GO POINTING
THIS WEEK’S GRASS ROOTS STORY TEAM MORGAN SHOWING A DRIVE TO SUCCEED
by Claire Hart, Point-to-Point Correspondent
Girl power was seen to great effect on Saturday at Revesby in Lincolnshire when Ellie Callwood steered the Kelly Morgan trained Music Drive to victory in a competitive Mixed-Open race. Music Drive was sent off the 6/4 favourite, unsurprisingly, considering his best under-rules form but having had a 26 month lay-off the outcome wasn’t a given.
Acquisition of the eight-year-old, formerly trained by Gordon Elliot came down to a chance conversation between Morgan and his former owner Camilla Sharples, Morgan tells me more: “I sat by Camilla at a wedding in the autumn and she had recently moved to Ben Pauling from Gordon’s. She told me she had this lovely horse who’d had injuries which had prevented him from running for so long but was talented and she adored him. I asked her if she would sell him and she told me I could have him. The only stipulation was that I loved him like she did and kept in touch- both criteria are easy to meet- I gave her a running commentary on Saturday!”
Morgan, a household name within the point-to-point circuit trains in Leicestershire and is no stranger to success; the highlight so far in her career was sending Top Wood to win the 2019 Randox Health Foxhunters’ Steeple Chase at Aintree under Tabitha Worsley. Morgan rode ten winners in the point-to-point field and one under rules and a riding career was cut short when training took over. Having trained over 60 winners, Morgan always wears her heart on her sleeve and reports of Sunday’s victory: “I had a tear in my eye, it meant a lot. He is a gorgeous horse and I was confident even after such a long lay-off he would win. He gave me such a good feel in a recent piece of work in Newmarket; I knew the fire was still burning.” Music Drive
Stud Syndicate’ whom he has been leased to a for the season.
Callwood, aged 21, is based full-time at Morgan’s and shows maturity beyond her years, both in and out of the saddle. Having grown up in Cheshire from a non-racing background an all-round knowledge of other equestrian activities stands her in good stead. “I grew up doing working hunters and show jumping and at age 14 I was lucky enough to go to Dan Skelton’s for my work experience- I stayed for a month! Through that I was introduced to Tom Ellis and Gina Andrews and started my career there.” A summer in America and then in Ireland working for Henry de Bromhead followed before an opportunity to work for Morgan came up and so far the partnership is formidable. Callwood works full-time for Morgan undertaking all roles within a busy working yard and Morgan says: “You will not find a harder working girl, I hope she doesn’t feel the need to move on any time soon. Ellie unfortunately broke her leg in October and this was her first ride back so it was brilliant all-round”.
Callwood speaks similarly of Morgan and claims: “Kelly has encouraged and supported me all the way through, she has been the making of me and helped me to grow in confidence.”
I ask Callwood of any plans to turn conditional, which, these days seems the normal for any young talent and she told me: “I plan to reassess when in a couple of seasons but for now I have lovely horses to ride for nice people. So many turn pro and it doesn’t work out so whilst I am lucky to be in the position I am at Kelly’s I don’t plan any changes. I look up to Gina Andrews, I aspire to be as good as herimpossible of course, but you have to aim high.”
ran in the ownership of ‘Foxfield
Ellie (l) and Kelly (r) with Music Drive
Music Drive’s next target could be the Dick Saunders Novice Hunter Chase at Leicester and I asked Morgan if Callwood would keep the ride, her response: “Of course she will.” Morgan is also quick to praise Poppy Shaw for her part in Music Drive’s preparation. “When Ellie broke her leg in October, Poppy took over riding him daily and she has done a superb job with him.”
A successful working relationship relies on trust and communication and whilst reflecting on Sunday’s victory it is clear these are two qualities that this team have.
Schooling time - Music Drive in full tune under Ellie
Celebrations at Revesby Park for Ellie and Poppy
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PREVIEWS
YORKSHIRE AREA POINT TO POINT AT SHERIFF HUTTON
SATURDAY 25TH JANUARY 2025
By MARK ELLIOTT
Having been frustrated by the arctic blast a couple of weeks ago, hopefully the weather gods will be kinder to Sheriff Hutton next Saturday 25h January, venue for the rearranged Yorkshire Area Point To Point Club fixture, the now traditional curtain raiser for the area’s season and once again being run in aid of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. The total raised and donated by this fixture to date is over £200,000 and the organisers hope that another successful year will see that figure top the quarter of a million mark. With many quality horses drawn from far and wide appearing amongst a healthy entry of 90, racegoers can look forward to being entertained by a great day’s sport.
The opening contest is the Conditions (level 2) for 5 year olds and up and 21 entries have been received. Those that catch the eye include Fascinating Rhythm who reached a high level of form as a 5yo but hasn’t been seen since running a close second in a Charm Park Mens Open in March 2023. If fit enough for his reappearance he would be a danger to all. Go Go Geronimo is one of the most admirably consistent pointers in training and comes from a yard in form. He will have to concede weight to most of his rivals but showed himself to be in good heart with a win at Revesby last weekend. Courting Flow is another who commands respect as do the up and coming duo of Lou Marvelous and Red Delta who have the benefit of an outing at Alnwick before Christmas where they filled the places in a good quality Restricted. Lou Marvelous was only touched off by a head but may take up an alternative engagement later in the day. Red Delta was seven lengths back in third and will likely come on plenty for the run. He looks like a good youngster who is on the way up and should go close. Wallace Olinger had a brief but successful career in Ireland and was another winner at Revesby last weekend on his first outing since transferring to Dale Peters’ East Anglia yard. If making a quick reappearance he could easily follow up.
Lou Marvelous also features amongst the 15 entries for the Restricted and should take all the beating for the Easterby family if he takes up this option. For One Night Only and Blagthebookies are both held by him on the form of the Alnwick restricted and, having won at Friars Haugh last Sunday, the former would also meet on 5lb
Camdonian could be in the mix on his seasonal re-appearance
Photo: Tom Milburn
worse terms. Foxylee looks the pick of the in form Kelly Morgan’s entries and must be feared whilst others to note include the Dawsons’ Surprise Attack, Pocatello who has a long absence to overcome, Gun Runner Cash who has shown ability under rules, Sponthus who could deputise for the Easterbys and Midlands raider Whatwasigoingtosay.
The Ladies Open looks likely to be won by one of several useful horses travelling from out of the area. Bardenstown Lad has the benefit of two outings already this season and a repeat of his improved second at Chaddesley Corbett would make him the one to beat however he may be a doubtful starter having run at Warwick on Monday. Bothwell Bridge had a great season last year and also has to go on any shortlist. Killer Clown is useful and also has the benefit of a run having gone close in an Alnwick Ladies Open in December whilst the admirably consistent pair of Dundrum Wood and Ballydonagh Boy, both prolific winners in the sphere, are bound to give their supporters a great run for their money. The other to note is Diable De Sivola whose two Alnwick victories a couple of seasons ago read very well and and he showed himself to be back to form when winning the Ladies Open at Friars Haugh last Sunday.
There are 11 entries for the Mens Open. Jetaway Joey has very useful form and the Gina Andrews’ yard has been in top form in recent weeks whilst Camdonian is another whose best form last season would put him in the mix. There are several entries who are making the move from racing under rules and of those, Dusart and Summerville Boy both have lofty handicap marks. The former didn’t get far enough at Alnwick to show how much of that ability he retains before unseating and has since pulled up in a Warwick hunter chase on Monday. At 13 the latter hasn’t youth on his side. Movethechains, Steal My Sunshine and Largy Shark also have had their fair share of success at a lower level and may be able to make their mark. Finally, should Fascinating Rhythm reappear here, instead of the first, he should be noted too.
The first of the two maiden races is over three miles with no weight for age allowances and
has received an entry of 18. Great Notions looked a certain future winner when running an excellent second over 2 miles 4 furlongs at Alnwick on his first run since arriving from Ireland as did First Time Caller who wasn’t far behind in third. Benefact was third in the three mile maiden at Alnwick and should go on the shortlist as must Ideal Du Tabert following a good second at Chaddesley Corbett two weeks ago. Greater Glory, Miss Tele and The Last Tooth have all been placed in Yorkshire Area maidens and will win in time. Cali Dreamer and Line Em Up come into the race having been placed in Irish points and could be anything as could Shakermaker whose only previous run was second in a Fairyhouse bumper over three years ago, although he showed little in a Revesby maiden last weekend. Likely leading contender The Village Way is now ineligible having won at Friars Haugh on Sunday.
The concluding maiden is over two miles four furlongs and is for 4, 5 and 6 year olds. Of those who already have racecourse experience amongst the 14 entries, Copshill Rock is now ineligible having won at Revesby, Cali Dreamer has placed form in Ireland whilst The Last Tooth, Jardin Carre and Miss Tele have all been placed in British points. The Easterbys’ Long Time Listener showed he had ability by winning a flat race at Duncombe Park last February before a couple of outings under rules however it could pay to focus on the newcomers. Gina Andrews has Caractacus Potts and Edith Pelham entered whilst Jack Teal has Masterofexpression both stables have proved themselves very adept a readying a debutante and it would be no surprise to see either of them saddle the winner.
Racing commences at 11.45am. Admission is £15 per person with under 16s free and is payment on the gate and cash only, as is the bar. The course is located North East of York, four miles West of the A64 and the postcode is YO60 7TN. There is ample car parking on the grass slope overlooking the racing circuit which affords great views of the action, Dogs are welcome, on a lead.
HEYTHROP HUNT POINT-TO-POINT
SUNDAY 26TH JANUARY 2025
By RUSSELL SMITH
Warwickshire trainer Fred Hutsby and jockey-son Tom are set to go for glory with Shoal Bay at the Red Savannahsponsored Heythrop Hunt Point-to-Point meeting at Cocklebarrow, near Aldsworth, in Gloucestershire on Sunday (12noon).
The Wellesbourne handler believes the 12-year-old can put up a bold show in the Howden Insurance Brokers Lord Ashton of
Hyde’s Cup Men’s Open - the first of the sport’s four ‘classics’.
Shoal Bay reeled off a hat-trick of wins at Ampton, Lockinge and Mollington last season, and Fred is eyeing a crack at the 3m 6f feature event.
“It’s a winnable race and there is good prize money,” he said. “I think he will stay and is in good form. We have done plenty with him and hopefully he is fit enough.”
James King has won the last two renewals on the Max Comley-trained pair Just Your Type
in 2023 and Oscar Montel 12 months ago.
With Comley having joined the professional ranks, the three-time champion could bid for the hat-trick on Boss Man Fred for the Naunton trainer’s partner Elen Wylie, who has taken over the pointing licence.
The 11-year-old was unplaced on his return at Friars Haugh on Sunday but, with just seven entries, she has given him the option of a swift reappearance.
King reported: “He needed it quite badly and will improve an absolute ton for it. He lacked
Progressive Shoal Bay aiming for Classic victory
Photo: Neale Blackburn
match fitness and was a bit ring rusty.”
Olive Nicholls is more likely to rely on Didero Vallis than her other entry Ballyadam Destiny, depending on how much rain arrives.
The 12-year-old was pulled up at Chaddesley Corbett last time, and the Kingston Lisle trainer explained: “He is not a big horse, and he got stuck in the ground. He wants it on the soft side, but it was just like glue.”
Rupert Wilks and Beyond Redemption were brought down at the first in the novice riders’ race last year and will be hoping for better luck here. The field is completed by Bardenstown Lad, who finished fifth under King in a Warwick hunters’ chase on Monday, and the Lee Moulson-trained Methodtothemadness.
With clerk of the course Nick Phillips reporting the ground to be Good on Tuesday and heavy rain forecast on Friday, the card has attracted 75 entries.
Hutsby has high hopes Drop Him In, runner-up in the Lord Ashton of Hyde’s Cup last year, can get off the mark in the opening Knight Frank Heythrop Hunt Members, Subscribers and Farmers Race.
The trainer said: “He has been second to some good horses. He ran well the other day at Horseheath and won’t mind quicker ground. He goes there with a great chance.”
Naunton trainer Ben Pauling, successful in this race with Raven’s Tower in 2022 and 2023, could be double handed with Sforza Castle and Midnight Soldier.
Sforza Castle won his last start at Trebudannon in May, while Midnight Soldier will be making his pointing debut, having finished fifth in a Huntingdon handicap hurdle on his final start under rules.
Enqarde, a winner at Ascot and Haydock in his prime for Dr Richard Newland and now with Celia Plunkett, has been pulled up on his two starts this term, while Myles Osborne’s Irish import Gateau De Miel completes the five-strong line-up.
Nicholls is hoping her mount, Switch Hitter, is on his best behaviour in the Fleming Architects Ladies Open.
The Sam Loxton-trained 10-year-old has finished fourth on both starts at Larkhill this season, and the rider reported: “He has been hard work mentally. It is more
in the preliminaries but hopefully we have got tabs on him now.”
Prolific winner Ihandaya could run here or at Chipley Park with trainer Nickie Sheppard’s husband, Matt, saying: “We will make a call on how much rain we get. He’s a highly-rated horse and we don’t want to take any chances.”
Precious Bounty, who gave Marina Bealby her first winner when scoring at Badbury Rings in November, is another to consider.
Lily Bradstock is looking to her Larkhill winner Myth Buster to provide Lexie New with a boost in the Dubarry PPORA Club Members Conditions Race (Level 2) for Novice Riders.
The Letcombe Bassett trainer reported: “He is my absolute favourite. Lexie lost her horse (Jaisalmer) last week, so she can have a spin on him to cheer her up.”
This race has attracted the day’s biggest entry of 17 and Nicholls could run Ballyadam Destiny, who finished third in a similar contest at Chaddesley Corbett.
“I was delighted with him there,” she said. “He is a tricky horse to gauge. We have played around to see what works and it’s given him a bit of confidence.”
The Composeur, who won this race last year for Jacqueline O’Neill and is now with Tommy Morgan, could bid for a repeat, while his Edgcote conqueror, Imperial Esprit, should strip fitter for his Horseheath pipeopener.
King is sweet on the chances of the Wylie-trained Jullou De Grissay in the SE Solicitors Restricted.
Having powered the six-year-old home in the last strides to pip Taghadoe and Always Groovin in a finish of heads in a Horseheath maiden, the rider commented: “He will improve for his seasonal debut. I really like him, and he could run up a sequence.”
Get Bye finished second in this contest 12 months ago on his only start last term for Amber Jackson-Fennell, and could bid to go one better, while Cossack Dancer, third in this race two years ago, filled the same spot at Knightwick on his reappearance for Chloe Mills.
King and Luke Price took the closing King’s Head Inn, Bledington Seven-Year-Olds and Over Open Maiden with Mini Fortune last year and bid to repeat the feat with Barncroft.
Formerly trained by Fergal O’Brien, the eight-year-old finished second in a Uttoxeter handicap hurdle in November 2023.
King, who also rides the ex-Irish pointer Scoro for Price in the younger horse maiden, said: “I can’t tell you too much about them, but Luke is quietly confident and fancies the pair of them.”
Ideal du Tabert, trained by Laura Richardson, looks the one to beat in the finale after finishing second to Mumbo Jumbo at Chaddesley Corbett.
I Don’t Know, runner-up in the younger horse maiden for Hutsby 12 months ago, aims to step up a spot here with the trainer commenting: “He ran very well there last year and probably should have won. He should go close.”
The Kitebrook Four, Five and Six-Year-Olds Open Maiden over 2m 4f looks wide open.
Sheppard has entered Blackijo Dagrostis, who wasn’t beaten far when sixth at Chaddesley Corbett, and the debutant Master Nero
Her husband, Matt, said: “Blackijo Dagrostis will probably suit the track and the ground. He had a tongue strap on last time and it made a bit of a difference. Master Nero has schooled really well but is a bit green.”
Hutsby has booked Sam Lee to ride debutant Lady Lussa with son Tom set to partner either Dave’s Sister or Whatchagotder. The trainer commented: “She goes very well at home. I quite like her.”
Kalipso His is on course to represent Bradstock, who said: “He was disappointing in a bumper, but he goes nicely and is a good jumper.”
Gates open at 9.30am and the meeting is preceded by three pony races, sponsored by Rockcliffe Stud, starting at 10.30am.
Other attractions include a massive shopping village and a heated picnic tent. There will be dog racing, a hound parade, the Tough Farmer Challenge and a free kids’ zone.
Admission is £20 per person. Discounted tickets at £15 can be bought in advance. Under 16s go free.
The course is located at Cocklebarrow Farm, Aldsworth GL54 3PP, about a mile and a half off the A40. For more information, visit www.cocklebarrowraces.com
CAMBRIDGESHIRE WITH ENFIELD CHACE AT HORSEHEATH
SUNDAY 26TH JANUARY 2025
By GRAHAM BISHOP
After the disappointment of losing the recent Ampton fixture, due to the frozen ground conditions, the action returns to Horseheath this Sunday. There were some superb races at the same venue on December 31st and five of the winners from that fixture have been entered here, all looking to supplement their recent successes. It is quite common for previous course winners to return time and again, and this year’s renewal is no different. The five winners from that previous meeting are Aramax, All Is True, Fairly Famous, Allmankind and Call Me Early.
The first race of the day is a PPORA Club Members Conditions Race for novice riders, has an entry for the first of the five, namely Aramax, who won a similar contest at this earlier fixture, staying on strongly at the finish, with Master Malcolm behind him that day in third. Myth Buster and Precious Bounty have won races this season at Larkhill and Badbury Rings respectively, whilst Red Maple and Young Rich both won similar contests last season.
The Restricted race promises to be a race worth watching. Chabichou Dupoitou was beaten by the smallest of margins in the Restricted race on New Year’s Eve, but it was the Georgina Andrews trained Call Me Early who caught the eye on the day when given a supremely confident ride by Jack Andrews to win the Maiden Conditions race. Stable companion Main Stage, who won the Maiden Conditions race at this meeting last season, is also entered. Trojan du Berlais, who would be appearing for the first time this season, won the corresponding Restricted race last year, whilst his stable companions Ask Carla and Jersey Fromentin are also entered. Tiger Tobin and Designed to Win both won their Maiden races at Garthorpe’s Melton Hunt Club fixture last season. Tiger Tobin has not been seen since, whilst Designed To Win ran just once more, prevailing in a Restricted race at High Easter.
A classy looking entry for the Mixed Open race with the winners of both Open races on New Year’s Eve, Allmankind and Fairly Famous, being entered along with the 2023 Cheltenham Foxhunter winner, Premier Magic who was also victorious in the 2021 Pertemps Network Stratford
Foxhunter Champion Hunter Chase for the Horse and Hound Cup. Allmankind’s switch from running in hurdle races under rules bore fruit at the first time of asking, beating the useful What A Glance, whilst Fairly Famous sauntered to an easy victory against inferior opposition. Premier Magic finished second at Chaddesley Corbett behind Jeux D’Eau on his seasonal reappearance, whilst Law Of Gold has yet to run. Fairly Famous, Premier Magic and Law Of Gold all met in last season’s running for the Horse and Hound Cup, with Fairly Famous finishing the best, in third place.
Barrington John, who finished a close third to Call Me Early can be found amongst the entries for the first of the Maiden races on the card. Del Amitir who is entered in both Maiden races, showed promise finishing fifth in the first of the Maiden races at the previous Horseheath meeting, whilst the remainder of the entries need watching.
The second Maiden race is conditional on the horse having run in at least two pointto-points/point-to-point flat races. Always Groovin finished third on New Year’s Eve, beaten in a three way photo finish and is enthusiastically owned by five former East Anglian jockeys , namely William Wales, Tim Moore, Nigel Bloom, Simon Cowell and Perry Harding-Jones. Avichi In The Park and Jump Tiep have both run with promise in 2 ½ mile Maiden races at Chaddesley Corbett and Larkhill respectively. Rounditoff has
placed form in Ireland, whilst Diamon des Flos had run respectably when last seen on a course in 2022.
The concluding Level 2 Conditions race could see All Is True and Champagne Glory renew their rivalry having finished 1st and 2nd in a similar event last time at Horseheath. Back It Up, who has yet to run this season, beat both All Is True and Good Source in Conditions races at Higham and Fakenham respectively last year. Good Source has since moved stables and is now in the care of the Turner Family and along with Mount Pleasant, who performed consistently last season winning four points, both will also be making their seasonal reappearance. Royale Dance, now in the care of Bradley Gibbs, will have benefitted for her first run at Chaddesley, where she finished fourth.
Three pony races start proceedings from 10.45am with the first of the six steeplechases races at 12 midday.
Adult admission £15 CASH ONLY with children under 16 free. Dogs welcome on short leads and can participate in a family fun dog show and have-a-go dog agility. Splendid variety of stands including food and a cash bar.
Horseheath racecourse is situated 4 miles west of Haverhill on the A1307 or exits 9 or 10 off the M11 (SatNav CB21 4QP)
Allmankind looks to follow up on his New Year’s Eve win
Photo: Graham Bishop
PERCY AT ALNWICK
SUNDAY 26TH JANUARY 2025
By PETER BURGON
It’s a case of quality over quantity at the Ratcheugh Farm course near Alnwick on Sunday 26th January where the Percy fixture has 62 entries on a seven race card starting at 12.00pm.
The star attraction is former 167-rated chaser Saint Calvados, who will be ridden by Nick Orpwood in the 2m4f Men’s Open Race. Successful nine times under Rules, with eight of them at trips up to 2m2f, the Harry Whittington-trained 12-year-old has amassed more than £400,000 prizemoney in an illustrious career. The closest he came to a Cheltenham Festival victory was in 2020 when finishing a neck 2nd to Min in the Ryanair Chase, and his last win came in the 2m6f bet365 Oaksey Chase at Sandown Park in April 2022.
The other five entries are Bardenstown Lad who finished twenty three lengths 5th to Lift Me Up in a Warwick Hunters’ Chase earlier in the week, Emir Sacree, Frankies Fire, Jetaway Joey and Paramaribo. Former Nicky Henderson-trained 130-rated hurdler Emir Sacree showed his best form under Rules at this trip with cut in the ground and recorded his last win in a Class 3 Chepstow Chase in March 2022. Frankies Fire has recorded 6 wins and 5 placings from 14 Pointing starts but has been very lightly campaigned in recent seasons, while Jetaway Joey also produced his best form under Rules over this trip and it’s worth noting he was only narrowly beaten by Diable De Sivola on his seasonal debut in the 2023 West Percy equivalent under Jack Andrews.
There are seven entries for the opening Yorkshire Air Ambulance four-andfive-years old Maiden Race, with the likelihood of five or fewer runners. Jack Teal can choose between Liveyourbestlife and debutant Masterofexpression, the Gina Andrews-trained debutant Radical Optimism has been ready to run for a while but previous targets were thwarted by meetings being abandoned, Thyme Hill’s half-brother Kingofthestreets has the benefit of a recent debut outing at Chaddesley Corbett in his locker, while Westerner’s Way unseated five out on his sole outing last season in the Dingley Maiden won by Kdeux Saint Fray.
The 3m Maiden Race has 13 entries and one that takes the eye is the Gina Andrews-
trained debutant Caractacus Potts who is sure to be fully tuned up. Of the others, the step up in trip should suit Great Notions who finished two lengths 2nd to Batsman Jack at Alnwick six weeks ago, while Welshpool raider Walk Easy was placed in seven of 10 Pointing starts in Ireland last season in the space of eighteen weeks. Where’s Willy is expected to come on a lot for his first run over fences in the Ratcheugh Racing Club Restricted, while Bean Norty (4th) and Notnowbob (5th) were beaten around fifteen lengths in last month’s Alnwick Maiden won by Slaney Opera.
Courting Flow looks the one to beat in the 3m Conditions Race (11 entries). He won last season’s Percy Restricted over the same trip and boasts form figures of 211 at Alnwick. Proven stayer Cool Desire has run well here in the past and rarely finishes out of the frame, former 148-rated chaser Killer Clown has a fitness advantage over most of his rivals having already enjoyed four outings this term including a Knightwick win over a shorter trip in November, while Not The Chablis might make a quick reappearance under a 3lb penalty following last Sunday’s cosy success at Friars Haugh under Jess Jubb.
The 3m Ladies Open Race has 10 entries including the aforementioned Bardenstown Lad and Killer Clown. Alnwick specialist Dundrum Wood boasts form figures of 11112 at the track and looked as good as ever on his reappearance when runner-up to Wild Romance in a high quality 14-runner Ratcheugh Racing Club Mixed Open, the ultra-consistent Ballydonagh Boy is more likely to run at Sheriff Hutton on Saturday, while recent course winner Kingrullah and ex-chaser Rath An Iuir are also entered in
Alnwick hosts its penultimate fixture
Photo: Grace Beresford
the 3m NPPA Conditions Race.
Last month’s Alnwick Maiden winners Batsman Jack and Slaney Opera have scope for further improvement and are set to meet in the 2m4f Restricted Race (eight entries). The other recent Maiden winner in the field is Warwickshire raider Call Me Early who scored by three lengths at Horseheath on December 31. Something Golden finished 4th in last week’s Jedforest equivalent and should come on for the run, while Alice Dawson’s in-form yard is represented by Wottinger who dead-heated first time out at Sheriff Hutton twelve months ago.
The seven entries for the concluding 3m NPPA Conditions Race include the aforementioned trio of Kingrullah, Not The Chablis and Rath An Iuir. Proven stayer Rath An Iuir won five times under Rules on soft or heavy ground when trained by Rose Dobbin, with the most recent success coming in a 3m2f Amateur Riders’ Handicap Chase at Kelso in December 2023. Jimmy Walton’s home-bred mare West Lawn is back in calmer waters after finishing twenty lengths 3rd to Learntalot in last week’s 3m4f Jedforest Mixed Open, Up With The Play has been off the track since finishing 3rd in an Alnwick Restricted in January 2023, and the list is completed by Western Run who was a dual Overton Mixed Open winner under Ben Smith in 2023.
Admission is £15 per person, with under 16’s free (Cash only).
The Ratcheugh Farm course is about 3 miles NE of Alnwick and is signposted from the A1. The post code is NE66 3AD.
TIVERTON FOXHOUNDS POINT TO POINT
SUNDAY 26TH JANUARY 2025
By LAUREN REED
As if the weather forecast knew that Chipley Point to Point was on the horizon?! Like every year, Chipley will be a true test of stamina to see home the 3 miles up the very long hill. They have a very strong 7 race card with 94 entries starting at 12pm which includes a very exciting Mixed Open.
Race 1 Members Race
The first race on the card, The G R E Hunt Members Race, looks to have the classy performer, Soldier Of Destiny, back in the Point to Point field, after a good stint for Jamie Snowdon. Reaching a peak rating of 139 under rules, he more recently lost his way and is back with Mark Quinlin, who has been involved with him throughout his career. Lucky Lara comes from the in-form Joshua Newman yard and was 2nd in this race last year. His Own Star for Ron Alford and Stuart Sampson has already had a run this season however the 8lb penalty could pay dividends against Lucky Lara, who has the pleasure of her 7lb mares allowance. If Soldier Of Destiny is back in a good head space, he could be challenging to beat.
Race 2 Mares & Fillies Maiden Race
Far Out West, for Will Biddick, catches the eye in the Jockey Club and Clarke Willmott Mares Maiden Race after finishing 2nd at Larkhill to Crawter, who since has run well in a Restricted. Purchased at Goffs HIT Sale in May, she had a dramatic exit at Dunsmore when running out but can hopefully get off the mark here. The newcomer, Edith Pelham for Gina Andrews, cost £40,000 as a 3 year old and will be an interesting runner but holds entries at Alnwick and Sheriff Hutton which may be easier tracks for newcomers. Star Of Honour for Alan Hill and daughter in law, Izzie, looks to bring some good placed form from Irish Point to Points, having finished 7 lengths behind Jackie Hobbs, who went on to win a National Hunt Flat Race for Harry Derham.
Race 3 Open Maiden
The Tozer Solicitors and AGRII Open Maiden Race has attracted a healthy 21 entries. Ted The Thief was 2nd to King De Palma at Wadebridge two weeks ago and would definitely be in the mix here. Bradley Gibbs knows how to get one ready
Fighter
Allen, (Rian Corcoran) convincing winners last time out
and has Barrington John entered after finishing 3 lengths 3rd at Horseheath on New Years Eve. Far Out West could play her hand against the boys and therefore take advantage of her mares allowance in this race opposed to the previous. Radical Optimism and Caratacus Potts, both for trainer Gina Andrews, have brother Jack Andrews booked to ride and no doubt will be classy performers if making their debuts here. A Nice Malbec caught the eye at Chaddesley before unseating and could give Molly Griffiths a first winner in the saddle.
Race 4 Mixed Open
A very strong 12 entries could head to post in The Dilloway and Bosley Mixed Open Race. The anticipation to see the impressive Ihandaya reappear this season would make for a very interesting race if choosing this option over the Ladies Open at Cocklebarrow. After forming a brilliant partnership with Natalie Parker, if winning this, they could have a very exciting spring ahead of them. It won’t be an easy race with the classy Mr Glass entered, who is currently unbeaten in Point to Points. Fighter Allen won the Novice Riders at Wadebridge under promising jockey, Rian Corcoran and could run well again if reappearing quickly. Jetaway Joey looked very useful in his races before heading to the Cheltenham Hunter Chase evening, where he did not look to see out the hill and then looked disappointing when rounding off his season back in Open company.
Race 5 Intermediate
Important Notice looks to head the market in The Exeter Intermediate Qualifier Race. He won the Intermediate at Chaddesley in impressive style, however this was over 2m4f and he now has to lump a 5lb penalty for that win. All Star Boy won at Larkhill this past weekend which would make for a very quick reappearance if heading to post again so quickly. Liberty Rock is 5 from 13 and could run into a place. Bestfriend Barnaby has some very consistent place form for
Caroline Robinson and could be another to not be far away at the finish post.
Race 6 Restricted
The Mount Pleasant Inn and Greenslade Taylor Hunt Restricted Race has attracted 16 entries with El Capitaine looking to be one of the picks after winning the Maiden comfortably at the first Wadebridge meeting. Call Me Early has the pleasure of a 7lb age allowance for the Andrews’ yard and is another to have taken a Maiden race nicely last time out. The very lightly raced Jongleur d’Ainay has not been seen for a year but looked very classy when winning a Maiden at Wadebridge and could give regaining Ladies Champion Jockey, Izzie Hill, another winner. Southfield Scope for Will Biddick, took the Maiden Conditions at Larkhill in December and should be another at the forefront of the market.
Race 7 PPORA Conditions (Level 2) For Novice Riders
The concluding race on the card is The Friends of the late Geoff White and West Country Renovations PPORA Club Members Race. Fighter Allen and The Kings Writ could lock horns again for the third time this season and are both currently one a piece. Doc Carver has taken this race for the past two years for Dennis & Rebecca Pugh, but this renewal could be a lot stiffer. Llandinabo Lad relished the testing conditions at Chaddesley and stormed home victorious under Will Badlan and will be very competitive here. Sidi Ismael went very hard from the front at Wadebridge and just got touched off when it mattered but should be able to run another decent race here. Everything Now for owner/rider Alex Ingram has not been seen for a year but is a solid performer and if fit, will go well.
£15pp, cash on gate. £3 for a racecard or two for £5. Cash bar and hot food and coffee available. Dogs welcome on leads. Gates open at 9.30am. Postcode TA21 0QU.
Photo: Tim Holt
SPEED
FIGURES
SHERIFF HUTTON 25/01/2025
11:45 THE FIVE YEARS OLD AND OVER CONDITIONS RACE (LEVEL 2): Go Go Geronimo (GB) (111) Lou Marvelous (FR) (108) The Dubai Way (IRE) (108) Red Opium (GB) (107) Courting Flow (IRE) (102)
12:20 THE RESTRICTED RACE: Blagthebookies (IRE) (103) Lou Marvelous (FR) (103) For One Night Only (IRE) (100) Karismatik (FR) (98) Sponthus (FR) (94)
12:55 THE LADIES OPEN RACE: Ballydonagh Boy (IRE) (130) Dundrum Wood (IRE) (124) Blagthebookies (IRE) (122) Bardenstown Lad (GB) (121)
1:30 THE MENS OPEN RACE: Camdonian (IRE) (125) Jetaway Joey (IRE) (110) Bardenstown Lad (GB) (107) Cool Desire (IRE) (104)
2:05 THE MAIDEN RACE (NWFAA): Ideal du Tabert (FR) (106) Greater Glory (IRE) (104) Benefact (IRE) (98) The Village Way (GB) (98) The Last Tooth (GB) (87)
2:40 THE FOUR, FIVE AND SIX YEARS OLD MAIDEN RACE: The Last Tooth (GB) (87) Jardin Carre (FR) (68) Miss Tele (GB) (55)
ALNWICK 26/01/2025
12:00 THE YORKSHIRE AIR AMBULANCE FOUR AND FIVE YEARS OLD MAIDEN RACE:
12:30 THE MAIDEN RACE: Walk Easy (IRE) (92) Notnowbob (IRE) (84) Bean Norty (GB) (63) Great Notions (FR) (61)
1:00 THE CONDITIONS RACE (LEVEL 3): Not The Chablis (IRE) (105) Courting Flow (IRE) (102) Cool Desire (IRE) (101) Killer Clown (IRE) (99)
1:30 THE MENS OPEN RACE: Jetaway Joey (IRE) (110) Paramaribo (IRE) (108) Bardenstown Lad (GB) (107)
2:00 THE LADIES OPEN RACE: Ballydonagh Boy (IRE) (130) Dundrum Wood (IRE) (124) Kingrullah (IRE) (124) Bardenstown Lad (GB) (121) Fightfortheroses (IRE) (116)
2:30 THE RESTRICTED RACE: Bellaney Lord (IRE) (110) Wottinger (GB) (103) Something Golden (IRE) (98) Henry’s Regime (GB) (94)
3:00 THE NPPA AREA FIVE YEARS OLD AND OVER CONDITIONS RACE (LEVEL 2): Kingrullah (IRE) (110) Not The Chablis (IRE) (108) West Lawn (GB) (101)
CHIPLEY
PARK 26/01/2025
12:00 THE HUNT MEMBERS, SUBSCRIBERS & FARMERS RACE: His Own Star (FR) (101) Lucky Lara (IRE) (99) Raddon Top (IRE) (91) Free The Lion (IRE) (88)
12:35 THE JOCKEY CLUB MAIDEN RACE, FOR MARES AND FILLIES ONLY: Lucarne (GB) (79) Far Out West (IRE) (73) River Story (IRE) (61) Middleton Fox (GB) (55)
1:10 THE MAIDEN RACE: Ted The Thief (IRE) (98) I Think He Is (IRE) (80) Doctor Doyen (IRE) (76) Far Out West (IRE) (73)
1:45 THE MIXED OPEN RACE: Quintin’s Man (GB) (129) Ihandaya (FR) (121) Jetaway Joey (IRE) (117) Mr Glass (IRE) (117) Fighter Allen (FR) (115)
2:20 THE EXETER RACECOURSE INTERMEDIATE SERIES QUALIFIER RACE: All Star Boy (IRE) (110) Lucky Lara (IRE) (99) Liberty Rock (IRE) (97) Arv Way There (GB) (96)
2:55 THE RESTRICTED RACE: Royal Defender (IRE) (96) Tiger Tobin (IRE) (96) Tekap (FR) (95) Bestfriend Barnaby (GB) (94) Rue St Denis (IRE) (94) Arv Way There (GB) (91)
3:30 THE PPORA CLUB MEMBERS CONDITIONS RACE (LEVEL 2), FOR NOVICE RIDE RS: The Kings Writ (IRE) (108) Fighter Allen (FR) (105) Llandinabo Lad (GB) (104) Highland Glory (GB) (103)
COCKLEBARROW 26/01/2025
12:00 THE HEYTHROP HUNT MEMBERS, SUBSCRIBERS & FARMERS RACE: Sforza Castle (IRE) (108) Drop Him In (IRE) (106)
12:35 THE RESTRICTED RACE: Prohus Yank (IRE) (106) Tekap (FR) (95) Jullou de Grissay (FR) (92) Queenhill (GB) (92) Cossack Dancer (GB) (90)
1:10 THE PPORA CLUB MEMBERS CONDITIONS RACE (LEVEL 2), FOR NOVICE RIDE RS: Imperial Esprit (IRE) (111) Shoal Bay (IRE) (104) Ballyadam Destiny (GB) (103) Powerstown Park (IRE) (100)
1:45 THE LADIES OPEN RACE: Southfield Lily (GB) (130) Ihandaya (FR) (128) One For Rosie (GB) (126) Bardenstown Lad (GB) (121)
2:20 THE LORD ASHTON OF HYDE’S CUP MENS OPEN RACE: Beyond Redemption (IRE) (116) Shoal Bay (IRE) (110) Bardenstown Lad (GB) (107) Ballyadam Destiny (GB) (103)
2:55 THE FOUR, FIVE AND SIX YEARS OLD MAIDEN RACE: Whatchagotder (IRE) (96) Blackijo Dagrostis (FR) (83) Sofana (IRE) (59) Silent Auction (GB) (51)
3:30 THE SEVEN YEARS OLD AND OVER MAIDEN RACE: Ideal du Tabert (FR) (106) Walk Easy (IRE) (92) I Don’t Know (FR) (72)
HORSEHEATH 26/01/2025
12:00 THE PPORA CLUB MEMBERS CONDITIONS RACE (LEVEL 2), FOR NOVICE RIDE RS: Red Maple (IRE) (111) Powerstown Park (IRE) (100) Young Rich (IRE) (98) Monkey Puzzle (GB) (96)
12:35 THE RESTRICTED RACE: Chabichou Dupoitou (GB) (109) Ask Carla (IRE) (106) Designed To Win (IRE) (99) Tiger Tobin (IRE) (96)
1:10 THE MIXED OPEN RACE: Fairly Famous (IRE) (128) Premier Magic (IRE) (127) Red Maple (IRE) (121) Law of Gold (IRE) (115)
1:45 THE MAIDEN RACE: Graveside Lad (IRE) (96) Jasmin des Bordes (FR) (92) Del Amitir (IRE) (85) Barrington John (GB) (70)
2:20 THE MAIDEN CONDITIONS RACE: Always Groovin (IRE) (93) Del Amitir (IRE) (85) Avichi In The Park (IRE) (84) Jump Tiep (FR) (75)
2:55 THE CONDITIONS RACE (LEVEL 2): Good Source (IRE) (116) Back It Up (IRE) (115) All Is True (IRE) (112) Champagne Glory (IRE) (106)
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POINTING
POINTING
EXETER SUPPORTS HUNTER CHASING
THE UK’S LEADING INTERMEDIATE SERIES
#55 QUALIFIED HORSES IN 2023
EACH QUALIFIER IS RUN FOR A MINIMUM OF £500
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ALL RUNNERS QUALIFY FOR INTERMEDIATE SERIES FINAL ON HALDON HILL (CLASS 5)
2024
SUNDAY 10 NOVEMBER
Dunsmore Club – Dunsmore
SUNDAY 24 NOVEMBER
East Cornwall – Great Trethew
SUNDAY 8 DECEMBER
Cornwall Hunt Club – Wadebridge
2025
SUNDAY 26 JANUARY
Tiverton – Chipley Park
SUNDAY 16 FEBRUARY
South Pool – Buckfastleigh
SUNDAY 16 MARCH
Dart Vale – Buckfastleigh
SUNDAY 23 MARCH
Lamerton – Kilworthy
LAST QUALIFIER
SUNDAY 30 MARCH
South Cornwall – Trebudannon
INTERMEDIATE FINAL ENTRIES
SATURDAY 5 APRIL, 2025
INTERMEDIATE FINAL FRIDAY 11 APRIL, 2025
IN THE FRAME
Trust Me Nate and John Dawson return to the winners enclosure accompanied by trainer Alice Dawson at Friars Haugh
Photo: Grace Beresford
Friars Haugh racecourse
Photo: Grace Beresford
IN THE FRAME
Jockeys Leave The Queens Building before the Restricted Race at Larkhill
Photo: Tim Holt
Royal Artillery Hunt hounds meet the crowd
Photo: Tim Holt
ON THE CLOCK
We are now entering an intriguing part of the season where established stars are re-emerging to take on useful ex-Rules performers whilst promising, and often fairly expensive, stores from across the Irish sea are making their British debuts.
My Drogo is one of the most interesting recruits from Rules racing having once been talked of as potentially top class. Injury put paid to a fledgling chase career (rated 154) but at 10 years of age he still has time to make his mark in points and he showed himself to be no back number with a facile success at Larkhill. A small field was hardly a pre-requisite for a fast overall time so in the circumstances a rating of 112 was fair and he could provide stern opposition for Grace A Vous Enki in next month’s Coronation Cup.
Fastest race of the day was the Novice Riders event which resulted in a thrilling finish between Midnight Midge (116), making his pointing debut, and Acey Milan (118)– the pair separated by just a short head at the line. This was Midnight Midge’s first attempt at a distance as far as three miles – his six Rules victories all coming over shorter -and, interestingly, all coming at either Taunton or Wincanton. With this in mind the Sue and Dick Woodhouse Memorial at Wincanton at the end of February appeals as a possible future target. Also worth noting is the fact that his profile shows him to have been far less effective on soft ground.
Acey Milan lost nothing in defeat (other than a previously unblemished record in points) given that he was coming back from an absence of well over a year and was giving the winner three pounds. He won’t be long in winning.
Dale Peters introduced two promising ex-Irish pointers at Revesby and it was his Copshill Rock (96) who took the eye on the clock. A free going sort equipped with a significant amount of tack to conserve his energies, he travelled strongly behind the leaders before quickening to lead approaching the last and then readily holding off the renewed effort of Sports Magic (96). He gave the impression there is more to come, particularly as, back in Ireland, he had been beaten just 5 lengths by the now 122-rated Jet to Vegas. The runner-up too acquitted
himself well. He’s by Mahler- mostly known as the sire of Charlie Hall winner The Real Whacker, and is therefore always likely to be suited by forcing tactics.
The Village Way (96) finally lost his maiden tag at Friars Haugh having finished runner-up in both his previous starts this season. He started odds-on to do so but found things far from plain sailing being unable to lie close up behind a strong pace in the early parts of the race and then rather tying up having made headway to lead approaching the last. He gives the impression that a sounder surface and, perhaps, a drop in distance may be beneficial.
Not The Chablis (106) had encountered little luck last season but ran out a ready winner of the Grass Roots rider’s race following a change of tactics . Repetition of this uncomplicated running style makes him a good bet to follow up in a similar contest.
The re-arrangement of the Yorkshire Area meeting at Sheriff Hutton creates a good spread of action across the country this weekend. Of particular interest at Sheriff Hutton are two returning from injury –Crossgalesfamegame and Fascinating Rhythm. Both impressed on the clock back in 2022/23. Camdonian heads the figures in the Men’s Open but may face a tough rival in Movethechains whilst Ideal du Tabert and Lou Marvellous should run well in the NWFAA maiden and the Restricted respectively.
Ideal du Tabert also holds an entry at the Heythrop where Shoal Bay can outstay Beyond Redemption in the feature event. The likely fast surface will suit Southfield Lily in the Ladies although she faces stern opposition from Ihandaya and One for Rosie and a better proposition may be Prohus Yank in the Restricted.
Ted the Thief can finally shed the maiden tag at Chipley Park whilst Wottinger can get the better of Bellaney Lord at Alnwick. Ask Carla maybe the value call against Tiger Tobin in the Restricted at Horseheath but most eyes will be on Back It Up in the last. He was very progressive before going under to the high class I’m Spellbound last May.
Midnight Midge, James Shaw leads Acey Milan, Will Higgs Conditions (Level 2) For Novice Riders
Photo: Tim Holt
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LATEST RESULTS
LARKHILL 18/01/2025
11:30 1. DOUGLAS LONGBOTTOM (GB) M. McIntyre 2-7F 2. SAKE OF SECRECY (IRE) J. Bament 7-1 3. GRAN PARADISO (IRE) R. David 11-4 (6 ran).
12:05 1. IMPAKT ST GEORGES (FR) J. Newman 5-4F 2. BULLETOFEXPRESSION (IRE) M. McIntyre 10-1 3. MYTHE BRIDGE (GB) Tommie O’Brien 5-1 (8 ran).
12:50 1. MIDNIGHT MIDGE (GB) J. Shaw 10-1 2. ACEY MILAN (IRE) W. Higgs Evens
3. ALL LOVED UP (IRE) Hugh Lillingston 14-1 (11 ran).
1:25 1. DUC DE BOURBON (FR) Charlie Sprake 10-11F 2. PAPER MILL (GB) C. Case 5-4
3. VIVA LAVILLA (IRE) M. McIntyre 11-4 (4 ran).
2:00 1. MY DROGO (GB) W. Biddick 2-5F 2. OSCARS MOONSHINE (IRE) Miss O. Nicholls 5-1
3. EDISON KENT (IRE) Miss A. Parfitt 6-1 (5 ran).
2:35 1. ALL STAR BOY (IRE) James King 6-1 2. GOOD BOY ERIC (GB) W. Biddick 3-1F
3. CRAWTER (IRE) J. Newman 8-1 (11 ran).
3:10 1. HARD STARE (GB) W. Biddick 1-3F 2. TOMBEREAU (IRE) C. Case 5-1
3. GEORDIES BETTY (GB) M. McIntyre 5-1 (6 ran).
REVESBY PARK 18/01/2025
12:00 1. LARGY MOUNTAIN (IRE) T. Hutsby 5-2 2. WESTHILL (IRE) Miss A. C. Mackenzie 3-1
3. GALILEO SILVER (IRE) D. Cherriman 7-4F (8 ran).
12:35 1. COPSHILL ROCK (FR) D. Peters 2-1F 2. SPORTS MAGIC (IRE) C. Buckle 7-1
3. RED LETTER DAY (IRE) Jack Andrews 8-1 (12 ran).
1:10 1. MUSIC DRIVE (FR) Miss E. Callwood 6-4F 2. CAPTAIN BIGGLES (IRE) Jack Andrews 5-2
3. ZEE MAN (FR) T. Hutsby 7-1 (9 ran).
1:45 1. WALLACE OLINGER (IRE) D. Peters 5-2 2. KILFILUM WOODS (IRE) Z. Baker 11-10F
3. GLENMOUNT (IRE) Mrs I. Hill 7-2 (7 ran).
2:20 1. GO GO GERONIMO (GB) T. Chatfeild-Roberts 2-1 2. BENEFAKTOR (IRE) Jack Andrews 5-1 3. RHYTHM IS A DANCER (GB) T. Hutsby 6-1 (9 ran).
2:55 1. LETS GO HARRY (IRE) J. Teal 2-1 2. LILY MY GIRL (GB) Jack Andrews 2-1
3. ASKDADDY (GB) A. Loweth 9-4 (6 ran).
FRIARS HAUGH 19/01/2025
12:30 1. THE VILLAGE WAY (GB) J. Dawson 4-5F 2. SHE IS THE ENEMY (IRE) G. Walkingshaw 4-1
3. PIP PIRRIP (GB) Huw Edwards 4-1 (10 ran).
1:00 1. TRUST ME NATE (GB) J. Dawson 7-2 2. PHANTOMS CAVE (IRE) Paddy Barlow 5-1
3. MONROCCO MOONLIGHT (GB) James King 6-4F (10 ran).
1:30 1. DIABLE DE SIVOLA (FR) Miss Jesika Rennie 7-4F 2. LOUGHAN (IRE) Miss G. Andrews 2-1
3. ZHIGULI (IRE) Miss R. Howarth 7-1 (10 ran).
2:00 1. LEARNTALOT (IRE) Mrs I. Hill 3-1 2. WILD ROMANCE (IRE) Shay Halton 6-4F
3. WEST LAWN (GB) Miss C. Tailford 6-1 (9 ran).
2:30 1. FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY (IRE) Huw Edwards 5-2 2. WHATS THE SOLUTION (IRE) J. Teal 5-2
3. CHIEF WIGGUM (IRE) N. Orpwood 5-1 (7 ran).
3:00 1. NOT THE CHABLIS (IRE) Miss J. Jubb 5-4F 2. LOUGHERMORE (IRE) Miss L. Fenwick 3-1
3. HUMPS AND BUMPS (IRE) Miss R. Wyld 3-1 (8 ran).
3:30 1. CHAMERON (FR) Miss Emma J. Brown 8-1 2. EAGLES ROCK (IRE) J. Dawson Evens 3. ANNIE MAGIC (IRE) Miss L. Brown 5-1 (8 ran).
REPORTS
ROYAL ARTILLERY
SATURDAY 18TH JANUARY 2025
By BOB BRACHER
It was cold but remained dry and clear at the Royal Artillery point to point at Larkhill where some competitive racing took place with the highlights being a riding double for Will Biddick, a classy performance by My Drogo, a winner for a jockey having his first ever ride at the Wiltshire course and an unusual double for a mare with two of her progeny.
The Hunt Members race was well supported by three of the Hunts that race at Larkhill during the season with the South and West Wilts representative now having bragging rights over the other Hunts for another year. Bea Coward’s day did not begin well with her lorry not starting but it eventually did and her progressive seven year old Douglas Longbottom proved too good for his five rivals. Ridden by Martin ‘Fly’ McIntyre he sat behind the trailblazing Broadford Publican until leading at the fourth last fence and drew clear from the second last. Owned by Catherine Mitchell who rides him in some of his work at home, he had run an excellent race when runner up on his seasonal debut but this race was chosen by Bea to ‘give him an easier race as he always runs his heart out’. No immediate plans were outlined but Hunter Chasing later in the season may be on the horizon.
The in-form stable of Josh Newman shows no sign of slowing with his latest new recruit Impakt St Georges proving too strong for his seven opponents in the Open Maiden race. Purchased privately in Ireland by his owners John and Floss Symes following placings in an Irish point and Hurdles, Josh explained that ‘he had taken a long time to build up after his arrival last summer’. The race was run at a slow pace until it became a sprint over the last four fences but the winner was always in command from the third last. Josh described that ‘he jumped for fun’ and that’ there should be more to come’.
The Novice Riders race proved to be a very close finish with only a short head separating Midnight Midge, ridden by James Shaw, and Acey Milan ridden by Will Higgs. They were together at the second last and with Acey Milan being a recognized stayer he looked the most
Duc De Bourbon, Charlie Sprake (1st) Conditions (Level 2) 5yo&up
Photo: Tim Holt
likely to prevail. James, however, had other ideas and despite being headed on the run-in his willing mount rallied near the post to just prevail. Riding in his first ever race at Larkhill James was delighted with the outcome and was keen to thank his parents who were present for their support along with Sue and Lucy Gardner for whom James works during the week. He has been riding out on a Friday for trainer Robert Chanin and has been schooling this Midnight Legend gelding. Owned and bred by Ron Hodges along with Lorraine Kelly and Tony Worth he had won six races under Rules all over much shorter trips in a long career under Rules but this was his first try over three miles. Robert explained that ‘everything was in his favour with the better ground and James gave him a great ride’.
Duc De Bourbon followed up his previous course win last month when once again beating Paper Mill in the Conditions race. Ridden by Charlie Sprake he was in command from the second last fence and was pushed out on the run-in. Trained by Sam Loxton at Bruton he runs in the name of the Bruton Club who are a group of Sam’s local friends. He may be seen in Hunter Chases later in the season but Sam did mention a potential tilt at the Coronation Gold Cup at the next Larkhill meeting.
My Drogo was too good for his four rivals in the Mixed Open when giving Will Biddick the first of his two victories on the card. Tracking long time leader Oscars Moonshine, ridden by Olive Nicholls, until the third last he sauntered into the lead and soon drew clear to record an easy victory. Trained by Ed Walker for owners Richard and Lizzie Kelvin-Hughes this one-time Grade 1 winner for Dan Skelton when victorious at Aintree was recording
his first win since 2021 and as Ed wife’s Polly explained afterwards it was all about ‘giving him confidence and to enjoy his racing again’. He had shown on his first outing that he still retained ability and this win reinforced that opinion. Ridden by Will who is not noted for being voluble during a race, he said that ‘I have never talked to a horse so much as this one in the race which was mainly ‘whoa’!
A competitive Restricted race went the way of All Star Boy ridden by James King who just beat Good Boy Eric, the mount of Will Biddick. Trained by Chris Barber this was Chris’s first winner from his new Herefordshire base and in the winners’ enclosure afterwards he was relieved as well as delighted to have seen his charge break his duck from the new yard. Chris was keen to say that ‘I cannot thank my owners enough for staying loyal to me after moving from Dorset’. Two of these are Paul and Sara Thorman who acquired this gelding in the summer as a fun horse and to remain point to pointing. Already a progressive sort his future looks bright as he moves up in class.
The meeting concluded with a Bumper over two miles. The short priced favourite, Hard Stare, bought as a foal by Rachael Honeyball duly obliged to give Will Biddick his second winner on the day. Ridden by Rachael at home she explained that she and her husband Anthony like to support point to pointing and rather than running him under Rules she thought that a point-to-point Bumper would be a good education for him. He does hold an entry in the Goffs Bumper at Newbury in March but it is not certain he will go for that race. He is by Passing Glance out of a mare called Farewellatmidnight who happens to also be the dam of Go Go Geronimo who was a winner today this time at Revesby Park.
SOUTH WOLD
SATURDAY 18TH JANUARY 2025
By NICO MORGAN
The Midlands Area Point-to-point season got under way in fine style at Revesby on Saturday where 51 runners contested six races, and there were doubles for Midlands trainers Kelly Morgan and Dale Peters, the latter riding both of his winners.
It was testament to the organising committee at Revesby that the ground was officially recorded as good, despite the recent adverse weather conditions and arctic conditions on the day.
The first of Kelly Morgan’s winners came in the feature race of the day, the mixed open, won by Music Drive, ridden by Ellie Callwood. This was a debut in British point-to-points for this eight-year-old son of Muhtathir who has previously won over hurdles and chase fences. Initial pace had been set by Foxey (Henry Crow) who led until three fences from home when caught by the rest.
At the last it was Gina Andrews-trained Captain Biggles (Jack Andrews) who provided the competition for the winner, eventually finishing. five lengths behind. “He finds everything so effortless, which makes my job very easy. He didn’t get out of second gear and I’m really excited to see what he can do for the team this season”, Ellie Callwood said.
The opening race of the day was a conditions race for grass roots riders which saw four of the eight runners jump the last in a group
before Largy Mountain, trained by Hannah Mahon and ridden by Tom Hutsby, pull away to win by about four lengths. Westhill (Miss A.C. Mackenzie), trained by Francesca Poste, was second, Galileo Silver (Dan Cherriman) was third and Cuddly Dudley (Dale Peters) fourth.
Dale Peters rode favourite Copshill Rock to win the maiden in a very close finish with Sports Magic, trained by Rob Cundy and ridden by Charles Buckle. Red Letter Day (Jack Andrews) was eight lengths back in third. The winner is a french-bred six-yearold and although this wasn’t a faultless performance, looks like one to watch. “Copshill Rock is a lovely young horse, who’s still learning on the job. Shows a lot of ability just needs to learn to race the right way round,” Dale Peters told me.
The Intermediate race came after the mixed open and gave Dale Peters his ridden and trained double, this time with Wallace Ollinger, making his English debut between the flags. Dale said, “he went through the race with ease and I was really pleased with how he did it. And the right two horses were in 2nd and 3rd. I think he’s very smart.”
This was a very competitive field so a two length win over 11/10 favourite Kilfilum Woods (Zac Baker) and Glenmount two lengths behind that is very encouraging and deserving of qualification for the Intermediate final at Cheltenham in the spring.
The PPORA Conditions Race for veteran horses was the final jump race of the afternoon and saw an impressive return to form by Go Go Geronimo, ridden by Tom ChatfeildRoberts for his father John and trained by Kelly Morgan. This combination jumped out in front and set the pace and appeared to win relatively easily which should restore some confidence. Kelly said, “Go Go Geronimo has to be one of the most consistent horses in training. He doesn’t know how to let you down and we all adore him.” Second was Benefaktor, twice a Revesby winner himself, who finished four lengths behind the winner under Jack Andrews and third was Rhythm Is A Dancer and Tom Hutsby.
A point-to-point flat race for four and five year-old horses was the last race of the day, run over two miles. Four-year-old Lets Go Harry won this one for Jack Teal, two lengths clear of Lily My Girl (Jack Andrews) trained by Stuart Morris. Third was La Belle Mere and Paddy Barlow.
The next Midlands Area fixture is the Melton Hunt Club meeting on the 2nd February.
JEDFOREST
SUNDAY 19TH JANUARY 2025
By PETER BURGON
The first Jedforest fixture at Friars Haugh, Kelso, for three years was a resounding success on Sunday with 62 runners, including plenty of long distance travellers, on a seven race card in front of a bumper crowd.
John Dawson’s good start to the season continued with a double on The Village Way and Trust Me Nate, both trained by wife Alice, while it was also a day to remember for Jesika Rennie and Jess Jubb, both riding under the Jockey Start scheme, who enjoyed their first winners on Diable De Sivola and Not The Chablis respectively.
Always lying handy in the 3m J A Wilson Contractors and A & S Clarkson Engineering Maiden Race, The Village Way headed She Is The Enemy (Gregor Walkinshaw) two out before losing momentum with a slow jump at the last but rallied well on the flat to score by two lengths. Bought privately out of Nick Pearce’s Warwickshire yard in early December, the seven-year-old winner is owned by Richard Smith and married sister Caroline Thompson.
Carrying the colours of John and Jenny Nellis, Trust Me Nate was an even more impressive winner of the 2m4f R & B Painters and Gillon Bloodstock Maiden Race. Sent on at the top of the hill before four out, the seven-yearold cruised home eight lengths ahead of the promising Phantoms Cave (Paddy Barlow) in a fast time despite running without the declared tongue-tie as they couldn’t get it fitted. Dawson said: ‘’He was very slick over his fences and it felt like we were just cantering. He’ll be back here on February 9 for the Berwickshire meeting.’’
Gina Andrews set out to make every yard of the running on Loughan in the 2m4f Harbro PPORA Ladies Open Race but, after looking home and dry when still eight lengths clear three out, her mount had nothing more to give when headed approaching the last by the Will Ramsay-trained Diable De Sivola who forged clear up the short run-in to score by six lengths and give Jesika Rennie, 21, a memorable first winner on only her second ride between the flags.
Rennie has been working alongside Jess Jubb at Nick Alexander’s Kinneston yard since 2022
Caroline
Thompson, one half of the What Would Dad Say Partnership with jockey John Dawson ahead of The Village Way’s victory
Photo: Grace Beresford
and it also proved to be a red letter day for Jubb, 22, as the Kit Alexander-trained Not The Chablis provided her with a first winner in the 3m Jockey Club Opportunity & Rowley Mile Equine Grass Roots Riders Conditions Race.
A winner of a bumper, hurdle and chase in the past, it was good to see the eleven-year-old get his head in front again. He was produced with a well-timed challenge to overhaul longtime leader Loughermore (Laura Fenwick) after two out and stayed on strongly to score by three lengths, with Humps And Bumps (Ruby Wyld) only a length away in third on her reappearance.
Last season’s ladies national champion jockey Izzie Hill’s first visit to Friars Haugh was a winning one on Oxfordshire raider Learntalot in the valuable 3m4f Jockeys & Trainers Supporting Point-To-Pointing Northern Area Feature Mixed Open Race. Returning from a 232-day break, the Alan Hill-trained gelding had all the answers and, despite being sent to the front sooner than intended four out, never looked like being reeled in by hat-trick seeking favourite Wild Romance (Shay Halton) who was still four lengths down at the line.
Winning connections had enjoyed an overnight stay with Ian and Tocky McKie at Lanton near Wooler before having the luxury of a short trip to Kelso on Sunday morning, much better for their two runners (Monrocco Mooonlight had earlier finished third in the 2m4f Maiden for Joe Hill) than making the 340-mile journey on the day from Aston Rowant.
Cheshire raider For One Night Only reaped the benefit of last month’s pipe-opener at Alnwick when landing a gamble in the 3m Marsh Riddell Gibson Restricted Race after being backed down from 6/1 to 2/1. The Fred Timmis-trained six-year-old had a prolonged duel with Whats The Solution (Jack Teal) from four out and handed the initiative to
his rival with a slow jump at the last before rallying gamely inside the last fifty yards to snatch a head verdict in a driving finish with jockey Huw Edwards punching the air as they crossed the line.
Almost nine years since making his racecourse debut in France, the evergreen Chameron proved that he still retains plenty of ability when taking the concluding 3m Turnbull & Scott and Midburn Construction Scottish Hunts Conditions Race under a bold front-running ride from Newcastle University student Emma Brown. Despite not always being fluent at his fences, the Jackie Stephen-trained twelveyear-old found extra when the chips were down from two out and still had plenty left in the tank as he crossed the line two lengths ahead of favourite Eagles Rock (John Dawson), with the promising Annie Magic (Lucy Brown) a further four lengths away in third.
Rated 149 at his peak in 2017 when trained by Paul Nicholls, the winner had lost his way a bit under Rules recently but clearly appreciated a return to the less demanding fences between the flags having previously enjoyed plenty of Pointing successes in the South West back in 2021 and 2022.
For the record, the total of 62 runners was the most at this fixture since 2009.
The main action was preceded by 2 pony races, both sponsored by CL Equestrian, Quality Stabling Solutions. The 138cm contest (6 runners) was won by Tigga (Memphis Tacy-Tyler) from Silver (Freya Ainslie) and Chaceside Catwalk (Neive O’Sullivan), while the winner of the 148cm contest was She’s A Corker (Freddie Robson) with the minor placings filled by Judge Fox (Kaden Beasley) and The Cork Man (Nancie Pigg).
The Northern Area season continues on Sunday, January 26 with the Percy fixture at Alnwick.
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FIXTURE LIST 2024/25
Y
EA
SM Heythrop Cocklebarrow Sunday 26 January 2025
N Percy Alnwick Sunday 26 January 2025
D&C Tiverton Foxhounds Chipley Park Sunday 26 January 2025
MID Melton Club Garthorpe Sunday 02 February 2025
W South Dorset Milborne St Andrew Sunday 02 February 2025
SE South East Club Charing Sunday 02 February 2025
Y York & Ainsty and West of Yore Askham Bryan Sunday 02 February 2025
MID Brocklesby Brocklesby Park Saturday 08 February 2025
N Berwickshire Races Friars Haugh Sunday 09 February 2025
EA Waveney Harriers Higham Sunday 09 February 2025
W Combined Services Larkhill Sunday 16 February 2025
EA Puckeridge & Essex Horseheath Sunday 16 February 2025
Y Sinnington Duncombe Park Sunday 16 February 2025
D&C South Pool Harriers Buckfastleigh Sunday 16 February 2025
SAND Kimblewick (February) Kingston Blount Saturday 22 February 2025
N College Valley & North Northumberland Alnwick Sunday 23 February 2025
MID Cottesmore Garthorpe Sunday 23 February 2025
W Countryside Alliance Club (Wessex) Badbury Rings Sunday 23 February 2025
WALES Curre & Llangibby Howick Sunday 23 February 2025
SE South East Club Charing Sunday 23 February 2025
WM Duke of Beaufort's Didmarton Saturday 01 March 2025
W South & West Wilts Larkhill Sunday 02 March 2025
EA Suffolk Ampton Sunday 02 March 2025
Y Yorkshire Jockeys Club Charm Park Sunday 02 March 2025
N Buccleuch Friars Haugh Saturday 08 March 2025
EA High Easter Racing Club High Easter Saturday 08 March 2025
W Blackmore & Sparkford Vale Charlton Horethorne Sunday 09 March 2025
MID Pytchley with Woodland Guilsborough Sunday 09 March 2025
WM Sir W.W. Wynn's and Flint & Denbigh Bangor-on-Dee Sunday 09 March 2025
Y Hurworth Hutton Rudby Saturday 15 March 2025
W Quantock Cothelstone Saturday 15 March 2025
WALES Curre & Llangibby Howick Sunday 16 March 2025
AREA FIXTURE COURSE DAY DATE
D&C Silverton Dunsmore Sunday 13 April 2025
EA Essex & Suffolk Higham Friday 18 April 2025
D&C Flete Park Races –Dartmoor Foxhounds Flete Park Saturday 19 April 2025
SM Kimblewick (Easter) Kimble Saturday 19 April 2025
WM North Staffordshire Sandon Saturday 19 April 2025
MID Pytchley with Woodland Dingley Saturday 19 April 2025
W Seavington Cotley Saturday 19 April 2025
WM Worcestershire Chaddesley Corbett Saturday 19 April 2025
D&C Four Burrow Trebudannon Monday 21 April 2025
WM North Cotswold Paxford Monday 21 April 2025
SM Old Berkshire Lockinge Monday 21 April 2025
WM South Shropshire Eyton on Severn Monday 21 April 2025
W Taunton Vale Foxhounds and Taunton Vale Harriers Cothelstone Monday 21 April 2025
N Tynedale Corbridge Monday 21 April 2025
WM Berkeley Woodford Saturday 26 April 2025
SE Chiddingfold, Leconfield & Cowdray Parham Saturday 26 April 2025
N Fife Pusk Saturday 26 April 2025
MID Quorn Garthorpe Saturday 26 April 2025
D&C Axe Vale Stafford Cross Sunday 27 April 2025
D&C Flete Park Races –Totnes & Bridgetown Racing Co Ltd Flete Park Saturday 03 May 2025
SE Mid Surrey Farmers Godstone Saturday 03 May 2025
W Devon & Somerset South Hill Sunday 04 May 2025
MID Fernie Dingley Sunday 04 May 2025
Zetland Witton Castle Monday 05 May 2025
Minehead Harriers and West Somerset Holnicote Saturday 10 May 2025
Kimblewick (May) Kingston Blount Sunday 11 May 2025
Weston & Banwell and West Somerset Vale Cothelstone Wednesday 14 May 2025
N Haydon Hexham Saturday 17 May 2025
SE Surrey Union Peper Harow Saturday 17 May 2025
D&C Dulverton West Bratton Down Sunday 18 May 2025 SM Grafton Edgcote Sunday 18 May 2025 WM Knutsford Races Club Tabley Sunday 18 May 2025 MID Fitzwilliam (Milton) Dingley Saturday 24 May 2025
Welsh International Ffynnondruidion Saturday 24 May 2025 SM Berks & Bucks Draghounds Kingston Blount Sunday 25 May 2025
D&C Exmoor Bratton Down Sunday 25 May 2025 WM Albrighton & Woodland Chaddesley Corbett Monday 26 May 2025
D&C South Tetcott Upcott Cross Monday 26 May 2025
D&C Tiverton Staghounds Bratton Down Sunday 01 June 2025
D&C Torrington Farmers Umberleigh Saturday 07 June 2025
NATIONAL POINT-TO-POINT CHAMPIONSHIPS 2024/25
ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE YOU CAN FIND SOME EARLY SEASON LEADERBOARDS.
• Go s Ladies’ Champion Jockey
• Tattersalls Jockey Club Sales Men’s Champion Jockey
• Highflyer Bloodstock Leading Ladies’ Novice Rider
• Highflyer Bloodstock Leading Men’s Novice Rider
• Foran Equine Champion Trainer
• Foran Equine Leading Trainer (6-14 horses)
• Oriental Club Leading Trainer (5 horses or fewer)
• Point-to-Point Racing Company Leading Owner
• Connolly’s Red Mills Champion Horse
In the event of a tie in any category, the winner will be decided by second placings. If it is still tied, third, then fourth placings will decide the winner. Walkovers will again not count towards any National Championship in 2024-25.
