM FORSTER MEMORIAL CUP
Los Alamos (James King) 11-4 in touch, went 2nd tenth, led apprg last, soon clear
River Myth (Darren Andrews) 8-13 fav led 6th til apprg last, eased when beaten flat
Mister Dick (Conor Houlihan) 6-1 led til 5th, lost touch three out
4 ran; 15l; 15l; 6m 2s
CONDITIONS 8 year olds & over, DONNA KINGDON MEMORIAL CUP
DIV 1 (THE KINGDON FAMILY)
1 dh. Bridge of Spies (Conor Houlihan) 6-1 good hdwy 14th, effort last, strong run flat, battled on gamely to dead heat
1 dh. Where’s Wilma (Matt Hampton) 9-4 fav midfield, hdwy 13th, went 4th three out, effort last, slight lead 100 yards out, stayed on gamely to dead heat
3. Crown of Thorns (Martin McIntyre) 3-1 prom, led 12th, disp two out til headed after last, no extra flat
9 ran; dead heat; 5l;
DIV 2 (TOTNES & BRIDGETOWN RACES COMPANY)
Blairs Cove (James King) 2-1 made all, clear two out, ridden out
Rolling Dylan (Isaac Buncle) 7-4 mstk 12th, chased ldrs three out, went 2nd flat
Broughton’s Rhythm (Fionn Summers) 12-1 well in touch, every chance three out, kept on one pace flat
7 ran; 4l; 10l; 5m 49s
OPEN MAIDEN (TOTNES & BRIDGETOWN RACES COMPANY), C C J SIMMONDS CUP
Best to Come (Conor Houlihan) 4-1 held up, hdwy 15th, went 2nd next, led after last, dvn clear flat
Golly It’s Molly (Jake Bament) 20-1 alwys prom, led two out til after last, kept on
Cuzzicombe (Vinny Webster) 7-1 held up, hdwy two out, nearest at finish
There was more of a real point-to-pointing atmosphere at Bratton Down for the Dulverton West meeting on Monday with the crowds returning on a very pleasant evening.
Eight familiar looking Devon & Cornwall bookmakers signalled a hint of normality, but sadly Mike Bolitho was not amongst them. Mike, whose board always showed fair odds, traded under the banner of his late father Roy, but had sadly died a few days ago. He had stood last weekend at the Eggesford’s Upcott Cross meeting with two of his colleagues. Sincere condolences go to Mike’s partner, family and friends from all pointing colleagues.
Edabean (5-4 to evens fav) was a surprisingly short price in the opening Restricted, considering that she had only won a Mares race. Maybe it was due to the in-form connections. To be fair, she didn’t get the best of runs in some scrimmaging up the hill before finishing fourth. The eventual winner Dancing Dave (solid 3’s) was only fifth jumping the last, but stayed on really well on the inside under a good Chloe Emsley ride. The runner up was 20-1 outsider Eole D’un Regard who last won two years ago. He had shown little since, but ran really well here under young Barnaby Treneer. Minella Beag (6’s to 7’s), from the Ed Walker yard, like the winner, came from the back to finish third. He had been running under rules and warrants a look next time.
It was time to get my wallet out in the 12-runner Maiden. Leslie Jefford’s Businessman (13-2) has been on my watch list for some time and looked real each way value. He led everywhere except where it matters as Jimmy Snipe (33-1) stuck his head in front on the line to win by a “nose” (not an official point-to-point distance- should be a short head). The winner, completing for the first time after three runs, is out of the prolific Sea Snipe (won 17 points) and was the first training success for Joe Tickle’s partner Danielle Kenealy. Arctic Milly (9-4 fav) always gets placed and did so again. Nuova Vita was backed from 4’s to 5-2 on the strength of his promising Flete debut, but was never really travelling after an early blunder.
Rolling Dylan (5-2 to 5-4 fav) once had a BHA rating of 143 and now trained by Laura Parker, ran in the colours of the Conditions race sponsor Philip Hobbs, his former trainer. Another useful ex-NH horse Horatio Hornblower (9’s out to 12’s) was making his pointing debut under a stiff penalty and ran well under his novice rider. I missed the 7-2 (returned 5-2) about Minim Mouse and you can guess what happened. Yes, Mini won by a squeak – yet another dreaded “nose” verdict. The runner up Coningsby had no friends in the ring (3’s out to 6’s) but ran up the hill to nearly catch the mouse.
Proven stayer Know the Score (11-10 to 4-5), trained by Leslie Jefford, found the four miles Mixed Open easier than his recent Cheltenham consignment, but was all out under the talented Fly McIntyre to hold Imogen’s Thunder (5’s to 7’s), given a grand ride by Charlie Sprake.
Dr Time (5-4 to 4-6) was all the rage for the 10-runner PPORA race to set up his hat trick under James King, but an early mistake did not help his cause. He was struggling after the ditch allowing the smooth travelling Wotzizname (10’s to 7’s) to hold the running on Skylander (7-2 out to 5’s). The young jockeys on both first and second, Megan Bevan and Otis Morgan, each came out with much credit.
The getting out stakes was a bit more predictable. The Yeats gelding Largy Mountain (5-4 / 6-5 fav), ridden by champion jockey elect James King, completed his English hat trick in good style (he was hopeless in Irish points and has taken time to get his act together), pulling away from French Piece (3’s to 5-2) after the latter had bungled the last. Third place Awesome Tunes (5’s to 4’s) kept jumping to the left but was not disgraced.
Granville Taylor
Devon & Cornwall Point-To-Point Press Officer and PtPRC Race Reader
Please note these are the entries for the Exmoor Point-To-Point. The fixture is open to all zones and will have a crowd limit of 1500 people, it will be live streamed and telephone betting is available, see below for details.
Thursday Morning, the going at Bratton Down is now good to soft, good in places.
Wednesday 19th May 1.00pm
The going today for Bratton Down is good to soft, soft in places. All fences and bends have been moved out onto fresh ground.
Monday 17th May 17.00pm
The official going for the Dulverton West fixture was Good to Soft, Soft in Places.
Thursday 13th May 7.00am
“Bratton Down – Further inch and half of rain over last couple of days. Going now generally good to soft.” – Hugh Thomas, Clerk of the Course
Sunday 9th 10.30am
On Sunday 9th May the going at Bratton Down is now Good. Genuine good ground with inch and a half of rain in last 36hrs. Showers expected until mid week – hope to maintain. GB
Thursday 6th May 9.00am
The going at Bratton Down is currently Good to Firm. We have had 35mm of steady rain over the course. There is an even covering of grass, with more rain forecast for the weekend. The agrivator will be used if necessary.
Exmoor Spectator tickets
Tickets will be available via the www.pointtopoint.co.uk website, there is a fee of £15 which includes a racecard. Spectators will be in the Exmoor Amber Zone.
Children under 16 go free but must apply for an e-ticket.
Social distancing still must be adhered to at all times.
Spectator ticket sales close at 6PM on Saturday 22nd May
With on site bar, bookies and trade stands, it will be great to get this outdoor event back on track in the beautiful picnic location, which has a back drop view of Exmoor to enjoy.
Postcode for the course is EX31 45G
Exmoor Preview extract:
The re-arranged meeting for The Exmoor Foxhounds to stage their day at the popular Bratton Down course takes place this coming Saturday 29th May. This is the second meeting to take place here this season, and again will be opening it’s gates to the public for viewing. Seven races are on offer with a start time of 2pm. Over 100 entries have been received for this event which promises to be another super day of racing.
There will be on course facilities bar, food stands, bookies and many trade stands, providing a great day out in the country for all the family. e-tickets can be obtained via visiting https://pointingdc.co.uk. Under 16’s go free but must also apply for a ticket.
Course is located at Bratton Down, Bratton Fleming EX31 4SG
Exmoor Live Stream
Live streaming of the races with race commentary and all day presentation with interviews of participants led by former BBC racing correspondent Cornelius Lysaght is on offer for the eight Point-To-Point races, with a start time of 2.00pm with the first of the races.
There is a fee of £10 plus a small Eventbrite admin fee to view the race meeting, which is the same cost as if you attended as a spectator, and the sport needs the income from live streaming to ensure its future.
Some bookmakers will be offering a betting service by phoning them and opening up an account.
For those spectators wanting to place a bet, the contact numbers to register are 07711 298746 for Richard Pittard and 07810 775119 for Dave Phillips. The deadline to register for bets at this event is one hour before racing commences.
Participants (Green Zone), owners (Amber Zone) and spectators (Amber Zone) will need to apply for tickets and complete a health declaration to be allowed to enter the course.
The tickets and the latest information required for accessing the course on the day can be obtained from https://www.pointtopoint.co.uk
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.
The Muclair is also entered in the opening RSM Beares & B Thorne-sponsored Members race where he could come up against Hadmeathello(Stuart Payne) a Dingley winner, and recent Flete Park second Gunner Vic for the Hugh Thomas team.
In the Rosettes Direct-sponsored Restricted race Edabean ran a close fourth here last weekend and could come back for another try for trainer Jason Warner and leading gentleman jockey James King. Florrie Webb (Will Biddick) won the members race at Cothelstone in April and has the benefit of a mare’s weight allowance, together with The Dartmoor Rose (Charlotte Rowe) won her maiden at Trebudannon and is another with a mare’s weight allowance.
Both the Ladies and Men’s Open races have attracted top class entries. In the Bray Leino-sponsored Ladies race Virak stands out for the Sam Loxton team, having won his last four races which include Hunter Chase wins at both Wincanton and Musselburgh under regular jockey Natalie Parker, however he will probably run at Stratford on Friday evening, this could leave the race for Copain de Classe to snatch, he is another ex National Hunt entry for the Loxton team, and could improve on his third to Famous Clermont at Cothelstone, The Roestone for the Robert Chanin team should be there among the finishers if reproducing his win at Cherrybrook under Martin McIntyre.
The Moore Scarrott Accountants-sponsored Men’s Open has attracted another Loxton team entry in Chameron who won a Hunter Chase at Leicester in February. Chameron’s recent run at Cothelstone saw him finishing second having had a few jumping errors which could have cost him the race that day, although he also holds an entry at Upcott Cross on Monday and connection smay choose there for him to run. Upcott Cross winner River Myth entered for trainer Stuart Sampson, will be looking to follow up on her run at Upcott Cross when coming home the four-length winner that day and has the benefit of a mares weight allowance although she too holds an entry for the Upcott meeting. Recent runner up in a Hunter Chase at Leicester The Muclair for the Camilla Scott team can’t be left out of the equation, they had an unlucky fall last time out at Upcott Cross when ridden by Finn Muirhead.
There are two divisions of the conditions race which are run in the memory of Donna Kingdon. In the first division Where’s Wilma could follow up on her Upcott Cross win under jockey Matt Hampton. Cloudy Music for team Summersby just missed out on a win by a short head at Upcott Cross, Rein du Tout won an Intermediate at Holnicote earlier this month and could repeat that form for jockey Darren Andrews.
In the second divison Copain de Classe (Sam Loxton) could come on for his run at Cothelstone where he finished third that day. Pancrace could improve on his second place at Upcott Cross and win this under jockey Robert Hawker.
Finally there is Totnes & Bridgetown Racing Co Ltd-sponsored Open Maiden race which could go the way of Honest Opinion for the Dean Summersby team to follow up on her four-length second at Upcott Cross earlier this month and will be handy here if not another heading to Upcott Cross on Monday, along with Acaras an outside raider looking dangerous after their second at the Upcott Cross meeting. Jimmy Tew has been a worthy place winner in his points so far for the Janet Ackner team andis another catching the eye.
“I love your hills and I love your dales, and I love your flocks a-bleating…..”
John Keats, English poet, 1795 – 1821
.AFTER the suspension of point-to-point racing due to COVID, and the need to hold meetings behind closed doors, the Dulverton West fixture welcomed back a crowd of paying enthusiasts, together with a strong line of bookmakers, for their Monday evening fixture at Bratton Down, where the hills and dales are an essential part of the scenery
On an evening when the sun seemed to rise to the occasion by illuminating the Exmoor backcloth, and with a racecourse atmosphere that had been lacking for so long, spectators were treated to some very exciting finishes.
A winner over four miles at Flete Park last month, Know the Score had been dropped in class after his recent Cheltenham hunter chase effort, and started a shade of odds-on when landing the Brends Hotel Mixed Open over an extended four miles.
After racing stride for stride for most of the journey with Imogen’s Thunder, Martin (“Fly”) McIntyre poached a handy lead on Know the Score at the last, but was all out up the stamina sapping final climb to hold the rallying Imogen’s Thunder (Charlie Sprake) by half a length.
“He battled well. We got into a lovely rhythm and I was happy all the way,” reported the jockey, who had walked away from a crunching fall at Edgcote on the previous day.
Leslie Jefford trains the eight-year-old ex-David Pipe inmate for the Angove family and said, “We took him to Cheltenham and it didn’t work out. He is very genuine but not experienced with his fencing yet.”
There was an even closer finish to the 12-runner Mardon Recycling Machinery Maiden which went to Jimmy Snipe by a “nose”. One third of the field were eliminated when a loose horse barged into them on the bottom bend at half way. By this time Businessman was out in front under Darren Edwards, but the seven-year-old could not sustain the gallop and was running on empty at the end only to be caught by 33-1 outsider Jimmy Snipe (Darren Andrews) on the line.
Owned by Lucinda Tylor, the lightly raced winner is from the family of 1988 Grand National hero Rhyme ‘N’ Reason, but came into the race with three non completions from his early season exploits. “We tried a change of tactics today to more front running. He always jumps well but found it challenging and it’s taken a long time with him,” explained Danielle Kenealy, who was saddling her first winner since her partner Joe Tickle took out a full licence.
The judge’s winning verdict of a nose cropped up again in the following Sandhill Racing, PJ Hobbs Conditions race as Minim Mouse (Josh Newman) was adjudged to have held on by that amount as Coningsby charged at her in the dying strides.
Minim Mouse was bred by her owner Gail Dare and is trained by Chloe Newman at Woolminstone near Crewkerne. “We had to treat her for gastric ulcers and it has made a massive difference. She will go on holiday now,” said the trainer. Josh Newman reported, “She really enjoyed it and jumped well but I got there miles too soon.”
Ottery St Mary trainer Ed Walker saddled first and third in the Andrew Maddox Restricted race. The winner Dancing Dave was only fifth jumping the last, but stormed up the hill to give jockey Chloe Emsley her sixth winner of the season in a bunched finish. “I knew he would stay and the hill suited him,” reported the jockey, enjoying her best season. The winner runs in the colours of Stuart Jarrett, whose wife owns third placed Minella Beag.
The gallant Wotzizname stayed on strongly to hold Skylander (Otis Morgan) in the Totnes &Bridgetown PPORA Conditions race for nine-year-olds and over. This was a first winning ride for 17-year-old Megan Bevan who works for the Colin Tizzard yard. The elated young recruit from the pony racing circuit said, “This was my sixth ride and I thought I had a chance when we jumped the open ditch. The pace was very quick and I saved enough energy to get home. He picked up well for me.”
Cranmore based Sarah Gould trains the winner for her family. The 11-year-old gelding was successful under rules in his younger days for Harry Fry’s yard. Wotzizname was nicely backed from 10’s to 7’s but the unplaced odds-on favourite Dr Time, ridden by championship chasing James King, was in trouble after an early mistake.
The King and Francesca Nimmo combination fared better in the concluding James Pryce Tractors Intermediate thanks to the progressive Largy Mountain. Valerie Cockburn’s promising Yeats seven-year-old put six lengths between himself and French Piece (Tommie O’Brien) after the latter had blundered at the last.
Granville Taylor
Devon & Cornwall Point-To-Point Press Officer and PtPRC Race Reader
The re-arranged meeting for The Exmoor Foxhounds to stage their day at the popular Bratton Down course takes place this coming Saturday 29th May. This is the second meeting to take place here this season, and again will be opening it’s gates to the public for viewing. Seven races are on offer with a start time of 2pm. Over 100 entries have been received for this event which promises to be another super day of racing.
Both the Ladies and Men’s Open races have attracted top class entries. In the Bray Leino-sponsored Ladies race Virak stands out for the Sam Loxton team, having won his last four races which include Hunter Chase wins at both Wincanton and Musselburgh under regular jockey Natalie Parker, however he will probably run at Stratford on Friday evening, this could leave the race for Copain de Classe to snatch, he is another ex National Hunt entry for the Loxton team, and could improve on his third to Famous Clermont at Cothelstone, The Roestone for the Robert Chanin team should be there among the finishers if reproducing his win at Cherrybrook under Martin McIntyre.
The Moore Scarrott Accountants-sponsored Men’s Open has attracted another Loxton team entry in Chameron who won a Hunter Chase at Leicester in February. Chameron’s recent run at Cothelstone saw him finishing second having had a few jumping errors which could have cost him the race that day, although he also holds an entry at Upcott Cross on Monday and connection smay choose there for him to run. Upcott Cross winner River Myth entered for trainer Stuart Sampson, will be looking to follow up on her run at Upcott Cross when coming home the four-length winner that day and has the benefit of a mares weight allowance although she too holds an entry for the Upcott meeting. Recent runner up in a Hunter Chase at Leicester The Muclair for the Camilla Scott team can’t be left out of the equation, they had an unlucky fall last time out at Upcott Cross when ridden by Finn Muirhead.
The Muclair is also entered in the opening RSM Beares & B Thorne-sponsored Members race where he could come up against Hadmeathello(Stuart Payne) a Dingley winner, and recent Flete Park second Gunner Vic for the Hugh Thomas team.
In the Rosettes Direct-sponsored Restricted race Edabean ran a close fourth here last weekend and could come back for another try for trainer Jason Warner and leading gentleman jockey James King. Florrie Webb (Will Biddick) won the members race at Cothelstone in April and has the benefit of a mare’s weight allowance, together with The Dartmoor Rose (Charlotte Rowe) won her maiden at Trebudannon and is another with a mare’s weight allowance.
There are two divisions of the conditions race which are run in the memory of Donna Kingdon. In the first division Where’s Wilma could follow up on her Upcott Cross win under jockey Matt Hampton. Cloudy Music for team Summersby just missed out on a win by a short head at Upcott Cross, Rein du Tout won an Intermediate at Holnicote earlier this month and could repeat that form for jockey Darren Andrews.
In the second division Copain de Classe (Sam Loxton) could come on for his run at Cothelstone where he finished third that day. Pancrace could improve on his second place at Upcott Cross and win this under jockey Robert Hawker. Finally there is Totnes & Bridgetown Racing Co Ltd-sponsored Open Maiden race which could go the way of Honest Opinion for the Dean Summersby team to follow up on her four-length second at Upcott Cross earlier this month and will be handy here if not another heading to Upcott Cross on Monday, along with Acaras an outside raider looking dangerous after their second at the Upcott Cross meeting. Jimmy Tew has been a worthy place winner in his points so far for the Janet Ackner team andis another catching the eye.
There will be on course facilities bar, food stands, bookies and many trade stands, providing a great day out in the country for all the family. e-tickets can be obtained via visiting https://pointingdc.co.uk/tickets. Under 16’s go free but must also apply for a ticket.
The Exmoor Point-To-Point racecourse is located at Bratton Down, Bratton Fleming EX31 4SG
Live streaming of the Exmoor Point-To-Point is available via the website for those wishing to watch from the comfort of their homes, tickets for which can be purchased from https://www.pointingdc.co.uk/Live.
Betting can also take place for races at the Exmoor Point-To-Point via registering with either Richard Pittard on 07711298746 or Dave Phillips 07810775119.
Donna Harris
Best selling Children’s Author Interested in journalism, novel writing. Currently PRO Devon & Cornwall Point to Point.
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