Go pointing 2024-25 - Volume 23 by GOPOINTING

THE WEEKLY GUIDE TO YOUR SPORT

GO POINTING

JUMPING INTO EASTER

12 FIXTURES ACROSS THE COUNTRY

VOL 23 17 / APRIL / 2025

COVER PHOTO: Koyli (Felix Barlow) at Sheriff Hutton 6th April

Photo: Tom Milburn

THE POINT TO POINT PODCAST! BRINGING YOU REGULAR UPDATES, NEWS, VIEWS AND DISCUSSION ON ALL THINGS POINTING. AVAILABLE ON ALL PODCAST PLATFORMS. HAVE YOU LISTENED YET?

Another flying leap on her way to winning her final PTP appearance

THIS WEEK’S GRASSROOTS STORY DABINETT MOON THE

STORY OF A PROFILIC POINTER.

By Claire Hart, Point-to-Point Correspondent

An equine super-star in the point-to-point field very sadly lost her life last week foaling and I couldn’t not share her story because her and her breeder/owner/trainer are the epitome of grass-roots.

Dabinett Moon became one of the most popular pointers on the South Midland circuit and her rise to stardom was quite a surprise to those of us closely involved. Owned, bred and trained by Fran and Christopher Marriott in Chipping Norton, Moon’s dam, Miss Crabapple had colic whilst in foal with her which resulted in surgery where a huge amount of gut was removed and miraculously, they both survived.

Breaking in and educating the Marriott’s young horses had been part of my life by this point for some years, I had helped breaking in their youngsters and ridden their pointers for a few seasons and through that association had secured a job working for Charlie Longsdon who was based at Hull Farm, home of the Marriotts.

Dabinett Moon was a small, hugely fat youngster whom we had nicknamed ‘Bertha’, Big Bertha after an enormous cow that Fran had, also called Bertha. We went through all the normal process, educated her at two, broke and rode her away at three, got her popping some poles and hacking out. At four she started her further education, was fatter than ever and who knows what we really thought at this point! She was full-sister to Strongbow’s Legend, who at the time was on the upgrade with Longsdon, had won a chase and looked talented. Following a summer of

hard work, more education, some xc schooling and lots of hacking the weight was coming off so it was decided, because she was so small that going into training with Longsdon was the most sensible option. She initially struggled with big school - her temperament was always of the highly strung nature and even though she had only moved barns, not postcodes, fitting into training was a struggle! During this time, I am not sure she ‘showed’ much in terms of ability and as babies do she picked up an injury which involved removing chips from her knees and the vets offered no guarantee she would stand a racing career.

During the latter part of 2013 after a lengthy spell off it was mentioned by Christopher he was going to start riding ‘Bertha’ ‘see how she feels!’ Months flew by and she was feeling great, so it was suggested I ought give her a jump. I schooled her and she was fantastic, I schooled her again and she was even better. She was still tiny but she had springs and I started to get mildly excited about this little mare. Christopher and Fran reported she was working well on the gallop and on April 5th 2014 we headed to Mollington. She was six-years-old and sporting a blanket clip, her top half was still woollier than it ought have been! Here we were, all 15.2 of us, not really having a clue what we had on our hands, lining up for a 17-runner maiden! She had been fairly hyped during the preliminaries (which only got worse during her career), and I lined up last! She popped away very sweetly, jumping well and enjoying herself. I was still going well down the back last time and things around us were starting to fade. I gave her a squeeze and she flew into contention; we jumped the second last bang there but

Photo: Neale Blackburn

tired up the hill and finished eighth, beaten 16 lengths, but she had told me everything I needed to know. That was her only run that season and we went to Larkhill in a maiden the following January full of confidence. She finished third that day, she took off miles away from the third last and landed in trot and still only got beaten two lengths.

Next stop Cocklebarrow for the members race at the end of January. Fran and Christopher have always been keen supporters of their members race and why not? I have never been more confident, I didn’t care about the opposition and she duly bolted up and that was where it all began. On this occasion a young Lily Pinchin led her up, Lily at the time had her pointer with me and was a great help. That season she went through the grades and ended the season winning the Restricted final at Stratford. She loved Stratford. We both loved Stratford, we also won the Ladies race there in 2017. It was right up her street, sharp and nippy. She had the most incredible ability to be ‘doing nothing’ in running but the minute I said quicken, she did. An autumn campaign under-rules with Longsdon was embarked on and although not successful it gave Moon and I invaluable experience. The only down-side was we didn’t get her out of training soon enough and the following season could not run hunterchasing but we enjoyed several pointing successes.

It was clear by this time she had quite a following. The ‘Moon’ fan club was growing and I honestly think that was for a number of reasons. The Marriotts who are steeped in point-to-point history are just the most wonderful people, it was commonly known that Christopher rode Moon each day whilst Fran accompanied on ‘Gran’ with the two black labradors in tow. Moon herself had this clear will to win and tenacity that I believe was likeable. She rarely ran a bad race and the ground was always the issue on the days she did-she didn’t like the mud! She had a mind of her own and on two occasions when Fran and Christopher were going on holiday, she came to stay with me and she hated every minute-where were Gran and the labradors? Daily turnout was also a vital part of her daily routine come rain or shine.

Over five seasons Moon became one of my best friends, my ally, together we had so much fun and I felt we were indestructible. On the days we were destructed we just dusted ourselves down and got on with it. Following the first Stratford win, the next season we set sail for Cottenham in her first Ladies Open and I fell off at the second last when in command! I remember another disaster at Siddington in her last season where my rein broke! Cantering to post I had noticed they weren’t the usual pair but nonetheless carried on. I was in an ‘indestructible’ headspace and full of confidence. It was a nine-runner mixed-open and Petrou was favourite under Will Thirlby. I had his card marked and was convinced we could beat him! Soon after landing from the first fence, we quickened dramatically and veered right. I realised my left rein had snapped at the buckle near the bit. I stopped breathing for a second as we were now off the course running alongside the field very close to the fence judges and their parked cars! Moon had a brain though and somehow we came to a steady crash into the hedge and parted company. Luckily, we were both fine and moved on!

She ran 41 times, won 19 and in only two races I didn’t ride her. During her time under-rules I even flew back from Cyprus in my bridesmaid dress having been at my stepsister’s wedding to ride her in a handicap at Ludlow! She was so much fun to ride and so trustworthy, she never let me down and if I messed it up, she soon corrected it! Race day with the Moon was always a team effort, it was clear early on that what she lacked in size she made up for in attitude and highly strung behaviour. She was an absolute nightmare at the races and had she been moderate I am not sure we would have all bothered! I always transported her to the races for the Marriotts and on arrival she would be dripping with sweat having galloped all the way there! Quite often there would be a lot of bucking included too and age didn’t mellow her, she was as bad at 11 as she had been at six! My Mum, Helen was always there to help and Grace Nailor, sister of NH Jockey Jordan was, at the time, helping me at the weekends and from the age of 14 was very happy to lead her up. Grace became an integral part of Moon’s career and knew her

Fran & Christopher Marriott with groom Vicki Clements after victory at Kingston Blount (March 2019)

Photo: Neale Blackburn

Dabinett Moon - adored by Christopher, Fran and Claire

Photo: David Simpson

inside out. Fran and Christopher Marriott are two of the most deserving people and the enjoyment we all shared through the journey Moon took us on was extraordinary.

I remember learning that Moon was set to retire having picked up an injury following her Kimble win and I was heartbroken, I sat and sobbed. I wasn’t being spoilt; I was sad I would never ride her again. My friend.

An exciting second career as a broodmare beckoned and a visit to Passing Glance was booked in. The early days didn’t go to plan and her first survivor is now a threeyear-old currently in pre-training with us, he has more size and scope than his Mummy and has her professional manner. She has a two-year-old filly by Jack Hobbs and this year’s foal a colt by Ocovango. When Fran rang last week to tell me of Moon’s passing, I felt numb and sobbed uncontrollably. Horses like her touch our souls and I will be forever grateful of her part in my career. She was a dude and will always be fondly remembered by all of us who shared her incredible journey. I am honoured to have been lucky enough to have enjoyed the thrill of riding her and we can now treasure and look forward to her offspring running one day. Fran and Christopher’s handling and training of her was incredible and must not be under-estimated. Time and time again she turned up finely tuned and ready to perform and for that we must thank them.

Moon had a headcollar which Fran had bought from Countrywide just around the corner and on the noseband were six stars. The sort of headcollar a teenager buys for her pony. At the time she hadn’t won six but over the years we always had a chuckle at said headcollar and said there wasn’t room to add a star per win. Upon transporting her to stud recently to have her latest foal we smiled at the headcollar which she proudly wore.

word to finish from Christopher on behalf of him and Fran: “Moon was incredibly special to us; she was a joy to train and ride. She always gave 100% and I don’t think any other horse we have bred and owned has given us more fun. We are devastated to have lost her but her legacy lives on and we will never forget her.”

She may have been the Moon but she shone as the brightest star.

Dabinett Moon & Claire head to post at Kimble 2019

Photo: Neale Blackburn

Jubilant scenes at Stratford (2015) Dabinett Moon and Claire led in by Grace

Photo: Neale Blackburn

Resplendent Dabinett Moon relaxing in her paddock

Photo: David Simpson

IN THE FRAME

Bobbarelli and Amber Jackson-Fennell at Shelfield Park Photo: Graham Fisher

A poignant win for Glancing Hill’s connections at Edgcote, after the loss of Owner Bridget Gatehouse

Photo: Neale Blackburn

Killer Clown and Daisy White (right) keep the pressure up against Somptueux and Ellie Callwood, in the Ladies at Hornby Castle

Photo: Tom Milburn

The winner of race 6 Jardin Carre and Pippa Brown at Hornby Castle

Photo: Nina Edminson

Cockspur Balla and Fionn Summers (1st) Maiden Race at Dunsmore Photo: Tim Holt

Maiden Race jockeys enter the Chilfrome paddock Photo: Tim Holt

Abigail Henry shows her delight after her and For Rita’s win the the Grassroots Riders at Edgcote Photo: Neale Blackburn

IN THE FRAME

Canastero, Ashley Dascombe leads the Conditions Race (Level 1) For Grass Roots Riders round the Dunsmore paddock

Photo: Tim Holt

Up Killoughey and Rian Corcoran (1st) Restricted Race at Chilfrome

Photo: Tim Holt

Le Roi Remi and Jack Andrews at Edgcote

Photo: Neale Blackburn

Surprise Attack and John Dawson at Hornby Castle

Photo: Nina Edminson

Courting Flow and Christy Furness at Hornby Castle

Photo: Tom Milburn

IN THE FRAME

This handsome chap showed up for the dog show at the Bicester at Edgcote

Photo: Neale Blackburn

A competitor in the dog show at the Bicester at Edgcote

Photo: Neale Blackburn

Competitors in dog show at the Bicester, at Edgcote

Photo: Neale Blackburn

A curly coated competitor in the dog show at the Bicester at Edgcote

Photo: Neale Blackburn

Concentration is written on the face of this competitor in the dog show at the Bicester at Edgcote

Photo: Neale Blackburn

Judging taking place in the dog show at the Bicester at Edgcote

Photo: Neale Blackburn

ON THE CLOCK

It’s relatively rare for me to mention a young horse maiden race winner in this column, first because the horse is unlikely to be seen on the pointing scene again (and recently may even be sold to race in Ireland) and second because these races are often moderately run. I make an exception in the case of Outmaster (112) however, as in winning the four-years-old maiden at the Bicester with Whaddon Chase he posted the joint fastest time figure for a maiden this season. The race may have cut up with only four facing the starter, but all the right stables were represented. Despite this Outmaster, a big, strong, as yet unfurnished type, was sent off at odds on – attracting plenty of support. In the race itself he travelled well, his jumping slightly novicey on occasion but also showing plenty of scope when required, quickened easily to lead turning into the straight and ran on strongly for a very comfortable success. There is little of note in his immediate pedigree – his half- brother showing some promise in a bumper on his debut but suffering a fatal injury on his only subsequent start – but further back in the third and four generations lie those strapping chasers Denman and Gidleigh Park. Outmaster heads for this Thursday’s sales and may even have passed through the ring before this article is published, but I for one will follow his progress with interest. That Outmaster was able to post such a good figure was due in no small part to the strong pace set by Jet Steel (102). He was particularly assured in the jumping department, and had seen off the other front runner, Le Danube, down the back straight before proving no match for the eventual winner. He was only half a dozen lengths adrift at the last however and it is to be hoped that he remains between the flags as on this evidence he too has a bright future.

Get With It (106) clearly met a tartar in Surprise Attack at the Hurworth back in mid-March. That winner had posted a time figure some nine pounds in advance of his form assessment and both horses have been unbeaten since. A consistent sort, Get With It appeared to show further improvement when taking the Level 2 Conditions at the Bedale, his figure now very close to his best under Rules. Although a ten year old, he can find another small contest before the end of the season.

Bobbarelli (110) made all for a very impressive victory at Shelfield Park. Horse and jockey are clearly none the worse for a crashing fall at Kingston Blount in February and were it not for the fact that he is rather on the small side and also appears best at the minimum trip, Bobbarelli would be a player in the Restricted final.

I Don’t Know (96) is another who appears suited by shorter trips and finally got off the mark in the concluding Maiden. He clocked a useful sectional in quickening clear of his rivals two from home – enough to suggest he can take a run of the mill Restricted.

A plethora of meetings and opportunities present themselves this weekend. The going will certainly be on fast side at Higham on Good Friday and Sports Magic can make all in the Maiden. A classy card was to be expected at Chaddesley where Jeux d’Eau can take his second Lady Dudley Cup and I’m Spellbound the Ladies. The Restricted looks a humdinger of a contest with Ideal du Tarbert, Carriglux and Ultimate Survivor all in the mix. One to watch I feel. Largy Pearl is finally getting his act together and can take his chosen opportunity at Dingley. Fame and Concrete can take the Restricted. Can Daddy Dance heads the ratings in the Restricted at Kimble where Bluescape can take the Maiden. Premier Fantasy can find compensation for an unlucky Garthorpe second in the Level 3 conditions at Sandon. Lift Me Up cut little ice at Cheltenham but reappears at Eyton on Severn and should have too many guns for his rivals in what promises to be a fast run race. First Lord de Cuet is of interest at Cothelstone where Ianthus Mome may also take the maiden, Song Of My Father has prospects at Lockinge and Tip Top Mountain can land a hot ladies Open at Trebudannon.

LATEST RESULTS

CHILFROME

12/04/2025

2:00 1. MOVE WITH THE BEAT (IRE) James King Evens 2. SCORESBY (GB) J. Newman 1-2F (2 ran).

2:30 1. UP KILLOUGHEY (IRE) Rian Corcoran 2-1 2. BOYS WILL BE BOYS (IRE) W. Biddick 3-1 3. COMONILEAN (GB) F. Philipson-Stow 8-1 (7 ran).

3:00 1. CALLAGHY (IRE) James King Evens 2. WHAT A PLEASURE (GB) H. Moore 7-2 3. KALIPSO HIS (FR) Miss L. Bradstock 9-1 (5 ran).

3:30 1. PUNCHES CROSS (IRE) J. Shaw 5-1 2. DORRELLS PIERJI (FR) Rian Corcoran 11-10 3. GATEAU DE MIEL (FR) T. Stanley 8-1 (4 ran).

4:00 1. ANOTHER FURLOUGH (IRE) R. David 1-2F 2. JOLY MAKER (IRE) W. Biddick 6-4 (3 ran).

4:30 1. SCORO (FR) James King Evens 2. GIG IN THE PARK (FR) P. Summers 5-4 3. FOURNEUX D’ISANKA (FR) Miss T. Little 8-1 (4 ran).

HORNBY CASTLE 12/04/2025

1:30 1. GET WITH IT (IRE) W. J. Brown 5-4F 2. TITANIUM BULLET (IRE) F. Foster 5-2 3. FURAX (FR) Joe Wright 2-1 (4 ran).

2:05 1. COURTING FLOW (IRE) C. Furness 6-4F 2. IMPERIAL IMP (IRE) T.E.Easterby 2-1 3. RIDELONGLIVELONG (IRE) Miss Isla John 5-2 (4 ran).

2:40 1. HOLLYWOOD HARMON (IRE) Miss P. J. Brown 4-5F 2. GLEN CANNEL (IRE) W. Grant 4-1 3. CELLAR VIE (GB) W. J. Brown 4-1 (6 ran).

3:15 1. KILLER CLOWN (IRE) Miss D. White 9-4 2. SOMPTUEUX (FR) Miss E. Callwood 7-4F (4 ran).

3:50 1. SURPRISE ATTACK (IRE) J. Dawson 2-5F 2. CONQUREDALOFEUROPE (IRE) F. Foster 7-2 3. BEARWITHMENOW (IRE) Joe Wright 3-1 (3 ran).

4:25 1. JARDIN CARRE (FR) Miss P. J. Brown 9-2 2. BENEFACT (IRE) T.E.Easterby 8-1 3. LONG HOP (IRE) W. Easterby 5-1 (9 ran).

SHELFIELD PARK

12/04/2025

1:00 1. AHEAD OF THE GAME (IRE) S. Burton (1 ran).

1:35 1. D’LAST SPEZ (IRE) P. York 2-1 2. GRENADINE SAVE (FR) Miss A. Jackson-Fennell 5-1 3. BENTONS LAD (GB) J. Wilmot 12-1 (7 ran).

2:10 1. DALAMOI (IRE) Edward Vaughan 4-7F 2. SHOAL BAY (IRE) T. Hutsby 5-4 3. DR OAKLEY (IRE) S. Burton 9-2 (3 ran).

2:45 1. SAM BARTON (GB) Miss T. Eyston 7-1 2. COOLDINE BOG (IRE) Miss A. Jackson-Fennell 9-4 (4 ran).

3:20 1. DRAKES WELL (IRE) T. Hutsby 4-6F 2. GOLDEN TOBOUGGAN (GB) Johnathan Rees 7-2 3. KEEP MOVING (FR) Miss A. Dando 3-1 (4 ran).

3:55 1. BOBBARELLI (GB) Miss A. Jackson-Fennell 2-1 2. JOE KIDD (GB) T. Hutsby 9-4 3. TIME TO UPGRADE (IRE) P. York 5-1 (5 ran).

4:30 1. I DON’T KNOW (FR) T. Hutsby 11-10F 2. MADAM MAROON (GB) S. Lee 5-1 3. KEDG WEST (IRE) P. York 3-1 (5 ran).

DUNSMORE

13/04/2025

2:00 1. MIDNIGHT MIDGE (GB) J. Shaw 2-5F 2. HONEST OPINION (GB) Rian Corcoran 13-8 (2 ran).

2:40 1. SKILFUL LORD (IRE) J. Shaw 7-4F 2. PEACOCKS SECRET (IRE) P. Summers 2-1 3. CANASTERO (IRE) Ashley Dascombe 10-1 (5 ran).

3:20 1. HOLIDAY FUND (IRE) J. Newman 7-4J 2. ROCKY CREED (IRE) Miss A. Johnston 7-4J 3. TIGER TOBIN (IRE) W. Biddick 9-4 (4 ran).

3:55 1. HUMANISTE (IRE) W. Biddick 7-4 2. SWITCH HITTER (IRE) Miss O. Nicholls 6-4F 3. LAKOTA WARRIOR (IRE) Rian Corcoran 6-1 (7 ran).

4:30 (Void) no declarations

5:05 1. COCKSPUR BALLA (GB) P. Summers 3-1 2. RICHFORADAAY (GB) J. Shaw 3-1 3. NELSON CRIQ (IRE) J. Newman 4-5F (4 ran).

EDGCOTE 13/04/2025

2:00 1. KILBREW BOY (IRE) C. Case 3-1 2. INNISFREE LAD (IRE) Miss Tilly Dennis 11-10F 3. SHANTY ALLEY (GB) G. Case 5-1 (6 ran).

2:35 1. OUTMASTER (GB) Jack Andrews 4-6F 2. JET STEEL (IRE) Edward Vaughan 9-4 (4 ran).

3:10 1. GLANCING HILL (GB) Z. Baker 3-1 2. VALIDATION (IRE) Miss G. Andrews 6-4F 3. JUST A JOY (FR) Sean O’Connor 14-1 (7 ran).

3:45 1. CARYTO DES BROSSES (FR) D. Peters 1-8F 2. AIKENBREAKINHEART (IRE) Hugh Lillingston 7-2 (2 ran).

4:20 1. FOR RITA (IRE) Miss A. S. Henry 5-1 2. COEUR SEREIN (IRE) L. Hadfield 7-4F 3. PREMIER D’TROICE (FR) J. Earnshaw 3-1 (7 ran).

4:55 1. INCHIDALY ROBIN (IRE) James King 7-2 2. COPSHILL ROCK (FR) D. Peters 7-2 3. HAVOCK (IRE) Jack Andrews 7-4F (5 ran).

5:30 1. CATWALK GIRL (IRE) James King 10-11F 2. HAZY WINTER (IRE) R. David 12-1 3. LILY MY GIRL (GB) Jack Andrews 6-4 (4 ran).

OVERTON 13/04/2025

2:00 1. WATCH LAW (IRE) N. Orpwood 5-1 2. SHE IS THE ENEMY (IRE) G. Walkingshaw 2-1 3. GLORY (GB) Shay Halton 7-4F (5 ran).

2:30 1. DIAMOND FLUSH (IRE) Miss L. Teal 4-6F 2. CALLMESUSIE (IRE) J. Teal 3-1 3. SOMETHING GOLDEN (IRE) Shay Halton 5-2 (3 ran).

3:00 1. FRESH NEW DAWN (IRE) Miss E. Justice-Vose 6-1 2. DARKEST DAY (IRE) G. Walkingshaw 3-1 (4 ran).

3:30 1. WESTERN RUN (IRE) S. Cameron Evens 2. SHANTOU MOON (IRE) G. Walkingshaw 3-1 3. PARAMARIBO (IRE) Shay Halton 3-1 (4 ran).

4:00 1. WHATS THE SOLUTION (IRE) J. Teal 4-6F 2. UP WITH THE PLAY (IRE) Shay Halton 6-1 3. AVOID DE MASTER (IRE) Miss C. Tailford 4-1 (4 ran).

4:30 1. PARK HIND (IRE) Shay Halton 4-1 2. ROYAL MAGGS (GB) J. Teal Evens 3. NATIVE NELLIE (GB) Miss L. Teal 6-1 (5 ran).

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.