No rain overnight at the course so the ground is perfect for a good days racing. The going will be GOOD
22nd April 2016
Friday p.m. After a mornings rain the going at Stafford Cross is GOOD TO SOFT
19 April 2016
Going is now GOOD at Stafford Cross and looking hopeful for excellent racing on Sunday
FORM GUIDE
Key:
f
=
fell
u
=
unseated rider
p
=
pulled up
k
=
knocked over
b
=
brought down
c
=
carried out
d
=
disqualified
?
=
unreliable form
s
=
slipped up
+
=
improving rating
r
=
refused
blkd
=
baulked
ro
=
ran out
t
=
took no part
(c)
=
course winner
Abbreviations:
NH = National Hunt
L = Length
Rest – Restricted
Nov = Novice
RT – Rating
PTP – Point to Point
An up to date form guide and synopsis of the horses entered at this meeting. Form figures for up to 6 outings appear. A dash(-) is used to separate 2013/14 form from 2012/13 form. Figures preceded by an oblique (/) represents 2011/12 form or earlier. Horses marked with an asterisk (*) indicates National Hunt form. The higher the rating the better the form. No responsibility can be accepted for any errors which may be considered to have occurred.
Produced by Jeff Guyett of Westcountry Videos.
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Four successful odds-on favourites kept the bookies dipping into their satchels at Ottery St Mary on a mercifully dry afternoon.
Kirkleigh (1-2 from 4-7) got favourite backers off to a good start in the Hunt race. This soft ground specialist was visiting the winner’s enclosure for the third time this season and sauntered home after his three rivals failed to finish. Last year’s Hunt race winner Delphi Mountain (2’s to 7-4) was pressing the winner when crashing out through the wing of the third last. Sucker Punch (6’s to 4’s) had run better than his finishing position suggests at the Western meeting last month, but was tired and had lost touch when unseating his rider two out on this occasion. He once changed hands for £105,000 but had been off the course for two years before his Wadebridge run. Bought for a modest sum by his current connections, this nicely bred seven-year-old is worth keeping an eye on
Blazing Whale (4-5 to 4-6) and Ohio Gold (4’s to 5’s) had a lengthy private battle in the closing stages of the Mixed Open after Batu Ferringhi (5’s to 9-2) had set a very strong pace in the testing conditions. The favourite was coming back from a rather disappointing run at Buckfastleigh, but carried his penalty with honour here, just holding off Ohio Gold.
Will Biddick was made to work hard on Blazing Whale, and also had to be at his strongest to persuade Earthpower (4-6 from 4-5) to see off the game Pauls Conn (solid at 5-2) to win the Restricted. Earthpower had won his Maiden on this track last season and evidently relishes soft ground. Printing Blue (8’s / 15-2) was running on at the finish. He is capable of winning in this grade.
I was slow off the mark and missed evens about Master Baker, who hardened to 4-6 and won the Intermediate as he liked. Follow The Paint (2-1) was the only other horse seriously backed in the seven strong field. This mare, unbeaten in her two previous races this season, lacked fluency at the jumps and was eased once her chance had gone.
Maller Tree (5-2) was a useful performer in his day under rules, winning seven times over hurdles plus a bumper at Bellewstown. He looks the ideal schoolmaster and duly provided Chris Wald with his first winner in the Novice Riders’ contest. Flying Award (5-2 to 2-1) was sent off favourite and came from a long way off the pace to finish second. Fiulin (3’s – 11-4) ran his usual game race to finish third.
Rob Stoneman rode his first winner thanks to Arcs Abound (SP 100-30) after being put in at a ridiculously short price in the younger horse Maiden. His dam Winter Scene was a prolific pointing winner for the Gardners’. Runner up Micky Stark (6’s to 13-2) is on the upgrade. His dam (from the family of Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Imperial Call), won a point-to-point at Cherrybrook. Eddies Pearl ((8’s to 9-2) was the only other finisher. She was too keen early on and can improve. Vila Cova (7-2 to 9-4) started favourite and was making headway when falling four out. Another short priced runner here was Meldon Express (7-2) who was unlucky when his rider was knocked out of the saddle by an early faller.
There was only a neck between the winner Upto Ollie (3’s out to 5’s, touched 11-2) and The Conjurer (6-4 out to 9-4 fav) in the concluding Maiden. The Conjurer couldn’t quite do the trick after heading the winner momentarily after the last.
John Bradley confirms Bishops court going remains Good To Soft, Soft in Places for the East Devon Point-To-Point #gopointing #ottery
 Monday 29th February 2016
All the fences are in place and ready at Bishops Court. The ground is improving. But still Good to Soft, Soft in Places.
Rain is expected Tuesday but I don’t think the the conditions will change much as we have had so many good days recently.
The course inspection is on Thursday and I’ll give a further update then.
– John Bradley, Clerk of Course
Thursday 25th February 2016
Correction to the going at Bishops Court, the going is Good to Soft, Soft in Places.
Wednesday 24th February 2016
The course is drying nicely and the fences go out tomorrow (Thursday), it has been left late to save the ground, with all vehicles have been kept off the course.
Bishops Court will be ready for the 5th of March, and all things considered the going will be much the same as normal for this time of year: Good to soft, good in places.
I will give you another update on Monday.
John Bradley, Clerk of Course
Preview extract:
Point-to-Point enthusiasts head to East Devon next weekend, where racing action takes place at Bishops Court, Ottery St Mary on Saturday March 5th. With the weather having been kind and the ground drying up nicely, the organisers have been able to access the course and prepare the track for another exciting day’s racing. This meeting usually heralds the first spring flush of bumper picnic crowds to enjoy a pretty course setting along with the quality seven race card which kicks off at 12 noon. Over 90 entries have been received.
On course facilities include hot food, refreshments, bar, bookies and plenty of trade stands. Superb track side viewing.
Entrance is £10 per car one occupant. £20 car and two occupants. £30 per car with three plus occupants. £5 Pedestrians. Children under 15 free. Dogs on leads welcome.
Course is located at Bishops Court, Ottery St Mary. Postcode EX11 1RJ
FORM GUIDE
Key:
f
=
fell
u
=
unseated rider
p
=
pulled up
k
=
knocked over
b
=
brought down
c
=
carried out
d
=
disqualified
?
=
unreliable form
s
=
slipped up
+
=
improving rating
r
=
refused
blkd
=
baulked
ro
=
ran out
t
=
took no part
(c)
=
course winner
Abbreviations:
NH = National Hunt
L = Length
Rest – Restricted
Nov = Novice
RT – Rating
PTP – Point to Point
An up to date form guide and synopsis of the horses entered at this meeting. Form figures for up to 6 outings appear. A dash(-) is used to separate 2015/16 form from 2014/15 form. Figures preceded by an oblique (/) represents 2013/14 form or earlier. Horses marked with an asterisk (*) indicates National Hunt form. The higher the rating the better the form. No responsibility can be accepted for any errors which may be considered to have occurred.
Linda Courtney reports the Course Inspector and Assistant Clerk Of The Course have walked Black Forest today and the latest going report is SOFT, GOOD TO SOFT IN PLACES.
Preview extract:
A trip back to the popular Point-to-Point horse racing course at Black Forest Lodge is a must for all country loving family folk next weekend where the Mid Devon host their meeting on Sunday Feb 28th. Pony racing heads up the action at 12 noon and 12.30pm with two pony races on offer.
The main seven race card follows at 1pm and has attracted over 100 entries with the Open Maiden race already having been divided.
The course offers excellent viewing, bookies, bar, hot refreshments and food, rail side parking for the disabled and many trade stands.
Entrance is £10 per person up to a maximum of £30 per car with five passengers. Children under 16 free. Dogs on leads welcome.
Course is located at Kenton near Exeter off A380 Postcode EX6 AHR
FORM GUIDE
Key:
f
=
fell
u
=
unseated rider
p
=
pulled up
k
=
knocked over
b
=
brought down
c
=
carried out
d
=
disqualified
?
=
unreliable form
s
=
slipped up
+
=
improving rating
r
=
refused
blkd
=
baulked
ro
=
ran out
t
=
took no part
(c)
=
course winner
Abbreviations:
NH = National Hunt
L = Length
Rest – Restricted
Nov = Novice
RT – Rating
PTP – Point to Point
An up to date form guide and synopsis of the horses entered at this meeting. Form figures for up to 6 outings appear. A dash(-) is used to separate 2015/16 form from 2014/15 form. Figures preceded by an oblique (/) represents 2013/14 form or earlier. Horses marked with an asterisk (*) indicates National Hunt form. The higher the rating the better the form. No responsibility can be accepted for any errors which may be considered to have occurred.
The crowds flocked to the Point-to-Point course at Bratton Down, where glorious sunshine with plenty of exciting race action delighted the crowd, at the penultimate race meeting of the season. The Tiverton Staghounds hosted the event on Sunday, with two races divided on the day, giving a total of eight very competitive races.
Five came under the starters orders for the Winston Pincombe Land Rovers-sponsored Members Race, where the Kayley Woollacott’s entry Le Clo De La Londe had been sent off odds-on favourite. Heidi Lewis had set the pace on the Woollacott team’s other runner Pasternak Jack. For a while it looked to be a Woollacott team win, but jockey Lee Drowne had ridden a patient race on the Keith Cumings-trained Whenharrymetsally, getting the better of the three way tussle up the home straight to win by one and a half lengths. Â “She travelled well, jumps and stays, they set a nice gallop and I didn’t panic. It is the second ride for Keith Cumings in two weeks and two wins.” quoted the delighted jockey.
Trainer Nikki Frost clocked up her first of two wins on the day, in the first division of the Open Maiden race, which had been sponsored by Stags. Stop The Press, under champion jockey Will Biddick, came home the ten length winner, ahead of Peggy’s Hero with Queens Law in third. The Frost’s team second winner came when The Greendale Rocket literally rocketed up the hill in the second division of the Restricted race. He flew over the finishing line and jumped another fence before jockey Byron Moorcroft could pull him up. Go On Henry had tried to head the winner up the home straight, but The Greendale Rocket fought back under a strong drive by Moorcroft, to win by a half a length. ” I have driven down from Scotland this morning just to ride for the Frost team.” quoted the jockey, who used to ride as a conditional for Jimmy.
The second division of the Open Maiden went to Askers Lad, giving jockey Alice Mills a win riding in her last Point to Point before turning professional. The Reuben Chapman-trained Onwegoagain had travelled well having led over the final ditch, with Alice keeping a keen hold of Askers Lad, who had previously run out at the last fence at this course before, rode a thrilling finish to win by a length.
Broken Eagle, from the leading National trainer Alan Hill’s yard took the Saul Kidston, Exmoor Hay & Straw Ltd-sponsored Intermediate race, winning by a distance under jockey Jo Hill. Joint owner Jake Exelby was thrilled with his bargain purchase, which they bought out of Doncaster sales. “We will step him up into open company next season, with the possibility of short distance Hunter Chases in the future.”
The Men’s Open was snatched by champion jockey Will Biddick on Queens Bay for the Jack Barber team, coming home seven lengths ahead of Findlay’s Find. The veteran 15 year old Barney’s Mate ran really well in third, having led over the third last fence. “Queens Bay is a lovely horse, she is game, stays well as she has proved today.” said the delighted trainer, who added “Barney’s Mate gave Chris such a good ride, you wouldn’t believe he was 15.” This race had been sponsored by The Poltimore Inn, North Molton.
It Was Me had been sent off odds-on favourite in the Ladies Open, but had to settle for third. The front running Ned White, under Leanda Tickle, had only been headed for a short stretch after the second last when Fiulin put up a challenge, with the 13 year old Ned White relishing the drying ground. He  was determined to make his last race before retiring a winning one. His owner Jacqueline Elliot commented on his win saying  “He has done us so well, always being placed. We are looking for a good home for him now, maybe along the lines of racehorse rehab.”
The first division of the Witheridge Garage-sponsored Restricted race resulted in the first horse over the line Golanzine, being disqualified for his trainer/jockey Mark Wildsmith missing a marker on the course. The race was awarded to the Andrews family’s Craigbenn under jockey Gina Andrews, who is soon to be awarded the National Ladies title.
Will Biddick was awarded the leading jockey trophy for the most wins over the three Bratton Down meetings. Owners of Whataknight and Queens Bay were jointly awarded the leading horse title.
Going (Thurs 4th): Good to soft with good in places
FORM GUIDE
Key:
f
=
fell
u
=
unseated rider
p
=
pulled up
k
=
knocked over
b
=
brought down
c
=
carried out
d
=
disqualified
?
=
unreliable form
s
=
slipped up
+
=
improving rating
r
=
refused
blkd
=
baulked
ro
=
ran out
t
=
took no part
(c)
=
course winner
v
=
 void
Abbreviations:
NH = National Hunt
L = Length
Rest – Restricted
Nov = Novice
RT – Rating
PTP – Point to Point
An up to date form guide and synopsis of the horses entered at this meeting. Form figures for up to 6 outings appear. A dash(-) is used to separate 2014/15
form from 2013/14 form. Figures preceded by an oblique (/) represents 2012/13 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.
1 Brandevin (Will Biddick) 11-8 fav held up, hdwy three out, quickened to lead 200 yards out
2 The Conjurer (Rob Hawker) 10-1 alwys prom, disputed lead three out til 200 yards out
3 Regular Guy (Darren Andrews) 14-1 chased leaders, 3rd at last, kept on close home
8 ran; 5l; 5l;Â 6m 23s
Owner; C Donlon; Trainer; Jack Barber
Pony Racing
Point to Point Pony Racing CONFIRMED RESULTS FOR THE EXMOOR HUNT AT BRATTON DOWN ON SUNDAY, 31ST MAY 2015:
138cms & Under Race at 1.00pm
1. CHURCHILL – Tamby Welch
2. MOCKING BIRD – Alfie Godfrey
3. GINGER WIZARD – Chad Bament
4. BECCA WALK O’ THE WILD SIDE – Molly Landau
5. MAGIC – Honor Weatherlake
6. TALPONCIAU PERFECT PRINT – Hamish Clarke
7. JOBANKER MORNING MIST – Finn Muirhead
8. PARKHILL PLAYBOY – Joshua Brown
9. KISSY – Emily Handel
UR HELSINGTON VANETTA – Lewis McDonald
NR TOBY – Josh Craddock
148cms & under at 1.20pm
1. VADLAWALKOVER – Tamby Welch
2. CALYPSO – Ben Godfrey
3. IGO ZUMINOV – James Armstrong
4. COOL RUNNER – Thomas Doggrell
5. PICKMERE BOND STREET – Hamish Clarke
NR SHOTGUN MINNIE- Tyler Heard
NR SPRINGS – Thomasina Eyston
NR TARKA – Michael Treneer
NR TOTAL ECLIPSE – William Cox
An up to date form guide and synopsis of the horses entered at this meeting. Form figures for up to 6 outings appear. A dash(-) is used to separate 2014/15
form from 2013/14 form. Figures preceded by an oblique (/) represents 2012/13 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.
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;Â 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
