Written by: Donna Harris
The wait is over! Next weekend will see the start of the new Point-to-Point horse racing season which begins at the picturesque course of Black Forest Lodge near Kenton, Exeter on Sunday 27th November, commencing at 12 noon. Over eighty entries have been received for the six race card which have attracted many of the top horses and jockeys’ from around the country.
The Black Forest Club hosts this meeting with its feature race looking to be the Strutt & Parker Mixed Open race. This is a qualifying race for the Timico Mixed Open Finals to be held at Cheltenham in May and has attracted good quality entries. Course specialist Welstonedruid will hold the hopes of starting the season with a win for local trainer Robert Chanin. This could be a stiff ask with entries such as Cheltenham Intermediate Hunter Chase runner up Doctor Braveheart for the David Brace team, who has a good strike rate at this track. Benvolio is another catching the eye, out of the Paul Nicholls yard, the gelding has three Chase wins and two Hurdle wins under rules, and looks to be a notable addition to the Charles Levinson team for his son Gus, who was crowned leading novice rider last season.
The Prydis-sponsored Open Maiden two miles-four furlong race is the first race up, with the Teresa Clark‘s Culverwell looking to improve on his third at Great Trethew. Doc Cody from the David Brace team could improve for his two runs last season, and Bogoss du Perret has been working well at home reports trainer Nikki Frost, and will have jockey Bryony Frost on board.
The Black Forest Club Members race has attracted eighteen entries, notably last years leading horse Premier Portrait which is another from the Levinson team, who won eight of his starts last season. Jepeck holds an entry in both the Members and the Mixed open for the Kayley Woollacott team, a winner of four of his six starts last season, he will be expected to put on another bold show. Mic’s Delight now trained by Claire Wonnacott for the newly formed ‘Bottoms Up’ club syndicate, ran second here last season and will now be ridden by Millie Wonnacott. Doctor Henry, another Dr Massini sired entry of which there are several entered here, ran well last season for owner/trainer/jockey Bronwyn Buttery winning two and runner up in this race last season to Premier Portrait.
Three to note for the Heltor-sponsored Restricted Race are Boygojumping from the Martin Peaty team having put up a good performance when winning his maiden last April on good to firm going. Pink Eyed Pedro could be a danger being another out of the David Brace team, as could Dark Gesture who won his maiden at this track last season under Josh Newman, and could well be in the mix for the Keith Cumings yard.
In the A&S sponsored Open Maiden race, much will depend on the day with the ground conditions, but those that had shown promise in their maiden races last season are Desert Roe, Come On Joey and Miss Weld.
To end the days event Exeter Racecourse sponsor the Intermediate race, which is a qualifying race for the Exeter Intermediate Point-to-Point Hunter Chase Final to be held in May. This race could see champion jockey Will Biddick score here on Key People which he won a Restricted race on last season. Porlock Bay for owner/trainer Luke Harvey is another entry and a possible ride for Darren Edwards, which could provide a good battle between the two top jockeys.
On course facilities include hot food and refreshments, bar, bookies, trade stands and ringside parking for the disabled. Excellent viewing for all to enjoy offering a great family day out. Entrance fee £10 per head max £30 per car. Children under 16 free, dogs on leads welcome.
Course location is at Kenton, nr Exeter (off A380) 8HR
For a free fixture list send and SAE to Claire Hitch, Barn Lane Farm, Stoke Rivers, Barnstaple, Devon EX32 7LD.
Useful Information:
Met Office 5 day forecast: Exe Estuary, 2.7 miles from EX6 8HR at the same altitude
BBC Travel News: Devon
Related Articles:
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Devon and Cornwall pony racing awards night at Exeter Racecourse
Devon and Cornwall pony racers enjoyed a great awards night and end of season meal at Exeter Racecourse.
The annual event, held jointly with Wessex area, saw riders, friends and parents enjoy a video compilation of the season, a quiz – with a ‘deal or no deal’ style finale, a talk from jockey Bryony Frost, a pony race graduate herself, and a meal before the season’s awards were presented.
Tamby Welch had an exceptional season and picked up the points championship titles in both the 138cm and 148cm categories, with his ponies Churchill and Vadlawalkover.
The points series has just been sponsored by Exeter Racecourse and the first three riders home in each section won a hoodie with the racecourse logo ‘supporting the jockeys of the future’. Perpetual challenge Cups for the runner up and third were sponsored by Julian Greatrex, whose son is NH trainer Warren Greatrex and whose grandchildren are jockeys and pony race graduates.
Chad Bament was second in the 138 cm with Tyler Heard third. In the 148cm James Armstrong was second with Tommy Eyston third.
Tamby was presented with the Synderborough Farm Rising Stars Trophy sponsored by Stewart and Monique Pike, and the Allerton Organics Shield. The best eight scores of the season count for the points series and Churchill won eight out of nine runs.
The Alan Walter Horse transport trophy for the person who has got the most out of the season went to James Armstrong.
A pair of bespoke racing boots sponsored by Philip Wood of Classic Boots, Yorkshire, were presented to Walter Fisher-Barnett for working hard all season.
Pony race steward Angela Heath presented a microchipped NH Pro-Cush whip to this year’s graduate Thomasina Eyston.
Many thanks to Richard Prince, George Welch and Paul Nicholls for organising and sponsoring the awards night.
Wessex Area pony race organiser Ann Watts was honoured by the Wessex Area Point to Point Secretaries Association whose representative Fiona Walker presented her with an award for being the person who had contributed most to the success of the point to points this season.
DEVON & CORNWALL AREA – JOCKEYS’ TITLES 2014/15 LATEST STANDINGS AS OF 7th JUNE 2015
The latest standings for the area jockeys’ awards up to & including the Tiverton Staghounds meeting (7th June 2015) are:-
| MEN’S TITLE | |
| Darren Edwards | 121 points |
| Will Biddick | 112 points |
| Jamie Thomas | 82 points |
| Robbie Henderson | 64 points |
| Matt Hampton | 55 points |
| John Mathias | 46 points |
| Tom Chanin | 45 points |
| LADIES’ TITLE | |
| Leanda Tickle | 67 points |
| Jo Buck | 47 points |
| Hannah Welch | 39 points |
| Bryony Frost | 34 points |
| Vicky Wade | 33 points |
| Pippa Glanville | 20 points |
| Jennifer Davenport | 16 points |
| Heidi Lewis | 16 points |
| NOVICE MEN’S TITLE (5 winners or less at start of season) |
|
| David Noonan | 42 points |
| Sean Houlihan | 29 points |
| Harry Cobden | 21 points |
| Jake Bament | 20 points |
| Ryan Chapman | 14 points |
| Hedley Webb | 11 points |
| NOVICE LADIES’ TITLE (5 winners or less at start of season) |
|
| Hannah Welch | 39 points |
| Pippa Glanville | 20 points |
| Jennifer Davenport | 16 points |
| Heidi Lewis | 16 points |
| Olivia Hutchings | 13 points |
| Emma Watson | 8 points |
| Charlotte Prichard | 8 points |
| Taylor Pook | 7 points |
This years End of Season DO!! will be on Saturday 27th June at The New Continental Plymouth.
Tickets available now for the END of Season Awards (15th Apr). Tickets £45 each
To order tickets:
– Facebook message Katie Squire
– Phone 01805 603129
– or email katiesquire980@btinternet.com
Please ask for Bobbie at the New Continental, Plymouth when you call to book a room. Her direct number is 01752 276797.
Anyone with any trophies from last year’s awards or from previous years please let Katie Squire know, and bring them to Chapleton Barton, Umberleigh She will be VERY happy !!!!!!! thanks !!!
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Results: Tiverton Staghounds Point-To-Point, Bratton Down, 7th June 2015
Point-To-Point Races
Members Race (Winston Pincombe Land Rovers)
Open Maiden (Stags)
Division One
Division Two
Intermediate Race (Saul Kidston, Exmoor Hay & Straw Ltd)
Men’s Open (The Poltimore Inn, North Molton)
Ladies Open (Greenslade Taylor Hunt)
Restricted Race (Witheridge Garage)
Division One
Division Two
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Preview: Tiverton Staghounds Point-to-Point Bratton Down, Sunday 7th June 2015
Written by: Donna Harris
Tiverton Staghounds Point-To-Point & Pony Racing Facebook Event Page
Useful Information
Met Office 5 day forecast: Arlington Court (3.5 miles)
BBC Travel News: Devon; Cornwall; Somerset;
Related Articles:
[display-posts taxonomy=”category” tax_term=”Tiverton Staghounds” taxonomy_2=”category” tax_2_term=”2014-15 Season”]
DEVON & CORNWALL AREA – JOCKEYS’ TITLES 2014/15 LATEST STANDINGS
The latest standings for the area jockeys’ awards up to & including the Dulverton West meeting (17th May 2015) are:-
| MEN’S TITLE | |
| Darren Edwards | 109 points |
| Will Biddick | 90 points |
| Jamie Thomas | 78 points |
| Robbie Henderson | 60 points |
| John Mathias | 46 points |
| Tom Chanin | 44 points |
| LADIES’ TITLE | |
| Leanda Tickle | 56 points |
| Jo Buck | 44 points |
| Hannah Welch | 39 points |
| Bryony Frost | 33 points |
| Pippa Glanville | 20 points |
| Jennifer Davenport | 16 points |
| NOVICE MEN’S TITLE (5 winners or less at start of season) | |
| David Noonan | 40 points |
| Sean Houlihan | 25 points |
| Jake Bament | 20 points |
| Harry Cobden | 17 points |
| Ryan Chapman | 14 points |
| Hedley Webb | 11 points |
| NOVICE LADIES’ TITLE (5 winners or less at start of season) | |
| Hannah Welch | 39 points |
| Pippa Glanville | 20 points |
| Jennifer Davenport | 16 points |
| Heidi Lewis | 15 points |
| Olivia Hutchings | 13 points |
| Taylor Pook | 7 points |
This years End of Season DO!! will be on Saturday 27th June at The New Continental Plymouth.
Tickets available now for the END of Season Awards (15th Apr). Tickets £45 each
To order tickets:
– Facebook message Katie Squire
– Phone 01805 603129
– or email katiesquire980@btinternet.com
Please ask for Bobbie at the New Continental, Plymouth when you call to book a room. Her direct number is 01752 276797.
Anyone with any trophies from last year’s awards or from previous years please let Katie Squire know, and bring them to Upcott Cross, Bratton Down or Chapleton Barton, Umberleigh She will be VERY happy !!!!!!! thanks !!!
[display-posts taxonomy=”category” tax_term=”Championship” taxonomy_2=”category” tax_2_term=”2014-15 Season”]
GRANVILLE’S BETTING GOSSIP – DULVERTON WEST POINT-TO-POINT AT BRATTON DOWN 17TH MAY 2015
The 88 runners at Bratton Down vastly overshadowed the number of runners at the other seven British point-to-point fixtures at the weekend (Clifton-On Teme could only muster a turn out of 24)
So the scene was set for plenty of betting activity and punters soon got down to action. It was surprising to see The Persuader backed from 8’s into 3-1 fav for the opener, presumably on the strength of his Stevenstone maiden win. He was soon struggling in the rear and the grey seemed ill at ease before Bryony Frost pulled him up at the 15th fence. Nothing could stop record seeking Will Biddick, who would not be denied on course winner Bernshaw (9-2 touched 5’s), locally trained by Claire Hitch. Golden Squirrel (10-1) has been knocking at the door in this class recently and ran on really well to finish second.
There was a very tight finish to the first section of the Bob Pittard Memorial Maiden. Bob would have relished the result as Highland Thistle in first time blinkers became the longest price winner of the season in the area. His previous form figures of ppppp did not exactly inspire confidence and resulted in a 66-1 SP return. Nevertheless the sturdy chestnut won on merit and battled on gamely up the hill to hold the promising Looking For Mick (20s to 16’s) and the well fancied Barber debutant Drift Wood (6-4 to 5-4).
Bugsie Malone (5-4 to evens) retrieved £170 of his 80,000 euros purchase price in the second Maiden division after a spirited battle with The Mystro (9-2 touched 5’s). Biddick needed all of his guile to get Bugsie Malone home in front, but the Mahler youngster was very green and we can expect significant improvement.
Bellflower Boy was solid at 13-2 / 7-1 in the four miles Mixed Open. Bryony Frost timed her challenge to perfection, coming from fourth to first in a sweeping run up the hill to gain a head verdict over Cecile De Volanges (5-2 from 3’s). Both had good recent winning form over four miles. Connections have left the headgear off the winner in his recent races and this tough old campaigner can never be dismissed. Third placed Right Enough (16-1) seems to be running into form and might pick up a race before the end of the season.
Otis Tarda was given a vintage Biddick ride to win the Intermediate. Despite drifting out to 10-1 the winner cruised to the front on a tight rein approaching the final fence. He eventually held on by a neck in a driving finish with Fourstar River (4-1), after carrying his rival to the right inside the last 150 yards.
I thought that Queens Bay (Will Biddick) would be my bet of the day in the last race. Despite being absent from the track for nearly a year this classy mare opened at only 5-4 before closing in to evens. I cannot run fast enough these days so missed the cream of the odds. She won of course so well done Will Biddick – what a day.
RESULTS
Results of the Dulverton West meeting
VIDEO
Westcountry Videos filmed the meeting, order on 01884 840403 or through the website later in the week at www.westcountryvideos.co.uk
PHOTOGRAPHERS
The following photographers were at the meeting: Sportography (Mark Johnston), Baths Photographic (Marcus Bath), Tim Holt, Brian Armstrong, Stephen Wensley, and Roger Peaple
NEXT FIXTURES
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REPORT ON THE DULVERTON WEST POINT-TO-POINT AT BRATTON DOWN, SUNDAY 17TH MAY 2015
WRITTEN BY GRANVILLE TAYLOR
THE first of three late season fixtures at Bratton Down proved quite an occasion.for the British point-to-point world.
Will Biddick has held the National point to point title for the past three seasons. After beating his previous best seasonal total of 42 winners this year, the next natural objective was to better the previous British record of 56 winners in a season held jointly by brothers Tom and Oliver Greenall.
The Cornish rider lost little time in breaking the record on Sunday by winning the opener on Bernshaw, but why stop there? Biddick went on to partner four more winners as the pressure came off during a memorable afternoon.
“My aim this year was to hold on to the National title but I soon picked up more winners (22 since Easter) and the record became a reality. Ollie and Tom went all the way to Umberleigh when they did it (last meeting of the season in June), but I have done it with four weeks to go at one of my favourite tracks,” said a clearly relieved jockey.
Bernshaw took the 13-runner Restricted in good style for the local yard of Claire Hitch, as a prelude to a trio of successes saddled by Jack Barber, who has supplied the majority of the champion jockey’s winners this year.
Bugsie Malone was the first of these in a 16 strong Maiden . This promising five-year-old, owned by Graham Roach, was making his racecourse debut and held on well when challenged by The Mystro up the final climb. “He came in late and we have had to do a lot of jumping with him. He is green and will improve,” reported the young trainer.
Six-year-old Whataknight is more the finished article and after opening his account on this course last year has now added a hat trick of wins this season. The Midnight Legend gelding looks a fine prospect and took the Members’ Conditions race for his owners Terry Hamlin, Martin Dare and John Snook.
The Barber stables tally was completed when Queens Bay was given a typically patient Biddick ride to win the Mares and Fillies race. “She has had time off and didn’t come in until February,” said Barber who trains this former bumper and hurdles winner for owners Lucy and Robert Dickinson.
Suzy Berry saddled the other leg of the five-timer when her father’s nine-year-old Otis Tarda just got the better of a spirited battle with Fourstar River in the Intermediate.
The Bob Pittard Memorial Maiden provided a major shock when the unconsidered outsider Highland Thistle prevailed in a tight finish under Merv Woodward. Bought as an unbroken four-year-old, the sturdy gelding is trained for owner Andrew Pope by Julie Pocock at Stolford on the edge of the Quantocks. “First time blinkers have made all the difference,” said the trainer as her charge finally put a string of disappointing efforts behind him.
It was a case of dispensing with headgear which has rejuvenated the four miles Mixed Open winner Bellflower Boy. Bryony Frost conjured a storming late run out of this multiple winning chaser who stayed on up the hill to hold the equally strong finishing Cecile De Volanges. “He loves galloping and is as tough as old boots,” exclaimed Culmstock based trainer Stuart Sampson who handles the 12-year-old for owner Ben Robarts, and was completing his first training double as he greeted his fourth winner of the season.
Top Chief was the first leg of the stable double in the PPORA race limited to riders who have won less than 10 races. Jake Bament, who was partnering his fifth winner of the season, works for the Harry Fry yard, and had his mount out in front from half way before shaking off Barneys Mate up the gruelling final hill. John Gardener and Terry Hamlin share ownership of Top Chief who was bought at Doncaster last September after winning twice for Irish trainer Gordon Elliott.
19-year-old Bryony Frost was awarded the newly installed Mike Trickey Memorial Cup for the best ride of the day on Bellflower Boy in the four miles Mixed Open.
After such jubilance, spare a thought for popular local point-to-point jockey Ed Barrett who has recently been transferred to the spinal injuries unit at Oswestry hospital. Ed is improving slowly from serious injuries sustained in a fall at the Eggesford meeting last month.
RESULTS
Results of the Dulverton West meeting
VIDEO
Westcountry Videos filmed the meeting, order on 01884 840403 or through the website later in the week at www.westcountryvideos.co.uk
PHOTOGRAPHERS
The following photographers were at the meeting: Sportography (Mark Johnston), Baths Photographic (Marcus Bath), Tim Holt, Brian Armstrong, Stephen Wensley, and Roger Peaple
NEXT FIXTURES
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RESULTS: DULVERTON WEST POINT-TO-POINT AND PONY RACES– BRATTON DOWN – 17th MAY 2015
Point-To-Point Races
Going: Good
Restricted (Sponsor – Hayes Garden Machinery)
1 Bernshaw (Will Biddick) 9-2 clear from 14th, ran on strongly
2 Golden Squirrel (Robb Hawker) 10-1 good headway three out, kept on well
3 Just Seven (Vicky Wade) 9-2 led 9th to 13th, no extra from two out
13 ran; 2l; 2 1/2l; 5m 47s
Owner: Mr & Mrs RME Wright; Trainer; Claire Hitch
Open Maiden – Bob Pittard Memorial
Division 1 (The Pittard Family)
1 Highland Thistle (Merv Woodward) 66-1 left in lead 15th, stayed on gamely
2 Looking For Mick (Rob Hawker) 16-1 good late progress, nearest at finish
3 Driftwood (Will Biddick) 5-4 fav late headway, finished well
15 ran; 1/2l; 1/2l; 5m 54s
Owner; Andrew Pope; Trainer; Julie Pocock
Division 2 (Brewer Harding & Rowe – solicitors)
1 Bugsie Malone (Will Biddick) evens fav headway three out, left in lead last
2 The Mystro (Matt Hampton) 9-2 headway two out, strong chall flat, just failed
3 Don’t Doittome (J Hepburn) 20-1 chased leaders, left 3rd at last
16 ran’ neck; 7l; 5m 55s
Owner; Graham Roach; Trainer; Jack Barber
Members Conditions (Philip & Sarah Hobbs)
1 Whataknight (Will Biddick) 4-7fav led/ disputed til asserted apprg last
2 Fiulin (Robbie Henderson) 11-4 not reach leaders, took 2nd flat
3 Swansbrook (Leanda Tickle) 16-1 tracked leaders, no extra from two out
5 ran; 20l; 6l; 5m 46s
Owner; T Hamlin; M Dare; J Snook; Trainer; Jack Barber
PPORA Club Members Riders Conditions (AP & VA Maddox Ltd)
1 Top Chief (Jake Bament) 4-1 made most from 6th, ran on well under pressure flat
2 Barneys Mate (Christopher Barber) 9-2 chased winner from 16th, no extra flat
3 Overclear (Vicky Gravite) 20-1 went 3rd three out, not reach leaders
7 ran; 7l; 6l; 5m 49s
Owner; J Gardener & T Hamlin; Trainer; Stuart Sampson
Mixed Open 4 m 1f (Brend Hotel Group)
1 Bellflower Boy (Bryony Frost) 7-1 held up, 4th at last, strong run flat to lead 75 yards out
2 Cecile De Volanges (Charlie Dando) 5-2 held up, 3rd at last, strong run flat, just failed
3 Right Enough (Matt Hampton) 16-1 led til 8th & agn 21st til after last, kept on
13 ran; head; 3l; 8m 19s
Owner; Ben Robarts; Trainer; Stuart Sampson
Intermediate (James Pryce Tractors)
1 Otis Tarda (Will Biddick) 10-1 held up, led last, just held on
2 Fourstar River (Ian Chanin) 4-1 prominent, sustained chall flat, just failed
3 According To Harry (Darren Edwards) 11-8 fav led two out til last, no extra flat
12 ran; neck; 2 1/2l; 5m 48s
Owner; Tony Berry; Trainer; Suzy Berry
Mares & Fillies TBA (Thoroughbred Breeders Association)
1 Queens Bay (Will Biddick) evens fav tracked leader til led apprg last, comfortably
2 Marlpit Oak (Daniel Sansom) 12-1 chased leaders, stayed on to take 2nd flat
3 Whenharrymetsally (Matt Hampton) 7-2 not reach leaders, snatched 3rd near line
7 ran; 5l; 4l; 5m 47s
Owner; Robert & Lucy Dickinson; Trainer; Jack Barber
Pony Racing
Point to Point Pony Racing CONFIRMED RESULTS FOR THE DULVERTON WEST AT BRATTON DOWN ON SUNDAY, 17TH MAY 2015
138cm & Under Race
1. CHURCHILL – Tamby Welch
2. THE JOBS NOT STRAIGHT – Tyler Heard
3. MOLLY – Connor Brace
4. GINGER WIZARD – Chad Bament
5. MAYDAY BLACK MINK – Charlie Sprake
6. MAGIC – Honor Weatherlake
7. CLONAMULLY DANNY BOY – Archie Woollacott
8. CHINKWELL FELIX – Taylor Fisher
NR BECCA WALK O’ THE WILD SIDE – Molly Landau
148cm & under
1. PEATEAOH – Connor Brace
2. VADLAWALKOVER – Tamby Welch
3. IGO ZUMINOV – James Armstrong
4. GOODNIGHT – Bruce Young
5. SPRINGS – Thomasina Eyston
6. SHOTGUN MINNIE – Tyler Heard
7. NUALA – Michael Treneer
NR TOUCH CONTROL – Simon Morgan
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DEVON & CORNWALL AREA – JOCKEYS’ TITLES 2014/15 – STANDINGS AS OF 4th MAY 2015
The latest standings for the area jockeys’ awards up to & including the Stevenstone meeting (4th May 2015) are:-
MEN’S TITLE
| Darren Edwards | 99 points |
| Jamie Thomas | 69 points |
| Will Biddick | 61 points |
| Robbie Henderson | 54 points |
| John Mathias | 46 points |
| Tom Chanin | 44 points |
LADIES’TITLE
| Leanda Tickle | 53 points |
| Jo Buck | 42 points |
| Hannah Welch | 39 points |
| Bryony Frost | 25 points |
| Pippa Glanville | 20 points |
| Jennifer Davenport | 16 points |
NOVICE MEN’S TITLE (5 winners or less at start of season)
| David Noonan | 38 points |
| Sean Houlihan | 25 points |
| Harry Cobden | 17 points |
| Jake Bament | 16 points |
| Ryan Chapman | 13 points |
| Hedley Webb | 11 points |
NOVICE LADIES’ TITLE (5 winners or less at start of season)
| Hannah Welch | 39 points |
| Pippa Glanville | 20 points |
| Jennifer Davenport | 16 points |
| Heidi Lewis | 15 points |
| Olivia Hutchings | 13 points |
| Taylor Pook | 7 points |
[display-posts taxonomy=”category” tax_term=”Championship” taxonomy_2=”category” tax_2_term=”2014-15 Season”]
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