THE WEEKLY GUIDE TO YOUR SPORT
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SANKEY’S LAND A FAMILY DOUBLE
13 / MARCH / 2025
COVER PHOTOS: Bangor-On-Dee
Top: Great Valley (Guy Sankey), Sweet Photography
Bottom: Blagthebookies (Iola Sankey), JTW Equine Images
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THIS WEEK’S GRASSROOTS STORY MOLLY LEGG
By Claire Hart, Point-to-Point Correspondent
Molly Legg, aged 23 rode her first winner at High Easter on Saturday aboard the Gina Andrews owned and trained Young Rich. The partnership had finished third and fourth already this season, so it was an anticipated and gratefully received win.
Molly, who grew up in Tiverton, Devon is from a non-horsey family but learned to ride as a child, some
time spent doing pony-club activities then a stint working in an event yard helped Molly to improve her skills. An interest in racing was sparked through family fried Mary Sanderson who trains a small string of pointto-pointers for whom she used to go and help.
At 16 a trip to The British Racing School for a nine-week course was completed and from there Molly was placed with licensed trainer Nigel Hawke where she spent five years. During this time a first ride aboard Sanderson’s Jabbea may have resulted in an unseat at the first but determination and a want to do it again had been ignited. A few more rides in the west country under the guidance of the Buckley family aboard Garrane, further encouraged Molly to take the next step. An advert for a Novice Rider within Tom and Gina’s team was responded to and the rest they say is history. A move to Warwickshire ahead of the 2023/2024 season has been a positive one. Molly tells me: “I saw the advert and thought it would be a good opportunity within a top team. Last season I was just getting going, I had a couple of rides and I then unfortunately broke my back. I unseated off Killinkere in January, I thought I was ok, maybe just some muscle damage. Two weeks later I finished second on him at Higham but when I got off that day I felt something wasn’t right. I went for x-rays and they revealed damage to L3 in my back.”
Two months later in April a chance ride on Go Whatever for Anthony Ward-Thomas came along, Molly adds: “Gina put me in for the ride and he ran really well. Since then I have had a few rides for Anthony which is brilliant. I am grateful to Gina for sending me his way and for
Molly and Young Rich clear the last at High Easter
Photo: Graham Bishop
his support.” This weekend Ward-Thomas has the useful Viva Lavilla entered in the Ladies and Mens Opens at Penshurst and Molly would be right to assume the possibility of teaming up with him should the Ladies be the race of choice. Ward-Thomas tells me: “What struck me about Molly immediately was her enthusiasm and determination. I am always a fan of encouraging a novice rider because otherwise how do they learn? There are many like Molly who can be put off by the sport and the lack of rides available which is a shame. Molly listens and is diligent, she rides very well and people like her are very good for the sport. The success of the likes of Bryony Frost, Lizzie Kelly, Bridget Andrews and now Rachael Blackmore has certainly encouraged the standard to raise and so it should. Molly is certainly capable of reaching a high level.”
In terms of day to day within the yard I ask Molly of her favourite horses and what working for such a formidable team is like. She says: “I rode Edith Pelham most days, the lovely mare which sold to Fergal O’Brien and topped the February sale. She was gorgeous, it is exciting to now follow what she will go on to do. I love Young Rich obviously, I have a real soft spot for him and being my ride is amazing. I also school Master Templar most weeks, he is a good horse and has taught me lots.” Showing appreciation and realising the benefits of working with top people, she adds: “I am more than lucky to receive all the help Gina gives me and every time I ride, we go through the race together. What she has achieved is incredible. I can’t thank her and Thomas enough for the support they have given me. Jack Andrews, Zac Baker and Ellie Holder are all based in the yard too and have been so helpful. Martin McIntyre who also rides for Anthony has also offered good advice. I feel lucky to be surrounded by so many experienced people.” Molly is also quick to add: “I must thank my sponsors Chepstow Construction Equipment- they have supported me from
the beginning and I am very grateful to them.”
Talking of ‘top’ people I ask Molly if she is attending the Cheltenham Festival this week to which she excitedly replies: “No, but I am going to ride out for Willie Mullins on Thursday morning.” I asked her about this connection and she tells me: “I went there for two months in the summer and I loved it, it was brilliant. The horses are machines even the summer ones!”
Saturday’s victory at High Easter ended up being a lonely one following the run-out of the Tom Hutsby ridden Kilfilum Woods four from home. Molly explains: “The win was a relief, to finally get the first one out of the way was brilliant. My parents were there too which was amazing. We were pointing Sunday at Guilsborough so no celebrating Saturday night but we went for a meal on Tuesday instead.”
I asked Gina Andrews to tell me about Molly and she said: “Molly is a valued member of our team, she works really hard and we are over the moon to finally get her a winner. It was so sad to only have three runners in the race. High Easter is up there with the best tracks in the country but doesn’t get supported.”
As always, I ask of any future plans and for now Molly says: “I will just play it by ear, I am in a good place and to ride a couple more winners this season would be brilliant. I love pointing, riding nice horses and the social side of it. There are always lots of people there and it is good fun.”
Week in, week out our wonderful sport produces stories about great people. Molly evidently has an understanding of the need to work hard and soak up advice from the talented people around her and I am sure we will hear and see plenty more of her in the future.
Schooling time, Molly aboard Young Rich (right)
PPA SECURES MEDIA ACCREDITATION FOR GOLD CUP DAY
PPA Secures Media Accreditation for Gold Cup Day
For the first time, the Point-to-Point Authority has secured official media accreditation for one of the biggest events in the jump racing calendar, Gold Cup Day at The Cheltenham Festival. This marks a significant step forward in giving point-to-point racing the recognition it deserves on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
The St. James’s Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Chase, a race steeped in tradition, provides a platform for the very best amateur jockeys and point-to-pointers to showcase their talents in front of a global audience. With the PPA now granted media access, British point-to-point enthusiasts can expect exclusive behind-the-scenes content that brings them closer to the trainers, owners, and jockeys who form the backbone of the sport.
To keep up to date with all of the on the day content make sure you’re following @GBpointing on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and X.
Behind-the-Scenes Access Like Never Before
This new accreditation paves the way for unprecedented coverage, offering racing fans a unique insight into the journey of point-to-point horses and connections as they take on the famous Cheltenham course. Through GB Pointing’s digital platforms, followers will get an insider’s view of the build-up to the race, from morning routines and pre-race nerves to post-race celebrations or reflections.
Expect interviews with top amateur jockeys, the trainers and owners preparing their horses for the challenge and exclusive content capturing the atmosphere of the weighing room, parade ring and winner’s enclosure.
The Future of Point-to-Point Media Coverage
This milestone is just the beginning. The PPA’s accreditation at Cheltenham represents a major step towards increasing visibility for British point-to-pointing, fostering stronger connections between grassroots racing and the under rules jump racing audience. With social media, video content and digital storytelling playing an ever-growing role in fan engagement, this behind-the-scenes access promises to elevate the sport’s profile like never before.
As the countdown to Gold Cup Day begins, stay tuned for exclusive updates, interviews and insights from the heart of the action.
NOTICE
Introducing a fresh new look as we build for the future… Welcome to Go Pointing. With a bold, identifiable brand, we’re making point-to-pointing more recognisable than ever. Same thrilling sport but with a stronger identity
To make things easier we’re streamlining and merging our social media channels, with GB Pointing the new go-to for all things point-to-point.
Stay up to date with all the latest point-to-point news, interviews, updates and behind the scenes footage.
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Welcome to the future of GB Pointing!
IN THE FRAME
The Mascot Race at Bangor - TW Plant Sales Ltd - eventual winner was the Reindeer AKA Sam Woolam (middle, brown fur, red nose)
Photo: JTW Equine Images
Dusart qualifies for a hug and a kiss from Meisha Micklewright after their win in the Grassroots Riders at Guilsborough
Photo: Neale Blackburn
Mylestown Upper, Mountain Assault and Padjoes Legacy - High Easter
Photo: Graham Bishop
Batting down the birch at Guilsborough
Photo: Neale Blackburn
IN THE FRAME
Jeux D’Eau and Huw Edwards at Bangor
Photo: Sweet Photography
Grassroots riders mixed open field at Friars Haugh
Photo: Grace Beresford
The Six Years and Over Maiden Race at Howick
Photo: Alun Sedgmore
Duc De Bourbon, Martin McIntyre (1st) Mixed Open Race
Photo: Tim Holt
ON THE CLOCK
Pink Eyed Pedro has been a flag bearer for Welsh point-to-pointing over the years and it was heartwarming to see him return to the winner’s enclosure at scenic Howick – the fourteen-year old’s 12th victory in just 22 starts between the flags. His was not the fastest race on the card however, that honour falling to Striking Out (110) He had been going well when unseating at Didmarton last time and was the subject of strong support to find compensation here. This was rider Emma Williams first winner and, having now gelled, the partnership can go on to further success.
The recording and interpretation of sectional times is a relative new phenomenon but one that can unearth some value. My analysis of the concluding maiden suggests that Avada Kedavra (104) may have come somewhat under the radar of traditional form and time students given that my projected rating is some 24lbs higher than the published performance rating. There is other evidence available however that goes some way to supporting this interpretation as both Avada Kedavra and runner-up Hogan (102) were officially rated in the low 100’s over hurdles. There next outings will be of great interest.
I had added caveat to the rating of the winner of the first race at Friars Haugh (Whatudoing) back at the start of February, given that it was seemingly far ahead of any previous collateral form of both the winner and those behind, but I have no such doubts of the winner of last weekend’s opener. Portgloriam (96) and the runner-up Diamond Flush had both shown some ability in Irish points while fourth placed Clapton Hill had run well in a relatively fast run Conditions race at Alnwick the time before. Portgloriam should be able to take a Restricted in due course.
That the fastest performance of the meeting was posted by a horse that finished alone says all you really need to know about the pace at which the majority of races were run at High Easter- more informative was the performance off Douglas Longbottom (118) at Charlton Horethorne, He had been on our list of horses to follow at the beginning of the season and has been progressing nicely, showing a good turn of foot here to pull well clear of the inform Empire de Maulde. This was a life time best on the clock suggesting that Douglas Longbottom is ready to tackle Open company.
At the Pytchley there was much anticipation before the Intermediate which brought together some of the most promising novices of this season. Unfortunately, from a time perspective the race was unsatisfactory with Gina Andrews setting a very steady pace on Mumbo Jumbo which, on drying ground, ultimately left him rather exposed to the ultra-game Clashhill. All credit to the winner however who was conceding five pounds.
The preceding Restricted was run in a time ten seconds faster with Star of Honour (91) and Fame and Concrete (105) finishing well clear of the disappointing favourite Trojan Du Berlais. Both can progress.
The final four races at Bangor-On-Dee went to horses who had shown plenty previously on the clock, though Great Valley (108) showed further improvement to rout his rivals in the Conditions Level 2 contest. A sound jumper, he seems best dominating small fields and can enjoy further success as the grounds dry.
There are few standouts on the clock this weekend though Clondaw Drake should provide Josh Newman with another success in the Intermediate at Buckfastleigh and Mister Splash can give the Turner stable their fourth success of the season in the opener at Penshurst.
Cheltenham St. James’s Place Festival Challenge Cup
And so, to Cheltenham where it seems much will revolve around the going and jumping ability. Angels Dawn is a worthy favourite, a previous winner at the Festival, close up when falling two out in last year’s Kim Muir and unbeaten in her first two point to points. However, her best form has been on Soft or Heavy and she’s run to a twenty pounds lower mark on faster. Its on the Line was good runner-up last year and followed up by taking the Aintree Foxhunters. However, he has been an inconsistent at times, not the best of jumpers, and one surmises that his time has come and gone. There are a number of other potentially useful but, as yet, largely unproven Irish contenders but the British have landed the last three running’s of this race and are set to make a useful fist of things this time round.
Allmankind was high class in his heyday (rated 164) is a course winner and posted a sensational time at Higham. He should give a bold sight out in front but is likely to find the trip a little too far; Music Drive has impressed in two outings between the flags after a long absence and has run well on this course before – albeit over hurdles. The trip may be an issue here however and he has also shown a tendency to jump a little flat. Shearer is unbeaten and was deeply impressive at Ffos Las. However, that was on bottomless ground, and he was less so at Taunton next time around. Nevertheless, he shapes like a strong stayer and has won over the course. Lift Me Up defeated a strong field at Warwick and can be impressive on his day – mixed in with some underwhelming performances. He tends to hit a flat spot in his races which may not be ideal in this traditionally strongly run affair, but this could help him run into the places. Fairly Famous is another course winner, is a sound jumper and crucially goes well on decent ground. He has been lightly raced this term and his chances will increase if the rains stay away.
Conclusion: As ever a tight contest on paper with one standout contender, Angels Dawn. If she goes on the ground, she will be hard to beat. However, there is plenty of scope for each way investment and Shearer, Fairly Famous and Lift Me Up all fit this bill.
LATEST RESULTS
FRIARS HAUGH
08/03/2025
1:00 1. PORTGLORIAM (IRE) Joe Wright 5-2 2. DIAMOND FLUSH (IRE) Miss L. Teal 3-1 3. PHANTOMS CAVE (IRE) Paddy Barlow Evens (5 ran).
1:30 1. THEOLDBOGGROAD (IRE) J. Innes 8-1 2. FAYRELY FRUITFUL (GB) H. Crow Evens 3. WHERE’S WILLY (GB) N. Orpwood 5-2 (10 ran).
2:00 1. SLANEY OPERA (IRE) Joe Wright 4-6F 2. WHATUDOING (IRE) N. Orpwood 4-1 3. SOMETHING GOLDEN (IRE) Shay Halton 8-1 (5 ran).
2:45 1. EAGLES ROCK (IRE) Paddy Barlow 5-4F 2. FUGITIVES DRIFT (IRE) Miss L. Brown 5-2 3. FIGHTFORTHEROSES (IRE) Miss C. Tailford 3-1 (4 ran).
3:15 1. CASH AGAIN (FR) Miss Becca Shepherd 5-1 2. CHAMERON (FR) Miss Emma J. Brown Evens 3. WESTERN RUN (IRE) S. Cameron 3-1 (7 ran).
3:45 1. WHATDEAWANT (IRE) Miss L. O’Connor 2-1 2. AMMA LORD (IRE) Miss L. Brown 7-2 3. THE MACON LUGNATIC (GB) Miss Isobel Mactaggart 7-1 (10 ran).
HIGH EASTER 08/03/2025
1:00 1. YOUNG RICH (IRE) Miss Molly Legg 2-1 (3 ran).
1:35 1. CALL ME EARLY (IRE) Miss G. Andrews 5-4 2. PETITE MIKE (IRE) Miss K. L. Featherstone 8-1 3. ATLANTIC FLEET (IRE) Mrs I. Hill 6-1 (6 ran).
2:10 1. ARAMAX (GER) A. Chadwick Evens 2. LAW OF GOLD (IRE) D. Peters 4-6F (2 ran).
2:45 1. I’M SPELLBOUND (IRE) Miss G. Andrews 2-5F 2. SHENTRI (FR) Miss E. Callwood 2-1 3. TAKE TO HEART (GB) Mrs I. Hill 5-1 (3 ran).
3:20 1. PADJOES LEGACY (IRE) Miss G. Andrews 1-2F 2. MYLESTOWN UPPER (FR) Miss Ellie Holder 5-2 3. MOUNTAIN ASSAULT (IRE) D. Peters 2-1 (3 ran).
3:55 1. HOPPING MAD WIFE (GB) A. Chadwick 7-4F 2. VALIDATION (IRE) Miss G. Andrews 2-1 3. CROOKBARROW (GB) S. Mead 14-1 (9 ran).
HOWICK 08/03/2025
12:00 1. LAVORANTE (IRE) Edward Vaughan 1-4F 2. FRENCH PIECE (GB) S. Burton 3-1 (2 ran).
12:35 1. STRIKING OUT (GB) Miss Emma Williams 6-4 2. POWERSTOWN PARK (IRE) Rian Corcoran 11-10F 3. GALLOW FORD (IRE) Miss C. Morris 7-2 (7 ran).
1:10 1. DESIGNER DESTINY (IRE) Edward Vaughan 7-4 2. FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY (IRE) Huw Edwards 6-4 3. COSSACK DANCER (GB) Miss C. M. Mills 12-1 (4 ran).
1:45 1. SUREAMSASSY (GB) S. Lee 12-1 2. SCORO (FR) Edward Vaughan 9-4 (5 ran).
2:20 1. PINK EYED PEDRO (GB) James King 6-4F 2. BARELY FAMOUS (IRE) M. McIntyre 10-1 3. EVERYTHING NOW (IRE) Miss Alexandra Ingram 2-1 (6 ran).
2:55 1. AVADA KEDAVRA (IRE) W. Badlan 7-2 2. HOGAN (IRE) James King 6-5F 3. BROCKROCK ROXIE (GB) Huw Edwards 9-1 (6 ran).
BANGOR-ON-DEE
09/03/2025
1:00 1. ANGEL OF MY DREAMS (GB) Tommie O’Brien 5-1 2. RED DART (GB) Paddy Barlow 6-1 3. OMG DREAMAWAY (GB) Miss H. Palin 2-1J (6 ran).
1:35 1. BOBS DREAM (IRE) J. Lovegrove-Fielden 8-1 2. SHUILE WARRIOR (GB) Huw Edwards 5-2 3. YOU DID (IRE) J. Teal 6-1 (10 ran).
2:25 1. JEUX D’EAU (FR) Huw Edwards 2-5F 2. FRONTAL ASSAULT (IRE) Henry Bailey 4-1 3. SHANG TANG (IRE) Miss Aimee Jones 6-1 (4 ran).
3:00 1. GREAT VALLEY (FR) G. Sankey 4-5F 2. GOLDEN TOBOUGGAN (GB) Huw Edwards 6-4 3. NO REMATCH (IRE) S. Burton 7-1 (5 ran).
3:35 1. BLAGTHEBOOKIES (IRE) Mrs I Sankey 9-2 2. PERFECT ATTITUDE (GB) H. Crow 4-7F 3. ECCO (GB) J. Smith-Maxwell 9-1 (6 ran).
4:10 1. IDEAL DU TABERT (FR) Huw Edwards 1-3F 2. CALLMESUSIE (IRE) J. Teal 8-1 3. TANGO ARUMBA (IRE) Tommie O’Brien 7-1 (5 ran).
CHARLTON HORETHORNE 09/03/2025
12:00 1. SWITCH HITTER (IRE) Miss O. Nicholls 4-5F (5 ran).
12:35 1. OFF THE PRESS (IRE) P. Summers 7-1 2. LANCELOT D’ALENE (FR) W. Biddick 5-4F 3. BUDDAH CASTLE (IRE) J. Newman 7-1 (6 ran).
1:20 1. OUTSIDE ADESA (IRE) J. Newman 6-1 2. BLAZING LITTEN (GB) J. Bament 6-1 3. ONE TREE HILL (FR) J. Stenhouse 12-1 (13 ran).
1:55 1. DUC DE BOURBON (FR) M. McIntyre 9-4 2. OSCARS MOONSHINE (IRE) Miss O. Nicholls 6-4F 3. WINDANCE (IRE) Charlie Marshall 12-1 (7 ran).
2:35 1. DOUGLAS LONGBOTTOM (GB) M. McIntyre 4-6F 2. EMPIRE DE MAULDE (FR) S. Mead 9-4 3. ASK A HONEY BEE (IRE) M. Osborne 5-2 (9 ran).
3:10 1. CORPORAL JACKJONES (IRE) R. David 5-2 2. JEWEL IN THE PARK (IRE) James King 6-4 3. NOBLE BLUE (FR) J. Newman 4-6F (5 ran).
3:45 1. ALL LOVED UP (IRE) Hugh Lillingston 4-1 2. ARV WAY THERE (GB) H. Moore 8-1 3. LIBERTY ROCK (IRE) Rian Corcoran 7-1 (5 ran).
GUILSBOROUGH
09/03/2025
1:00 1. OUTOFAFRIKA (IRE) Miss G. Andrews 7-4F 2. BACK ON TRACK (IRE) Mrs I. Hill 4-1 3. DONTBLAMEJACK (IRE) C. Case 16-1 (13 ran).
1:35 1. STAR OF HONOUR (IRE) Mrs I. Hill 3-1 2. FAME AND CONCRETE (IRE) A. Chadwick 2-1 3. TROJAN DU BERLAIS (IRE) Edward Vaughan Evens (7 ran).
2:10 1. CLASHHILL (IRE) A. Chadwick 5-2 2. MUMBO JUMBO (IRE) Miss G. Andrews 4-6F 3. BRIDE ROVERS ABU (IRE) Miss E. Callwood 3-1 (4 ran).
2:45 1. TREVADA (GB) Z. Baker 7-2 2. JETAWAY JOEY (IRE) Jack Andrews 13-8F 3. WILLIAM EWART (IRE) C. Brennan 14-1 (7 ran).
3:20 1. OCEAN DRIFTER (IRE) Miss C. Brewitt 4-6F 2. SALTY BOY (IRE) T. Hutsby 5-2 3. BENEFAKTOR (IRE) Miss G. Andrews 4-1 (6 ran).
3:55 1. DUSART (IRE) Miss M. Micklewright 6-4J 2. DUBAI DANDY (IRE) J. Cater 8-1 3. OSCAR ROBERTSON (IRE) Miss L. Hammond 3-1 (5 ran).
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CHAMPIONSHIPS 2024/25
SEASON LEADERBOARDS
• Goffs 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
