Bookmaker David Phillips has kindly supplied this week's notes:-
A glorious sunny afternoon at The Tiverton Staghounds meeting at Bratton Down in the heart of Exmoor. The opening race, the Members, was an exciting contest where Whenharrymetsally prevailed in a tight finish with Le Clo de la Londe. Well ridden by Liam Drowne, she was backed at 2/1 with Le Clo de la Londe around 11/10.
In the first maiden anyone who backs Will Biddick horses were rewarded when the Nikki Frost trained Stop the Press won very easily having been backed at 8/1.
The second division of the maiden was memorable because it was Alice Mills’ last ride in a point to point before she turns professional. She won with a well timed run on Askers Lad at a very generous 3/1.
The intermediate was won very easily by the Alan Hill trained and Joe Hill ridden Broken Eagle at around 5/1. The heavily backed favourite The Flying Doc had it all to do when falling. He had been backed from 6/4 into evens.
In the Men’s open the betting was mainly divided between the prolific winner Cock of the Rock and the Barber / Biddick duo with Queens Bay. The nine year old mare Queens Bay prevailed at 2/1 after a good battle with the veteran Barneys Mate.
There was an upset in the Ladies’ Open when the 13 year old Ned White having his last race won easily at 5/1.The disappointing favourite It was Me was turned over at 2/5.
In the restricted the easy to back Golanzine passed the post first only to be disqualified for going the wrong side of a marker.The race was awarded to Craigbienn ridden by the champion ladies rider Gina Andrews, a well backed 4/1 shot.
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. “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.
Preview extract:
The popular Point-to-Point horse racing course at Upcott Cross, Halwill junction is the area venue for this weekend Bank Holiday Monday May 25th. With only a few weeks left until the season finishes in June, this track will again attract the top horses and jockey’s to battle out the finishes with much at stake with the championship tables.
Pony racing will head up the action at 12 noon, before the main six race card commences at 1pm. Over 100 entries have been received.
On course facilities include hot refreshments, bar, bookies and a number of trade stands. The course is located 2 miles South of Halwill junction off A3079 – Postcode EX21 5AE.
Entrance is £10 car & driver, £10 per passenger up to a maximum of £30 per car, children under 16 free, pedestrians £10.
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 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.
Going: Good to Firm. Watering and raining. (Friday 1st May 2015)
Preview extract
Another bumper weekend of Point-to-Point horse racing is in store this weekend in the Devon & Cornwall Area, where the Modbury Harriers host their meeting at Flete Park on Saturday 2nd May. The Stevenstone then stage their meeting on Bank Holiday Monday May 4th, at High Bickington.
Pony racing will head up the action at Flete Park, with two pony races commencing at 1pm, followed by the main six race card which starts at 2pm. Picnics will be brimming again, and this course offers fabulous hill park viewing, with the racetrack below, enclosing on course facilities such as bar, bookies, hot refreshments and a host of trade stands.
The course is located at Ermington, nr Ivybridge. Postcode PL21 9NX. Entrance is £10 car & driver, £20 per car and passengers.
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 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.
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.
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.
Point to Point racing resumes in the Devon & Cornwall Area next weekend where the East Devon host their meeting at Bishops Court, Ottery St Mary on Saturday 28th February. With over 130 entries received, this day promises to be full of action.
On course facilities include hot refreshments, bar, bookies and many trade stands. Entrance Car & driver £10, Car and passenger £20, Car plus occupants £30, Pedestrians £5.
Course is located at Bishops Court, Ottery St Mary. Post code 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 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.
Next weekend will see Point-to-Point horse racing enthusiasts flock to the popular track at Great Trethew, Menheniot on Sunday 8th March 2015. Six races are on offer, and with entries of nearly one hundred horses, this promises to be a great day out. The course is popular for maiden horses experiencing the race course for the first time, with many going on to be future stars.
On course facilities include hot food and refreshments, bar, bookies, and numerous trade stands.
Entrance is £25 car driver and two or more passengers, £20 Car, driver and one passenger, £15 car and driver, £6 pedestrians, children under 16 free.
Course is located at Menheniot, off A38 between Liskeard and Saltash. Postcode PL14 3PZ
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 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.
Bookmaker David Phillips has kindly supplied this week's notes:-
