GO POINTING
Viroflay & Olive RECLAIM THE CORONATION CUP
Credit: JTW Equine Images VOL 15 20 / FEBRUARY / 2025
COVER PHOTO: Viroflay & Olive reclaim The Coronation Cup (1st horse to regain the cup since 1984)
Photo
THIS WEEK’S GRASSROOTS STORY
PURDY PEASTER BITTERSWEET SUCCESS
by Claire Hart, Point-to-Point Correspondent
When Purdy Peaster, aged 24 and her beloved Rocheston left home Sunday morning, winning the Westcountry Champion Chase at Buckfastleigh wasn’t necessarily a likely outcome.
Peaster, who, has ridden and trained three winners grew up in the Quantocks in Somerset and although had a horsey childhood, an interest in racing didn’t happen until she was 18. She tells me: “I had ridden ponies and done some hunting, I decided I wanted to work in racing so I went to Phillip Hobbs who was fairly local. I loved my time there and then went to Tom George’s, which, is where I decided I wanted to have a go pointing and where I bought Rocky, (Rocheston). My Dad was horrified. He didn’t want me to ride in races.” Following the time spent at George’s a move back to the south and a stint at Joe Tizzard’s was next for Peaster where she gained valuable experience but felt a move to a point-to-point yard would be a wise one. “I wanted to better myself and focus on pointing, my friend Hannah Morgan, who also race rides works for Josh Newman and Kayley Woollacott, so I went there. They have taught me so much about the sport that I hadn’t a clue about! I just used to enter the Open race as I didn’t know which other races we were eligible for!” she laughs.
Rocheston was among the outsiders on Sunday and it was a welcome surprise to connections when the ten-year-old gelding was victorious on seasonal debut in a competitive renewal on very soft ground. Peaster who trains him in the afternoons is sidelined at present following injuries sustained in a nasty fall at Milbourne St Andrew in January so on this occasion Newman was in the saddle and says: “He was a pleasure to ride, I can see why Purdy holds him so dear to her heart. Always a bit of pressure when it is someone’s baby but delighted for her, having got hurt it at least gave her something to cheer about.” Reflecting on Sunday’s victory Peaster adds: “The ground was perfect for him; he loves passing horses and Josh gave him such a lovely ride. He is such a good horseman and that suits Rocky.”
Pride & Joy - Purdy with Sizing Cusimano & Rocheston at the yard
Purdy Peaster & friend celebrate with trophies after Rocheston’s win
Photo: Tim Holt
Peaster’s present injuries include a fractured jaw, fractured elbow, fractured shoulder blade and her collarbone has been pinned and plated. The heart-breaking decision to sell her other horse Sizing Cuzimano, upon whom she sustained the injuries has changed the outlook of this season. Realising the chances of riding again this time are slim and the financial commitments of having two horses are huge she has bravely sold him to a friend. Peaster says: “I loved him so much, I had two wins on him but I had to make the decision to let him go because my circumstances have changed so much.”
An endearing naivety is present during our chat; following Rochestons ten-length demolition of a quality field including dual Hunter-Chase winner What a Glance and the useful Joly Maker one assumes the future targets will be similar. However, I asked where next? Peaster’s reply: “The Members race at Cothelstone on 15th March. It means so much to us, when I won it on him in 2022 it was the best day ever and have been trying to gain it back ever since.” Some may call that pot-hunting; I think it is what pointing is all about. Following this a possible tilt at a Hunter-Chase may be on the cards. Peaster explains: “Because of my injury I may run him in a Hunter-Chase for a day out. It wouldn’t be on the cards at all if I was riding as I don’t have my amateur license. He does love soft ground
though and needs time between his races so we will see what there is after the Members race in March.” She adds: “I will have to register my colours wont I? They were a present from my boyfriend- National Hunt jockey Harry Kimber.”
Peaster’s appreciation for the support of those around her is clear, she credits Morgan who has been helping with the training of Rocky and her dad; Jules; who although not involved directly comes every time the horses run and who has them at home on their summer holidays.
It is evident Rocky is an equine love of hers and she tells me: “He is a character; he is very easy to do but to ride he is strong and full of life. He thinks he knows best and needs to get on.”
Returning to race-riding in the future is most certainly on the agenda: “Dad nor Harry are keen on the idea but I definitely want to go again.” She adds: “I love riding my own horses-ones I trust and know. I am doing it for fun. My aim this season was to win the area owner/trainer/rider award.” Peaster’s long term career aims are yet unknown: “I am going with the flow.” She smiles. Regardless of appearing laid-back there is no doubt Peaster possesses the competitive edge required to be a winner whether that be as a jockey or trainer.
Rocheston, Josh Newman (1st) The Totnes & Bridgetown Mixed Open
Photo: Tim Holt
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PREVIEWS
KIMBLEWICK (FEBRUARY) MEETING
SATURDAY 22ND FEBRUARY 2025
By Jake Exelby
Kingston Blount opens its season on Saturday with the first of four meetings this year at the popular Oxfordshire venue. The six races, which kick-off at midday, have attracted a total entry of 79, and the going was described on Sunday as Good to Soft, following steady rain on Saturday. Further going reports will be provided regularly during the week leading up to racing.
Aston Rowant trainer Alan Hill has a fine record at his local track, and he has eight entries in total from seven horses, including Amron Sage and Learntalot, who are among 11 possibles in the feature race, the Philip Scouller Memorial Home Counties Grand National Mixed Open, over the extreme distance of four miles. The former ran well at Chaddesley Corbett last time, while the latter journeyed all the way to Friars Haugh to score over three-and-a-half miles. Alan said of his pair, “The plan is to run Amron Sage – this race has been his target since his run before New Year and he should appreciate the longer trip. Learntalot would only run if the ground dries.”
Lily Bradstock’s Myth Buster won this race two years ago, also scored here last season and will be a doughty opponent for Alan’s selection. Lily told me, “He’ll run unless the ground is soft. He’s in good nick, Lexie New had a lovely spin on him last time out, and he’ll hopefully run a good race. He’s won here twice – I don’t know why, but he loves the place! All he does is stay, although I’ve never ridden him over four miles myself.”
Royale Dance is, “A nice mare who goes well at home,” according to trainer-rider Bradley Gibbs. “I was probably a bit hard on her when front-running at Horseheath and I think the track and distance will suit on Saturday, as she jumps, gallops and stays all day.”
Of the other highly rated contenders, Bardenstown Lad has probably had more entries than any horse this season and is now qualified for the Cheltenham Foxhunters after winning a Fakenham Hunter Chase last
week, Movethechains has been placed twice this season, and Joan Johnston’s Who’s In The Box showed some good form last year and should improve for his reappearance.
The Jockey Club Opportunity Conditions Race (Level 3) for Grass Roots Riders is part of a new series for the 2024-2025 season, designed to reward the less highprofile participants in the sport, being for horses who have not won any race since September 2022 and for jockeys who have ridden 20 winners or fewer. Nine have been entered, with top-rated being Fran Poste’s Westhill, second at Revesby Park before his saddle slipped when odds-on at Charing, and bidding to give Anna Mackenzie a first success. Fran has also entered Nasee here, and husband Charlie said about the duo, “We’re not sure about Westhill but Nasee is pretty certain to run. He ran nicely for Cerys Sheehy at Revesby Park and ran well here last season. I like these races – they’re a good initiative.”
Jo Priest is another to be double handed, with Striking Out looking the better on form and, while Alan Hill’s Ewood Park is a maiden, his trainer admitted, “He’s not eligible for either of the maidens and we want to run him at our local track. He’ll go for whichever of this race or the Restricted looks easier on the day and Walter Barnett will ride.”
The PPORA are supporting 69 races across the course of the season, including two on this card, the first of which is The Print Concern Conditions Race (Level 2), sponsored by evergreen trainer Tim Underwood. It has 16 entries (although none from Tim himself), three of which are trained by Alan Hill. He confirmed Soldier Unknown as his main intended runner with daughter-in-law Izzie in the plate, with Getting Closer and Highland Glory more likely to wait for Charing on Sunday, saying, “He had a whoopsie at Charing, unseating Izzie when travelling well, and she was pleased with him afterwards. The ground should suit, as should the course, as he’s won at tight tracks.”
Jo Priest is another with three entries here, the best of whom looks to be Everything Now, who ran well when third at Milborne St Andrew after a lengthy absence. Her Western Cowboy had some good form last season, winning at Cotley, but is making his reappearance. Gina Andrews will rely on Young Rich with novice rider Molly Legg, telling me, “He’s a perfect novice riders horse and Molly’s ride – he’s specifically for her to learn on – and ran well at both Chaddesley Corbett and Horseheath – and Luca Morgan, who is doing so well with Givega this season, now has charge of Not That Fuisse, who won for Gina last season.
Luca said, “He’s likely to go to Kingston Blount, although he may need the run as he’s had a long holiday. His owner Nikki Stubbs wanted to buy him as she used to ride him at Dan Skelton’s, and he should be a fun horse if he still wants to do it.”
The second PPORA-supported race is the Field Seymour Parkes Restricted Race, over the shorter distance of two miles five furlongs, and it looks an extremely competitive contest with 14 entries. Five of them won last time out, Barrington John at Horseheath, Bobbarelli at Charing, El Capitaine at Chipley Park, Driveondonn last season at High Easter, and Mount Anglesby at Cocklebarrow. The progressive El Capitaine looks one to follow, despite a 5lb penalty, for champion trainer Josh Newman – who would be paying the course a first visit since his only ride here in 2013.
“Barrington John won nicely at Horseheath,” confirmed Bradley Gibbs. “He’s an out and out stayer, so the trip may not be ideal, and he’s also in at Garthorpe. We’ll decide where to run later in the week.”
Prohus Yank also comes into consideration and – of the South Midlands qualified horses, Bushtucker Park was progressive last season for Julie Wadland but has been below her best this year, Luca Morgan’s Finding Freedom has been third on all three
starts for first season rider Dom Lewis and Gina Andrews’ Cheytac was odds-on for his British pointing debut.
“We worked Finding Freedom this morning,” confirmed Luca. “I was disappointed with him at Horseheath, where he didn’t travel without blinkers. I thought he’d be a horse to follow at the start of the season and it would be nice to give Dom, his owner, a winner.” Gina admitted that, “Cheytac bled badly at Horseheath, where he didn’t even go a circuit, and had a nasty infection. He’s been on antibiotics and is hopefully back on track – he’s a nice horse.”
The afternoon’s racing opens with The Luck Family Four- and Five-Years Old Maiden Race, again over two miles five furlongs. Broadcaster Nick Luck, who is doing so much to promote pointing, including through his co-sponsorship of the Pointing Pointers Hunter Chase series, will no doubt be using his daily podcast to promote interest in the race, which could through up a star of the future – the last winner of this race, Dwight K Shrute, was subsequently sold for £80,000 and is showing promise for Jamie Snowden under rules.
It has attracted 14 entries, representing some of the most respected handlers of young horses in the country. As is usually the case in these races, form is thin on the ground –although Michael Kehoe’s Codetalker has been placed on all three starts, Couer D’Alene ran well in third at Milborne St Andrew and Another Notion was placed in Ireland – and all the newcomers have the potential to win this, with James King being a notable jockey booking for Sogna In Grande.
Fran Poste has long had a deserved reputation for her youngsters, although Lystar Du Mazet would need to improve on his Charing debut, while Fred Hutsby is a less frequent player in this sphere, but his Lady Lussa is a daughter of his winning mare Kinlochspelve. “Lystar Du Mazet’s
debut was a non-event,” admitted Charlie Poste. “He made a couple of mistakes and lost confidence, but he jumps well at home and has it in him to run a good race.”
Bradley Gibbs has entered debutants Bluescape, a half-sister to his winning pointer Lanzealot, and No Case To Answer, owned by Welsh pointing doyenne Beverley Thomas. He hasn’t decided which of the pair will run, but confirmed, “They’re two nice young maidens who are going well at home – I won on Bluescape’s brother at Didmarton, and No Case To Answer is a lovely big horse with a good page.”
The second Maiden is the Ashley Wilde Group Conditions Maiden, this time over the full three-mile trip and for horses that have run in at least two point-to-points. Their generosity has been rewarded with 15 entries, among whom are Occupied Territory, who would be making his first start for trainer Alan Hill and rider Dan Cherriman. “He was with Tom Ellis and Gina Andrews last year,” explained Alan, “And ran well in his first two races before disappointing at Mollington. Dan’s bought him, he’s had a wind operation, and the plan has always been to start here.”
Six of the entries were placed last time out – Gina Andrews’ Constitution Grove, Fred Hutsby’s I Don’t Know and Sports Magic were second at Garthorpe, Cocklebarrow and Revesby Park respectively, while Diamon Des Flos (Charing) and Fran Poste’s Glancing Hill (a hot race at Larkhill) finished third, as did the aforementioned Couer D’Alene, who may find this an easier task than the opener. Myles Osborne’s Scene Stealer was placed in Irish points and in a bumper, and Luca Morgan’s Gino Drummer Boy is likely to come on for his Milborne St Andrew run. Ask Elli ran twice for Bradley Gibbs last season and is making her reappearance. Her trainer said, “She’s improved from last year and was unlucky on her second start, when she slipped up when going well.”
There is plenty of confidence behind Gino Drummer Boy, with Luca telling me. “He’s a definite runner and I’m fairly sweet on him. He was disappointing on his debut for me, although I was happy with the way he jumped and travelled to four out, when he got tired. We’d only had him a few weeks then.” Charlie Poste was equally upbeat about Glancing Hill, saying, “The Larkhill form looks good, and he hasn’t run since because he cut his knee. But he’s in good order and I hope he’ll run well. Sports Magic looks the one to beat.”
Ellie Holder will ride Constitution Grove for Gina Andrews, who laughed, “The only similarity with Constitution Hill is the name – he’s no relation! He ran well at Garthorpe. We probably made too much use of him there and he tired in the soft ground, so we’ll hold on to him longer on Saturday.”
Entrance is £13 in advance online (until midnight on Friday) and £15 per person on the day, with free admission for those aged 16 and under. In addition to the six races, there will be a fun dog show with six classes and a silent auction. Lots include a morning on the gallops with Alan King and a tour of his yard, a day’s fishing on the River Pang, a carriage drive for six people and two VIP tickets to the Henley Show.
Kingston Blount is an undulating course, with a steep climb after the fifth and 13th fences and a downhill run before the sixth and 14th. It is located at Kingston Grove, Kingston Blount, OX39 4SG, approximately eight miles NW of High Wycombe and well signposted off the B4009 towards Chinnor, leaving the M40 at J6. For safety reasons, it’s advised not to leave the M40 at J5 as the descent down Kingston Hill is both narrow and steep. For the same reason, please do not try to park on Kingston Hill. OX39 4SG.
For more information, visit www.kimblewickraces.co.uk and www.gopointing.com
SOUTH EAST HUNTS CLUB
SUNDAY 23RD FEBRYARY 2025
By Nicola Dean
Charing Races second fixture is scheduled for Sunday 23rd February. The opening race of the fixture is the maiden race to be run over the shorter two-mile four furlong distance, and has attracted the most entries on the card with nineteen entries. The entries include Hannah Hickman-Jones trained Creapapy who was placed in four of his six starts in 2024 including finishing second at Godstone in May 2024. He ran in the three-mile maiden at the previous fixture at Charing three weeks ago and finished second to Monrocco Moonlight so comes here with a solid chance of securing a victory. Nigel Padfield trained Patricks Hill finished second over this distance at Cothelstone in 2024 and was second in the shorter maiden here at Charing on February 2nd behind Bobbarelli so also holds a strong chance if he returns to Charing. Elder Statesman trained by Sarah Ashby also ran in the three-mile maiden at the course three weeks ago, and pulled up after making a mistake and losing momentum at the ninth fence. If his jumping holds out he could also be a contender.
Andrew Pennock based near Bury St Edmunds has both My Jetta Plane and The Orchard Boy entered. The Orchard Boy finished ten lengths second in the maiden at Higham on February 9th whilst My Jetta Plane ran at Horseheath in December over the full three miles and finished fifth and on that occasion he finished ahead of David Phelan trained Time To Upgrade. Time To Upgrade pulled up in the three-mile maiden at Charing on February 2nd, but finished twelve lengths third at Horseheath last Sunday. Phelan also has Defying Gravity entered, he finished fourth in a point-to-point flat race over two miles at Larkhill in December, but will have to show he can negotiate the fences if he starts.
Pax, trained by James Henderson has yet to race in a point-to-point, but he has been racing under rules in Ireland in hurdle races. He finished fourth in February 2024 over two miles and was fourteenth on his most recent start finishing over twenty lengths behind the winner Giant Haystacks. Alan Hill trained Tellmesomethingood has also been running under rules in England in hurdle races finishing fourth, fifth and seventh in his three starts in March, April and May 2024. He has had one start in a point-to-point, pulling up at the penultimate fence in a three-mile maiden at Chaddesley Corbett in December, so he should appreciate the shorter distance and could get involved.
William Rekert also has two entries, Bolberry Down and Wait At The Gate. The latter pulled up in two starts in Irish point-to-points in 2023, but then finished ninth and fourth in two starts in Irish point-to-points in 2024. He has had two starts in point-to-points in England and has finished third on both occasions most recently at Larkhill in December, over this shorter distance. Bolberry Down ran under rules during 2024 and only completed on one of his three starts, he lined up in the two-mile four furlong distance maiden here at Charing on February 2nd and finished third but was never really involved in the race and finished a long way behind the winner Bobbarelli. Mark Grant has two entries also, Twomax who finished fifth in his only start at Cocklebarrow in January. He finished a long way behind the winner but should improve for that run. Barrow Brook has failed to complete in two of his three starts this season, he ran out in the closing stages of his first race when still in contention, but then finished sixth on his next start at Larkhill. He was in contention over this shorter distance at the course three weeks ago, but fell four fences from the finish, but he cannot be discounted if he starts. Dontblamejack unseated at the same fence that Barrow Brook was a faller at Charing three weeks ago. He ran well in an Irish point-to-point at Dromahane in December 2024 and was starting to get involved before unseating.
Michael Kehoe trained Codetalker finished three lengths second to Vol Royale at Dunsmore in November and was fourth at Larkhill in December over three miles weakening at the penultimate fence so is definitely one to add to the shortlist. South East Area owner / trainer Katie Featherstone has Crookbarrow entered who was previously with Cynthia Woods. He finished second in a two-mile flat race at Larkhill in February 2023. He has run in hurdle races during 2024 finishing fifth on two occasions and eighth on September 24th where he was forty nine lengths behind the winner. He pulled up on his most recent start over three miles in November and pulled up in the closing stages of a three-mile point-to-point last weekend at Horseheath, but has shown he can stay over three miles. Scene Stealer is yet to run in a point-to-point, but is another who has run under rules in hurdle races, she finished fourth in a hurdle race in December. Nicholas Wright’s Steppingstone would also be making his point-to-point debut if he lines up. He finished seventh in a national hunt
bumper race in Ireland in September 2024, but this would be a totally new challenge. The final entry is Christy Woods trained Ifwegetaway who would be making his racecourse debut if he faces the starter.
The Level Two Conditions race over the full three miles sees Rob Varnham’s Count Simon entered. He won a ladies open race at Parham in April 2024 and was second in a ladies open at Peper Harow in May 2024, and will be looking to get back to winning ways. Alan Hill trained Getting Closer could be a danger. He has won nine of his fifteen starts in pointto-points and has been placed in four of his five starts in Hunter Chases. He missed 2024, but if he can show any of his previous form he can definitely challenge for the victory. Bea Coward trained Rocky Creed won a maiden race and a restricted race in 2024 and was fifteen lengths third in a member’s race at Milborne St Andrew three weeks ago, and also holds a chance if he lines up. Hannah Hickman-Jones trained Joy of Life finished second behind Definite Dilemma in the Men’s Open at Charing three weeks ago and would be a strong contender here.
Wireless Operator trained by Hannah Clarke, won on two occasions in 2023 and won a novice rider’s race in 2024 so has the ability to get involved. He pulled up on his only start to date this season at Milborne St Andrew three weeks ago, but is likely to benefit from that run. Benjamin Case trained Wisecracker has had ten starts in point-to-points and his best performance has been finishing fourth at Edgcote in a level three conditions race in May 2024. He has pulled up on both starts this season and may find one or two too good here.
Hardline was previously with Gordon Elliott and finished seventh in the Randox Aintree Foxhunter Chase in April 2024. He is now in Andrew Pennock’s stable and pulled up at Higham on February 9th in a level two conditions race having been prominent until the end of the race. David Phelan’s Carrolls Cottage is also entered, he had been running under rules in Ireland, and was ninth in a chase in June 2024 but generally struggled to make an impression under rules. He finished fourth in the level three conditions race for grassroots riders at Charing three weeks ago but was well beaten in that race. The last entry in this race is Gateau de Miel who was previously with Henry de Bromhead and struggled in 2024 under rules in Ireland.
Now trained by Myles Osborne, he refused on his only start in point-to-points but was well beaten at the time.
The men’s open race is the third race on the card and looks a very interesting race with all entries holding a chance and is an option for Joy of Life and Hardline. Ella Gillings trained Definite Dilemma holds an entry in this race, he won the men’s open at the first fixture at Charing three weeks ago, beating Joy of Life by twelve lengths, and would be looking for a second successive victory for his connections. Rob Varnham’s Empire de Maulde is another course winner having taken victory in the level three conditions race for grassroots riders three weeks ago. This could be a tougher challenge but he is not without a chance having won in a faster time than Definite Dilemma. Itacare trained by Liam Corcoran has won four of his seven starts in point-to-points, including a men’s open at Wadebridge in December, however, he pulled up in his subsequent start at Wadebridge in January this year so needs to be back at his best if he is to challenge here.
Anthony Ward-Thomas trained Viva Lavilla finished third in a level two conditions race at Larkhill on January 18th. His next race was a hunter chase at Wincanton on January 30th where he was hampered and pulled up, but probably would not have tested the winner on that start. The final entry here is Bardenstown Lad trained by Sarah Loughnane. He has finished second in a ladies open at Chaddesley Corbett in December and then won a ladies open at Askham Bryan College three weeks ago. He has subsequently won a hunter chase at Fakenham on February 14th and looks like the one to beat if he lines up.
The ladies open has five entries and is an option for Bardenstown Lad and Viva Lavilla. Alan Hill has two entries, Back Bar and Learntalot. Back Bar has impressive form figures with nine wins, nine seconds and four thirds in his twenty nine starts, plus a victory in a hunter chase at Leicester in 2022. Two of his encounters in the winner’s enclosure have come at Charing over recent years and he has every chance of making it a third success at the course. His stablemate Learntalot also has impressive form, having been placed in all six point-to-point starts to date with two wins, two seconds and two thirds to his name. He also gained a win in his only hunter chase at Stratford-on-Avon in May 2024. He was a winner of a three-mile four furlong mixed open at Friars Haugh on January 19th and is a strong challenger here. The final entry is Sarah
Ashby’s Monkey Puzzle, who has also been placed on fourteen of his eighteen starts. He finished second behind Back Bar in the ladies conditions race at the course in March 2024 and was second behind Southfield Lily at Charing on February 2nd. He also finished second in a level two conditions race for novice riders at Horseheath last Sunday and if running at his best could be a threat.
The level three conditions race is the fifth race on the card, and this is an option for Carrolls Cottage and Empire de Maulde. Ryans Fancy trained by Rebekah Bell won three on his eight starts in 2024 and beat Learntalot on one of those occasions. Thomas Malone’s Divilskin was second on his first start of the season, finishing only a neck behind Soldier Unknown in an intermediate race, but he pulled up in his subsequent start at Chaddesley Corbett in December in an intermediate race.
Phil York owned and trained Happy Larry won an intermediate race at Penshurst in 2023 and was then second behind Count Simon in a veteran and novice riders race at Aldington. He only had one run in 2024 in another veteran and novice rider’s race at Peper Harow where he finished second behind Highland Glory who also holds an entry in this race. Highland Glory has had two starts since his victory at Peper Harow. He was fourth in an intermediate race at Dunsmore in November but pulled up in the closing stages of a novice rider’s race at Chipley Park two weeks ago.
Bea Coward trained Gran Paradiso is a course winner. He won a men’s open at the course in December 2021 beating Golden Tobouggan by fifteen lengths. He has consistent form and was third on his most recent start at Larkhill in a hunt member’s race so cannot be discounted.
Hannah Clarke trained Right Hand of God won a maiden race at Parham in 2023 and is another course winner having won the restricted race at Charing in February 2024. He was fourth in a ladies open race at Parham on his last start in April 2024.
Gardie Grissell has Goudhurst Star entered who missed 2024 and much of 2023. He raced under rules at Plumpton in February 2023 where he was fourth, fifteen lengths behind the winner, and he ran well at Charing three weeks ago to finish third in the level three conditions race for grassroots riders having been prominent until the fifteenth fence. The final entry is Benjamin Case’s Shanty Alley who has previously raced
under rules with two successes to his name in national hunt chases. He has had one start in a point-to-point at Chaddesley Corbett in December where he pulled up and this might be a challenge too.
The final race of the day is the restricted race and has nine entries. Bolberry Down, Rocky Creed and Creapapy all have this as an option. Artiste d’Ainay from Andrew Pennock’s team won a maiden in January 2024 at Horseheath and was a faller in the early part of his first start in restricted company at Larkhill in February 2024. He then ran at Guilsborough in March and was in contention until the penultimate fence, but eventually finished third. He has not started since but would be a danger here.
Petite Mike is entered for Katie Featherstone, he won a maiden point-to-point in Ireland in April 2024 and was then placed in a hunter chase in Ireland in May 2024. His form then tailed off but he finished second five lengths behind Fame And Concrete in the restricted at Charing three weeks ago.
Liam Corcoran trained Up Killoughey was second in his first start in a maiden race at Larkhill in December, but won a maiden race comfortably on his second start at Milborne St Andrew three weeks ago. This would be his first time in restricted company, but he clearly has ability. Ultimate Survivor won a maiden point-to-point at Stradbally, Ireland in May 2024 so would also be making his first start in restricted company. Bloodstone trained by James Henderson won a twomile five furlong restricted race at Lockinge in April 2023, but he has failed to complete in his three subsequent starts and has not raced since January 2024. The final entry is D’Last Spez, owned and trained by Phil York, he won a restricted at Chaddesley Corbett in May 2023, and then finished seventh in a hurdle race at Southwell in June 2023. He missed 2024 and may need the run, although he also has the potential to get involved.
Racing starts at 1pm with gates open from 11am. Cash only on the gate with adults charged at £15 per person but all accompanied under 16’s admitted free of charge. There will be food outlets, stalls and a bar and dogs are welcome on short leads. Wrap up and come and enjoy a day at the races.
The postcode for the course is TN27 0JD and What3words is rejoins.freshest.rudder.
Charing railway station is a 10-15 minute walk from the course.
COLLEGE VALLEY & NORTH NORTHUMBERLAND
SUNDAY 23RD FEBRUARY 2025
By Peter Burgon
The Northern Area Point-to-Point circuit heads back to the Ratcheugh Farm course near Alnwick for the third time this season on Sunday 23rd February where the College Valley & North Northumberland fixture has 77 entries on a six race card which starts at 1.00pm.
The opening 2m4f Bedmax Maiden Race has 11 entries and may chiefly concern the Jack Teal-trained newcomer Matterofexpression, Cinque Terre and Phantoms Cave. Related to several jumps winners, Matterofexpression is guaranteed to be primed from a yard noted for getting one ready to do the business on debut. Locally trained Cinque Terre was only beaten a length by The Village Way in a slowly run 3m Berwickshire Restricted, while well related Phantoms Cave caught the eye on his first start over fences when eleven lengths 3rd to the useful Trust Me Nate in last month’s 2m4f Jedforest Maiden. Newton-by-the-Sea owner/trainer Victor Thompson is planning to saddle a total of eight runners including All Ways And Ever and 97-rated hurdler Park Hind in the opener. All Ways And Ever finished eight lengths 6th to Great Notions in the 3m Percy Maiden and has scope for improvement over a shorter trip, while Park Hind shaped well on her first start for 22 months when fifteen lengths 4th to Built By Rossies at Friars Haugh a fortnight ago.
A quartet of this season’s Northern Area Maiden winners - Eastern Storm, Great Notions, Slaney Opera and Whatudoingare set to meet in the 3m Lycetts Restricted Race (16 entries). Slight preference is given to Slaney Opera who had plenty in hand when beating subsequent dual Friars Haugh scorer The Village Way by eight lengths over course and distance in December and wasn’t suited by the drop in trip when third to Wottinger on a return visit six weeks later. Great Notions stayed on well to land last month’s 3m Percy Maiden and makes a quick reappearance after finishing a never dangerous 3rd on the non-stayers track at Duncombe Park last Sunday, Eastern Storm sprinted clear of solitary rival Liveyourbestlife in the closing
stages of a slowly run 2m4f Percy Maiden and should have more to offer, while Whatudoing relished the soft ground when beating Major Champion by five lengths in the 3m Berwickshire Maiden. Of the others, 2024 Berwickshire Maiden winner Something Golden hasn’t reproduced that level of form so far this term, last season’s Zetland Maiden winner Can We Keep Him returns from a 9-month break, while proven stayer Shantou’s Temple who was lying a close 3rd when falling two out in the Jedforest Restricted is also entered in the 3m NPPA Area Conditions Race.
Representing the in-form Warwickshire yard of Gina Andrews, Alnwick specialist Dundrum Wood bids for a sixth course win in the 3m Saffery Mixed Open Race (14 entries). Martha Reeve’s mount looked as good as ever when beating ex-chaser Rath An Iuir by four-and-a-half lengths here last month and is preferred to the likes of Wild Romance, Ballydonagh Boy, Diable De Sivola and Western Run. Dual Friars Haugh Ladies Open winner Diable De Sivola didn’t have things all his own way when beating Ashjan by two-and-ahalf lengths last time and has 9lb more to carry here, dual course winner Wild Romance is back in calmer waters after falling two out in a Wetherby Hunters’ Chase three weeks ago, Western Run gave first first season rider Sean Cameron a great spin when chasing home Chameron at Friars Haugh, while the ultra-consistent Ballydonagh Boy was beaten five lengths by subsequent Fakenham Hunters’ Chase winner Bardenstown Lad at Askham Bryan. Already qualified for the Cheltenham Foxhunters’, it’s anyone’s guess where the latter will turn up this weekend as he is entered at Alnwick, Badbury Rings, Charing, Garthorpe, Howick and Kingston Blount.
There are 12 entries for the 3m Alncom NPPA Area Conditions Race. Laura Fenwick’s mount Loughermore ran a blinder on his first start for 20 months when three lengths 2nd to Not The Chablis in the corresponding
contest at the Jedforest meeting and is taken to reverse the placings here. Humps And Bumps finished six lengths 3rd in that race on her first start for 8 months and should go well again for Ruby Wyld. Of the others, Nick Lost is at his best when allowed to dictate, Miss Wachit is significantly down in grade after finishing seventeen lengths 3rd in the Berwickshire Ladies Open, while the front-running Rufio recorded both wins in 2022 on a sound surface.
Last month’s 2m4f Percy Restricted winner Wottinger can follow up in the 2m4f Womble Bond Dickinson Conditions Race. John Dawson’s mount had a bit in hand when beating Call Me Early by one-and-ahalf lengths that day on his reappearance and is still on an upward curve. After disappointing under Rules, Fugitives Drift got his season back on track when one length 2nd to an eased down Trust Me Nate over this trip at Friars Haugh a fortnight ago, Blouebrav has won twice over this trip at Overton in recent seasons, while the shorter trip is ideal for Bellaney Lord who shaped well when thirteen lengths 4th to Wottinger last time.
The concluding 2m Land Rover Flat Race has 11 entries, of which only 2 have the benefit of a previous run. The debutants include 4-year-old Warwickshire raider Colibri Bleu who receives weight from the majority of his rivals. His dam Ludo Sol was placed eight times over jumps in France, including three listed races. Dr Doodlebug’s dam Combustible Lady won twice over hurdles and was placed seven times including once between the flags, Easter Getaway is a home-bred half-sister to the ill-fated Pointing winner Firth Of Vic, while Nick Orpwood’s mount Wontbehomefortea is a half-sister to Pointing and jumps winner Dream Over. Long Hop boats the best form on offer having finished four lengths 3rd to Appy Chappy in the Sinnington equivalent at Duncombe Park last Sunday.
Admission is £15 per person with one free racecard per car, and U16’s are free (Cash only).
THE COTTESMORE
SUNDAY 23RD FEBRUARY 2025
By Nico Morgan
The Cottesmore Point-to-point is on Sunday 23rd February, at Garthorpe racecourse, just east of Melton Mowbray (LE14 2RS).
There are six races scheduled for this fixture, the first of which starts at 12.30pm. The going at the time of writing is soft, good to soft in places.
Garthorpe is a great day out for all. There will be a row of bookmakers, a bar housed in a permanent building, children’s entertainment, food and drink and a good view of the racing from the car park if you would like to bring a picnic and entertain your friends.
The big race of the day will be the Saffery Mixed Open race at 2.25pm. The line up for this includes Bardenstown Lad trained by Sarah Loughnane which won at Fakenham on the 14th February so is perhaps unlikely to start here as well. Fier Jaguen is the one to beat and will probably start with odds-on, given that this is a favoured right-hand track and he has won here twice before, most recently in January. Competition will come from horses such as Bothwell Bridge (Ellie Callwood), second here last time, Clara Sorrento (Rupert Stearn), also entered in the conditions race, and Dundrum Wood (Martha Reeve), trained by GIna Andrews. Our Jet, trained by David Kemp for the Stearn family, will be an interesting horse to watch. He was rated well under rules and this will be his first run between the flags.
The afternoon’s racing begins with an unusual 3-mile 6 furlong Conditions race, generously sponsored by Witham Hall School, for which there are 13 entries. Clara Sorrento finished third
over the 3 mile 3 furlong Stratford Foxhunters and has won twice before at Garthorpe. Morning Spirit impressed here in January when second to I’m Spellbound and may prefer this race over the Mixed Open on the day. Dale Peters’ Mountain Assault has a win at Garthorpe among his four from 12 starts. Red Maple is a very capable pointer trained by Nick Wright and is given a few years by some of the other entrants. Francesca Poste may bring Trevada which is very consistently in the money but also has an entry down at Badbury Rings. Olive Nicholls trains All Loved Up which has been regularly placed but may run on Saturday at Kingston Blount instead.
The Ladies Conditions race, next, is kindly sponsored by Tudor Hall School and will probably be settled between two horses whose trainers know Garthorpe extremely well. Loughan is trained and ridden by Gina Andrews and has won at the track before in a similar but longer race, while Shentri, trained by Kelly Morgan in the next village, looked nailed on for a second win on the bounce when he fell at Higham a fortnight ago. The Turner family are great supporters of racing at Garthorpe and have Janika entered in this as well as the Mixed Open.
The Jockey Club and Point-to-Point Authority Conditions Race for Grass Roots Riders includes Salty Boy, a ride for Tom Hutsby who has had five winners this season so far. Shanty Alley has one had one race between the flags but won under rules. Ouro Branco is another first season pointer that was placed last time out.
Francesca Poste-trained Nasee is regularly placed but may go to Kingston Blount. French-bred Cuddly Dudley will be ridden by Ethan Dawes for the Dale Peters stable, flying the flag for Midlands-trained horses.
After the Mixed Open we have a Restricted race with 12 entries and a Maiden with 15 entries.
The Restricted Race is sponsored by Dickinson & Morris and includes a couple of horses who won on their last outing, Always Groovin (Gina Andrews) and Barrington John (Bradley Gibbs). Others to watch include Tiger Tobin (Bradley Gibbs) Largy Pearl (Dale Peters), Mister Splash (Rupert Stearn), Karismatik (Ellie Callwood). Foxylee (Meisha Micklewright), trained by Kelly Morgan, had a disappointing run last time out but may appreciate a run on her local track. New to British Pointing is Can Daddy Dance which has multiple entries for Nigel Padfield across the weekend.
Many of the runners in the Renovation Underwriting Maiden Race are making their British point-to-point debut, including Jack Teal-trained Low Kick, owned by Roger Marley, which has a stone and a half allowance as a four-year-old and must be a likely suspect to win this one. Crackerjack Queen (Huw Edwards), Havock (Jack Andrews), Huckleberry Sting (Gina Andrews), Pax and Steppingstone (Alex Chadwick) have all had careers under rules of some sort. Avichi In The Park (Bradley Gibbs) and Caractacus Potts (Jack Andrews) have all completed point-to-point races.
THE COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE CLUB (WESSEX)
SUNDAY 23RD FEBRUARY
2025
By Bob Bracher
Badbury Rings hosts its second meeting on Sunday when the Countryside Alliance Club (Wessex) hold their meeting. Always a popular meeting with owners, trainers, jockeys and racegoers an exciting afternoon of racing is assured. The current going report is good and after the last meeting in November the course has gone back well and is level. In addition to the racing there will be plenty of tradestands, food stalls and beer tent and the bookmakers. Gates open at 10.00am with Family Dog Racing starting at 10.30am. The first of the six scheduled races is due off at 12 noon – The course is situated alongside the B3082 from Wimborne to Blandford Postcode DT11 9JL
The highlight of the meeting is the Wessex National Mens Open race and a strong entry for this race has been received. Bardenstown Lad won a Hunter Chase at Fakenham on his last appearance and if he opts for this race he should be considered. Jeremy Pass won his Hunt race at Milborne St Andrew and this well-travelled gelding is an interesting contender. Trevada was the model of consistency last season and is sure to run well. Punches Cross won a Division of the Conditions race at Milborne St Andrew but this is a higher quality race. Dr Rhythm always runs well at Badbury and having had two outings this season should be able to make his fitness tell. Norton Hill is an interesting recruit to pointing for Harry Ryall – he won two Hurdles for Anthony Honeyball but this will be his debut over fences. John Dorse’s mare Walkin Out was in tremendous form at the end of last season but might need this race. Dr Rhythm is chosen to return to winning ways.
The Conditions race which opens the meeting may see another appearance at Badbury Rings by Southfield Lily who was successful at the first meeting. However she has only had three rivals in her two races to date and this race looks stronger. Scoresby looked the winner at Milborne until being collared on the run in by Punches Cross and looks the likely winner. His main rival may be Llandinabo Lad who won a competitive Novice Riders race at Chaddesley Corbett and goes well for his Novice rider. Holiday Fund has reeled off two victories this season for the in form Josh Newman stable and there may be more improvement. Sforza Castle is another improver and is the likely ride for Samuel Scott who recorded his first win at Milborne St Andrew.
The Conditions Race for Grass Roots Riders (who have not ridden more than 20 winners) has attracted fourteen entries including Llandinabo Lad mentioned above and Punches Cross who is entered in the Mens Open. If the latter opts for this race he would be one of the fancies. Teescomponentsfly won a race at Larkhill over two and half miles last season and if ready for his seasonal debut would have each way chances. Another who may appreciate the course is Footloose ridden by Arron Butterfield who has returned to race riding this season. Both Canastero and Finisher finished behind Footloose at Milborne but Finisher may reverse the form as he had been off the course for a long time. He is the each way selection.
The Ladies Open race looks another strong heat. Switch Hitter found his form at Larkhill when winning last weekend and if reappearing he may take some beating. Anna Johnston formed a good
partnership with the mare Walkin Out and if this race is chosen she must have chances. Sixteen Letters now in the ownership of Josh and Kayley Newman had his seasonal outing at Larkhill and ought to run well at this course. Reikers Island has changed hands since last season and this six-time winner ought to give her new rider a good experience. King’s Quay has not been seen since November 2023 but if in good form he may be one to challenge Switch Hitter.
The Restricted race may see another victory for Up Killoughey, the winner of a Maiden at Milborne, ridden by Rian Corcoran and looks progressive. Another winner this season is Talimar Pearl who won at Wadebridge and comes into the reckoning. Laurel Girl won at Cocklebarrow but this looks a stronger race. Boys Will Be Boys was fifth at Milborne and should be considered as should Shanroe Smooch who was fourth in his Hunt race at the same meeting. Up Killoughey is the selection.
The meeting concludes with a Maiden where Don’t Ask Aiden trained by Ed Walker placed at Milborne may be one of the fancied horses. Frogman was third at Milborne over the shorter trip and if staying the extra half mile he has chances. The unraced Land Of Punt trained and owned by Tom Lacey receives all of the allowances as a four year old and this son of a twice winning Hurdler may be too good for his rivals. Avada Kedavra was previously owned by J P McManus and trained by Nicky Henderson but did not show much. Now with Joanne Priest it will be interesting to see how he takes to fences. Land of Punt is chosen with Frogman the danger.
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⬤ Also includes the Grand National Festival Betting Guide
BY KIRSTY BOUTFLOWER WESSEX AREA PRESS OFFICER
Born and bred in Cornwall, Les fully admits he knew nothing about racing growing up there as a child. Involved from a young age with horses his interest in racing was triggered but a lack of opportunities in his home county meant a move further north was required. In 1986 he started with Martin Pipe enjoying a huge amount of success in the saddle which culminated in being crowned with the rare double in 2000 of Champion Amateur both on the Flat and National Point to Point Champion in the same season. His pointing title was the pinnacle though with 220 winners to his name and it was a natural progression that saw him migrate into the ranks of trainer in 2005 following the retirement of Gerald Cottrell where he had moved after spending 7 seasons at Nicholshayne.
Full of praise for both of his former employers, Les has now come full circle and following a spell training at Payhembury has now moved back to the second yard across the road from current occupant, David Pipe, Martin’s son. With a vast array of facilities, Les sees this move as a new positive chapter in his training career and his ongoing close relationship with the Pipe family, means he only has to pick up the phone and advice is readily given. Les commented “the entire place is brilliant as it’s just set up for racing and they really want you to benefit and to train winners.” Ably assisted by wife, Lisa and daughter Hannah, the yard is a happy one as they approach their first full year on the Devon/Somerset border with a few runs under their belt, and invariably the horses peak in early spring as they take their time to bring horses to their physical prime. More of a traditionalist, Les explained that he doesn’t like to rush the horses, letting them tell him when they are ready rather than
Prolific - Walkin Out (Anna Johnston) (nearside)
Photo Tim Holt
Jeu Gagnant set to appear in the spring
Photo: Kirsty Boutflower
pushing them. Owners too are very important to Team Jefford with several long-standing ones making the move to the new base including octogenarian owner/breeder Sue Trump and Jackie McCullough for whom he trained Master Baker, a horse he credits with being the best he has trained. Master Baker was a 12 time winner pointing but Les took the bold move to drop him to 2 miles to win a Hunter Chase at Taunton despite some doubters questioning it. Currently Walkin Out is the stable star with 9 wins pointing including her last 4 starts plus a Hunter Chase at Cartmel. Bought in France, she is from the family of Libertine and Long Run, and while Les admits that she can be hot headed, he feels being in the new yard suits her temperament. Only an 8 year old, she will contest Open races this season with the probability of a Hunter Chase as long as the ground is decent having hated the heavy ground last season at Wincanton. Walkin Out will hopefully make her seasonal debut at Badbury Rings next Sunday. Another who did well for the yard last season, the Sue Trump owned Prophesea, has now switched to running under Rules and added to his impressive maiden win at Cotley under Callum Pritchard with a good win at Wincanton in December.
Ownership involvement and enjoyment is paramount to Les and they regularly turn up at fixtures to support other runners encouraged no doubt by the excellent picnics on offer back at the lorry. A syndicate made up of the fairer sex, the ‘Here Come the Girls’ syndicate have enjoyed plenty of success with the yard in recent years with multiple winners Delta Borget and Purple’n’Gold being the standouts. Their latest purchase, a grey gelding called Jeu Gagnant could make his debut soon in March. Already with placed form in France, he could be one to keep an eye on to add to the syndicate’s tally of winners. The good-looking Master McShine, became their first winner of the season when he followed up a good second at Wadebridge in January with a facile 12 length win at Buckfastleigh in a maiden last weekend and he looks to have a bright future while Jack Oddsocks, who was third in a bumper at Great Trethew is another who should also progress.
Jockeys play a big role in the yard and they have struck up a good relationship with the talented Anna Johnston who now rides most of the runners. Recommended to Les by fellow lady jockey, Jo Supple, Anna splits her time between Syd Hosie and Caroline Keevil, before riding out for the yard once a week. Last season she was crowned Champion Novice Lady Rider and recently rode her second winner under Rules while Jake Bament who rides out for the yard as well, will also come in for some rides.
As well as training the pointers, Les and Lisa also prep 2 year olds for local Ashbrittle Stud making the job an all-year round one rather than just focussing on the winter months leaving little time for holidays and days off. Although the idea of taking out a professional trainers licence and running under Rules is tempting, Les admits that without some serious financial backing, it is a hard hurdle to jump and he is content with the current set-up. He does worry about the future of Pointing as it can be seen as an expensive hobby with costs going up daily. The lack of volunteers coming forward to help organise meetings is also a concern of his. Ironically if more people would come into the sport with a dedicated work ethic comparable with the Jefford family, the industry would be safe for many years to come.
Master McShine (Will Biddick) score at Buckfastleigh last weekend
Photo Tim Holt
Les in his racing days on Ivanoph, 1st in the Mens Open at Cothelstone, 18th May 2005
Photo Tim Holt
Les with Sue Crump (Left) and jockey Anna Johnston
SPEED
FIGURES
KINGSTON BLOUNT 22/02/2025
12:00 THE FOUR AND FIVE YEARS OLD MAIDEN RACE: Couer d’Alene (IRE) (73) Codetalker (GB) (58)
12:35 THE PPORA CLUB MEMBERS CONDITIONS RACE (LEVEL 2): All Loved Up (IRE) (110) The Yellow Mini (GB) (108) Soldier Unknown (IRE) (107) Highland Glory (GB) (103)
1:20 THE MAIDEN CONDITIONS RACE: Sports Magic (IRE) (96) Glancing Hill (GB) (88) Constitution Grove (GB) (82) Couer d’Alene (IRE) (80)
1:55 THE JOCKEY CLUB OPPORTUNITY CONDITIONS RACE (LEVEL 3), FOR GRAS S ROOTS RIDERS: Striking Out (GB) (95) Cooldine Bog (IRE) (92) Nasee (GB) (90) Westhill (IRE) (89)
2:30 THE PHILIP SCOULLER MEMORIAL HOME COUNTIES GRAND NATIONAL MIXED O PEN RACE: Ballyadam Destiny (GB) (110) Myth Buster (IRE) (110) Bardenstown Lad (GB) (109) Royale Dance (FR) (108) Learntalot (IRE) (106)
3:05 THE PPORA CLUB MEMBERS RESTRICTED RACE: Driveondonn (IRE) (108) Prohus Yank (IRE) (106) Barrington John (GB) (98) Bushtucker Park (IRE) (97)
ALNWICK 23/02/2025
1:00 THE FRED SCOTT MEMORIAL MAIDEN RACE: Kaviar Wood (FR) (87) Phantoms Cave (IRE) (84) Theoldboggroad (IRE) (80) All Ways And Ever (IRE) (73)
1:30 THE RESTRICTED RACE: Whatudoing (IRE) (106) Major Champion (GB) (102) Shantou’s Temple (GB) (100) Slaney Opera (IRE) (100) Can We Keep Him (GB) (90)
2:00 THE MIXED OPEN RACE: Wild Romance (IRE) (126) Matts Commission (IRE) (117) Paramaribo (IRE) (115) Dundrum Wood (IRE) (114)
2:30 THE NPPA AREA CONDITIONS RACE (LEVEL 2): Not The Chablis (IRE) (108) Loughermore (IRE) (104) Nick Lost (FR) (103) Humps And Bumps (IRE) (101)
3:00 THE CONDITIONS RACE (LEVEL 3): Bellaney Lord (IRE) (110) Wottinger (GB) (108) Fugitives Drift (IRE) (107) Loughermore (IRE) (104)
BADBURY RINGS 23/02/2025
12:00 THE COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE CLUB MEMBERS CONDITIONS RACE (LEVEL 3): Scoresby (GB) (110) Sforza Castle (IRE) (108) Southfield Lily (GB) (106) Llandinabo Lad (GB) (101)
12:35 THE WESSEX NATIONAL MENS OPEN RACE: Dr Rhythm (IRE) (118) Walkin Out (GB) (114) Punches Cross (IRE) (110) Trevada (GB) (108)
1:10 THE CONDITIONS RACE (LEVEL 2), FOR GRASS ROOTS RIDERS: Llandinabo Lad (GB) (104) Punches Cross (IRE) (104) Wireless Operator (IRE) (99) Russian Diamond (IRE) (97) Footloose (GB) (96)
1:45 THE LADIES OPEN RACE: Sixteen Letters (IRE) (136) Reikers Island (IRE) (130) Southfield Lily (GB) (130) Walkin Out (GB) (128) Bardenstown Lad (GB) (116)
2:20 THE RESTRICTED RACE: Dorset Diamond (GB) (106) Sforza Castle (IRE) (103) Templier d’Habert (FR) (94) All Night Parking (IRE) (93)
2:55 THE MAIDEN RACE: Frogman (IRE) (90) Crouching Tiger (IRE) (76) Don’t Ask Aiden (IRE) (70) Sternpate (GER) (54)
CHARING 23/02/2025
1:00 THE MAIDEN RACE: Creapapy (FR) (96) Patricks Hill (IRE) (86) Wait At The Gate (IRE) (83) Elder Statesman (IRE) (66)
1:35 THE CONDITIONS RACE (LEVEL 2): Hardline (IRE) (113) Rocky Creed (IRE) (112) Count Simon (IRE) (105) Wireless Operator (IRE) (99)
2:10 THE MENS OPEN RACE: Itacare (FR) (121) Hardline (IRE) (118) Definite Dilemma (IRE) (109) Empire de Maulde (FR) (108)
2:45 THE LADIES OPEN RACE: Bardenstown Lad (GB) (116) Learntalot (IRE) (113) Back Bar (IRE) (112) Monkey Puzzle (GB) (110)
3:20 THE CONDITIONS RACE (LEVEL 3): Empire de Maulde (FR) (105) Highland Glory (GB) (100) Gran Paradiso (IRE) (98) Ryans Fancy (IRE) (98) Happy Larry (IRE) (94)
3:55 THE RESTRICTED RACE: Rocky Creed (IRE) (107) Artiste d’Ainay (FR) (98) Creapapy (FR) (96) Petite Mike (IRE) (88)
GARTHORPE
23/02/2025
12:30 THE CONDITIONS RACE (LEVEL 2): Morning Spirit (IRE) (116) Red Maple (IRE) (111) All Loved Up (IRE) (110) Trevada (GB) (108)
1:05 THE LADIES CONDITIONS RACE (LEVEL 2): Janika (FR) (124) Loughan (IRE) (118) Not That Fuisse (FR) (111) Shentri (FR) (108)
1:50 THE JOCKEY CLUB OPPORTUNITY CONDITIONS RACE (LEVEL 3), FOR GRAS S ROOTS RIDERS: Salty Boy (IRE) (111) Nasee (GB) (90) Cuddly Dudley (FR) (76) Ouro Branco (FR) (76)
2:25 THE SAFFERY MIXED OPEN RACE: Fier Jaguen (FR) (130) Morning Spirit (IRE) (123) Clara Sorrento (FR) (119) Janika (FR) (117)
3:00 THE RESTRICTED RACE: Mister Splash (IRE) (108) Barrington John (GB) (98) Karismatik (FR) (98) Always Groovin (IRE) (94) Largy Pearl (IRE) (94) Whatwasigoingtosay (IRE) (94) Tiger Tobin (IRE) (88)
3:35 THE MAIDEN RACE: Avichi In The Park (IRE) (90) Caractacus Potts (IRE) (69) Codetalker (GB) (65)
IN THE FRAME
Eventual winners of the Cond (L2), John Dawson and Suprise Attack (white, blue spots) in the thick of it at Duncombe Park
Photo: Tom Milburn
Douglas Longbottom, Martin McIntyre (1st) Intermediate Race at Buckfastleigh
Photo: Tim Holt
Buckfastleigh Paddock with runners for the Mixed Open
Photo: Tim Holt
An impressive backdrop to Camdonian and Christy Furness’ Mixed Open win at
Fergie and LBdr Harry Hoult race to victory in the King’s Troop Race
Photo: JTW Equine Images
IN THE FRAME
Duncombe Park Photo: Tom Milburn
Larkhill falls silent in memory of Michael O’Sullivan, who passed away on the morning of racing
Photo: JTW Equine Images
at Larkhill
Paper Mill and Charlie Case leap to victory in the Mens Open at Horseheath
Photo: Neale Blackburn
IN THE FRAME
Monkey Puzzle and Aramax (black cap) at Horseheath
Photo: Graham Bishop
The King’s Troop Race - Riders pre-race, at Larkhill
Photo: JTW Equine Images
Clashhill and Alex Chadwick at Horseheath Photo: Graham Bishop
Drop Him In and Tom Hutsby at Larkhill
Photo: Graham Fisher
TRAINER TALK: BEA COWARD
Bea Coward, who trains five pointers in the hamlet of Barrow Street in Wiltshire, gained her initial success with Arcal Fifty at Larkhill in 2018 and – since then – she has gradually increased the strength of her string, both in terms of quality and quantity, with her yard now housing the likes of the promising Douglas Longbottom and useful former chaser One True King. Barrow Street Racing is a true family concern – mother Sarah (a renowned sculptor by trade) was mucking out when I arrived, Sarah’s sister Catherine Mitchell (older readers will remember her exploits in the saddle with the likes of Wellington Brown) and her husband John come to ride out, and Sarah’s husband Will Shields manages the syndicate horses that Bea trains and also helps in the yard. Jake Exelby paid the team a visit recently to find out more about Bea’s progressive operation.
“I’ve been involved with horses since I was young,” Bea tells me, “And used to event. I did a degree at Hartpury in sports coaching and physical therapy, then worked for an eventing yard, but my housemate was working in racing and seemed to do half the hours for twice the pay! So, I went to work for Caroline Keevil when she had a licence and stayed for five years.”
Bea confirms exactly how and when she caught the pointing bug. “Caroline had this mare – Palmaria – who was difficult to ride at home, but I fell in love with her. She didn’t win under rules, so we sent her pointing, and she won her Maiden at Chipley Park (in 2017) in the pouring rain. I was working nights at Waitrose at the time and decided that I’d like a go at training myself. That’s how the association with Mel Smith, another key part of the team who finds most of our horses, came about. I knew her through Caroline, and she was advertising Arcal Fifty – a horse who’d run a lot without winning – on Facebook.” Arcal Fifty was purchased for Bea to train for the Barrow Street Racing Club, won two for Bea before retiring, and still has a home in the yard.
More wins started coming after Covid and Bea now has 12 successes in total, four from Douglas Longbottom and two each from Arcal Fifty, Gran Paradiso, the late lamented Happy Day Emery and Rocky Creed. I ask how Bea selects the horses she wants to buy. “With Arcal Fifty, we wanted something that had a chance of winning, but not a big price
BY JAKE EXELBY, SOUTH MIDLANDS AREA PRESS OFFICER
tag. For our syndicate horses, we want consistent types who can run every three weeks or so and be competitive, and a mix of older and younger horses. We buy for the owner, so got Douglas Longbottom because he’d been super-consistent, and Catherine and John wanted a competitive horse.”
All Bea’s winners still have a home at Barrow Street, except for Happy Day Emery, who she obviously misses. “Every time we bought one, I’d tell Mel I wanted a grey and we finally got one. We bought him privately through Monbeg and (though he’d been placed in Ireland) he was far from the finished article – a big, French-bred angular horse who used to love galloping up the hill. All his four runs were at Larkhill. He won first time out, then unseated at the last there when upsides Regatta De Blanc. He won his Restricted, then was second on his reappearance last season but we lost him at home. It was terrible, but at least it happened here.”
Six of Bea’s victories have come at Larkhill, an obvious contender for my question about her favourite course, particularly given that it’s only 30 minutes drive. “It’s a similar downland track to the facilities we use,” she confirms. “It’s also handy for our syndicate members, there’s good viewing and you can park where you like. I’ve also got to say Lockinge,” she laughs, “Where we have a 100% record (a double there last year brought up ‘Fly’ McIntyre’s pointing century), Cothelstone and Charing – anywhere we have winners!”
Facilities at Barrow Street include 11 boxes (for the retired pointers, hunters and companions as well as the racehorses) an outdoor school, turn-out paddocks and even a solarium, but – importantly – Bea has access to nearby Mere Downs for cantering, galloping and schooling as well as the gallops at Sutton Veny, where Milton Harris used to train, about fifteen minutes away.
Of her training methods, Bea says, “After Arcal Fifty, I started to increase the numbers, but I’ve got five now and want to keep it at that. I ride all five most of the time and we have to box them to the gallops, so the lorry’s worth its weight in gold! When we started, the syndicate was made up of Mum and Will’s friends, so people would say, ‘Who are
Celebrations as Rocky Creed gives Fly a 100th winner at Lockinge
Photo: Will Shields
you?’ and ‘Why do you think you can do this?’ Caroline was a massive help, but you have to have your own style and stick to your beliefs. I use my degree – coaching human and equine athletes can be similar – and think that I work my horses less than many trainers. They go to the downs, to the gallops, they school, and we use a water treadmill. It’s different every day.”
Bea talks me through the inmates of her yard. “Two of them – Gran Paradiso and Rocky Creed – run for the Barrow Street Racing Club, and are likely to go to Charing on Sunday. Mum and Will own them, and the members help cover the running costs. We still have space for a few more members. Gran Paradiso is a prime example of us wanting better horses. We sent Mel off with a budget to buy a decent maiden and she came back with a 9yo who’d won his last two chases! Catherine and John’s Douglas Longbottom (a Buckfastleigh winner on Sunday) will be aimed at the Exeter Intermediate Final and Mum owns One True King – ideally, he would be placed in a Hunter Chase so we can qualify him for Aintree, as he jumped round there when trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies. We wouldn’t expect to win but it would be a good day out.”
Her string is completed by newcomer Ultimate Survivor, a five-yearold who won a Maiden in Ireland, and Bea’s excitement is obvious. “We bought him at the Tattersalls May sale through Mel after we went to Doncaster looking for a youngster and were underbidders
on three from Monbeg. We paid a reasonable price for him considering he’d won, he’s done nothing wrong at home and he schooled at Chipley Park recently. He’ll be out soon. While he won on a flat track, he likes the hill at Sutton Veny and is small and compact, with a powerful engine, so wouldn’t want it too soft. He’s owned by the Moonrakers Syndicate and 30% of him is still available. He’s entered at Charing on Sunday.”
One addition to her team Bea would like in an ideal world would be Chris Barber’s maiden Valentin de Maine. A surprising choice, maybe, but she clarifies her reasons. “He’s a half-brother to Happy Day Emery, whose two-year-old full brother – by Voiladenuo – we also own, and whose half-brother, Arbitan De Maine, is with Paul Nicholls. We went to France to meet the breeder and he’s with Colin and Julie Bright, being prepared. I’d love him to come here but we’ll probably send him to a trainer who’s good with young horses to get him started.
“We haven’t got the facilities to prepare young horses here,” Bea explains of her approach. “And we’re all too sentimental – we get too attached to them. I ride all of them, get the enjoyment every day, and selling them doesn’t excite me, even when they retire! And you only get decent money if you’ve got a name. If I send one to the sales, nobody knows me, so why would they pay good money? I’m also well aware of how much a good one costs to replace!”
Fly (R) on Douglas Longbottom (1st) and Robbie David on Gran Paradiso (3rd) after the RA Members Race at LarkhillCatherine leads in as Bea looks on
Photo: Will Shields
Bea galloping Happy Day Emery
Photo: Will Shields
Celebrations after Douglas Longbottom wins at Buckfastleigh
Photo: Will Shields
Fly rides most of Bea’s horses and she explained how the association came about, six years ago. “Jamie Thomas rode Arcal Fifty first time out – he’d have been first or second, but the race was voided. Then Jamie broke his wrist, so Tommie O’Brien got the ride, and they won next time out. One day at Larkhill, Tommie had to ride for Tom Lacey – his employer – so we booked Fly. I like consistency with my horses,” continues Bea, “Rather than chopping and changing. Fly can apply what he learns about a horse in its next race, and we trust him – he always puts the horse first and never runs it into the ground.” She cites two examples to prove her point. “He brought One True King home safely at Milborne St Andrew recently and, when Gran Paradiso did a tendon at Kingston Blount, if Fly hadn’t pulled him up immediately, he wouldn’t be here today.”
I ask Will, a civil engineer specialising in the marine dredging industry, who runs the popular Pointing West social media pages in his spare time, why he dedicates so much time and effort to pointing. “Sarah and I got together when Bea was young and we’d both been involved in the sport before – Sarah via Catherine, and my parents and brother, George, had horses in Leicestershire – although George’s only winner was in Cornwall, beating Will Biddick’s father! After that, I was involved with syndicates with John Dufosee, then Polly Curling – our best horses were Beadnell Bay and Play Poker. That’s why we got a syndicate together for Arcal Fifty, to give Bea a chance to train without huge expense.”
As for the social media, Will explains, “I started taking pictures, then started sharing them, so I set-up the Pointing West pages and got the bug. We have 2,600 followers now and Facebook seems to be the primary platform for pointing – websites are static, like opening a book. I enjoy helping promote the sport by sharing the runners and the odds, and doing paddock interviews.”
Talking about promoting the sport leads to the question of what Bea would do if she was in charge. “I’d standardise prize money,” she states without hesitation. “Take the recent meeting at Milborne St Andrew. There were 140 entries, a big crowd, and some of the lowest prize money I’ve seen this season – Rocky Creed could have run in a Restricted for £140. It’s not good enough. I get that some meetings have less income, but sponsorship should cover the prize money. We should be looking at £250 for a Conditions Race and £500 for an Open.”
Regarding the thorny issue of what might happen to the sport with further restrictions on hunting, Bea is less concerned than some. “It may not be as much as a problem as people think,” she muses. “The hunt puts on the meeting, which raises money for them, so the revenue goes away from the sport. Other sports are self-funding so maybe there’s a way that money raised from fixtures could go back into the sport. Plus,” she adds, “Many businesses don’t want to be associated with hunting, which has a knock-on effect on sponsorship (and prize money).”
Will agrees. “Funding needs to come from the professional sport. Pointing provides the horses, jockeys and trainers of the future and gives a second home for horses liken Gran Paradiso and One True King. And they have charity fixtures in Yorkshire – I’m sure people would continue to support meetings and volunteer if the proceeds were going to a worthwhile charity.”
It’s no surprise, given Bea’s wish to keep her string small, that she has no ambition to train professionally. “There’s something about pointing in the middle of a field! We all race against each other, but we all get on, and you’re happy if someone else wins. Owners can spend time with their horses – when you run in a Hunter Chase, you’re in the stable block and only see people for five minutes. I’d rather be in the field with a picnic.”
Bea and Tommie at a wet Larkhill after Arcal Fifty’s first win
Photo: Will Shields
Bea with Reggie, AKA Rocky Creed
Photo: Jake Exelby
Point-To-Point Social Media
POINTING
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LATEST RESULTS
BUCKFASTLEIGH 16/02/2025
12:00 1. THEY CALL ME HUGO (IRE) W. Biddick 4-5F 2. SUCCES FOU (FR) D. Andrews 6-1
3. TOP OF OFF (GB) J. Bament 9-4 (5 ran).
12:35 1. DOUGLAS LONGBOTTOM (GB) M. McIntyre 6-4F 2. CLONDAW DRAKE (IRE) J. Newman 2-1 3. WHITSAND BAY (GB) D. Andrews 9-4 (9 ran).
1:10 1. ROCHESTON (FR) J. Newman 16-1 2. WHAT A GLANCE (GB) T. McCain-Mitchell 4-5F
3. JOLY MAKER (IRE) W. Biddick 10-1 (13 ran).
1:55 1. MASTER MCSHINE (IRE) W. Biddick 5-2 2. BANZIGKANE (FR) J. Bament 7-1
3. NELSON CRIQ (IRE) J. Newman 9-4F (12 ran).
2:30 1. POSH CHICK (GB) M. McIntyre 13-8 2. SCHIAPARS MAGERN (GB) W. Biddick 5-4F
3. RIVER STORY (IRE) D. Andrews 16-1 (7 ran).
3:05 1. NOBLE BLUE (FR) J. Newman 4-6F 2. LIWAH (FR) W. Biddick 7-2 3. THE GOONER (IRE) M. McIntyre 4-1 (11 ran).
DUNCOMBE PARK 16/02/2025
12:00 1. LOU MARVELOUS (FR) W. Easterby 4-6F 2. DEEP CHARM (GB) Miss R. Hayton 5-1
3. LEGALIZED (GB) Miss Katriona Brown 8-1 (5 ran).
12:35 1. SURPRISE ATTACK (IRE) J. Dawson 5-1 2. RED OPIUM (GB) Miss R. Howarth 7-2
3. MOROZOV COCKTAIL (IRE) T.E.Easterby Evens (9 ran).
1:10 1. WEREINTHISTOGETHER (IRE) D. Peters 2-1F 2. WHATS THE SOLUTION (IRE) J. Teal 3-1
3. GREAT NOTIONS (FR) J. Dawson 7-2 (8 ran).
1:45 1. CAMDONIAN (IRE) C. Furness 9-4 2. GO GO GERONIMO (GB) T. Chatfeild-Roberts 6-1
3. SUMMERVILLE BOY (IRE) T.E.Easterby 4-6F (5 ran).
2:20 1. JETAWAY JOEY (IRE) Jack Andrews 6-4F 2. THUNDERSTRUCK (IRE) D. Peters 3-1
3. ZHIGULI (IRE) Miss Isla John 8-1 (12 ran).
3:05 1. LINE EM UP (IRE) D. Peters Evens 2. NICE ONE NELSON (IRE) Jack Andrews 7-2
3. CALI DREAMER (IRE) H. Crow 12-1 (10 ran).
3:50 1. WALK EASY (IRE) H. Crow 11-4 2. MEELICK ISLAND (IRE) Paddy Barlow 14-1
3. BALLYWHATSIT (IRE) W. J. Brown 11-1 (9 ran).
4:25 1. APPY CHAPPY (IRE) Miss L. Teal 10-1 2. HAPPY HOBBIT (IRE) Miss E. Callwood 6-1
3. LONG HOP (IRE) T.E.Easterby 6-1 (8 ran).
HORSEHEATH 16/02/2025
12:00 1. ALL IS TRUE (IRE) Miss G. Andrews 2-5F 2. MOUNT PLEASANT (GB) A. Chadwick 2-1 (4 ran).
12:35 1. ATLANTIC FLEET (IRE) A. Chadwick 6-1 2. KIRSCH DE COTTE (FR) C. Case 8-1
3. TIME TO UPGRADE (IRE) B. Gibbs 14-1 (10 ran).
1:10 1. TULLYS TOUCH (IRE) Miss Ellie Holder 2-1 2. CAPTAIN BIGGLES (IRE) Miss G. Andrews 1-4F 3. JACKS TOUCH (IRE) Dr Belinda Rose 12-1 (3 ran).
1:45 1. PAPER MILL (GB) C. Case 2-1 2. PREMIER MAGIC (IRE) B. Gibbs 1-3F (4 ran).
2:20 1. CLASHHILL (IRE) A. Chadwick Evens 2. PADJOES LEGACY (IRE) Miss G. Andrews 9-4
3. PREMIER FANTASY (IRE) B. Gibbs 9-4 (6 ran).
2:55 1. ARAMAX (GER) Cian Murphy 1-5F 2. MONKEY PUZZLE (GB) Miss Mary Ashby 3-1 (2 ran).
LARKHILL 16/02/2025
12:45 1. DROP HIM IN (IRE) T. Hutsby Evens 2. MIDNIGHT MIDGE (GB) J. Shaw 4-5F
3. PREMIER D’TROICE (FR) Jude Fernandes 16-1 (7 ran).
1:20 1. CRAWTER (IRE) James King 7-2 2. CORPORAL JACKJONES (IRE) Charlie Sprake 7-2
3. IMPAKT ST GEORGES (FR) Mrs I. Hill 2-1 (7 ran).
1:55 1. SWITCH HITTER (IRE) Miss O. Nicholls 4-6F 2. SOUTHFIELD THEATRE (IRE) Miss L. Bradstock 5-4 (4 ran).
2:30 1. VIROFLAY (FR) Miss O. Nicholls 4-6F 2. ZEE MAN (FR) T. Hutsby 6-1 3. ONE FOR ROSIE (GB) James King 5-2 (4 ran).
3:05 1. TWO IN TUNE (IRE) Charlie Sprake 5-4F 2. FONGS WAY (IRE) J. Shaw 6-1
3. O’HALLORANS CASTLE (IRE) B. Lovegrove-Fielden 3-1 (7 ran).
3:40 1. CITY SILK (GB) James King 4-6F 2. MASTER NERO (GB) F. Philipson-Stow 8-1
3. HANDSOME BILL (FR) Z. Baker 6-4 (5 ran).
REPORTS
THE COMBINED SERVICES
SUNDAY 16TH FEBRUARY 2025
By Bob Bracher
It was a raw cold day at Larkhill where a reasonable crowd watched some competitive racing on going described by several riders as being on the quicker side of good. The feature race, the Coronation Gold Cup, was won in impressive fashion by Viroflay giving his rider Olive Nicholls her second winner on the day. The other highlights were a riding double for champion jockey James King and a first winner at Larkhill for leading novice rider Tom Hutsby.
The Coronation Gold Cup, the second of the season’s feature races, gave Viroflay his second success in the race following his victory in 2023 and a third place in last year’s race. Ridden as usual by his trainer Olive Nicholls he bounded into a lead and with some impressive leaps had his three rivals in trouble from some way out. Drawing further away approaching the last the partnership recorded a victory with a distance given as the winning margin. Watched by his owners Paul Nicholls and John Bolton Paul described the performance as ‘awesome’ and added that ‘I am really proud of Olive in the training of the horse’ who was having his seasonal debut. Olive explained that he had come back into work on 1st September and had done a lot of road work prior to his cantering and galloping prior to this race. The decision to leave off his hood which he wore last season was only made just before declarations as he appeared to be relaxed on arrival at the course. The delighted owners are now considering their options with the possibility of the Aintree Foxhunters on their radar.
Drop Him In defied the late challenges of Midnight Midge ridden by James Shaw and Premier D’Troice ridden by Jude Fernadez to register a length and a half victory for Tom Hutsby in the opening Novice Riders race. Bought out of the Olly Murphy yard in 2023 this was his second point to point win for owner Marcine Marshall from Fulready near Stratford on Avon and trained by Fred Hutsby. Runner up four times in his first season he has been mixing his training with regular hunting by Marcine’s granddaughter Jessica the latest
being on Boxing Day. Fred described him as ‘a proper stayer’ and was delighted for Marcine who has been a loyal supporter of his stable.
A competitive Restricted race was won in dominant fashion by Crawter, ridden by James King, and trained locally by Harriet Waight. Previously the winner of a Maiden at Larkhill in December and a good third at the last meeting the partnership came together after James had rung up for the ride on Monday having realized that usual pilot Josh Newman would not be available to connections. Part owner Stan Rawlins described the fifteen lengths victory as ‘fantastic’ and was delighted with the way he had quickened away from his useful rivals from the third last. The application of first time cheekpieces certainly kept him straighter and James reported that his jumping was very good.
The Ladies Conditions race saw the reappearance of the spritely seventeenyear-old Southfield Theatre ridden by his usual pilot Lily Bradstock and watched by his owner Angela Yeoman. As usual he set off in a prominent position and after two of his three rivals had departed by the eighth fence the chance of a win on his seasonal debut looked quite possible. However, Olive Nicholls had other ideas aboard Switch Hitter and by the time the two approached the fourteenth fence Olive was in command and maintained a ten lengths lead to the winning post. Owned by Paul Nicholls and Clive Hitchings he has taken time to find his form pointing
but Paul advised that ‘he loves this better ground’ and added that his trainer Sam Loxton ‘ has done an amazing job with him’. Olive was delighted with this victory and explained that they had dispensed with the red hood he wore on his last appearance and had run him in a ring bit.
Two in Tune started a warm favourite for the Maiden Conditions race after an excellent run at Milborne St Andrew in a Restricted race. Supporters had a few concerns as he was not keen to leave the paddock but once on the course he showed a lot of enthusiasm and was always prominent. Ridden for the first time by Charlie Sprake he looked in danger of being caught by Fongs Way ridden by James Shaw, but stayed on well on the run in to prevail by a head. Owned by Paul and Cathy Watson and trained by their daughter Emma who keeps the horse at Les Jefford’s stable where she works. She added that he is for sale and appreciated the better ground at Larkhill.
James King completed his double in the Maiden race aboard City Silk owned by Phil Fry and trained by Chris Barber. Despite jumping left on a number of occasions he stayed on strongly to hold off the efforts of Master Nero ridden by Fred Phillipson-Stow. Bought by Phil at Doncaster as a 3-yearold rather to the dismay of his daughter Lorraine who had not included the gelding on her selection of horses to inspect. Phil persevered with his choice and with this victory felt vindicated. There should be more to come from this Cityscape gelding as this season progresses.
Two In Tune and Charlie Sprake (No. 10) in the maiden conditions Photo: JTW Equine Images
THE PUCKERIDGE AND ESSEX HUNT
SUNDAY
16TH FEBRUARY 2025
By Mike Ashby
Prior to the first race, Charlie Poste, PPORA Chairman, gave a moving speech in memory of Irish jockey, Michael O’Sullivan, who had sadly passed away on the morning of the meeting and a minutes silence was observed.
While recent course winners Aramax, All Is True and Clashhill were enhancing their records at Horseheath, the performance of an East Anglian equine favourite, Tullys Touch, would have warmed the hearts of many a follower.
The wonderfully consistent 12-year-old has been in the ownership of Christina Blockley and the training care of John and Melanie Ibbott since 2019, winning every season and this was his thirteenth victory in points. Confidently ridden by Ellie Holder, who was riding her first winner of the season, as they produced their winning effort. Both Tullys Touch and the odds-on favourite Captain Biggles tucked in behind the only other runner Jacks Touch, before passing the leader and battling up the Horseheath uphill straight, culminating in a stirring finish, with only a neck dividing the two. The superlatives flowed, at the trophy presentation, from both jockey and trainer, John Ibbott. “ Brilliant ! He gave me a good feel, winging his fences and then putting his head down after the last “ was the jockey’s assessment. Whilst Ibbott confirmed in his last few pieces of work, “Tullys” had shown plenty of enthusiasm and was fully wound up, today, as before leaving for the racecourse he had given his groom a nasty kick ! The trainer also mentioned that Tullys Touch had suffered a leg injury in November which subsequently became infected which would have delayed his normal seasonal debut in January but on this showing they now head to Ampton, in two weeks time, where he is a five-time course winner, in great heart.
Aramax and young Cian Murphy completed a treble of wins at the Cambridgeshire course, this season all attained in the PPORA novice riders race category. Here, the victory was over just one other rival in Monkey Puzzle who kept the odds-on favourite up to the task and there was a ¾ of a length between the two runners, at the finish. Murphy suffered an unfortunate unseat in the opening contest when his mount jumped probably too well and stumbled but, here, he was always confident of having the measure
Atlantic Fleet and Alex Chadwick (checked cap) leave them standing in the maiden at Horsheath
of his sole rival and Cian was registering his 8th career win from just 20 rides ( 40% strike rate ). This young man completes his conditional jockey’s course at the end of this month and all being well will be granted his licence on the March 10th and will be attached to Paul Nicholls stable at Ditcheat, where he has been working full-time since last October.
All Is True has also won at all three Horseheath fixtures, this current season and has now visited the Horseheath winner’s enclosure on five occasions. This success came in the opening Conditions race and was achieved after taking command three fences out and jumping quicker and better than his only remaining rival, Mount Pleasant. This mirrored their placings at the meeting at the end of last month where they again finished first and second and the winning distance, here, was 2¾ lengths with Gina Andrews being the successful jockey and trainer.
Alex Chadwick on the runner-up did land a victory for Mount Pleasant’s owner/trainer Nick Wright on Clashhill in the Intermediate race, who was winning his second race at the course having been successful at the previous meeting. Premier Fantasy who won the Restricted contest here on New Year’s Eve had to be content with 3rd place as it was Nigel Padfield’s Padjoes Legacy who offered the strongest challenge to the winner. In another tight finish, disputed over the final three fences, Judge Jonathan Benson gave a neck verdict in favour of Chadwick’s mount with Gina Andrews having to endure another narrow defeat.
Newmarket-based Chadwick had earlier partnered Atlantic Fleet to win the Open Maiden race which saw the biggest field of the day, ten runners facing the starter. The whole field was closely packed for the majority of the contest and there were still plenty in with chances approaching three fences out. From here the winner began to forge ahead and was clear of his rivals, at the last, going on to record a 6 length victory over Francesca Poste’s Kirsch De Cotte. A really encouraging performance by trainer Ed Turner’s 7-year-old to give his handler his second winner of the season after getting off the mark last weekend, at Higham. According to part-owner Ben Turner, his jockey reported on the post-race debrief, that Atlantic Fleet’s jumping was economical and he was also clever at some of the fences and effectively is still learning the game.
Paper Mill and Charlie Case saw off the 2023 Cheltenham Festival Foxhunters’ winner, Premier Magic, by 5 lengths in the Men’s Open to record his sixth points win for Leighton Buzzard trainer Michael Kehoe, in twelve outings. A consistent performer and according to Kehoe was a slow starter to racing having just one novice hurdle outing in 2022 before switching to points where he has run unplaced on only one occasion.
Another excellent day’s racing to end Horseheath’s season with noteworthy performances from some younger horses together with a heart-warming display by one of the older campaigners.
Photo: Neale Blackburn
THE SINNINGTON HUNT
SUNDAY 16TH FEBRUARY 2025
By Mark Elliott
Fifty years of racing in the grand setting of Duncombe Park at Helmsley was celebrated in some style on Sunday 16th February. Now rebranded as Helmsley Races the meeting attracted a very large crowd of spectators who, undeterred by the cold and grey weather, were rewarded by some fantastic racing on a bumper eight race card in which 66 horses lined up.
Both riding and training honours on the day went to Dale Peters who brought a team of three up from his base at Sawtry near Huntingdon and very nearly went home with a treble. The stable’s successful day was kicked off by Wereinthistogether who won a pretty hot renewal of The Bedding Barn Free Delivery Restricted race when getting the better of a dual with Whats The Solution (Jack Teal) and drawing eight lengths clear on the run for home. Owned by a partnership comprising his trainer/ rider and Toby Hunt, the eight year old
Wereinthistogether has only been seen once on a racecourse since he fell on debut four years ago but despite the almost two year absence since winning a Dingley maiden in April 2023 he was still sent off favourite. Speaking afterwards, part owner Toby Hunt said “ we bought him as a three year old store and he is related to several winners but unfortunately he’s fragile. Because of that the plan is to go hunter chasing in the very near future whilst we have him right”.
The second winner for the Peters’ yard came via the six year old Line Em Up in division one of the Carter Jonas Maiden race who was sent off favourite after running second to the impressive Ideal Du Tabert at Sheriff Hutton a month ago. Owned by Mrs Beryl Close the son of Diamond Boy always looked likely to hold off a persistent challenge from the Gina Andrews’ newcomer Nice One Nelson (Jack Andrews) although a late rally
meant the winning distance diminished to three quarters of a length at the line. “ He’s a lovely horse” said Dale. “ He’s a big baby who’s still learning. In a year or two’s time he could hopefully be quite smart. We’ve had a good day and it has been well worth the journey”.
The Peters’ stable treble was foiled in the Eccles Heddon Solicitors Veteran Horse Conditions race (level 2) in which the twelve runners who faced the starter comprised the largest field of the day. The finish saw a great battle between Dale’s Thunderstruck and the favourite Jetaway Joey and it was the latter who ultimately proved the stronger when running out a two length winner for jockey Jack Andrews, sister Gina the trainer and owner Mrs Barbara Hester. There was a nervous wait afterwards as a stewards enquiry was called but all was well for the Warwickshire based winner as the placings remained unaltered. “ He
Dale Peters and Line Em Up (left, red and blue) on the first of Dale’s double victory
Photo: Tom Milburn
was entitled to win that” commented Jack afterwards “ he’s been running in better class races against very good horses and dropping in grade and carrying a penalty suited him better today. He’s got a lot of talent but he’s a bit of a monkey”.
The Spillers Mixed Open race saw some very talented horses line up. The high class Summerville Boy ( Tom Easterby) was sent off the hot favourite on the back of his easy win at Askham Bryan a fortnight ago, on his first run since his transfer to point to pointing, but he had to give best to two rivals who are both prolific winners in the sphere. The consistent Go Go Geronimo ran his usual ultra game race for Tom ChatfieldRoberts but as hard as he tried he couldn’t hold off Camdonian who stayed on strongly to come home four lengths clear and chalk up his eighth victory from his ten point to point runs plus a fourth in a Cheltenham hunter chase. Owned by Grania Furness who lives near Thirsk and who did a lot of work at home with him at home before his transfer to Jack Teal’s Malton yard, Camdonian was ridden as always by son Christy Furness who lives and works in London but travels back north to race ride at weekends “ I’m thrilled and very excited. It was a good race” he said afterwards. As far as future plans go said Christy “ we just take things one race at a time and we don’t look too far ahead”.
The MoneyWeb Conditions race (level 2) saw perennial Yorkshire mens champion jockey John Dawson move on to nine winners nationally for the season with victory on the Racy Ladies Partnership owned Surprise Attack, although having drawn a blank in the area’s first two fixtures this was the first to actually count towards defending his crown. The race itself proved very exciting with four horses jumping the last fence with no more than
a length between them. Surprise Attack had travelled well throughout under one of John’s typical hold up rides and he took it up on the run in before being driven out to hold off the consistent Red Opium (Rosie Howarth) by a couple of lengths. Speaking afterwards about the winning horse who is trained by wife Alice “He didn’t handle the track at Revesby Park last time out and he was much better on the more conventional course here today. The addition of cheek pieces also helped and hopefully he will keep progressing now”.
Another long distance traveller who made the journey well worthwhile was Walk Easy who was steered home ten lengths clear by Henry Crow in the second division of the Carter Jonas Maiden. Meelick Island (Joe Wright) came home in second place with the field strung out behind. The winner, an eight year old son of Walk In The Park, had travelled all the way from Welshpool in Powys and is owned by Craig Lodge and trained by Rhiannon Lodge. Having come from Ireland where he had finished runner up on five consecutive outings before one run for the yard last season Walk Easy was making his seasonal debut here. Rhiannon reported afterwards that she had given him the summer off “He’s a quirky ride but he’s done the job right this time. We’ll see how he comes out of this before making plans. We always seem to have more luck on our trips north than when we go south”.
The day’s easiest winner came via the Sarah Easterby owned Lou Marvelous in the opening Ripon Farm Services Members, Farmers And Subscribers race. Trained by son Sarah’s Will who also took the ride, Lou Marvelous was sent off 4/6 favourite having won three of his six points thus far, including a stylish success at Sheriff Hutton last time out and he never gave his supporters a moments worry, travelling
well on the heels of the leaders before being brought to take the lead jumping the last and pulling twelve lengths clear in effortless fashion. “He’s a really nice horse” commented Will afterwards “ We always like to support this race as the family have a very long association with the Sinnington Hunt and I act as field master for them on a Wednesday. The Conditions race at Charm Park in a fortnight is the next target where I’m clerk of the course”. Deep Charm came home in second place for owner, trainer, rider Bertie Hayton who got reward for her efforts in organising meeting in her role as secretary as that earned her the trophy for the first farmer home.
The last race of the day was the Malton Marquees Four, Five and Six Year Old’s Flat Race and it produced the closest finish of the day. Happy Hobbit (Ellie Callwood) turned into the home straight with a few lengths lead and it looked like she was going to take some catching however the Teal family’s Appy Chappy came with a very strong late run on his racecourse debut to catch the leader in the very last stride with the winning distance announced as just a nose. Owned and trained by Jack Teal at Malton and ridden by his sister Lois the winner is a six year old son of Malinas. “ When I bought him as a store his dam had already produced four winners but he was a bit of an ugly duckling and he hasn’t grown into the swan I thought he might” said Jack “He hasn’t been highly tried beforehand though. The intention is to keep running him in points until the end of the season”.
The next meeting of the Yorkshire season is the Yorkshire Jockeys Club (Scarborough Races) at Charm Park on Sunday 2nd March. The course is near Wykeham on the A170 six miles west of Scarborough and the first race is due off at 12.30pm.
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ON THE CLOCK
The ground varied from fast to tacky at three of the four Sunday meetings leading to some small fields and few time figures of note. The Sinnington however took place on perfect ground and against the picturesque backdrop of Duncombe Park there was some exciting and competitive racing.
Lou Marvellous (92) took the opening event, shrugging off a five-pound penalty with ease. He has appeared in this column as a ‘fast timer’ several times before, though, on this occasion, the pace was relatively modest and his final figure someway below his best. Nevertheless, it’s to his credit that he could quicken so readily off a moderate gallop and he remains progressive. Wereinthistogether (98) had been off the course since winning a four runner Maiden in May 2023, but was strongly supported in the ring prior to running out a convincing winner of the Restricted. He travelled strongly throughout before pulling his way to the front on the run to the last and had plenty in reserve to hold off useful yardstick Whats the Solution on the run to the line. He should be followed.
Fastest race of the day was not the Open, where Summerville Boy’s bubble was well and truly burst by the consistent Camdonian (108), but the following Veteran Conditions where Jetaway Joey (114) and Thunderstruck (110) fought out a good duel to the line having quickened off a strong pace set by Dusart (104). They were dominant in the market beforehand and posted figures close to their form assessments ratings, so no real surprises here but it’s worth noting that Thunderstruck’s jumping appeared much improved.
Atlantic Fleet (98) topped the ratings in the maiden at Horseheath courtesy of a second placing at High Easter in March last season but had been disappointing subsequently and was easy to back. He ran out a convincing winner however, staying on strongly up the hill to register a seven-length victory. Although this wasn’t the deepest of maidens, his figures suggest he is up to taking a Restricted - perhaps at somewhere like Ampton or High Easter which both post similar uphill finishes.
Viroflay (110) may have taken all the plaudits in landing a second Coronation Cup but, on the clock, his performance was matched by Crawter in the Restricted. The consistent Kilfillum Woods was sent off odds-on favourite here but could only finish fourth. Far from disappointing however, the sectionals suggest he actually ran up to form under his penalty and that Crawter (who has run several times before), is on a sharp upward curve. He was certainly visually impressive.
Buckfastleigh takes some getting when wet and the uphill finish did for What A Glance in The West Country Champion Chase where Rocheston (112) caused something of a shock. The booking of Josh Newman may have made all the difference to the winner who had also shown a previous liking for soft ground. What A Glance can return to winning ways on a less testing track.
The scopey They Call Me Hugo (98) ran out a wide margin winner of the first race, building on a promising run debut behind El Capitaine at Wadebridge. Taking ground deterioration into account for the other races on the card, his figure still comes out relatively the best for its class and he is another to follow.
There is a plethora of meetings this coming weekend and, with the weather set fair, there should be some excellent racing. Sports Magic can go one better in the Maiden at Kingston Blount following a promising debut at Revesby whilst Driveondonn may provide a value alternative to Barrington John in the concluding Restricted. Wottinger appeals in the last at Alnwick, where it will also be interesting to see if Whatudoing can replicate his Friar Haugh form.
Sforza Castle ran reasonably at a stormy Cocklebarrow and has chances of going one better at Badbury Rings; Frogman also has chances in the Maiden. Hardline was well in contention until making a shuddering blunder at the ditch at Higham and can get off the mark for the Pennock’s at Charing while Crocodile Lounge should find things easier at Howick. Angels Breath is the class act on show at the Welsh track and can take the Open.
Fier Jaguen looked back to his best at Garthorpe last time and is sure to be a warm order to follow up at the Cottesmore, but the presence of Our Jet in the entries sparks great interest. Now with David Kemp he was rated in the 130’s last season when with Dan Skelton and is still only nine years of age.
Crawter’s improving with racing
Photo: JTW Equine Images
FIXTURE LIST 2024/25
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
D&C Dart Vale & Haldon Harriers Buckfastleigh Sunday 16 March 2025
SE Old Surrey & Burstow and West Kent Penshurst Sunday 16 March 2025
MID Belvoir Garthorpe Saturday 22 March 2025
N Lanark & Renfrew and Eglinton Overton Saturday 22 March 2025
SM Cirencester Races Siddington Saturday 22 March 2025
W Wilton Milborne St Andrew Saturday 22 March 2025
Y Holderness Dalton Park Sunday 23 March 2025
D&C Lamerton Kilworthy Sunday 23 March 2025
W Mendip Farmers Ston Easton Sunday 23 March 2025
EA West & North Norfolk Fakenham Sunday 23 March 2025
SE Crawley & Horsham and Southdown & Eridge Parham Saturday 29 March 2025
N Morpeth Tranwell Saturday 29 March 2025
W Tedworth Larkhill Sunday 29 March 2025
Y Badsworth & Bramham Moor and York & Ainsty Askham Bryan Sunday 30 March 2025
AREA FIXTURE COURSE DAY DATE
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
WM North Shropshire Eyton on Severn Monday 05 May 2025
D&C Stevenstone Vauterhill Monday 05 May 2025
SM Warwickshire Mollington Monday 05 May 2025
Y Zetland Witton Castle Monday 05 May 2025
W Minehead Harriers and West Somerset Holnicote Saturday 10 May 2025
Y Derwent –Scarborough Races Charm Park Sunday 11 May 2025
D&C Eggesford Upcott Cross Sunday 11 May 2025
SM Kimblewick (May) Kingston Blount Sunday 11 May 2025
AREA FIXTURE COURSE DAY DATE W 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 Wales 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
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.
Fifty Years In The Betting Jungle
Confessions of an on-course Bookie
By Gary Wiltshire
