THE WEEKLY GUIDE TO YOUR SPORT
GO POINTING
250 up for King
VOL 16 28 / FEBRUARY / 2025
COVER PHOTO: James king (Red cap & noseband) tracks the pace aboard Couer D’Alene
Photo Credit: Neale Blackburn
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THIS WEEK’S GRASSROOTS STORY MICK WILLS
By Claire Hart, Point-to-Point Correspondent
In 2010 at the Grafton point-to-point at Whitfield, Mick Wills from Woodend near Blakesley in Northamptonshire, made his debut ride a winning one aged 48. An extraordinary feat and a day he will never forget. His willing partner Pharanto supplied Wills with another win the following season, two further placed efforts and a completion around Cheltenham at the Hunter-Chase evening. A love of point-to-pointing was cemented and whilst the riding career was short, ownership has continued and provided Wills with many happy days.
At Garthorpe on Sunday Havock was the winner of the Maiden under Gina Andrews and Wills explains: “He came from Dan Skelton’s and Stuart Morris who is a great friend of mine trains him. He won nicely and we will take one day at a time with him but hopefully have some fun pointing. Gina gave him a great ride- I have been involved with Tom and Gina for years and they have been incredibly good to me, so it was great to have her ride him.” Havock, a sevenyear-old Walk In The Park gelding possessed all the right attributes to take to pointing. A few placed efforts over hurdles and fences under-rules and with an official rating of 96 it is no surprise to see him make a successful transfer to the grass-roots sport.
In 1985 Wills started his hunting career in the Grafton and stints with the Ledbury, Woodland Pytchley and North Warwickshire followed. 12 months spent in America hunting Coyote, Wills describes as ‘awesome’ all before returning to hunt the Grafton hounds for 25 years. Having retired in 2020 from his role as Huntsman at the Grafton to focus on his equine and pet crematorium business which had been running alongside the hunt commitments since 2005 Wills reflects: “There comes a time when you have to focus on one thing and naturally it happened. The hunting is all consuming, albeit a wonderful way of life it was time to
focus on the business and in doing so it allows me to own and enjoy having pointers. It will also allow me retirement and a pension!”
An interest in racing started when Wills was young, whilst in school and playing truant he used to go to Leicester races with older brother Shaun. Over the years Wills has been blessed to be involved with many good horses and associations with top yards such as Alan and Lawney Hill, Tom and Gina Ellis and Bradley Gibbs have enabled him to enjoy it at the top level and make life-long friendships along the way. Wills talks fondly of days gone by. “The first horse I bought from Ireland was Kayandson and was sent to the Hill’s. He won a Maiden under James Tudor and then a Restricted ridden by Tom Ellis. Naturally pointing is sociable and meeting new people all the time is part of it and following the victory with Ellis aboard a relationship with that team commenced and together the fun has continued.” Wills claims that joint-ownership is a great way to spread the costs and enjoy the social-side; Haymount, who Ellis trained was one of the many he has enjoyed this way; “He won three point-to-points and ran in a Foxhunters at Cheltenham, we had a lot of fun. There was also Every Minute, he had ability winning a couple and is now living in retirement with Jenny Pidgeon.” He shares a funny tale of Blue Mountain Boy: “A friend of mine and I decided we were going to buy a horse so we discussed the figure-which was what I felt we would put in each- I went to the sales and bought him. Upon later discussions wires had been crossed and I ended up owning him by myself! He was consistent and won me three races.” He adds “Pip Ellis, Tom’s Mum puts on the most wonderful picnics and Tony, Tom’s Dad always said ‘win or lose we will have a drink’. I am proud that Tom, Gina, and also Bridget Andrews [now Skelton] and Jack Andrews have all ridden winners for me.”
Mick and Pharanto in action
Photo: Jackie Oliver
Other highlights have been the involvement in sales horses from the Ellis and Andrews camp. “Harpers Brook, he was the first four-year-old winner in Britain and has been decent for Ben Pauling and now with Dan Skelton. Nene River, he was sold to Ireland, Emmet Mullins bought him.” He tells me and adds “I am involved with Fumet d’Oudairies, he has been a wonderful horse for us- another fun syndicate. Tom and Gina are brilliant, the two of them and Jack, they are brilliant with young horses, the breaking, producing and obviously training them.
Theshoddytradesman and Springtime Sal were two horses in which Wills had involvement with and were trained by Bradley Gibbs. “We had so much fun, I had the best times with them, Bev Thomas and Adrian Simpson and a gang of us and it was fun. We had the craic, good picnics, it spread the costs and most importantly I made great friends for life. Bradley is a brilliant jockey and has a good set-up.” Says Wills.
I ask Wills about his time riding pointing and he elaborates: “Adrian Simpson from the Countryside Alliance got 12 huntsman to ride in a charity race at Ascot, I missed the start but finished a close fourth - I loved it so it spiralled from there. Pharanto was a star and winning the hunt race at Whitfield on debut was brilliant. Previously he had won a Maiden then a bumper for the Bealby’s but lost his way having been sold to Nicky Henderson. Stuart Morris then acquired him but he had shown nothing. When I got him, I hunted him and played around. I took him to Hilly’s [Alan] for them to assess and it was decided if I got ten tonne of weight off him, he would be alright! They were right!”
Wills shares his thoughts on pointing today: “Now the English boys are getting good sales prices and graduates of the sport are running in decent races it can only be good for both industries. I hope hunting and pointing can still carry on being mates; so to speak; whilst we realise changes are on the horizon the two do need each-other. I love both sports. It has all become so professional now,
Whilst the business in now the main focus Wills has a couple of hunters and enjoys days trail hunting with the Pytchley, Grafton and Bicester “Catching up with friends and the social side is what I enjoy. I can sit in the field and relax.”
Wills admits to being fiercely competitive, but he also says: “We are all in it together and when push comes to shove great friendships are formed and together we can keep our sports going.”
the staff are brilliant, a big pointing yard is run as professionally as one with a license.”
Mick, Gina, Havock, Alice and Stuart at Garthorpe
Photo: Nico Morgan
That winning feeling
Photo: Jackie Oliver
A WIN For Every Letter
Sixteen Letters - Sixteen Wins - Sixteen Placings
We stand in a field watching horses gallop round in circles for fun, it’s what they are bred to do but not all are truly born racehorses.
Sixteen Letters was a racehorse, every day of his life. He truly loved the game, he loved his work and his enthusiasm never faltered even as he aged. Each year he enjoyed his summer holidays with his owners John and Floss Symes and every season he came back a bit fatter but always showing us just how much he still loved racing - and winning!
On Sunday at Badbury Rings we lost a true hero, he ran his heart out winning 16 races including two hunter chases and finished in the placings 16 times. He was only ever going to go out on his sword, he loved racing, in the end perhaps a little too much. But his form figures are only a small point for which he’ll be remembered.
‘Letters’ joined us in 2017 from Ireland. He jogged everywhere, jumped off on the gallops everyday like he must win, pulled like a train (sounded a bit like one too) but was also safe enough to ride one handed if needed. A trainers’ dream, Kayley and Josh adored him, he never played the sick note, always turned up for work, but he would be kidding you into thinking he was ready to run after three weeks of cantering! He loved his life and we all loved him. For the majority of his life Letters was a girls’ ride at home and loved to win for the ladies too, Izzie Hill, Natalie Parker, Lucy Turner and in his last season he was loved unconditionally by Hannah Morgan.
Both Will Biddick and Josh Newman enjoyed multiple wins aboard Sixteen Letters, always playing the waiting game of how to land him on the line in front as Letters could get caught if they were there too soon. Not through any fault of his own, but he had a unique wind set up in his throat. It didn’t bother Letters, he always just got on with the job and did the very best with what he was born with.
He had the heart of a lion, he gave so many people so much joy on a daily basis and no doubt he’ll be racing some greats in the sky now. He will forever be remembered for his love of life.
Background Photo: Lionhearted - Sixteen Letters (Josh Newman) at Stratford Photo: Neale Blackburn
Top Left: Sixteen Letters & Will Biddick win the 2m4f 4,5,and 6 year olds open maiden at Larkhill in 2018
Photo: Mark Pugh
Bottom Right: Sixteen Letters and connections celebrate Stratford HC win in June 2023
Photo: Neale Blackburn
IN THE FRAME
Northumberland Coffee keep those that braved the elements warm at Alnwick
Photo: Grace Beresford
Kilbrew Boy and Charlie Case reach for the stars at Kingston Blount
Photo: Neale Blackburn
Templier d’Herbert, Anna Johnston leads the Restricted Race runners round the Badbury Rings paddock
Photo: Tim Holt
IN THE FRAME
Walkin Out and Anna Johnston (1st)
Ladies Open Race at Badbury Rings
Photo: Tim Holt
Amrons Sage and Izzie Hill (purple and yellow) at Kingston Blount
Photo: Neale Blackburn
Dundrum Wood (green) and Wild Romance fight out the finish of the mixed open at Alnwick
Photo: Grace Beresford
Point-To-Point Social Media
POINTING
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CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL BETTING GUIDE
The Complete Guide to The Cheltenham Festival with every fact, stat and trend covered to help you make the most informed bets. DELIVERING WINNERS EVERY YEAR! Content includes:
⬤ Extensive analysis for all 28 races
⬤ Spring Horses To Follow feature
⬤ Feature articles from Guest Authors
⬤ Also includes the Grand National Festival Betting Guide
ON THE CLOCK
It’s just been over a year since Largy Pearl entered the notebooks following a fast run maiden win at Horseheath. Subsequent runs had been disappointing however, hallmarked with weak finishes caused in no small part by a litany of jumping errors. He put matters right on his seasonal reappearance at Garthorpe. Ridden more prominently than before he was always travelling strongly, moved into the lead going out on the final circuit and had matters well in hand from thereon. Particularly striking was the improvement in his jumping. Sectional analysis confirms an overall race time figure of 112 – well above average for the grade of race and one suggesting he should follow up under a penalty.
Earlier on the card Fier Jaguen started at prohibitive odds in the Open and duly obliged. Our Jet made a bit of a fist of things for the first circuit but had no answer to the favourite’s relentless gallop and weakened away as his stamina reserves drained. Fier Jaguen recorded a figure of 112 – not too bad considering the ease of his success. We should savour his performances while we can.
It’s fairly rare for a lightly raced Irish maiden winner to debut in GB points since most pass through the sales to a career under Rules, and punters took the hint at Charing sending off Ultimate Survivor (99) at short odds for the closing Restricted. He never gave them a moment’s concern, travelling powerfully behind the front running D’Last Spez (returning from Rules after a fast performance in a Restricted in the 2022-23 season), cruising into the lead three from home and coming well clear without his rider turning a hair. Very much one to follow Ultimate Survivor could be a force to reckon with in the South this season.
Distances short of the standard three miles are just what Bellaney Lord (104) requires but this restricts his opportunities, and he has faced some fairly stiff tasks in recent outings. Dropped down in class to a Level 3 Conditions he made no mistake at Alnwick. In time he may make up into a Ladies Open horse but, as a sound jumper, his next outing may be in a Hunter Chase.
Among this weekend’s highlights is the prestigious Duke of Beaufort’s meeting at Didmarton. There is now an Open on the card for which Itacare heads the ratings. He disappointed last time however and preference at the meeting is for Drakes Well in the following Conditions. He wasn’t in the next parish behind Allmankind when hampered at Higham last time but should find this a far easier assignment. The Turner stable is in top form and Mister Splash can land a home victory in the Restricted over their Ampton course; Sports Magic can take the later Maiden and Back It Up the ‘lucky last’. Cash or Card stands out in the Restricted at Charm Park having run promisingly behind Mumbo Jumbo last time out, while Greater Glory can give the Coward’s further success in the maiden. He was beaten just two lengths by the progressive Lou Marvellous at the same course last season. Blagthebookies is improving for racing and appears at the head of the ratings in two races at Larkhill. He will be hard pressed to defeat Crawter in the Restricted however and the rider doesn’t inspire great confidence for his chances in closing in the Grass Roots race. He’s probably best watched.
LATEST RESULTS
KINGSTON BLOUNT 22/02/2025
12:00 1. COUER D’ALENE (IRE) James King 5-1 2. SOGNA IN GRANDE (GB) Tommie O’Brien 3-1
3. ANOTHER NOTION (IRE) Rian Corcoran 7-4F (8 ran).
12:35 1. EVERYTHING NOW (IRE) Miss Alexandra Ingram 4-1 2. ALL LOVED UP (IRE) Hugh Lillingston 4-1
3. GATEAU DE MIEL (FR) T. Stanley 12-1 (11 ran).
1:20 1. ASK ELLI (GB) Edward Vaughan 4-1 2. GLANCING HILL (GB) Z. Baker 3-1F
3. OCCUPIED TERRITORY (IRE) D. Cherriman 5-1 (11 ran).
1:55 1. COOLDINE BOG (IRE) Miss A. Jackson-Fennell 4-5F 2. NASEE (GB) Miss C. Sheehy Evens (3 ran).
2:30 1. AMRONS SAGE (IRE) Mrs I. Hill 5-2 2. BALLYADAM DESTINY (GB) Daniel Williams 6-1
3. WHO’S IN THE BOX (IRE) Paddy Barlow 9-2 (6 ran).
3:05 1. EL CAPITAINE (IRE) J. Newman 5-4F 2. CHEYTAC (FR) Miss G. Andrews 2-1
3. MOUNT ANGLESBY (IRE) T. McCain-Mitchell 4-1 (10 ran).
ALNWICK 23/02/2025
1:00 1. MATTEROFEXPRESSION (IRE) Joe Wright 6-5F 2. THEOLDBOGGROAD (IRE) J. Innes 6-1
3. KAVIAR WOOD (FR) W. Easterby 3-1 (11 ran).
1:30 1. GREAT NOTIONS (FR) J. Dawson 6-5F 2. WHATUDOING (IRE) Miss J. Walton 7-2
3. SOMETHING GOLDEN (IRE) Shay Halton 10-1 (10 ran).
2:00 1. WILD ROMANCE (IRE) Shay Halton 11-10F 2. DUNDRUM WOOD (IRE) Miss M. Reeve 5-4
3. JIMMIL (IRE) Miss P. J. Brown 8-1 (7 ran).
2:30 1. NOT THE CHABLIS (IRE) Miss J. Jubb 9-4 2. FRANKIES FIRE (GB) Miss C. Tailford 13-2
3. GLORY (GB) Shay Halton 9-1 (8 ran).
3:00 1. BELLANEY LORD (IRE) T.E.Easterby 6-5F 2. FURAX (FR) Joe Wright 8-1 3. CLAPTON HILL (GB) Shay Halton 6-1 (10 ran).
3:30 1. ROYAL MAGGS (GB) Joe Wright 13-8F 2. MIX THE MUSIC (GB) J. Dawson 5-2
3. COLIBRI BLEU (FR) W. Thirlby 2-1 (9 ran).
BADBURY RINGS 23/02/2025
12:00 1. SOUTHFIELD LILY (GB) Miss L. Bradstock 5-2 2. MOVE WITH THE BEAT (IRE) James King 5-1
3. RIGHT HAND OF GOD (GB) Charlie Marshall 16-1 (6 ran).
12:35 1. DR RHYTHM (IRE) J. Newman 5-4F 2. TREVADA (GB) Z. Baker 4-1 3. NORTON HILL (IRE) W. Biddick 9-4 (5 ran).
1:10 1. PUNCHES CROSS (IRE) Rian Corcoran 5-4 2. LLANDINABO LAD (GB) W. Badlan 11-10F
3. RUSSIAN DIAMOND (IRE) Miss E. Miller 20-1 (11 ran).
1:45 1. WALKIN OUT (GB) Miss A. Johnston 4-7F 2. EAGLE OF THE GLEN (GB) Miss L. Mager 10-1
3. KING’S QUAY (IRE) Miss C. Emsley 7-2 (4 ran).
2:20 1. TALIMAR PEARL (FR) J. Newman 11-2 2. HURRICANE DEAL (FR) S. Lee 14-1
3. BOYS WILL BE BOYS (IRE) W. Biddick 6-1 (12 ran).
2:55 1. A FORCE TO RECKIN (IRE) J. Veysey 14-1 2. FROGMAN (IRE) Charlie Sprake 3-1
3. DON’T ASK AIDEN (IRE) F. Philipson-Stow 5-2J (11 ran).
CHARING 23/02/2025
1:00 1. TELLMESOMETHINGOOD (IRE) Mrs I. Hill 2-1F 2. CREAPAPY (FR) W. Hickman 3-1
3. CROOKBARROW (GB) S. Mead 14-1 (7 ran).
1:35 1. GETTING CLOSER (IRE) Mrs I. Hill 7-4 2. COUNT SIMON (IRE) S. Mead 9-4
3. ROCKY CREED (IRE) M. McIntyre Evens (3 ran).
2:10 1. JOY OF LIFE (IRE) W. Hickman 5-2 2. DEFINITE DILEMMA (IRE) P. York 2-5F
3. HARDLINE (IRE) Edward Vaughan 4-1 (3 ran).
2:45 1. MONKEY PUZZLE (GB) Miss Mary Ashby 6-4 2. BACK BAR (IRE) Mrs I. Hill 1-3F (2 ran).
3:20 1. EMPIRE DE MAULDE (FR) S. Mead 4-5F 2. HAPPY LARRY (IRE) P. York 4-1
3. GRAN PARADISO (IRE) M. McIntyre 4-1 (6 ran).
3:55 1. ULTIMATE SURVIVOR (IRE) M. McIntyre 5-4F 2. D’LAST SPEZ (IRE) P. York 7-1
3. PETITE MIKE (IRE) Miss K. L. Featherstone 5-2 (5 ran).
GARTHORPE 23/02/2025
12:30 1. MYLESTOWN UPPER (FR) Miss Ellie Holder 20-1 2. MOUNTAIN ASSAULT (IRE) D. Peters 5-1
3. RED MAPLE (IRE) A. Chadwick 3-1 (6 ran).
1:05 1. JANIKA (FR) Miss H. Palin 5-1 2. SHENTRI (FR) Miss E. Callwood 6-4J 3. LOUGHAN (IRE) Miss G. Andrews 6-4J (7 ran).
1:50 1. SALTY BOY (IRE) T. Hutsby Evens 2. OURO BRANCO (FR) J. Wilmot 4-1 (4 ran).
2:25 1. FIER JAGUEN (FR) B. Gibbs 1-5F 2. OUR JET (IRE) R. Stearn 3-1 (3 ran).
3:00 1. LARGY PEARL (IRE) D. Peters 9-2 2. ALWAYS GROOVIN (IRE) Miss G. Andrews 5-2J 3. CAN DADDY DANCE (IRE) A. Chadwick 8-1 (9 ran).
3:35 1. HAVOCK (IRE) Miss G. Andrews 4-1 2. PAX (IRE) D. Peters 6-1 3. LOW KICK (FR) J. Teal 4-6F (7 ran).
REPORTS
KIMBLEWICK (FEBRUARY)
SATURDAY 22ND FEBRUARY 2025
By Jake Exelby
A fair-sized crowd enjoyed the Saturday sunshine at the Kimblewick (February) pointto-point at the weekend and were treated to 49 runners – including three double-figure fields. Despite the mild weather, the ground – officially described as Soft – was tacky, and horses were finishing tired. The fence under the wood before the open ditch was omitted in all races.
The feature race was the six-runner Philip Scouller Memorial Home Counties Grand National Mixed Open, and it went the way of second favourite Amron Sage, locally trained by Alan Hill for owners The Sunday Night Partnership. The eight-year-old, ridden by reigning champion jockey Izzie Hill (daughter-in-law of the trainer) quickened to lead five out, was two lengths clear at the penultimate fence and scored by a comfortable ten lengths from Ballyadam Destiny, with Who’s In The Box 12 lengths third.
It was an amazing ninth success in the race for the Hill family, and a delighted Joe – son of Alan and husband of Izzie, beamed afterwards, “It was a great win for a local syndicate, most of whom have had horses with us for many years – I bought him well! Seriously, I couldn’t believe we picked him up for only £5,000 as I knew he’d be the perfect, fun syndicate horse. Izzie was determined to run him here and gave him a great ride. Four miles on soft ground suited him and he jumped brilliantly.” Asked about plans, Joe laughed, “That was his Grand National! We may target the four-miler at Cheltenham.”
The winning rider professed herself, “Really happy. He ran well at Chaddesley Corbett last time on soft ground against good opposition and we knew he’d stay all day, so targeted this race a while ago.” Izzie echoed Joe’s words, telling me, “He was a pleasure to ride and jumped fantastically,” but wouldn’t be drawn on the chances of retaining her title (she’s four behind perennial rival Gina Andrews after the weekend’s action), saying only, “I’m not even thinking about that. I’m just happy that the yard is healthy, and the horses are running well.”
At the other end of the distance scale was the Field Seymour Parkes Restricted Race, supported by the PPORA and for which ten faced the starter, over two miles five furlongs, which was won by champion trainer Josh Newman, riding El Capitaine, the favourite, who was scoring for the third time this season. Always prominent, he took up the running five out and – while challenged by market rival Cheytac at the second last –found another gear and coasted home by an easy five lengths, with Mount Anglesby third, four lengths further back.
It was only Josh’s second visit – and first for 12 years – to Kingston Blount from his Woolminstone, Somerset base. Not only is he one clear in the trainers title again this year, he is eight ahead in the male jockey’s championship after the weekend results, so my obvious first question was: can he do anything wrong at the moment? Josh smiled wryly, admitting, “I hit the front too soon and he idled and, though he winged the next, it was scary to see Cheytac coming back at me! It was a good performance with a penalty, particularly on that ground, so I wanted to conserve his energy.” The pair had won at Chipley Park a fortnight earlier and Josh confirmed that coming here was only planned after they won so impressively there. “He’ll more than likely go for the Intermediate at Charlton Horethorne in two weeks,” he added, “And hopefully pick up a few more this season.” As for title
Cooldine Bog and Amber Jackson-Fennell
hopes, Josh was coy. “I need to still be there in April,” he said. “And if I am, I’ll have to start getting on the phone (for outside rides) as our horses can’t last forever and they’ll stop when they’ve had enough.”
It was a third win from four starts this season for seven-year-old El Capitaine and owner Ivan Thompson explained how he came by the horse. “He was up for sale privately, I looked at his form in Ireland and liked the look of him. He’s the first horse to run in my colours with Josh. He was still learning first time out at Knightwick, his Wadebridge race has worked out well and he won easily at Chipley Park, which is why we came here. We may aim for the Stratford Restricted Final, which is why we ran him over 2m5f here, and may give him a break before that – it’s up to Josh.”
That race went to a trainer-rider, while the Print Concern Conditions Race (Level 2), sponsored by evergreen trainer Tim Underwood, was won by an owner-rider, in the shape of Alex Ingram, riding her own Everything Now, trained by Jo Priest at the historic Caradoc Court stables in Herefordshire. This saw a field of 11, the joint-highest of the day. The 11-year-old attempted to make all but looked beaten when headed by All Loved Up three out and was not making any headway round the final bend. However, Everything Now and his determined rider rallied after the last and got up in the last
Photo: Neale Blackburn
50 yards, the winning distance being half a length. Very slow to start, Gateau De Miel made good late progress, but his effort petered out and he was a further 20 lengths behind in third.
“Wasn’t Alex brilliant?” exclaimed the winning trainer. “I’m so proud of her – I thought they were beaten coming round the bend, but she did well to get him back up. She knows the horse inside out and told me she’d go from the front.” Alex and Everything Now had been third at Milborne St Andrew recently after 14 months off and Jo confirmed, “She was easy on him there after they made a mistake – we came here because we knew the ground would be beautiful. It’s my first winner at Kingston Blount, although we haven’t had many runners here, and second of the season.”
It was Alex’s sixth career success, five of which have come on Everything Now –including a Maiden win at Edgcote and two in Ireland. She talked me briefly through her career so far “My first winner was Kaki De La Pree, who came – like this horse – from Tom Symonds. I went to Ireland to work for Gordon Elliott and took Everything Now with me. I now work for Venetia Williams and ride him at Jo’s in my lunchbreak. It helps working for professional trainers as the advice I get is great – Charlie Deutsch has been especially helpful.” Of her winning ride, she smiled, “I adore this horse. I knew he’d stay, so hoped he’d be able to get back to the runner-up.”
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 high-profile 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. Only three went to post, and just two finished, odds-on favourite Cooldine Bog in the hands of owner-trainer-rider Amber Jackson-Fennell making most to beat Nasee by two lengths in a very slowly run race in which neither finisher jumped well.
“He deserved to win something,” admitted Amber of her 12-year-old. “He’s coming to the end of his career but loves it as much as ever. You’re right, his jumping can be ‘interesting’ – he likes to clip the boards!” After a stellar 2022/2023 season, when she was champion novice rider and finished second in
the female jockeys table, nothing went right for Amber – who has seven in her yard near Chipping Norton – last year, but her runners are going well now, and she explained the possible reasons for her change of fortune. “We’re doing more with the horses, and we’ve changed their feed to Spillers. Last season, the ground didn’t suit them, and the racing was so competitive.”
It was a day of highs and lows for Amber, her afternoon concluding with a horrible-looking fall on Bobbarelli in the Restricted. She was taken to hospital after a long delay, but I spoke to her on Monday, and she gave me this upbeat report on her progress. “I was discharged from hospital after an overnight stay and am worse for wear but had a lucky escape and, fingers crossed, I’ll be back in action in a couple of weeks. Apparently ‘Bob’ used me as a cushion (the horse, who is also OK, fell on her) but luckily, I have no recollection as I didn’t wake up until 7 o’clock!” We all wish this resilient jockey a speedy recovery.
The afternoon’s racing opened with The Luck Family Four- and Five-Years Old Maiden Race, over two miles five furlongs and sponsored by broadcaster Nick Luck, who is doing so much to promote pointing, including through his co-sponsorship of the Pointing Pointers Hunter Chase series. It had eight runners and was won by Couer D’Alene and champion jockey James King. The five-year-old, on his third start this season, took up the running from debutant Sogna In Grande three out and – despite a bad mistake at the penultimate – used his experience to stay on for a comfortable 12-length victory. Favourite Another Notion was ten lengths further back in third.
“It’s been hard work with him,” said Couer D’Alene’s relieved trainer Chris Barber in the winners enclosure. “He’s been green and babyish – he was very weak last year – and his jumping’s taken a lot of work, but the penny’s finally dropped and he’s a nice horse for the future.” The horse is co-owned by Chris and well-known consignors Paul and Sara Thorman and the trainer confirmed, “I first met Paul when I was very young and they’re fantastic people – it’s great to have them involved in the yard. I’ll talk to them about plans – he was bought to sell and, while he has a lot of ability, he’s a bit exposed now, so may stay pointing.”
Winning jockey James King, whose landmark 250th pointing success this was, told me, “I’ve ridden him a couple of times already this season, so knew he’d keep galloping. The plan (which obviously worked) was to make use of him and take it up three out.” The reigning champion was guarded on his chances of winning a fourth jockeys title, saying only, “We’ll have to see. I’ve still got a lot of horses to ride that haven’t been out yet.”
The second Maiden on the card was the Ashley Wilde Group Conditions Maiden, this time over the full three-mile trip, and was the second race of the day to attract 11 runners. It was taken by Bradley Gibbs’ seasonal debutante Ask Elli, ridden by Ed Vaughan and owned by pointing stalwart Chub Castle, who helped design the Kingston Blount course prior to its opening in 1971. The five-year-old mare was always prominent behind leader Glancing Hill, took it up two out, and kept on gamely to repel the persistent challenge of the market leader. Occupied Territory, another making their first appearance this year, was a never dangerous 17 lengths third.
“I knew she’d be fit and expected her to run well,” smiled Bradley in response to my cheeky question about whether he thought Ask Elli would need the run. “She ran well last season, especially when slipping up in the Mares Maiden Final, although she was big and backward. We’ll see how she comes out of the race before discussing plans with Chub and his wife Sally. She’s a nice filly.” As for the owner, “I can’t remember when I last had a runner here, let alone a winner! We’ve got three homebreds with Bradley – Bluescape (who ran in the opener) and a 5yo mare by Pethers Moon, from the same family as Ask Elli. He’s a brilliant trainer.”
“She jumped fantastically,” confirmed Ed. “I didn’t want to hit the front too soon as she saves a bit for herself and was coming on and off the bridle. She was still a bit green, but I knew she’d pick up when I asked her.” It was a second pointing win of the season for last year’s champion novice, and he admitted that – after such a stellar campaign, “Finding my own way is harder, but Dad gave me a base and hopefully things will click, and people will notice I’m also riding winners under rules – I’ve had five so far this season.”
SOUTH EAST HUNTS CLUB
SUNDAY 23RD FEBRUARY 2025
By Nicola Dean
A dry and windy day greeted those who attended Charing Races’ second fixture of the season on Sunday, where there was some exciting racing despite the small fields.
Racing started with the maiden race run over two miles and four furlongs which saw the largest field of the day with seven runners. Hannah Hickman-Jones trained Creapapy and Alan Hill trained Tellmesomethingood disputed the lead throughout the race although Katie Featherstone’s Crookbarrow, Michael Kehoe’s Codetalker and David Phelan’s Time To Upgrade were also still in with a chance as the runners turned down the hill for the final time. The Orchard Boy trained by Andrew Pennock pulled up at the top of the hill and Wait At The Gate, who was starting to lose touch unseated at the twelfth fence. At the penultimate fence, Tellmesomethingood started to pull clear of his rivals. Creapapy chased after the leader but was five lengths down by the final fence which Tellmesomethingood cleared to secure the victory. Creapapy took second with Crookbarrow a further three lengths back in third. Codetalker completed for fourth just ahead of Time to Upgrade.
The level two conditions race followed with only three runners declared. All three runners, Count Simon, Getting Closer and Rocky Creed were tightly grouped together with the lead being shared between Rob Varnham’s Count Simon and Alan Hill’s Getting Closer. The three runners were all still in contention at the penultimate fence but it was here that Izzie Hill sent Getting Closer forward to open up a two length advantage. Turning to the final fence Getting Closer still held a two length advantage over Count Simon with Rocky Creed a further length back. Getting Closer cleared the final fence with Count Simon still trying to close on the leader, but Getting Closer maintained his two length advantage to provide Izzie Hill and Alan Hill with a double on the day. Count Simon held on for second ahead of Rocky Creed in third.
The men’s open race was the third race on the card and also attracted three runners including the winner and second from the men’s open race previous Charing races fixture, Ella Gillings trained Definite Dilemma
and Hannah Hickman-Jones trained Joy of Life. The third runner was Hardline trained by Andrew Pennock. All three runners were grouped together throughout the race with Joy of Life leading until they were climbing the hill for the second time when Phil York took Definite Dilemma into the lead, but Will Hickman and Joy of Life regained the lead as the three runners started to make their way back down the hill. Hardline started to lose touch at the seventeenth fence leaving Joy of Life and Definite Dilemma to battle it out. Will Hickman managed to gain a three length advantage with Joy of Life at the penultimate fence which Definite Dilemma was unable to claw back. Joy of Life cleared the final fence to reverse the placings from the previous fixture with Hardline completing in third.
The ladies open saw the smallest field of the day with only two runners declared. Alan Hill’s Back Bar was looking to provide Izzie Hill with a treble but Mary Ashby aboard Monkey Puzzle trained by her mother Sarah had other ideas. Back Bar allowed Monkey Puzzle to lead and seemed to be sitting and waiting to make a move as the pair turned at the top of the hill after the fifteenth fence. The speed started to increase from the sixteenth fence, and Monkey Puzzle continued to maintain an advantage despite Back Bar trying to pass his rival. Turning to the final fence, Monkey Puzzle started to pull away again and having jumped the final fence continued to hold a three length advantage on the run to the winning post.
The level three conditions race saw six runners face the starter and once again all six runners were still in contention as they reached the top of the hill for the second
time, but as they turned at the top of the hill Seb Mead increased the pace on the favourite Empire de Maulde and started to pull away from his rivals. Phil York aboard Happy Larry gave chase with Bea Coward trained Gran Paradiso and David Phelan trained Carrolls Cottage also trying to stay in touch with the leader. But Rob Varnham trained Empire de Maulde continued to pull away and was clear of his rivals as he jumped the penultimate fence. He took the final fence well and was eased to the winning post whilst Happy Larry and Gran Paradiso battled it out for second place with Happy Larry holding on by a neck. Carrolls Cottage was a further two lengths behind in fourth with Ryans Fancy and Goudhurst Star also both completing.
Racing concluded with the restricted race which saw five runners line up and also saw the largest winning margin of the day as Bea Coward trained Ultimate Survivor justified favouritism with the bookmakers to win by twenty five lengths. All five runners were grouped together until half way up the hill for the second time when Ultimate Survivor was asked to move to the front and quickly pulled away from his four rivals. Katie Featherstone, aboard her own Petite Mike, and Phil York aboard his own D’Last Spez both tried to close in on the leader as William Rekert’s Bolberry Down started to weaken and Andrew Pennock trained Artiste d’Ainay pulled up after the fifteenth fence. But despite their efforts D’Last Spez and Petite Mike could not close on Ultimate Survivor whose advantage continued to grow over the final three fences.
D’Last Spez took second two lengths ahead of Petite Mike whilst Bolberry Down also completed for fourth.
A thrilling finish between Getting Closer (hooped cap), Rocky Creed (centre) and Count Simon (black cap)
Photo: Will Shields
THE COLLEGE VALLEY & NORTH
NORTHUMBERLAND HUNT
SUNDAY 23RD FEBRUARY 2025
By Peter Burgon
Joe Wright enjoyed a first and last race double on the Jack Teal-trained debutants Matterofexpression and Royal Maggs at Sunday’s College Valley & North Northumberland fixture at Alnwick, where 55 runners faced the starter to make it a total of 153 runners at this season’s three meetings at the Ratcheugh Farm course.
Matterofexpression set the ball rolling with an impressive wide margin debut success in the 2m4f Bedmax Fred Scott Memorial Maiden Race. Always travelling well, the five-year-old had just edged in front of the pace-setting Phantoms Cave (Paddy Barlow) when his rival fell three out. Wright gave his mount a squeeze and the response was immediate, putting the race to bed in a matter of strides before cruising home a distance in front of Theoldboggroad (James Innes).
Related to numerous jumps winners, the youngster was bought for £15,000 at Goffs UK Doncaster Store Sale in May 2023. Teal’s sister Lois said: ‘’We’ve had to be patient as he was coughing in early January but he’d been giving all the right signals in his recent work at home and will now head straight to the Sales.’’
Withdrawn on veterinary advice after being kicked at the start at Duncombe Park the previous week, Royal Maggs’ delayed debut was worth waiting for as the five-yearold turned the closing stages of the 2m Land Rover Flat Race into a procession to complete doubles for Wright and Teal. The minor placings were filled by Mix The Music (John Dawson) and Warwickshire raider Colibri Bleu (Will Thirlby).
It was good to see the mare’s owner/ breeder Steve Knowles making a rare visit to Alnwick. Some of his other home-bred winners down the years include Hafajay who landed the 2019 renewal of the Heart Of All England Maiden Hunters’ Chase at Hexham, J-J-Henry who won the 1991 Topham Trophy at Aintree, and Bramble Vodka who won a 16-runner Alnwick Maiden on debut in December 2013.
Making a quick reappearance after finishing third at Duncombe Park, last month’s Percy Maiden winner Great Notions showed his liking for Alnwick with a second course success in the 3m Lycetts Restricted Race. Sent on a mile from home by John Dawson, the Robin Tate-trained six-year-old had a sustained duel with Joe Wright’s mount Slaney Opera down the home straight before being left on his own when Slaney Opera, who was upsides at the time and holding every chance, fell at the last. The valuable Heart Of All England Maiden Hunters’ Chase at Hexham on May 10 is now on the agenda for the winner.
After long-time leader Jimmil (Pippa Brown) was headed three out in the 3m Saffery Mixed Open Race, the business end of the contest saw proven stayer Wild Romance (Shay Halton) edge ahead of Alnwick specialist Dundrum Wood (Martha Reeve) well inside the last fifty yards to score by a neck.
Runner-up to Does He Know in a 2m5f Grade 2 Cheltenham Novices’ Hurdle back in November 2020 when trained by Dan Skelton, the mare has enjoyed a new lease of life between the flags since joining current connections and this was her 5th win under Halton, including three at Alnwick, from 10 Pointing starts in the last fifteen months. Her next targets are the Holderness Mixed Open and the 4m1f Grimthorpe Gold Cup.
Last season’s 2m4f Overton Maiden scorer Bellaney Lord was an easy winner of the
2m4f Womble Bond Dickinson Conditions Race under Thomas Easterby. Sent on up the hill after four out, the nine-year-old had the prize sewn up before the second last and was still twelve lengths ahead of Furax (Joe Wright) at the finish.
Easterby said: ‘’He is ideally suited by a strong pace at this trip and wouldn’t want much further. He runs next in a 2m5f Carlisle Hunters’ Chase on March 9.’’
After taking it up two out in the 3m Alncom NPPA Area Conditions Race, Fife raider Not The Chablis (Jess Jubb) quickly settled the issue and went on to score by an eased down eight lengths from Frankies Fire (Charlotte Tailford). This was yet another success for the Jockey Start Syndicate Scheme, and a second of the season for Jess who is the new leader in the Northern Area Novice Riders’ Championship.
For the record, the first 6 Northern Area meetings of the season have attracted a total of 305 runners with a healthy average of 7.82 per race, while the ratio of runners to individual horses entered is 78%.
The 3 Northern Area meetings in March all take place on a Saturday at Friars Haugh (March 8), Overton (March 22) and Tranwell (March 29), with the Overton card again offering a record total prize fund of £7,500 across seven races.
Not The Chablis and Jess Jubb
Photo: Grace Bersford
THE COTTESMORE
SUNDAY 23RD FEBRUARY 2025
By Nico Morgan
Julian Sherriff‘s 10-year-old Fier Jaguen continued his Garthorpe Open race dominance on Sunday at the Cottesmore meeting, where he won by 25 lengths in the skilful hands of Bradley Gibbs. The right-hand-track supremo never looked uncomfortable and, although he might have given the Stearn and Turner families an inkling of hope when he gave their 9-year-old Our Jet the lead on a couple of occasions, there was clearly too much class in the French-bred ‘s tank and he won by a distance. Our Jet’s performance in second was very encouraging for a horse making his debut between the flags, surely a good indicator for his next run.
Garthorpe seems to be very resilient to wet weather and as this meeting began, the general impression was that apart from some soft patches this was a very good surface. Good to soft soft in places.
Racing began with the Witham Hall Conditions race over 3 1/2 miles which attracted some good stayers. The lead changed several times over the course of the race with Mountain Assault (ridden and trained by Dale Peters) and Morning Spirit (trained by Kelly Morgan and ridden by Tom Chatfeild Roberts) making the pace, but against the run of form, it was 20/1shot Mylestown Upper who hit the lead approaching the last and stayed on well to win, from Mountain Assault in second and Nick Wright’s Red Maple in third. The latter took home the coveted Perpetual Hound
Trophy as the first Cottesmore-qualified horse past the post.
The bookmakers were also happy after our second race, the Tudor Hall School for Girls 2m4f Ladies Conditions race. As predicted in the preview, Loughan, trained and ridden by Gina Andrews, and Shentri, trained by Kelly Morgan and ridden by Ellie Callwood, started as joint short-priced favourites. Gina Andrews amd Shentri ran with purpose, leading until the downhill fence before the final turn where the Edward Turner-trained Janika took over the lead and never relinquished it. Shentri finished second and Loughan in third. This was a popular first win from nine starts for the French-bred 12-year-old, as the Turner family have huge supporters of Garthorpe over the years but have often come up against very good opposition. “We are thrilled,” Edward Turner said, “the drop back to two and half miles really helped, as did getting some weight from Shentri and Janika. He’s Ben’s favourite!”
There was a return to form in the third race, the Jockey Club Conditions Race for Grass Roots Riders, as evens favourite Salty Boy won this from Ouro Branco in second, the only other of four starters to finish. This was jockey Tom Hutsby’s sixth win of the season, this time for Father Fred.
The Dickinson & Morris Restricted race, after the Mixed Open, was well supported and led to a first victory of the day for Dale Peters on Largy Pearl, which he trains and rides for Beryl Close. Second in this one, three lengths behind, went to 5/2 joint-favourite Always
Groovin, the mount of Gina Andrews, while Alex Chadwick and Can Daddy Dance were some way back in third for Nigel Padfield.
The final point-to-point race of the day was a 2-mile 4-furlong Maiden sponsored by Renovation Underwriting Ltd, won in fine form by the Stuart Morris-trained Havock. Second was James Henderson’s Pax (Dale Peters), a six-year-old making his racecourse debut who will benefit a lot from this run and should be one to watch. Hot favourite Low Kick (Jack Teal) couldn’t find any more in the run-in. despite giving the others 21lbs. Stuart Morris said, “[Havock] is so easy to train. I’m looking forward to good things. This was a horse that was considered a bit tripless at the Skelton‘s yard.” He will now have to step up to restricted company.
At the end of the day we had two well supported schooling races which were very professionally ridden and supported by a number of good yards.
During the treading in session on Monday it was notable how well the Garthorpe track had stood up to an eight-race day. It was harrowed then rolled and everything will now be moved onto fresh ground for the Belvoir meeting at the end of March.
Midlands attention now turns to Guilsborough in Northamptonshire on Sunday 9th March, where the advance going is described as soft all round. We look forward to seeing you there. Please keep an eye on our website and the fixture’s socials for more information for this fixture. The tickets are available online on our website at the discounted price of £13.
THE COUNTRYSIDE ALLIANCE CLUB (WESSEX)
SUNDAY 23RD FEBRUARY 2025
By Bob Bracher
A lower than usual crowd attended the annual running of the point to point due mainly to the poor weather forecast but the rain stayed away until the fifth race and some competitive racing was the feature of the day. Leading male jockey Josh Newman rode another double and there were winners for two trainers with a single horse in training plus two close finishes with the judge needing a close scrutiny of his iPad.
The meeting began with a dramatic conclusion to the Bryanston School Countryside Alliance Clun Members Conditions race. The favourite Scoresby ridden by Robbie David had travelled well behind the long-time leader Southfield Lily ridden by Lily Bradstock and having taken up the lead at the third last he was in command approaching the last. However, this fence proved the partnership’s undoing with a blunder sending Robbie out of the saddle leaving Southfield Lily to score comfortably. Sara Bradstock, Lily’s mother, acknowledged that it was a fortunate victory but ‘all the fences have to be jumped’. She added that ‘my mare loves this perfect ground and really enjoys her jumping from the front’ This was her third course victory and she has become calmer than when she first started. She still wears a hood and is usually kept away from her rivals at the start.
The feature race , the Howden Insurance Wessex National Mens Open, gave Josh the first leg of his double when he steered Dr
Rhythm to a two lengths victory over Trevada ridden by Zac Baker. Repeating his victory in this race from 2024 and his fourth course winner he is the only horse trained by Janet Cumings who has taken over the training from her husband Keith and is ably assisted by her daughter Nicky Boundy. Nicky reported that ‘ he loves this better ground and we hoped he would run well as he had been showing all his enthusiasm in his two previous outgoings’ Josh took up the running at the cross fence and reported that ‘ I was very happy how he was going and did not believe that any one would pass him’ This was the gelding 15th career victory and is the apple of the eye of his joint owners Peter Clarke and Tina Dunsford.
The closest finish of the day came in the Hendy Land Rover Conditions Race for Grass Roots Riders. The favourite Llandinabo Lad ridden by William Badlan had looked the winner after taking up the lead approaching the last from Russian Diamond but Rian Corcoran aboard Punches Cross who had made much of the running conjured a revival from his mount and his willing partner battled back well to snatch the victory on the line by a short head. Owned by Michael and Heather Sweetland and trained by Danielle Kenealy he was recording his second victory this season. Joe Tickle, Danielle’s partner, said that ‘Rian has ridden twice for us and both have won and this was a really good ride’ This was Rian’s sixth victory this season and keeps him in a strong position to be champion novice male rider.
The Savills Ladies Open race was won by the front running Walkin Out ridden by Anna Johnston. Settling off in front of her three
rivals she was being pressed at the third last when Sixteen Letters fell and the mare maintained her lead to the line. Owned by John Dorse and trained by Leslie Jefford this was her seasonal debut on the back of four victories at the end of last season. Anna who was winning her fifth race on the mare described her as ‘such a game mare and a pleasure to ride’.
The Milton Abbey School Restricted race provided another close finish with Talimar Pearl ridden by Josh Newman just prevailing by a neck over Hurricane Deal ridden by Sam Lee. Josh had taken up the lead at the fifteenth fence and looked to be in trouble until Hurricane Deal blundered at the last. Already the winner of a Maiden at Wadebridge his owner David Churches was sadly not able to present with his friend Liz Dorse reporting with a smile that ‘David has the plague and is confined to his home’ He did have the race relayed to him and was delighted with the outcome of the race.
As the rain continued to fall the Injured Jockeys Fund Maiden race proved more testing and after tracking the leaders Jack Veysey produced A Force to Reckin to lead at the fourth last and drew away to record a five lengths victory over Frogman ridden by Charlie Sprake. Bought by Jack at Doncaster last year after two non-finishes in Irish points he was sent into training with Chris Honour but after an underwhelming run at Warwick Jack decided to run him in points himself. A farrier from Cullompton this is his only horse which he trains himself and is one of the few owner/trainer/rider that used to be a common feature of pointing 20 years ago.
Mens Open Runners pass the crowd at Badbury Rings
Photo: Tim Holt
FIXTURE LIST 2024/25
AREA FIXTURE COURSE DAY DATE
WMDuke of Beaufort'sDidmartonSaturday01 March 2025
W South & West WiltsLarkhillSunday02 March 2025
EA Suffolk AmptonSunday02 March 2025
Y Yorkshire Jockeys Club Charm ParkSunday02 March 2025
N Buccleuch Friars HaughSaturday08 March 2025
WALESCurre & LlangibbyHowickSunday08 March 2025
EAHigh Easter Racing Club High EasterSaturday08 March 2025
W Blackmore & Sparkford Vale Charlton Horethorne Sunday09 March 2025
MIDPytchley with Woodland GuilsboroughSunday09 March 2025
WMSir W.W. Wynn's and Flint & Denbigh Bangor-on-DeeSunday09 March 2025
Y Hurworth Hutton RudbySaturday15 March 2025
W Quantock CothelstoneSaturday15 March 2025
WALESCurre & LlangibbyHowickSunday NOW 13 April 2025
D&CDart Vale & Haldon Harriers BuckfastleighSunday16 March 2025
SE Old Surrey & Burstow and West Kent PenshurstSunday16 March 2025
MIDBelvoir GarthorpeSaturday22 March 2025
N Lanark & Renfrew and Eglinton OvertonSaturday22 March 2025
SMCirencester RacesSiddingtonSaturday22 March 2025
W Wilton Milborne St Andrew Saturday22 March 2025
Y Holderness Dalton ParkSunday23 March 2025
D&CLamerton KilworthySunday23 March 2025
W Mendip FarmersSton EastonSunday23 March 2025
EAWest & North Norfolk FakenhamSunday23 March 2025
SE Crawley & Horsham and Southdown & Eridge ParhamSaturday29 March 2025
N Morpeth TranwellSaturday29 March 2025
W Tedworth LarkhillSunday29 March 2025
Y Badsworth & Bramham Moor and York & Ainsty Askham BryanSunday30 March 2025
W Cotley Cotley Sunday30 March 2025
WMGloucester Races Maisemore Park Sunday30 March 2025
AREA FIXTURE COURSE DAY DATE
D&CSouth CornwallTrebudannonSunday30 March 2025
WM Bitterley Races (Ludlow) BitterleySaturday05 April 2025
EAPuckeridge & EssexHigh EasterSaturday05 April 2025
WMCheshire ForestTabley Sunday06 April 2025
Y Middleton Sheriff Hutton Sunday06 April 2025
D&CSpooners & West Dartmoor CherrybrookSunday06 April 2025
SANDVine & Craven Kingston BlountSunday06 April 2025
Y Bedale Hornby CastleSaturday12 April 2025
W Cattistock ChilfromeSaturday12 April 2025
WMCroome & West Warwickshire Shelfield Park Saturday12 April 2025
SE Old Surrey & Burstow and West Kent PenshurstSaturday12 April 2025
SMBicester with Whaddon Chase EdgcoteSunday13 April 2025
N Overton RacesOvertonSunday13 April 2025
D&CSilverton DunsmoreSunday13 April 2025
EA Essex & Suffolk HighamFriday18 April 2025
D&C Flete Park Races –Dartmoor Foxhounds Flete ParkSaturday19 April 2025
SMKimblewick (Easter)Kimble Saturday19 April 2025
WM North Staffordshire SandonSaturday19 April 2025
MIDPytchley with Woodland DingleySaturday19 April 2025
W Seavington Cotley Saturday19 April 2025
WMWorcestershireChaddesley Corbett Saturday19 April 2025
D&CFour BurrowTrebudannonMonday21 April 2025
WMNorth CotswoldPaxfordMonday21 April 2025
SMOld BerkshireLockingeMonday21 April 2025
WMSouth ShropshireEyton on Severn Monday21 April 2025 W Taunton Vale Foxhounds and Taunton Vale Harriers CothelstoneMonday21 April 2025
N Tynedale CorbridgeMonday21 April 2025
WMBerkeley WoodfordSaturday26 April 2025
SEChiddingfold, Leconfield & Cowdray ParhamSaturday26 April 2025
AREA FIXTURE COURSE DAY DATE
N Fife Pusk Saturday 26 April 2025
MID Quorn Garthorpe Saturday 26 April 2025
D&C Axe Vale Stafford Cross Sunday 27 April 2025
D&C Flete Park Races –Totnes & Bridgetown Racing Co Ltd Flete Park Saturday 03 May 2025
SE Mid Surrey Farmers Godstone Saturday 03 May 2025
W Devon & Somerset South Hill Sunday 04 May 2025
MID Fernie Dingley Sunday 04 May 2025
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
