GO POINTING
WESTERN RUN LANDS LEUCHARS FEATURE
02 / MAY / 2025
A third win of the season for Sean Cameron & Western Run
Photo: Martin Punton - Topline Photography
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at AINTREE
By Paddy Barlow, Point-to-Point Correspondent
A TIME TO BUY
* This article was first published on pointtopoint.co.uk and the GB Pointing social media pages on Wednesday 2nd April. Read more from Paddy in this new column focusing on GB pointers, throughout the remainder of the season.
As the Goffs UK point-to-point sale rolls around a week next Wednesday, Buy Some Time advertised some of the value on offer in taking fashion, delivering a performance which seemed to offer even more for the future by taking the Albert Bartlett Triple Crown Series Final Handicap Hurdle on the opening Tuesday of the Punchestown Festival for the fatherson team of Mike and Ben Smith. Purchased for just 13.5k, he has repaid many times over his purchase price, adding another 59k to his two other victories at Perth last summer. A winner of Division 2 of the Maiden at Bedale on his sixth start in points for Joe Wright and Tony Ross, he followed it up with success in a Restricted at Witton Castle, beating subsequent multiple winners, and promising pointers Red Delta and Lou Marvellous in the process. A success which highlights the strength in depth of the pointing ranks, particularly the burgeoning Northern ranks, which can more than hold their own against their more distinguished Midlands and West Country cousins.
As we roll into Aintree and the only race now known in the calendar as the ‘Foxhunters’, we thought that with this seasonal highlight taking the majority of the pointing press’ attention, it would be a good opportunity to focus on some of the other highlights scheduled to take place in the next couple of days.
One of the highlights on Day 1 of the meeting is the Betfred Bowl Chase, and the British point brigade is represented by the brilliant yet infuriating AHOY SENOR, a 50k purchase from the Go sUK Yorton Sale in November 2020. Unseating on debut at Didmarton in March 2020 before success the following autumn at Kimble for Mel Rowley and Alex Edwards we should’ve known that he would take us on a rollercoaster of a ride that has submitted the heights of Grade 1 victory over both fences and hurdles but been plagued by mistakes on the biggest stages. A faller once again in the Gold Cup, when racing with some of the verve that has seemingly been missing this season, he looks to bounce back at his beloved Aintree, a place where his two previous successes at the highest level have come. And whilst it looks a strong race of its nature, a replica of his previous two seconds to Shishkin and Gerri Colombe respectively, and a clear round of jumping could see him bounce back to the winners’ enclosure to claim a first success in open Grade 1 company.
With Tom Lacey’s impressive weekend winner IN A SONNET being the sole British representative in the Go s select point-to-point sale on Thursday evening, it is prudent to hone in on this taking debut performance from the youngster. Despite being raw early he made most to run out a ready winner of the Go sUK 4&5yo Maiden at Maisemore Park under Sean O’Connor, looking value for significantly more than the winning two and a half-length margin. From the powerful Lacey yard, he is the third spring 4yo to score this season – the second from the Lacey yard – and was a welcome first winner back for Sean on return from a nasty broken pelvis earlier in the year. A 40k purchase from the Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale in June of last year, he is out of the Grade 3-placed and Listed winner Aimigayle, a half-sister herself to Listed winner Emmaslegend. Part of the second crop of foals from Boardsmill Stud’s up-and-coming stallion Poet’s Word, and with the yards previous winners of the maiden including the ill-fated Grade 2 winner Blackbow, he looks a fascinating prospect for the future from a deep-looking maiden.
The highlight of the entire week and for many the entire year, is the Grand National. The most watched global racing event in the world, it will play host to at least one ex-British point-to-pointer in the Ben
With Entries are now shut for the Spring P2P Sale that he was purchased from and with other promising British graduates such as Gary Moore’s Old Cowboy and Patrick Neville’s Moonbow having come out of the sale last year we can hopefully expect to see plenty of faces at the sale on the 21st May.
Speaking of promising youngsters, John Dawson’s Hugo Moss backed up his half-sister’s high-calibre performance from the week before with success on debut in the 4&5yo Maiden at Garthorpe on Saturday. A homebred son of Scorpion, he was dropped in and race green early but knuckled down well from turning in to come home ¾ lengths clear from Heidi Brookshaw’s Rajsaman 4yo In The Congo with a further two lengths to Eamonn O’Donnabhain’s Rebel Tribesman, who having raced very green early doors stayed on to be never nearer than at the finish. Already sold to stay pointing in the yard, he will be sure to improve on softer ground given his pedigree and having been put away for the season and is one along with a host of others that will await the rain on their return in the autumn.
In A Sonnet – in winning action last weekend
Photo: JTW Equine Images
Pauling-trained, Beau Mogan-ridden, TWIG. A winner of five of his eight starts between the flags for Matt Hampton in the covid era, he provided jockey Beau Morgan with his first winner and has gone on to become one of the leading lights of the British pointing field on the staying handicap chase scene. With just short of 150k in prize money accumulated from a total of seven rules victories including take the biggest one of them all this coming Saturday. Sneaking in at the bottom of the weights, he will appreciate the better ground, and there will most definitely be worse each-way options should
Other mentions must be made to the other Grade 1 representatives on Saturday, and whilst declarations are not yet known, if turning up, all would be of major interest. Former Dale Peters’ inmate MIAMI MAGIC and Station Yard Racing’s ROYAL INFANTRY, a 60k purchase at Tattersalls Cheltenham’s April Sale 2023, both hold entries in the Grade 1 Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle. Both will be trying the two-and-a-half-mile trip for the first time under rules, and with both being distance winners in their points at Charm Park and Edgcote respectively, should improve for the step up in trip and must be given excellent each-way chances. TOUCH ME NOT is the final horse in focus for our preview of Aintree, formerly of the Tom Ellis yard, now residing across the water at Gordon Elliott’s Cullentra House. He has been a flagbearer for British pointing on both sides of the Irish Sea this season, with two Grade 1 placings alongside Grade 2 success this season, he has certainly made amends for his final fence fall at Charm Park back in March 2023. Subsequently sold at Tattersalls Cheltenham Festival Sale for 150k, here’s hoping he can put a disappointing run at Cheltenham behind him back on a flatter track to resume his consistent showings once again in the concluding Grade
Buy Some Time (Joe Wright) winning at Witton Castle May 2024
Photo: Nina Edmindson
THIS WEEK’S GRASSROOTS STORY SEAN CAMERON
By Claire Hart, Point-to-Point Correspondent
The success of Leuchars races at Pusk last Saturday was enjoyed by an enormous crowd and racing which provided 17 year-old Sean Cameron from Prestwick in Scotland with a winner in the Mixed-open race on the Mike Smith owned and trained Western Run. Cameron, who turned 17 in March has forged a great partnership with the ten-year-old and having parted company on their first racecourse appearance together in January and Cameron’s first ride, the form figures since read 23111.
Scottish-born Cameron’s interest in racing began as a child, he had ponies and did some show-jumping. He started working part-time for dual-license trainer Smith whilst still at school and on leaving education an online course through the Scottish Racing Academy was completed. He now works full-time for Smith who trains in Galston, Ayrshire. Cameron says: “Mike is so supportive and is just amazing, I look up to him in many different ways. He is a huge influence to me.”
Cameron tells me more about Western Run: “He is a dude, a wonderful horse who is teaching me everything.” Will he run again this season? “Possibly, I guess see how he is.” he adds. I enquire as to his goals for the future and he says: “Being a jockey has been a dream since I was very young, If all goes well I will have another season pointing then potentially get my amateur license and go from there.” Cameron reflects on his brilliant start in the sport and adds: “My first win was special, everyone was there and so proud.”
I contacted Smith to gain a quote about his protégé and was lucky he answered! He was in the midst the celebrations of his Punchestown festival winner Buy Some Time. Naively, I of course had no idea he had a runner at Punchestown let
alone a winner, so when he answered I was soon to realise and said we can talk later. But, charmingly he was happy to chat and understandably delighted he told me: “It has been an unbelievable week, we had a winner at Perth, then Sean at the point-to-point, one at Ayr on Monday and now this. Just brilliant.” He adds: “Sean is a wonderful lad, he has been a pleasure to teach and is an asset to our yard. It’s down to people like him that we can have days like today.” Of the win on Saturday he adds: “Pusk is a new track, they had done a great job and it is a lovely course. I walked it with Sean and he rode it to the letter.” Smith, like many licensed trainers is a keen advocate of having a pointer for staff to ride, this season Sean and explains: “We love pointing, without it where would we be? Western Run actually provided my son Ben with his first winner so we owe a lot to the sport.” Ben who is now conditional rode Buy Some Time to the Punchestown victory and Smith was very quick to add: “He is a british pointing graduate and won two points before we bought him.”
Point-to-pointing yet again proving it provides so many fascinating stories and in particularly this scenario proving that the ongoing links between NH racing and the grassroots sport are so relevant. Smith’s clear delight at the week he has had was emotion worth bottling, the way he spoke of the win at Pusk and then the Punchestown victory were in similar vein, so hugely different in terms of statistical achievement but from a personal level each as meaningful as the other.
Cameron has a laid-back and quiet demeanour but appears to have a level of maturity beyond his years. The current 50 % win-to-run ratio is unlikely to last forever but Sean Cameron is certainly a name to note.
Western Run & Sean (yellow cap) tracks Fightfortheroses (Charlotte Tailford) in the Mixed Open at Pusk.
Photo: Martin Punton - Topline Photography
IN THE FRAME
Restricted Race Jockeys enter the Stafford Cross paddock
Photo: Tim Holt
Lucarne and Josh Newman (yellow armlets) lead the Mares and Fillies Maiden field at Stafford Cross
Photo: Tim Holt
Arthur’s Sixpence and Daniel Williams on their way to claiming the Mens Open at Woodford
Photo: Graham Fisher
Runners in the Level 3 Conditions, 8 years and over at Woodford
IN THE FRAME
Photo: Graham Fisher
Kilfilum Woods and Clara Brewitt at Woodford
Photo: Graham Fisher
Impakt St George, Darren Andrews (1st) Hunt Members Race at Stafford Cross
Photo: Tim Holt
ON THE CLOCK
Amber Jackson Fennell takes no prisoners on the front end with Bobbarelli so it’s to Joe Kidd and Tom Hutsby’s credit that that they were to lie up with the strong pace set in the Paxford Restricted and ultimately reverse the form of their previous encounter at Shelfield. A drop down in distance has clearly been beneficial for Joe Kidd (104) and although this limits his opportunities, he is capable of carrying a penalty to success in the future. For all that, there is a suspicion that Bobarelli (108) ran slightly below form and it will be interesting how he goes in the opening event on Cheltenham’s Hunter chase card. He’s unlikely to have the class to get the better of Barton Snow, but nevertheless is sure to give a bold sight upfront over the minimum trip.
Blagthebookies (114) appeared in my list of horses to follow at the beginning of the season and after a slow start has really got things together. He showed plenty of zest when running right away from Loughan (108) in the Mixed Open at Eyton suggesting there is plenty more to come this season, particularly on a well-watered surface as he has been well placed to avoid fast ground.
A competitive card at the Taunton Vale was highlighted by a return to winning form of Famous Clermont but on the clock his performance was eclipsed by that of Far Out West (105) in the following Restricted. This six year old mare has been quietly progressive running some fine races in defeat and was not without market support in a betting market dominated beforehand by Ultimate Survivor (113). Time may show that the runner-up faced a stiff task conceding eight pounds and, with the pair finishing well clear of the remainder, both should be followed.
Racecourse appearances are rare for Ask Dai (just 12 in 6 years) but the ten-year-old is a useful sort when on song and justified favouritism in the PPORA Conditions at Woodford, clocking a figure of 108. This is not the first time he has been mentioned in this column as, back in February 2023, he had been a gallant runner-up to a top form One For Rosie at Garthorpe. Back then I opined that ‘Ask Dai should regain the winning thread before too long’. It’s been over two years but then how long is a piece of string!
The new course at Pusk did their utmost to achieve a raceable surface and six went to post for the Conditions Level 2 event. Victory went to Bearwithmenow (104). With just one win in 29 previous outings connections have done well to revitalize this ex-Irish eight year old who, on the figures, recorded a lifetime best. Further small successes seem possible.
Pillar Rock (108) had won what looked at the time a very weak maiden at the Belvoir but that form had received a boost with runner-up Tony’s Tipple winning at Dingley and Pillar Rock maintained his unbeaten record between the flags with an impressive win at the Quorn. Following lightly raced and improving sorts at the back end of the season can prove profitable and Pillar Rock may even have prospects of going well at Stratford’s evening fixture.
There was just the one meeting last Sunday but at Stafford Cross a chance of tactics reaped dividends for Jewel In the Park (110) in the Restricted. Making most of the running, he returned a figure some 13 pounds in advance of his performance rating and looks well up to carrying a penalty. Runner-up Talimar Pearl (116) deserves equal mention as he was conceding 9lbs to the winner.
Cheltenham’s evening fixture takes centre stage this weekend. The exciting Barton Snow heads the figures in the opener (joint with the more exposed A Jet of Our Own). The Intermediate Final looks a cracker with all the ‘right’ horses entered. Preference is for Mumbo Jumbo. Douglas Longbottom has been progressive this year and can get the better of Fairly Famous in the next and Music Drive, now partnered by Gina Andrews, can land the day’s highlight the Jonathan Neesom Memorial. Walkin Out has prospects in the Mares and Myth Buster an each- way chance in the four miler.
LATEST RESULTS
GARTHORPE
26/04/2025
1 2:00. HUGO MOSS (GB) J. Dawson 2 2-5. IN THE CONGO (IRE) O. Gilligan 1-8 3. REBEL TRIBESMAN (IRE) Sean O›Connor 4-9J (6 ran).
1 2:35 COEUR SEREIN (IRE) L. Hadfield 2 4-7 COOLAGH PARK (GB) Mrs I. Hill 2-1F 3. BOOTS FOLLY (GB) J. Teal 3) 1-4 ran).
1 3:10 LIFT ME UP (IRE) Jack Andrews 5-4F 2 CARYTO DES BROSSES (FR) D. Peters 4-6 3 JANIKA (FR) R. Stearn 3) 1-3 ran).
1 3:45. PILLAR ROCK (IRE) Jack Andrews 2 2-5. GRAVESIDE LAD (IRE) A. Chadwick 1-5 3 ARTISTE D›AINAY (FR) Miss E. Callwood 6) 1-4 ran).
1 4:20. SHAKERMAKER (IRE) S. Lee 2 2-15. CONSTITUTION GROVE (GB) Miss Ellie Holder 3 1-7. WILLIELLE (GB) J. Teal 9) 1-4 ran).
1 4:55. SOMPTUEUX (FR) Miss E. Callwood 5-4F 2. YOUNG RICH (IRE) Miss Molly Legg 3 4-6. MASKADAM (FR) D. Peters 4) 1-5 ran).
PARHAM 26/04/2025
1 2:00 INCHIDALY ROBIN (IRE) James King 3-1F 2 HAPPY LARRY (IRE) P. York Evens (2 ran).
1 2:35. CROOKBARROW (GB) S. Mead 2-1F (3 ran).
1 3:05 LARRY (GB) G. Gorman 3-1F 2 COUNT SIMON (IRE) S. Mead 2) 4-6 ran).
1 3:40. ON SPRINGS (IRE) James King 7-4F 2. MOVETHECHAINS (IRE) H. Carrington 3 2-5. SOUTHFIELD ROYALE (GB) Jude Fernandes 3) 2-7 ran).
1 4:15. PETITE MIKE (IRE) Miss K. L. Featherstone 2 2-5. TIME TO UPGRADE (IRE) P. York 1-5 3. JULLOU DE GRISSAY (FR) James King 4-5F (5 ran).
4:50 (Void race)
PUSK 26/04/2025
1 2:00. WATCH LAW (IRE) N. Orpwood 6-4F 2. GLORY (GB) Shay Halton 3 2-7. SHANTOU MOON (IRE) G. Walkingshaw 3) 4-11 ran).
1 2:30. SHALLIORSHARNTI (IRE) Miss Eleanor Clark (1 ran).
1 3:00. CLAPTON HILL (GB) Shay Halton 5-4F 2. FRESH NEW DAWN (IRE) Miss E. Justice-Vose Evens (2 ran).
1 3:30. WESTERN RUN (IRE) S. Cameron 5-2F 2. FIGHTFORTHEROSES (IRE) Miss C. Tailford 2-5 3. DARKEST DAY (IRE) G. Walkingshaw 3) 2-5 ran).
1 4:00 BEARWITHMENOW (IRE) Miss Natasha Cookson 2 4-11 ASHJAN (GB) Miss J. Walton 1-3 3. AVOID DE MASTER (IRE) Miss C. Tailford 6) 1-6 ran).
1 4:30. SHE IS THE ENEMY (IRE) G. Walkingshaw 6-4F 2. YOU DID (IRE) Joe Wright 3 1-3. FLYING SKIPPER (GB) Miss C. Tailford 4) 1-4 ran).
5:00 (Void race).
WOODFORD 26/04/2025
1 2:00. WALK IN THE WILD (FR) H.Barfoot-Saunt 3-1F 2. JOBESGREEN LAD (GB) G. Barfoot-Saunt 2) 1-2 ran).
1 2:35 KILFILUM WOODS (IRE) Miss C. Brewitt 4-5F 2 DESERT ISLAND (IRE) J. Newman 3 1-2 A QUICK RISK (IRE) Huw Edwards 3) 4-6 ran).
1 3:10. ASK DAI (IRE) Edward Vaughan 4-5F 2. FRENCH PIECE (GB) S. Burton 3 2-7. SHANTY ALLEY (GB) G. Case 5) 1-3 ran).
1 3:45. ARTHUR›S SIXPENCE (GB) Daniel Williams 5-4J 2. SAM BARTON (GB) Edward Vaughan 5-4J (2 ran).
1 4:20 PRECIOUS BOUNTY (IRE) Miss M. Bealby 2 5-6 STRIKING OUT (GB) Miss Emma Williams 11-10F
3. EDISON KENT (IRE) Miss A. Parfitt 3) 1-5 ran).
1 4:55. FRANCESCO DU CLOS (FR) G. Miller 3) 2-7 ran).
1 5:30. SOLID PERFORMER (IRE) Z. Baker 4-6J 2. WILLIAM YEATS (GB) J. Newman 4-6J 3. PERSEO (GB) Miss A. Johnston 5) 1-5 ran).
STAFFORD CROSS 27/04/2025
1 1:30 IMPAKT ST GEORGES (FR) D. Andrews 7-2F 2 TEMPLIER D›HABERT (FR) Miss Maia Ramasamy 2) 4-9 ran).
1 2:05. FUNKY SENSATION (GB) H. Moore 2 4-11. WHITSAND BAY (GB) J. Newman 7-4F
3. THE NEW KID (IRE) Miss J. L. Edworthy 3) 1-4 ran).
1 2:40. LAKOTA WARRIOR (IRE) Rian Corcoran 8-11F 1. QUINTIN›S MAN (GB) J. Newman 4-6
3. HIS OWN STAR (FR) Mrs J. Supple 3) 4-9 ran).
1 3:15 MIDNIGHT MIDGE (GB) J. Shaw 7-4F 2 CANASTERO (IRE) Ashley Dascombe 1-9
3. HONESTLYNTRUFULLY (IRE) J. Stenhouse 4) 4-7 ran).
1 3:50. JEWEL IN THE PARK (IRE) E. Doggrell 4-5F 2. TALIMAR PEARL (FR) J. Newman 1-3
3 BOYS WILL BE BOYS (IRE) F. Philipson-Stow 6) 1-7 ran).
1 4:25. ALL WALKS OF LIFE (IRE) Edward Vaughan 2 4-9. LADY LUSSA (GB) T. Hutsby 1-3
3. LUCARNE (GB) J. Newman 4-7F (5 ran).
1 5:00. BENNETTSBRIDGE (GB) T. Hutsby 2-1F 2. TOODALOO BOB (IRE) Arron Butterfield 1-16
3. NELSON CRIQ (IRE) J. Newman 5) 2-5 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.
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