Anyway, well done to our bookie friends Dave Philips and Rich Pittard, two intrepid layers who stood like masked highwaymen behind the closed doors. It was a pity for my sake that the Cherrybrook doors weren’t locked.
Wandering Soul (evens – 4-5 fav) started the rot in the opener. Even Will Biddick couldn’t persuade this sturdy Irish beast to get out of third gear. Lightly raced King’s Quay (100-8) had been a bit unlucky in his previous two races, but the Matt Hampton trained and ridden six-year-old put 14 rivals into their place. Berboru (10’s to 6’s) ran fast for two miles but was a spent force when falling at the last. The other horse for money was Oscara (20’s to 14’s) who finished strongly as runner up and can go into the notebook.
The second Maiden went to the more experienced Our Grey Boy (13-2 to 7-2). He comes from the same stable as Oscara (Annie Bacon at Frome), and was nicely handled by Josh Cameron . Exeter University student Will Knight got the 6-4 fav Da Vinci Rock into third place on his first ride, but the well backed This’ll Do (6’s to 4’s) made no show and was pulled up.
I hesitated over Crown of Thorns (4-5/evens fav) in the next, thinking that he may have needed the race and he had a 6lbs penalty. He who hesitates is lost. Trainer Sarah Pidsley had him spot on and he received a masterful Biddick ride The Dapper Fox (7-2) ran his usual genuine race and was closing at the post.
The Restricted looked a decent contest. The eventual winner Where’s Wilma was backed from 5’s to 3’s and won with her ears pricked. She can progress to Intermediate class. Runner up Arcal Fifty (8’s to 7’s) looked really dangerous going to the penultimate but was held when blundering at the last. I had a small bet on Funky Sensation (3’s to 7-4 fav) on the basis of his NH runs. He came with a promising effort three out but found nil.
Apple’s Queen (3’s to 5-2) is a useful pointer and relished this better ground to beat the ultra consistent Chosen Lucky (5-4 to 4-5 fav) in the Ladies’ Conditions race. I did a bit of each way thieving with third placed Dry Ol’ Party (8’s to 6’s), whose small yard is in such good form with winners at Charing and Dingley since the resumption.
River Myth (7-1) set the pace in a good Men’s Open, and this game mare was unlucky to be mugged a few yards from the line. It was ex-Irish chaser Static Jack (100-8), who took the prize, literally flying up the run in under novice jockey Michael Treneer. Honest Deed (2’s to 5-4 fav) made it nil out of four for me in finishing third, but can resume winning ways next time. Raddon Top (100-30) looked held when demolishing a wing at the last, leaving Eric The Third (12’s to 8’s) in fourth. Unioniste (8-1) found this company beneath him and lobbed round after running in such races as the Grand National in the past.
It always happens: have a bad day and give up, then your bet for the next race wins. On this occasion it was The Roestone (5-2 fav) in the Intermediate who stuck his tongue out at me (he was actually wearing ear plugs). He looked to have no chance at half way but made steady progress under Fly McIntyre to head Bridge Of Spies (5-1) on the line.
A lovely sunny day at Cherrybrook with excellent racing; almost a pleasure to lose money….
Spring has arrived and it’s the turn of the Spooners & West Dartmoor Hunt to host their meeting at the picturesque track known as Cherrybrook, near Tavistock this coming Sunday April 7th. 95 entries have been received for the eight races on offer with a start time of 1.30pm.
The course offers picturesque track-side viewing with many trade stands on offer. Hot and cold food, bar and bookies are also on offer. Entrance to the course is £10 per person to a max of £30 per car load. Children under 16 free. Dogs on leads welcome. Directions are signed from A386 North of Tavistock. PL19 OLA.
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 2017/18 form from 2016/17 form. Figures preceded by an oblique (/) represents 2015/16 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 popular local grey Dicky Bob has been entered in the opening Condy Mathias-sponsored Members race. He took this race last season here as a walkover and then went on to win the Mixed Open. Trainer Verity Nicholls has only entered him in this race here with his challengers all holding entries later in the day. Recent Kilworthy winner Ballyvodock is an eye catching new recruit for the Gordon Chambers yard, and could be the one to tackle Dicky Bob here. It’s All Or Nothing is already a three times course winner here but connections may choose the later Confined race, whilst entry Clondaw Bunny was held in second at Kilworthy to Ballyvodock, and could be another to bypass this race for the Confined.
Two divisions of the Open Maiden race follow, with 16 in each division. Tyre Marks Tavistock sponsor the first in which Neetside for trainer Jill Dennis stands out having finished two-lengths second to Isla’s Dream at Buckfastleigh and has the benefit of a weight allowance. Banco de Logo’s for team Summersby is another to note having finished in the frame twice this season with a second and third at the Buckfastleigh track and has had a seven week break to recover.
In the second division Could Be Better (Stuart Sampson) has previous place form in Ireland, and Thewinnertakeitall for team Summersby has hinted at ability running second at Great Trethew behind Skinflint in February.
Every Breakin Wave another out of the Claire Hitch yard, is the highest rated in the Cherrybrook Chance Conditions race having won three races in 2017, but needs to re-kindle that form. Kernal Victor is another to stand out in the conditions race having clocked up some decent form including three Men’s Open races in 2017, trainer Ed Walker could get some improvement on his recent place form.
Entries in the Barriers International-sponsored Mixed Open race include the two classy mares Wind Tor a previous course winner here for trainer Ed Walker, and recent Buckfastleigh Open winner Whenharrymetsally under jockey Matt Hampton. Also top rated geldings The Last But One for Tom Malone has good previous NH form, has taken three Points this season and finished second in a Hunter Chase at Leicester in February, he will need to defy top weight here. Also Minella Fifty (Claire Hitch) has won 11 points to date including three at Axe Vale where he won the Mixed Open last April under Will Biddick, he goes well fresh and could be the one to lead the mares home.
River Myth from the Stuart Sampson team and It’s All or Nothing (Charlotte Rowe) are ones to note in the Rock Inn-sponsored Confined race, both having won this season. River Myth took the Conditions race at Milborne St Andrew with a seven-length comfortable win under jockey Darren Andrews, and more recently two-and-a half lengths second to Navanman at Charlton Horethorne. It’s All Or Nothing won this race in 2017, and this season scored a four-length win at Buckfastleigh in February, then was an unfortunate unseat for jockey Jo Supple in the Mixed Open at Charlton Horethorne when looked to be travelling well.
Exeter Racecourse sponsor the Intermediate race which has attracted 15 entries, these include Buckfastleigh and Wadebridge winner Cloudy Music from team Summersby, he could be taken on by Kilworthy winner Ballyvodock if trainer Gordon Chambers chooses to bypass the earlier Members race.
Finally up is the Active Services-sponsored Restricted race in which Minimalistic (Nikki Frost) could put up another fine performance having won at Buckfastleigh on two occasions this season, winning his maiden comfortably 15 lengths ahead of the field in February under Josh Newman, then followed that up with a win in the Members race at Kilworthy two weeks ago. He looks ready to progress and please his owners Susan & Edward Darke. Soul Kaliber (Dean Summersby) could be another winner on the board for jockey Darren Edwards, if improving on their seconds at Kilworthy and Cothelstone.
Kilworthy going update: Good to Soft. All well, the course inspector lowered two fences slightly.
17th March 2019 at 7:43 PM
Latest on Kilworthy News from the Lamerton point-to-point to be run next Sunday 24th at Kilworthy near Tavistock. The going is soft but a dry week is forecast so we are expecting good going.
13th March 2019 at 8:57 PM
Lamerton Point-to-Point at Kilworthy on Sunday 24th March. All fences finished, going good to soft, soft in places.
11th March 2019 at 2:37 PM
The Kilworthy course preparation is well underway at the Lamerton with a great team of helpers yesterday in the wind. The Lamerton ladies after completing the new open ditch enjoy well-earned lunch break.
Course Layout
Preview extract:
Kilworthy near Brentor, Tavistock is the location for next weekend’s meeting in the Devon & Cornwall area, where the Lamerton Hunt stage their event on Sunday March 24th. Seven races are on offer with a start time of 1pm. 86 entries have been received.
The course offers great track-side viewing for a fabulous family day out in the country. Picnics will be brimming with plenty of food options for those wanting to eat on course. Bar and bookies will be available, along with many trade-stands. Entrance to the course is £10 car & driver, £10 per passenger to a max of £30 per car. Children under 16 free with dogs on leads welcome. The course is located near Brentor, Tavistock PL19 0JX.
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 2017/18 form from 2016/17 form. Figures preceded by an oblique (/) represents 2015/16 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.
Trainer Heidi Lewis has four entries in the opening Pannell Commercials-sponsored Members race, Belharbour Two won last weekend at Buckfastleigh, so may bypass this meeting. Acadian is another of the Lewis team entries who would be a short price here with the bookies, having won well at Wadebridge. They may have to tackle Cloudy Music from the Summersby yard, also a winner last weekend, should go close if turning up for a quick fire double under jockey Darren Edwards, who has just clocked up his 250th winner.
Where’s Wilma will be well fancied in the Jockey Club and Langdon Transport-sponsored Mares Maiden race, after her recent second at Bishops Court for the outside raider Michael Watson, along with Jill Dennis’s Deise Gold having shown some consistent decent place form.
Another team Summersby entry Banco de Logos looks a promising prospect with place form at the Buckfastleigh meetings and this track may suit for him to get his head in front in the PPORA and Steve Luxton & Yvonne Watson Memorial Open Maiden race.Doctor Wong(Keegan Kirby) and Five Gold Bars (Robert Hawker) have both scored seconds recently at the Charlton Horethorne track and either could prove dangerous if making the trip here.
The feature race of the day is the Condy Mathias Mixed Open which is a qualifier for finals at both Cheltenham and Stratford in May. Local trainer Dean Summersby has entered Chosen Lucky, a winner of 11 out of his 14 starts to date , with recent wins at Wadebridge and Great Trethew, and could see Darren Edwards back on board to set the pace here. Entry Jack Snipe is the highest rated having won an Open at Badbury Rings under jockey Shane Quinlan for trainer Robert Hawker, but also holds an entry at both Milbourne St Andrew and Ston Easton this weekend. Navanman (John Heard) is another Open winner and he has clocked up four wins this season including two Mixed Opens and an Open at Charlton Horthorne two weeks ago and will need to defy top weight under regular jockey Bryan Carver, who himself rode a Hunter Chase winner at Exeter earlier this week. The combination are also entered at Milborne St Andrew on Saturday. The popular grey Dicky Bob for trainer Verity Nicholls, is already a dual course winner, and could be a likely runner to score his hat-trick at the course. He could again be partnered by young jockey Tomasina Eyston who had an early unlucky unseat last weekend at Buckfastleigh.
Awesome Tunes for Ed Walker’s team has been progressing in the right direction and could snatch the AC Worth-sponsored Confined race with seconds at Wadebridge and Bishops Court. Clondaw Bunny looks promising having won a Restricted at Great Trethew, as is new recruit Irish import to Gordon Chambers yard Ballyvodock, with any market support worth noting.
Accordini won well under jockey James King at Howick in February, and is a suggestion in the Tinhay Building Supplies-sponsored Restricted race. Soul Kaliber,another out of Dean Summersby’s yard looks progressive and could follow up on his three-quarter length win at Bishops Court followed by a second to Manofmanywords at Cothelstone last weekend if not finding this race comes too soon.
Finally up is the Equafleece-sponsored Intermediate race in which Tuff Nano, under jockey Will Biddick could make the most of her mares weight allowance and get her head in front again for trainer Teresa Clark. Bridge Of Spies is another likely to be high in the betting after his head Restricted win at Wadebridge under jockey Nick Lawton, and third to recent Hunter Chase winner In Arrears when they met at the Bishops Court Meeting.
Update on the going at Bishops Court, Ottery St MARY. At the moment the going is good, good to soft in places. With light rain forecast on Thursday it is expected to improve. Most of the course is completed. I’m expecting to finish on Thursday.
Tuesday 26th February 2019 at 13:49
No change of going at Bishops Court
Thursday 28th February 2019 at 13:28
Bishops Court passed course inspection by Course inspector Mr Norman Chanin. Going is Good good to soft in places
Saturday 2nd March 2019 at 20:34
Going at Bishops Court unchanged today but with rain forecast this might change slightly
Preview extract:
It’s the turn of the East Devon Hunt to host their meeting at Bishops Court, Ottery St Mary on Sunday 3rd March. Seven races are on offer with a start time of Noon. Over 140 entries have been received and it’s set to be another competitive days racing.
This meeting usually sees the first of the spring weather drawing out picnic racegoers in their hundreds. For those wishing to sample the delights on course there will be plenty of stands offering hot food and refreshments, bar, bookies and a number of country trade-stands. Entrance to the course is £10 per person to a max of £40 per car. Children under 16 free. Dogs on leads welcome. The track is located at Bishops Court, Ottery St Mary. Postcode EX11 1RJ.
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 2018/19 form from 2017/18 form. Figures preceded by an oblique (/) represents 2016/17 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 going at Great Trethew is now described as good – Sandie Newton
Wednesday 20th February 2019 at 10:19
Sandie Newton advises the going at Great Trethew for the East Cornwall Point-To-Point remains good to soft. She will further update on Friday.
Monday 18th February 2019 at 15:04
Great Trethew going update as of today, good to soft. With sunshine and a drying wind I cannot see it being anything but good by Sunday.
Preview extract:
It is the turn of the East Cornwall to host the next fixture to be held in the area, which will take this coming Sunday February 24th, at the popular course located at Menheniot, Great Trethew. Pony racing heads up the action with two pony races commencing at 11am. The main event follows at midday, with six races on offer attracting over 100 entries.
The course is a great location for a family day out to enjoy the spring weather, and an opportunity to dust off the picnic baskets, whilst watching some good race action. The course offers bar, hot and cold refreshments and food, bookies and a number of trade stands. Entrance to the course is £10 per person with children under 16 free. Dogs on leads welcome. The course is located off the off the A38 between Saltash and Liskeard. Postcode PL14 3PZ.
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 2018/19 form from 2017/18 form. Figures preceded by an oblique (/) represents 2016/17 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.
Over 100 entries have been received for the South Pool Harriers meeting due to be held at the historic racecourse Buckfastleigh this coming Sunday 17th February. Pony racing heads up the action at 11am, with the main six race card starting at Noon.
The feature race of the day is the Winners Only Mixed Open known as the ‘West Country Champion Chase’ which has a prize of £700 to the winner and is also a qualifier for the Timico Mixed Open Final to be held at Cheltenham in May. 19 entries had been received before the new vaccination rules had been announced on Tuesday morning, which may possibly exclude a few, however it promises still to be a really competitive race. Recent Chipley Park winner Heaney is entered for local trainer Claire Wonnacott and daughter Millie to ride. Heaney is out of the same Dam as Definitly Red, and is giving his connections plenty to be pleased about having won three of his seven starts to date and finished in the frame on the remaining four. Blackwater Bramble for trainer Alexandra Dunn won at this course in November and followed that up with two wins at Larkhill, he holds an entry at Larkhill again and could head for the Conditions race there. Dicky Bob (Verity Nicholls) already on a hat-trick here, is an entry for local jockey Tomasina Eyston to ride, and could add to Dicky Bob’s total of thirteen wins to date. His first outing this season saw him finish a creditable second to Monsieur Gibralter at Larkhill, Navanman (John Heard) is another with wins at this course and his recent second to Virak at Chipley Park could also put him in the mix if he runs here. The Last But One (Tom Malone), Master Baker (Lisa Jefford) and Herbert Park (Ray Alford) all have wins under rules and would prove dangerous if added to the equation.
The opening Hassall Law Ltd Conditions race could see dual Wadebridge winner Raddon Top for the Les Jefford team, follow up on his second in a maiden here last season. He looks progressive and goes well for regular jockey Bryan Carver. Kernel Victor is the highest rated, is also a previous course winner here and could add to his seven wins to date for trainer Ed Walker.
Exeter Racecourse sponsor the Intermediate race in which In Arrears for the Gordon Edwards team stayed on well when winning her Restricted by a neck at Chipley Park under Darren Edwards. Her opposition here could be Sixteen Letters for the Big Brook yard, having run second at this course last season and could go well fresh.
Luscombe Maye sponsor the Confined Race for Horses and Geldings. Merchant House (Les Jefford) catches the eye having won a Flat race at Barbury in December under in form jockey Jo Supple, could go well if taking to fences. Minimalistic wouldn’t need to travel far, the seven-year-old gelding is based at Nikki Frost’s yard at Buckfastleigh, and could come on for his three-length second to Raging Fire at Chipley Park.
Cloudy Music (Dean Summersby), Deise Gold (Jill Dennis) and Where’s Wilma (Michael Watson) have all notched up good place form recently and should be high among the betting in the Jockey Club-sponsored Mares Maiden race. Isla’s Dream is an entry for bloodstock agent and trainer Tom Malone, the mare won her division of a Flat race at Barbury and is another youngster who could run well if taking to fences, and also be another winner for jockey Jo Supple.
Finally to close the days event is the Moorland Timber-sponsored Restricted race which has attracted 21 entries. These include recent Chipley Maiden winner Crown Of Thorns who stayed on well to win under jockey Will Biddick. Pancrace (Teresa Clark) is another possibility for Will to ride if the combination head here and not the Larkhill meeting. Trainer/jockey Heidi Lewis has entered Native Gamut, and could be in the mix having run well in second at Wadebridge. Miss Seagreen is another to note, the six-year-old Black Sam Bellamy mare won her Maiden at Larkhill under trainer/jockey Sam Jukes last month.
The course is located off the A38 at Lower Dean. Postcode TQ11 OLT. On course facilities include hot and cold food and refreshments, bar, bookies and a number of trade stands. Entrance is £10 per person with children under 16 free. Dogs on leads welcome. Check out all the latest up to date information on the http://www.pointingdc.co.uk website or by following Pointingdc on social media. The committee would also like to mention MST (Medland Sanders & Twose) and Ashburton Motor Works who are other major sponsors for the event and will be bringing their large trade displays.
Useful Information
Met Office 5 day forecast: Buckfastleigh, 1 mile from TQ11 OLT
Point-To-Point Authority Update on equine influenza at 15:45pm Tue 12 Feb
We are pleased to announce that point-to-pointing is set to return from this weekend (16 Feb), subject to the latest @BHAPressOffice requirements regarding vaccinations. Further information here: https://bit.ly/2Gqze1s
All nine fixtures scheduled to take place this weekend will go ahead as planned. More news – including detail on potential refunds on entries for horses now ineligible to race – can be found here: https://bit.ly/2UWqyDc
Update from Fixture secretary, Val Mason: Friday 8th February 2019 at 17:00
The Western point to point is now provisionally rescheduled to run on Saturday 16th February. Thanks to all who have made this possible. Now we all need to cross fingers that the current problems get resolved. All entries stand as made. thank you all. Thank you to South Pool Harriers and Combined Services for allowing us to have this opportunity to run. Going report will follow after the weekend.
Point-To-Point Authority ⭐️ Update on equine influenza ⭐️
The British Horseracing Authority has this afternoon taken the decision that racing will not resume in Britain until Wednesday 13 February at the earliest.
Therefore no point-to-point fixtures will take place this weekend.
Just returned from Wadebridge the clerk of the course says the going is good. amazing day expected tomorrow please all come and cheer us all on. Val If your horse cant run have a day out, bring a bottle and have a party. Everyone needs it after the last 2 weeks.
Wednesday 13th February 2019 at 10:00
The Clerk of the Course reports going this morning good with good to soft in places. A dry week due and front paddock being used – Val Mason
Thursday 7th February 2019 at 02:00
Western, Wadebridge, Sunday 10th Feb. Going update from clerk of course: Good to soft – Val Mason
Sunday 3rd February 2019 at 12:29
Spoken to the assistant clerk of the course for 10th February – going report good to soft – all snow gone. Weather lovely today and looking to improve throughout the week. Entries invited – Val Mason
20 January at 21:19
Wadebridge course prep for Western Hunt point to point 10 Feb. Fences moved and ground good to soft in places with 3 weeks to go. Will update regularly and look forward to seeing you all there – Val Mason
Note:
The Point to Point Authority advised on Thursday 7th February at 11:00
We are aware of the equine influenza outbreak and the cancellation by the British Horseracing Authority of horse racing today in Britain.
We are currently monitoring the impact on point-to-pointing and racing this weekend. More news to follow on www.pointtopoint.co.uk and on the Point-To-Point authority’s Facebook and Twitter pages.
Live updates can also be followed on twitter via @equiflunet
Preview extract:
The Western Hunt hosts the third meeting to be held at The Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge this coming Sunday 10th February. Six races are on offer with a start time of 12 noon.
With the huge covered barn containing on course facilities such as hot and cold refreshments and food, bar, bookies and a number of trade stands. The course has excellent track side viewing to get close to the action. Entrance is £10 per person. Dogs on leads welcome. Location is The Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge. Postcode PL27 7JE.
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 2018/19 form from 2017/18 form. Figures preceded by an oblique (/) represents 2016/17 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.
Saturday’s going update for the North Cornwall meeting at Wadebridge: the course had a fairly heavy shower of rain this morning which improved the surface considerably. The going remains as GOOD, but the surface is considerably more forgiving than yesterday. – Nicholas Phillips
Friday 11th January 2019 at 20:24
Today’s update on the going at the North Cornwall Point to Point at Wadebridge. There’s been no change in the weather or conditions all week, so the going remains GOOD. – Nicholas Phillips
Wednesday 9th January 2019 at 16:24
Today’s update on the going at the North Cornwall Point to Point at Wadebridge is GOOD. – Nicholas Phillips
Sunday 6th January 2019 at 16:44
The North Cornwall course at Wadebridge has just been inspected by the Course Inspector, and the going has been given as GOOD.
Please remember to check your entry has been received by the entries secretary
There still are problems with the online entry system please please check with DI Kendall ( ptp sec ) your entry has registered for NCH ptp on 13th Jan. Just got back from the course and it is looking a picture – lets make sure your horse can run – Stephanie Chapman
Saturday 5th January 2019
Message from Point-to-Point Racing Company
Please be aware that we are having technical difficulties with the Online Entries system. We are working to fix this & close of entries have been extended until 2pm on Monday for all three meetings. For more info:
t.co/NNsIKBvO2C
Saturday 3rd January 2019
Work over the Xmas period has resulted in the Wadebridge course looking great ready for racing on Sunday 13th Jan. The Ladies Race has enhanced prize money plus the Big Screen relaying the racing to the shed whilst you enjoy some refreshment. Looking forward to good racing with good company
Preview extract:
The second scheduled Point-to-Point meeting to be held at the Royal Cornwall Show Ground, Wadebridge, takes place this coming Sunday 13th January. Eight races are now on offer, with the Open Maiden race divided. A total of 87 entries have been received. The first race is off at 11.30am
The course at Wadebridge offers a huge covered barn containing hot food and refreshments, bar, bookies, a huge tv screen, and a number of country trade stands. The parking is easily accessed along tarmac avenues, and there is good track-side viewing.
Entrance to the course is £10 per person, max £30 per car, with children under 16 free. Dogs on leads welcome. Location is off the A39 west of Wadebridge. PL27 7JE.
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 2018/19 form from 2017/18 form. Figures preceded by an oblique (/) represents 2016/17 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 betting ring at Wadebridge is much different to other point-to-point courses. Our bookie friends count their winnings in comfort indoors in a huge barn.
In reality it is more than a spacious barn. Apart from the bookmakers, it includes bar and restaurant facilities (home made food and real ale), jockeys changing rooms, the weighing room, declarations rooms, and a shopping mall. All very nice when it rains.
IF there are any readers of this column (very welcome ) who have not been point-to-pointing at this Royal Cornwall Showground venue, I recommend a visit. Real value for money and you will never get your car stuck there because there are hard roads all round
So I am saying that it is a likeable place and almost a pleasure to lose money. I had a good go at that on Sunday when the finances certainly fell in the bookies favour. Only two of the seven races went to favourites.
Mic’s Delight (2’s in a place to 4-6) started the rot in the opener. The old boy ran well however to finish second to Rockinrolldixie (9-2 to 4’s). The winner was purchased in the summer by one of his joint owners Val Mason, and was well ridden on this occasion by Frenchman Nathan Vergne. The rider got the shock of his life however when his mount got down and rolled over like a playful child in the sand area on the way to the start. Monsieur Vergne, who works for the Philip Hobbs yard, had to walk his steed all the way to the start with broken reins. After that, his passage in the race was as smooth as silk, sauntering past his six opponents to win going away. Felicitations monsieur.
The Open Maiden attracted 10 runners in each division, each section providing a setback for favourite backers. Dragon De La Tour (4’s to 7-2) finally and deservedly got his head in front in the first section, beating the staying on Captain Cuckoo (solid 4’s) and Ragged Dream (16-1). Cuddle Up (20’s to 7’s) never showed, but Tarrytown (16-1) caught my eye with a promising run. I joined in the gamble on Will Biddick’s mount Rabunda (7-2 to 6-4 fav), who looked really well but clattered to the ground at the fourth.
Banco De Logos (4-6 to evens fav) looked the form horse in the other section, but was never really travelling. He could still atone. The winner Shelcomeonfortherun was easy to back (drifted to 12-1), but won impressively to give jockey David Prichard a double. A well made, long striding Flemensfirth mare with a few runs in Ireland behind her, she looks a nice prospect. Runner up Deise Gold (14’s to 12’s) is getting the hang of things, and third placed Mujadel (12’s to 8’s) is a winner in waiting.
Another lively gamble went astray when Purple N Gold (3’s in a place to 5-4 fav) faded to finish third behind the improving Double Captain (11-4) in the Ladies’ Open. The ex-David Pipe winning hurdler Purple N Gold may need to regain headgear.The winner was nicely handled by Naomi Sims and acts well on this track. Start Royal (11-2) is a pointing legend (28 wins including two hunter chases), and was a worthy runner up here.
So the punters were losing four nil, but then hit back with two winning favourites. Navanman (6-4 to 5-4) followed up his Buckfastleigh win with another game performance at the expense of second favourite Broadclyst (6’s to 6-4) in a good class Men’s Open. Broadclyst was tackling his first Open and is worth following. Honest Deed (11-2) ran a decent race to finish third.
Another jolly then went in as the Welsh trained Kensington Castle (6-4 to 5-4) scored in a tight finish in the Intermediate. In Arrears (11-4) ran extremely well to be second, but was punching above her weight here and would be of interest in a Restricted.
The Leslie Jefford trained Raddon Top (7’s to 5’s) turned in a workmanlike performance to win the Restricted and give Bryan Carver a double. Bridge of Spies (20-1) stayed on well to outrun his odds in finishing second, with the Carmarthenshire mare She’s A Gangster signalling much promise for the season (solid 5-1) in finishing third.
After my woeful punting afternoon being charitable to the layers, I managed to salvage my bus fare home thanks to Raddon Top in the lucky last.
Whatever the outcome, I really like point-to-pointing at Wadebridge.
Conditions Race Veteran & Novice Riders (Sponsor Ray Davies Foods)
1 Rockinrolldixie (Nathan Vergne) 4-1 prog four out, led last, ran on strongly
2 Mic’s Delight (Millie Wonnacott) 4-6 fav made most til joined three out, no extra flat
3 Jack The Hat (Mark Robinson) 5-2 with leaders til not quicken from three out
7 ran; 6l; 15l; 6m 5s
Open Maiden
Division 1 (Foot Anstey LLP)
1 Dragon De La Tour (David Prichard) 7-2 alwys prom, led last, stayed on well
2 Captain Cuckoo (Sam Lee) 4-1 prom, 3rd three out, kept on flat
3 Ragged Dream (Hannah Welch) 16-1 led and clear 15th, mstk next, wknd flat
10 ran; 5l; 2l; 6m 12s
Division 2 (Nare Hotel)
1 Shelcomeonfordrun (David Prichard) 12-1 hdwy 12th, 2nd three out, led next, easily
2 Deise Gold (Jake Bament) 12-1 led 8th til 12th, kept on steadily
3 Mujadel (James King) 8-1 led 13th til three out, wknd last
10 ran; 5l; 3l; 6m 7s
Ladies’ Open (R & J Trevarthen)
1 Double Captain (Naomi Sims) 11-4 hdwy 13th, led three out, comf
2 Start Royal (Izzie Marshall) 11-2 led til four out, kept on
3 Purple N Gold (Jo Supple) 6-4 fav in touch, every chance til no extra three out
4 ran; 7l; 1l; 6m 0s
Men’s Open (Moores St Wenn Ltd)
1 Navanman (Bryan Carver) 5-4 fav led/disp throughout, ran on gamely flat
2 Broadclyst (Tom Chanin) 6-4 hdwy four out, every chance last, no extra close home
3 Honest Deed (Darren Edwards) 11-2 in touch, close 3rd three out, no extra flat
8 ran; 3l; 2l; 6m 8s
Intermediate (Exeter Racecourse)
1 Kensington Castle (Byron Moorcroft) 5-4 fav held up, led three out, easily
2 In Arrears (Darren Edwards) 11-4 disp ld 13th til 15th, every chance til no extra two out
3 Druid Spitfire (Tom Chanin) 15-8 prom til lost place 13th, kept on same pace
4 ran; 1/2l; neck; 6m 18s
Restricted (Land Promotion Group)
1 Raddon Top (Bryan Carver) 5-1 handy, led four out, stayed on well
2 Bridge Of Spies (Nathan Vergne) 20-1 in touch, 4th three out, stayed on well flat
3 She’s A Gangster (Byron Moorcroft) 5-1 effort from 15th, no extra apprg last
8 ran; 3l; 3l; 6m 6s
Devon & Cornwall Point-To-Point Secretaries Association – the official area website
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Update on equine influenza at 15:45pm Tue 12 Feb 
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