Thank you storm ‘Darragh’ – As if there isn’t enough to do
The never ending ‘behind the scenes’ work was highlighted as much as ever last weekend when both Wadebridge and Chaddesley Corbett were faced with tremendous difficulties when storm Darragh hit on Friday.
The West Mercian Area Races at Chaddesley Corbett very sadly had to admit defeat, whilst The Cornwall Hunt Club did go ahead, but not without some challenges.
We are all aware of the hard work and effort that goes into running a meeting but what happens when one can’t go ahead, organisers are keen to rearrange but find themselves in the position of having to make a big decision.
Judith Healey and John Hargreaves, committee members of The West Mercian Area meeting, explain what happened following the loss of Sundays meeting. Healey tells me: “The first thing we have to do is contact Ilona Barnett, Chair of the PPSA (Point-to-Point Secretaries Association) and see when and if we could rearrange Ilona was very helpful and we were offered this coming Saturday (14th). Ilona then contacts with of the area secretaries in the North, East, South and West to see if any object. No one did and we were planned to run Saturday”
“I would like to personally thank Ilona – she was marvelous.” Hargreaves continues: “We then as a committee had a zoom meeting Sunday afternoon to weigh up the pros and cons. It was not an easy decision but, in the end we had to accept we couldn’t make it work. There are so many things to consider- we need 50 plus volunteers, and many had other commitments this coming weekend.”
THIS WEEK’S GRASS ROOTS STORY
by Claire Hart
Cheltenham hosts its December meeting this weekend and several of the workforce were already committed there, Healey says: “Graham Potts the vet, Andy Simpson our head Doctor, Phillip Smith-Maxwell and his horse ambulance were all going to be engaged at Cheltenham. We had some fence stewards and the lady in charge of our sponsors tent all of whom had work commitments at Cheltenham. My son who was going to be driving one of the tractors to tow the lorries on and off can only help on a Sunday as like many, he has family commitments this Saturday.”
Healey brought to my attention many other things that wouldn’t cross our minds; what to do now with all the things bought and paid for that are now not needed? Obviously, there are several things that can be saved for future but “We have a pig as we were doing a pig roast for the sponsors and ten beautiful David Austen roses’ for the owners mementoes.” Healey surmises, just two examples of things that can’t be used in the future. “There is a lot of money spent that is very difficult to recoup.”
Another factor which had to be considered was that The Harkaway meeting would have only been two weeks away and the work involved in repairing the course, lorry park and the paddock in preparation was another huge undertaking.
It is clear that in the unfortunate situation the committee found themselves in, a great deal of time, effort and consideration was taken in trying to make the best decision. In talking to Hargreaves and Healey I have certainly had my eyes opened to the realities and difficulties we are faced within our sport when things don’t go to plan.
NOTICE TO OWNERS
Important notice regarding the opening times at the Point-to-Point Racing Company’s office for the Christmas and New Year weeks.
Monday 16th December – 9am to 5pm
Tuesday 17th December – 9am to 5pm
Wednesday 18th December – 9am to 5pm
Entries closing at 12.30 pm for the Harkaway Club, due to run on Sunday 29th December, and Thurlow, due to run on the 31st December
Thursday 19th December – 9am to 5pm
Midday Hunter Certificate registration for the Larkhill Racing Club and West Percy, both due to run on the 5th January
Friday 20th December – 9am to 5pm
Monday 23rd December – 9am to 5pm
Monday 23rd December – 9am to 5pm
Tuesday 24th December – OFFICE CLOSED
Tuesday 24th December – OFFICE CLOSED
Wednesday 25th December – OFFICE CLOSED
Wednesday 25th December – OFFICE CLOSED
Thursday 26th December – OFFICE CLOSED
Thursday 26th December – OFFICE CLOSED
Friday 27th December – OFFICE CLOSED
Friday 27th December – OFFICE CLOSED
Monday 30th December – 9am to 5pm
Monday 30th December – 9am to 5pm
Entries closing at 12.30 pm for the Larkhill Racing Club and West Percy, both due to run on the 5th January
Entries closing at 12.30 pm for the Larkhill Racing Club and West Percy, both due to run on the 5th January
Tuesday 31st December – 9am to 5pm
Wednesday 1st January – OFFICE CLOSED
Tuesday 31st December – 9am to 5pm
Thursday 2nd January – 9am to 5pm
Wednesday 1st January – OFFICE CLOSED
Thursday 2nd January – 9am to 5pm
Midday Hunter Certificate registration for the Dunston Harriers, North Cornwall and Yorkshire Area P2P Club, all due to run on the 12th January
Midday Hunter Certificate registration for the Dunston Harriers, North Cornwall and Yorkshire Area P2P Club, all due to run on the 12th January
Friday 3rd January – 9am to 5pm
Friday 3rd January – 9am to 5pm
**PLEASE NOTE LATEST HUNTER CERTIFICATE REGISTRATION DATE FOR THE FOR THE LARKHILL RACING CLUB AND WEST PERCY IS BY MIDDAY THURSDAY 19TH DECEMBER
**PLEASE NOTE LATEST HUNTER CERTIFICATE REGISTRATION DATE FOR THE FOR THE LARKHILL RACING CLUB AND WEST PERCY IS BY MIDDAY THURSDAY 19TH DECEMBER
**If you wish to confirm whether your Hunter Cert has been received by email, or to pay for it by card, please call the Customer Services Team at Weatherbys on 01933 304 808
**If you wish to confirm whether your Hunter Cert has been received by email, or to pay for it by card, please call the Customer Services Team at Weatherbys on 01933 304 808
PREVIEW
NATIONAL POINT-TO-POINT
NEW FOREST HOUNDS AT LARKHILL, WILTSHIRE
CHAMPIONSHIPS 2024/25
SUNDAY 15TH DECEMBER 2024
By BOB BRACHER
In st towards any National Championship in 2024-25.
The New Forest point to point takes place next Sunday 15th December at Larkhill. A bumper entry of 127 horses has been received and as a result two of the races have been divided meaning that there are now eight races and in addition before the scheduled point to point races there are 2 charity races starting at 9.45 and 10.15 before the first race over the fences at 11.00. It will be a great day to enjoy the horse racing at the premier point to point course in the country
There will be a bar and food outlets as well as some trade stands plus the bookmakers to have a bet with. Entry costs are £15 person, under 16s free Racecards are £3. Access from the west to the course may be preferable to avoid the worst of the potholes.
The course is in ‘great nick’ according to the Course Inspector Robert Fear after their first meeting, and despite all the problems created by Storm Darragh no problems are anticipated. The course has been rolled and the bends moved out and the latest going report is good, good to soft in places.
The meeting begins with a divided flat race over two miles with ten entries in each division. The race was to be sponsored by Merlin Ferris. There is little form to be viewed but of those that have run Mrs Pen finished second at Great Trethew so should not be short of fitness and Perseo was third at Godstone last season. Of the newcomers Defying Gravity from the shrewd David Phelan yard, Green Bonnet from Myles Osborne’s stable and He’s A Ripper from Kelly Morgan’s yard should be on the short list.
The second division features Fayrely Fruitful who was placed in a similar race at Chaddesley Corbett last season and if making the trip from Shropshire looks to have every chance. The rest are virtually all newcomers so the well-bred Fountains Blenhein trained by Teresa Clark, South Sands trained by Mark Grant, who has a good record in these races and the Christopher Barber trained Kalimalka Chest should be considered.
The two-and-a-half Maiden race sponsored by GPG Law has attracted an entry of
seventeen horses. Of those with form this season Codetalker ran well to be second at Dunsmore and a repeat of that form may be good enough. Ted The Thief, from the in-form Josh Newman yard, should be considered on his English debut and Wait At The Gate trained by Stuart Payne ran a very promising debut in England when finishing third at Stafford Cross last season. Will Biddick has entered both Good Boy Eric and Sienna Earth and his chosen representative should be considered. Dave’s Sister was placed in Bumpers on her two visits to Larkhill last year and if able to transfer that ability to fences she would have chances.
The feature race, the Southwick Court Fine Wines sponsored Mixed Open, is headed by the prolific Grace A Vous Enki who will be seeking his seventh consecutive success at the Wiltshire course It will take a good horse to lower his colours but this race does also have an entry for his exciting stablemate Ihandaya who would be well supported but whether they will both run is the question.
Larkhill bookies
Photo:Tim Holt
Il Pino created a very favourable impression when winning his point to point and then a Hurdle for Paul Nicholls, but has now returned to Will Biddick for a point to point campaign this season. Time Leader from the in-form Hannah Roach stable easily won a Ladies race at Hexham but this race is much stiffer. Saint Calvados, My Drogo and Lord du Mesnil all bring good Rules form but the choice of trainer Nicky Sheppard would be the selection.
The Restricted race sponsored by Fawcetts, features Bushtucker Park who looked unlucky when closing down Calidad at Badbury until falling at the third last, and will be looking for recompense Snap Fish won his Maiden at Badbury in good style but he had little to beat It’s A Diamond won a Maiden at Dalton Park and now with Will Biddick it will be fascinating to see him perform in this race Rocky Creed improved throughout the season and the same comment can be made about the Gordon Treacy trained Holkham Hall who won at Upcott Cross. Carryonaway brings course form having won a Maiden last
season and this lightly raced gelding has each way chances.
The Conditions race sponsored by Le Mieux has attracted a strong entry of twenty-three horses and several entered in the Mixed Open also hold entries in this race My Drogo may opt for this race for his point-to-point debut, but there are still many strong potential rivals for him. Kayf Hernando won well at Dunsmore for Tom Hutsby and trainer Justin Brotherton, and he should be on the short list. Switch Hitter may improve for his seasonal run earlier in the month as should Diligent and Millbank Flyer All Loved Up ran well for rider Hugh Lillingston last season as did Douglas Longbottom for local trainer Bea Coward Hung Jury had some good form last season and Yippee KI Yay from Nicky Sheppard’s yard should not be discounted. Kayf Hernando is the selection.
The final race, the Maiden Conditions, sponsored by Earlcote has been divided into two divisions of fourteen horses. In Division One Celtic Harmony was travelling well when
brought down at the third last with Always Force It running on well to finish second and they may reoppose Ted the Thief is also entered in this race and if chosen then he should be considered. Far Out West ran out at Dunsmore but has place form in Ireland. Ideal Du Tabert has place form under Rules in Ireland and is an interesting contender Crawter, trained locally, has form at the course and is another to consider
The second division may go to Southfield Scope, a half-brother to the prolific Southfield Theatre. Runner up to Holkham Hall at Upcott Cross he has the best form. King Orry was placed in an Intermediate at Dunsmore but drops back to Maiden company. Codetalker, who is also entered in the short Maiden, is progressive and the same comments apply to I Think He Is who was fourth at the last meeting. The last named may be the toughest rival Southfield Scope has to cope with.
The racecourse is signed off the A345 and can also be accessed off the A303 and the postcode for Sat Nav is SP4 8QR.
THE RATCHEUGH RACING CLUB
SUNDAY 15TH DECEMBER 2024
By PETER BURGON
The Northern Area Point-to-Point season continues on Sunday 15th December with the Ratcheugh Racing Club fixture at the Ratcheugh Farm course near Alnwick. It has attracted a total of 83 entries, comprising 77 individual horses which is the most at this meeting since December 2019, on a six-race card starting at 12.00pm. Warwickshire raider George Darling could be the one to beat in the opening 2m4f Four and Five Years Old Maiden Race. He showed promise on debut when 5th to Tormund Giantsbane at Kimble last season and that form was franked when the winner landed a Worcester Bumper in October on his first start under Rules for Dan Skelton, while Vol Royale (4th at Kimble) scored next time out at Dunsmore in November Of the other 14 entries, Cinque Terre and Great Notions finished second (beaten 15 lengths and 29 lengths respectively) on their last Pointing starts in Ireland, with the strength of Cinque Terre’s form subsequently boosted by the winner Millforce’s performances under Rules. Others open to improvement include Batsman Jack, Liveyourbestlife and Where’s Willy
An exciting fixture awaits at Alnwick
Photo: Grace Beresford
PREVIEW
The 11 entries for the 3m Six Years Old and Over Maiden Race are headed by John Dawson’s mount The Village Way, bought privately out of Nick Pearce’s yard since finishing eight lengths 2nd to subsequent Larkhill Restricted winner Kilfilum Woods at Knightwick on November 9. High On The Hill and Hollywood Harmon also have the benefit of a recent outing in their lockers after chasing home Carlenrig and Jack The Lad in their respective Maiden contests at Hexham, the form of Slaney Opera’s run when 4th behind Ira Hayes at Corbridge has worked out well, while debutant Park Royal Boy is unlikely to be making the long journey from Fran Poste’s in-form Warwickshire yard just for a change of scenery
Proven stayer Red Delta is still on an upward curve and can make a winning reappearance in the 3m Restricted Race (12 entries). He was an easy winner at Duncombe Park (Maiden) and Charm Park (Restricted) last season, with the form of subsequent placed efforts behind Jeux D’Eau (Thorpe Lodge) and Buy Some Time (Witton Castle) working out well. The trio likely to give John Dawson’s mount most to do are Bride Rovers Abu, Capparattin and Lou Marvelous. Kelly Morgan has a good strike rate at Alnwick in recent seasons and
The New Forest point to point takes place next Sunday 15th December at Larkhill. A bumper entry of 127 horses has been received and as a result two of the races have been divided meaning that there are now eight races and in addition before the scheduled point to point races there are 2 charity races starting at 9.45 and 10.15 before the first race over the fences at 11.00. It will be a great day to enjoy the horse racing at the premier point to point course in the country
There will be a bar and food outlets as well as some trade stands plus the bookmakers to have a bet with. Entry costs are £15 person, under 16s free Racecards are £3. Access from the west to the course may be preferable to avoid the worst of the potholes.
The course is in ‘great nick’ according to the Course Inspector Robert Fear after their first meeting, and despite all the problems created by Storm Darragh no problems are anticipated. The course has been rolled and the bends moved out and the latest going report is good, good to soft in places.
NEW FOREST HOUNDS AT LARKHILL, WILTSHIRE
SUNDAY 15TH DECEMBER 2024
By BOB BRACHER
is represented by new recruit Bride Rovers Abu who landed a Borris House Maiden in March, Warwickshire raider Capparattin didn’t see another rival when scoring at Mollington and Edgcote in May, while impressive 2024 Haydon Restricted winner Lou Marvelous is held in high regard by Thomas Easterby.
The 3m Mixed Open Race has 21 entries and promises to be a competitive affair Dusart is a potentially exciting recruit to the Pointing ranks. Now with Kelly Morgan, this 150-rated chaser won four of his first six starts for Nicky Henderson before undergoing wind surgery in May 2022 and then failed to complete on all three outings in 2023 in the Cotswold Chase, Scottish Grand National and Coral Gold Cup Handicap Chase The ultraconsistent Dundrum Wood has won on all four previous visits to Alnwick including first time out in January 2022 and January 2024, dual course winner Diable De Sivola has been off the track for 21 months, Wild Romance beat Bintheredonethat by a short head over course and distance last December and looked as good as ever when making a winning reappearance at the recent Border fixture, Ballydonagh Boy and 122-rated chaser Jerrysback should be in the mix, while former 142-rated hurdler
Bardenstown Lad, who was placed at the 2022 Cheltenham Festival, won a Kilbeggan Chase and Hurdle earlier this year
Warwickshire raider Benefaktor should be ideally suited by the shorter trip in the 2m4f Conditions Race and is taken to land a sixth career success between the flags. The pick of the 12 entries is proven stayer West Lawn who just failed to peg back Wild Polly over a longer trip on heavy going at Hexham, while Kingrullah, Not The Chablis and former 148-rated chaser Killer Clown also merit consideration.
The concluding 2m Flat Race has 11 entries, including unraced youngsters by sires Blue Bresil, Court Cave, Cracksman, Libertarian, Malinas, Scorpion and Youmzain. Carlenrig scored on debut for Lesley Coltherd’s yard at Hexham and stable companion Return To Florida is sure to be fully tuned up His dam Here Comes Sally was a four-time winner under Rules in Ireland. Another one to note is the Jack Teal-trained newcomer Appy Chappy who was bought at the Goffs Land Rover Sale in June 2022.
The Ratcheugh Farm course is about 3m NE of Alnwick and is signposted from the A1. The post code is NE66 3AD
Admission is £15 per person, with under 16’s free
Larkhill bookies
Photo:Tim Holt
The meeting begins with a divided flat race over two miles with ten entries in each division. The race was to be sponsored by Merlin Ferris. There is little form to be viewed but of those that have run Mrs Pen finished second at Great Trethew so should not be short of fitness and Perseo was third at Godstone last season. Of the newcomers Defying Gravity from the shrewd David Phelan yard, Green Bonnet from Myles Osborne’s stable and He’s A Ripper from Kelly Morgan’s yard should be on the short list.
The second division features Fayrely Fruitful who was placed in a similar race at Chaddesley Corbett last season and if making the trip from Shropshire looks to have every chance. The rest are virtually all newcomers so the well-bred Fountains Blenhein trained by Teresa Clark, South Sands trained by Mark Grant, who has a good record in these races and the Christopher Barber trained Kalimalka Chest should be considered.
The two-and-a-half Maiden race sponsored by GPG Law has attracted an entry of
seventeen horses. Of those with form this season Codetalker ran well to be second at Dunsmore and a repeat of that form may be good enough. Ted The Thief, from the in-form Josh Newman yard, should be considered on his English debut and Wait At The Gate trained by Stuart Payne ran a very promising debut in England when finishing third at Stafford Cross last season. Will Biddick has entered both Good Boy Eric and Sienna Earth and his chosen representative should be considered. Dave’s Sister was placed in Bumpers on her two visits to Larkhill last year and if able to transfer that ability to fences she would have chances.
The feature race, the Southwick Court Fine Wines sponsored Mixed Open, is headed by the prolific Grace A Vous Enki who will be seeking his seventh consecutive success at the Wiltshire course It will take a good horse to lower his colours but this race does also have an entry for his exciting stablemate Ihandaya who would be well supported but whether they will both run is the question.
ITACARE the horse with Fast Hooves & Elegant Moves
by Kirsty Boutflower Boutflowe
brings ving y elling pos
Racehorses (and certainly fit and currently racing ones) were once thought of as dangerous creatures to be ridden only by those either with racing steeped in their veins for generations or the insane who considered a Sunday afternoon jaunt down the Cresta Run, a perfectly acceptable activity The idea of taking on an ex-racehorse filled many with horror and for those who were brave enough, it was a question of only out-bidding the meat man at the sales to pick up a cheap horse who was invariably wired to the moon. Things have changed though in recent years and with a good retraining and rehabilitation programme championed by the ROR, these intelligent cast-offs have gone on to prosper in a vast variety of disciplines including dressage, eventing, polocross and showing. It is however much rarer for a horse
that is still at the prime of his racing career to combine the two.
THE RATCHEUGH RACING CLUB
SUNDAY 15TH DECEMBER 2024
By PETER BURGON
The Northern Area Point-to-Point season continues on Sunday 15th December with the Ratcheugh Racing Club fixture at the Ratcheugh Farm course near Alnwick. It has attracted a total of 83 entries, comprising 77 individual horses which is the most at this meeting since December 2019, on a six-race card starting at 12.00pm.
Warwickshire raider George Darling could be the one to beat in the opening 2m4f Four and Five Years Old Maiden Race. He showed
Enter Itacare, a small seven year old grey gelding who began his racing career in France under the guidance of firstly Dominique Bressou and then Mikael Mescam where he won once for each over hurdles and fences respectively Named after a holiday destination on the tropical coast of Brazil, Itacare was claimed after this second win in the spring of 2021 and transferred to the yard of David Pipe His first win for his new connections came the following season at Ludlow over hurdles following wind surgery but although he subsequently ran well in defeat, he struggled to add to that tally Owners, Somerset Racing headed by Richard Wilkin, felt he was now in the grip of the handicapper and so a generous decision was made to lease him for point to pointing to the Corcoran family, for 16 year old Rian to ride as a schoolmaster for a season.
An exciting fixture awaits at Alnwick
Rian Corcoran a talented graduate from the world of Pony Racing where he rode 15 winners supported by Richard and Dawn Prince, had been riding out at the Somerset trainer’s yard and it seemed an ideal offer to kick-start his riding career between the flags. Always a safe and sensible conveyance, Itacare joined the Corcoran yard in Devon and after some time out at grass, he was brought back into training. It was clear early on that after slotting into the more laid back lifestyle, this kind and gentle horse had plenty of talents and Rian’s younger sisters were queuing up to ride him, notably ten year old Niamh. A keen member of the South Devon (West) Pony Club, Niamh was soon taking him for “away days” which included dressage, a skill which Itacare took to immediately Aoife and Fionnaula, aged 7 and 5, have also taken turns to ride the new inmate and in March all three girls baked him a cake to celebrate his birthday.
Photo: Grace Beresford
Niamh schooling
In the Winners enclosure at Wadebridge 8.12.24
Gerry supple, Rian, Clare Corcoran, Niamh and Liam
The11entries forthe3mSix YearsOldand OverMaidenRaceareheaded by John Dawson’smount The Village Way, bought privatelyoutofNick Pearce’s yard since finishingeightlengths2nd to subsequent Larkhill RestrictedwinnerKilfilum Woods at KnightwickonNovember 9. HighOn The HillandHollywoodHarmonalsohave the benefitofa recentoutingintheirlockers afterchasinghomeCarlenrigandJack The Ladintheir respectiveMaiden contests at Hexham,the formofSlaneyOpera’srun when4thbehindIraHayes at Corbridge has workedout well,whiledebutant Park RoyalBoyisunlikely to be makingthe longjourneyfromFran Poste’sin-form Warwickshire yard justforachangeof scenery.
HoweverItacare’sprimary role wasinthepoint to point fieldandafteragoodrun to finishthirdonhisdebut lastseason at Great TrethewunderRian,he reappeared three weekslater to stylishlywinaNoviceRiders race at Wadebridgebefore followingupthere to takeasimilar race nexttimeout. Afteranunsuccessfulvisit to Badbury Rings,Itacare wasthenplungedintoamore competitive race at Milborne St Andrew.AMixedOpen,notonly were thehorsesofahighercalibrebutRian wastaking onseniorjockeysincluding WillBiddick,DarrenAndrews andChloeEmsley. Takingaprominentpositionearlyon, RiansentItacare to thefrontwith3 to jumpandheldoff coursespecialist TomBartonunderChloeEmsley to win by nearlytwolengths.It wasaridingperformancethat madeplentyofhardenedenthusiastssitupandtakenote andearnedhimthe Wessex Rising Star Award forthe season. Keen to capitaliseonthis,Rianfinishedhisseason earlyafterridinganothertwowinners to enablehim to have aseriouscrack at theNationalNoviceRiderstitle for2025.
is represented by new re AbuwholandedaBorrisHouseMaiden inMarch, Warwickshire didn’tseeanotherrivalwhenscoring Mollingtonand EdgcoteinMa impressive2024 Haydon LouMarvelousisheldinhigh ThomasEasterby.
The3mMixedOpenRacehas21entries andpromises to bea Dusartisapotentially to the Pointing ranks.Nowwith Morgan,this150-ratedchaser ofhisfirstsix starts fo beforeundergoingwindsurgeryinMay 2022andthen failed tocompleteonall threeoutingsin2023inthe Cotswold Chase,ScottishGrandNationaland Coral GoldCupHandicapChase. TheultraconsistentDundrum Woodhas wononall fourpreviousvisits to Alnwickincluding firsttimeoutinJanuary2022andJanuary ursewinnerDiableDeSivola hasbeenoffthetrack for21months, Wild mancebeatBintheredonethat by a courseanddistancelast Decemberandlookedasgoodas ever whenmakingawinning reappearance at ntBorderfixture, BallydonaghBoy edchaserJerrysbackshouldbe former142-ratedhurdler
Rianhas continued at thePipe yard andonthekind recommendationofGerrySupple,hespentthreemonths thissummer at AidanO’Brien’s yard at Ballydoylewhere he wasluckyenough to rideoutlast year’s Coventry winner,River Tiberandalso currentDerby favourite, TheLionIn Winter.Rianhasalso teamedupwithDevon trainer,EmmaSummersbywhohas recentlytaken over the stringofpointersfromherhusbandDean(whonow holdsaprofessionallicence).Rianwillalso continuetry to pickuprides forotheroutsidetrainersinhisquest for thetitle.
Bresil, CourtCave,Cracksman,Libertarian, Malinas,Scorpionand Youmzain.Carlenrig scoredondebut for Lesley Coltherd’s yard at Hexhamand stable companion Return To Floridaissure to befullytunedup.His damHere ComesSally wasa four-time winnerunderRulesinIreland.Anotherone to note istheJack Teal-trainednewcomer AppyChappywho wasbought at theGoffs Land RoverSaleinJune2022.
Aslastseasonfinished,the Corcoran’s were giventhe bestpossiblenews thatItacare was to remainwiththem. He continues to have aninterestingand variedlifegetting taken to thebeach fordown-timeand forlongrides acrossDartmoorwithNiamhdoingplentyofjumping anddressageincludingafirst test underBritishDressage Conditions.ItishopedwithtimethatNiamhherselfmay get to ridehimina race oncesheturns16althoughher ownlong-termgoalis toconcentrateonprofessional show-jumpingsomethingItacare couldprobablyalsoturn hishoof to!
FormallyunderthetrainingnameofRian’s father,Liam, itis verymucha familyaffairwiththeseasonkickingoff ina competitiveOpen race at Wadebridgethis weekend. Previouslywhenasked for forthcomingplans,Liam felt thatItacare wasprobablygoing to findlife tougherthis time roundespeciallyashe wasliable to becarryinga penaltyalthoughhedidn’truleout contestingahunter chaselateron.Butthislittlehorse continues to amaze anddelightboth connectionsand racingpublicalikeand showinghisopponentsthatathirdvictory at Wadebridge washis forthetaking,heandRian tenaciously won by a neck,beating formerhighclasschaser,AngelsBreath.On adaydominated by Nationaltitleholders,JoshNewman andIzzieHill,it washeart-warming to seea family-trained horseemergingvictoriousagain.
n Itacarewith fromabove
Fionnula & Aoife and Itacare
AllphotoscourtesyofClareCorcoran
Area 16 Pony Club Dressage 14.724 (5th of 30 and part of the winning team)
NiamhandItacarewith theirrosettesfromabove
TRAINER TALK: ROBERT VARNHAM BY JAKE
Robert Varnham, who trains at Gunshot Paddocks, Bramley, near Guildford, saddled his first runner when Sentimentaljourney won at Barbury in 2017 – “I should have stopped then and kept my 100% record”, he jokes –although wife Lucie had been the named keeper the previous season. Since then, he has added a further 25 – including a debut Hunter Chase success with Trappist Monk at Fontwell Park in 2023. Last season, Robert was crowned leading trainer with five or fewer horses after a tremendous spring, during a campaign that was overshadowed by the death of Keagan Kirkby – who rode regularly for him – at Charing in February. Jake Exelby talked to him recently about the ups and downs of the year, and his plans for the coming season.
Who have been your favourite horses and why?
There are a few, for different reasons
Sentimentaljourney was my first winner, which got me into enjoying the sport. For all her bad habits – she was a nightmare traveller –Tangoed, as I was thinking of giving up after Covid, as nothing was going right with the horses. But she then won at Aldington, which gave me a big boost and a reason to carry on. Trappist Monk being our first winner under rules was a big moment, as was Count Simon sluicing up by 25 lengths at Didmarton on his first run for us.
Obviously, your season was affected by the fatal accident to Keagan. Tell me about the impact that had.
We were there that day, and it hit us badly, as we were very fond of Keagan, but we had to be strong for the members of our racing club, who included Keagan’s grandfather David Young, and for whom he’d just ridden Ripper Roo. It was tough to get back into it afterwards, but people were really supportive, particularly the Hill and Marshall families, who were so compassionate – Charlie Marshall felt bad as Keagan was on his inside when his horse ran out. I remember Keagan’s last words to me, “See you after the race for a sausage roll.”
Looking back to the start of the season, what were your expectations?
Being honest, I thought I had a good chance of the small trainers title, as all our horses were
capable of winning and they all did in the end after a slow start to the season – we had nine seconds in total, including five on the trot, but the horses came good in the spring as the ground got better
Who was your favourite horse last season? Why?
While Ripper Roo, who we lost at Peper Harow, was a lovely horse but one who had lots wrong with his feet and was hard to keep sound, it has to be Imperial Esprit, Keagan’s last winner He ran ten times, won three and was never out of the frame I was going to run him at the Cheltenham Hunter Chase evening, but he was second in the PPORA series at the time, so I ran him with Seb Mead at Mollington to qualify him
Team Varnham last season (Keagan Kirkby on left) and Trappist Monk
Photo: Caroline Exelby
Imperial Esprit at Horseheath – Keagan Kirkby’s final winner Photo: Graham Bishop
for their Novice Riders Final at Edgcote and he won both to become PPORA leading horse It was great to win that, as well as the trainers title, in Keagan’s memory
All your horses won last season, which is quite an achievement, even for a small yard. How did you keep them fit and in form all year?
I ride them all every day myself and turn them out in the daytime, so they don’t go sour And once they’re fit, I keep them ticking over and don’t overwork them.
Tell me about plans for the horses in your yard next season.
Count Simon
It all depends on how he starts the season as he looks after himself nowadays and either wins convincingly or doesn’t try! He’ll go for Opens and Novice Riders races and I hope Billy Broomfield – who works for Paul Nicholls and knew Keagan well – can ride him.
Empire De Maulde
We bought him at Doncaster and he’s a lovely horse that I think a change of yard will help Still capable of running to a mark of 130 and works well, with a nice long stride, so should make a good pointer
Imperial Esprit
Qualified for the Cheltenham Foxhunters, so it would be silly not to target that. Only beaten three lengths by Famous Clermont last time out and needs further, so Cheltenham will suit. We know how to ride him now, which is not to hit the front too soon. He’ll start in Novice Riders races with Seb, who I hope will keep the mount for Cheltenham.
Trappist Monk
Was going to retire, but so full of himself that he’s back in training. We’ll keep him to Opens and Novice Riders races in the South East and hopefully he’ll enjoy his last season and pick up a couple of races. We don’t want to put too much pressure on him and want him to have fun and enjoy what he’s doing.
Which pointer in another yard would you most like to train?
One that’s currently at David Phelan’s! A threeyear-old called Earth’s Day, out of my mare Cahala Dancer, bred by Lucie and I and the first home-bred we’ll have trained ourselves. He
may run in a bumper or Maiden in the spring, but it depends how he comes back to us after being broken in. We’re not going to rush him, as he’s already 16.3 hands and should grow bigger than 17hh, so may give him the summer off
What are your plans for this season and the future as a trainer? Is the aim to win the title again?
It would be nice, but we’re starting later this year – not until Horseheath on New Year’s Eve. Taking out a permit or licence is still in the pipeline in the next two or three years but we’re focusing on pointing at the moment and will see how it goes. Even if we do, we’ll still have pointers, as we love the sport.
What are your favourite courses?
Parham, as we always seem to do well there, know lots of people and have a great day out – even though you can only see half the race! Also, Horseheath – a nice course where we’ve had some good days – and Edgcote, another lucky track.
Which jockeys and other trainers do you admire and why?
Izzie Hill for winning the female jockeys title last year – beating Gina Andrews without the same firepower was a real achievement As for trainers, I always used to be jealous of Tim Underwood as he kept beating us and had loads of winners when I didn’t have any! He’s a point-to-point man through and through and we get on really well.
What would you do if you were in charge of the sport?
I’d make sure owners were looked after better There are so many racing clubs now and you still only get two tickets – they should give out six entry passes per horse, as it costs a lot to have a horse in training. In the South East, they always have big crowds, so I don’t see why they can’t.
What do you love most about pointing?
Winning races and winning titles!
Team Varnham last season (Keagan Kirkby on left) and Trappist Monk
Photo: Caroline Exelby
A bucolic view of Gunshot Paddocks Photo: Caroline Exelby
ON THE CLOCK
A dry but blustery day at the Cornwall Club meeting where, although the rains had relented, the ground opened up over the day and the going became gradually more testing. If there is sufficient evidence, it’s prudent to attempt to quantify this deterioration mathematically and factor it in to the calculated going allowance. I have done this for the meeting and the final figures reflect this, but as ever their application can be a little subjective in terms of when the deterioration actually began to meaningfully effect the race times. For those who wish to ignore the calculation altogether and rely on the unamended figures then just reduce the race figures published in the Looseleaf for the last four races on the card by 4lbs.
Itacare (124) won a competitive Men’s Open in game style to take his pointing career tally to four wins from just six starts. His season was over by Mid-March last year but he’s proven on soft ground and has shown himself to also be effective at distances short of three miles suggesting he can make his presence felt in a small, winter-ground Hunterchase Runner-up Angels Breath (128), a Grade 2 winner under Rules, has had his fair share of training troubles but looked far from a back number on this his pointing debut. Indeed, for much of the last circuit he travelled like much the best horse in the race, only to be found wanting on the run to line Compensation awaits.
The following Intermediate went to Soldier Unknown who just held off the highly regarded Diviliskin and the prolific Jet Smart – a blanket could have covered the three protagonists as they passed the line This was a tactically run affair and the final time not reflective of the relative ability of all three, but both Soldier Unkown and Jet Smart have posted decent times in the past and all three look set for successful campaigns. It’s rare for a horse to carry a 10lb penalty to success in this type of contest and the fact that Jet Smart almost managed this feat is particularly noteworthy.
are some promising types entered for this coming weekend. The Village Way was well supported
There are some promising types entered or this coming weekend. The Village Way was well supported on his seasonal debut when finishing runner-up to Kilfilum Woods at Knightwick and can go one better at Alnwick where the Restricted also sees the re-appearance of Lou Marvelous, winner of two of his four starts last season. He benefitted from the application of cheekpieces last time out so watch for these at declaration. The second Larkhill fixture features several competitive events but punters may be well served by keeping their ammunition dry and waiting for Douglas Longbottom in the Conditions race He’s a Larkhill regular and as such has often found himself up against potentially high class opponents such as Wolf Walker and Regatta de Blanc, but his size has always suggested he will do better as he matures and, just rising seven years old, this could be the start of a good season.
benefitted from the application of cheekpieces last time out so watch out for these at declaration. The Larkhill fixture features several competitive events but punters may be well served by keeping their ammunition dry and waiting for Douglas Longbottom in the Conditions race He’s a Larkhill regular and as such has often found himself up against potentially high class opponents such as Wolf Walker and Regatta de Blanc, but his size has always suggested he will do better as he matures and, just rising seven years old, this could be the start of a good season.
CHRISTMAS OPENING TIMES
Monday Dec 23rd – Open
Tuesday Dec 24th – CLOSED
Wednesday Dec 25th – CLOSED
Thursday Dec 26th – CLOSED
Friday Dec 27th – Open
Saturday Dec 28th – CLOSED
Sunday Dec 29th – CLOSED
Monday Dec 30th – Open
Tuesday Dec 31st – Open
Wednesday Jan 1st – CLOSED
Thursday Jan 2nd – Open
Friday Jan 3rd – Open
Hunter Chase Runner-up Angels Breath (128), a Grade 2 winner under Rules, the
SPEED
FIGURES
ALNWICK 15/12/2024
12:00 THE FOUR AND FIVE YEARS OLD MAIDEN RACE: First Time Caller (IRE) (78) George Darling (IRE) (77)
12:30 THE SIX YEARS OLD AND OVER MAIDEN RACE: She Is The Enemy (IRE) (103) Benefact (IRE) (98) The Village Way (GB) (98) Hollywood Harmon (IRE) (93) Notnowbob (IRE) (84)
1:00 THE RESTRICTED RACE: Blagthebookies (IRE) (103) Lou Marvelous (FR) (101) For One Night Only (IRE) (100) Red Delta (GB) (93)
1:30 THE MIXED OPEN RACE: Wild Romance (IRE) (128) Ballydonagh Boy (IRE) (123) Jerrysback (IRE) (119) Dundrum Wood (IRE) (117)
2:00 THE FIVE YEARS OLD AND OVER CONDITIONS RACE (LEVEL 3): Bellaney Lord (IRE) (110) Kingrullah (IRE) (110) Benefaktor (IRE) (108) Not The Chablis (IRE) (108) Manwell (IRE) (98) West Lawn (GB) (95)
LARKHILL 15/12/2024
12:00 THE FOUR AND FIVE YEARS OLD MAIDEN YOUNG HORSE SERIES RACE: Wait At The Gate (IRE) (82) Full Send (GB) (71) Bulletofexpression (IRE) (65) Heart of Courage (IRE) (65) Good Boy Eric (GB) (63)
12:30 THE MIXED OPEN RACE: Time Leader (IRE) (137) Grace A Vous Enki (FR) (126) A Jet of Our Own (IRE) (125) Ihandaya (FR) (121)
1:00 THE RESTRICTED RACE: Calidad (IRE) (114) Holkham Hall (IRE) (108) Rocky Creed (IRE) (107) Dorset Diamond (GB) (106)
1:30 THE CONDITIONS RACE (LEVEL 2): Douglas Longbottom (GB) (110) Kayf Hernando (GB) (109) Premier d’Troice (FR) (108) Yippee Ki Yay (IRE) (106)
2:00 THE MAIDEN CONDITIONS RACE (Div 1): Always Force It (IRE) (96) Dorset Dazzler (GB) (88) Crawter (IRE) (84) Wait At The Gate (IRE) (82)
2:30 THE MAIDEN CONDITIONS RACE (Div 2): Whatchagotder (IRE) (96) Taghadoe (IRE) (90) I Think He Is (IRE) (80) King Orry (IRE) (80) Southfield Scope (GB) (76)
LATEST RESULTS
CHADDESLEY CORBETT
08/12/2024
Meeting abandoned due to Storm Darragh
WADEBRIDGE
08/12/2024
11:30 1. THE KINGS WRIT (IRE) Miss Hannah Morgan 7-4F 2. FIGHTER ALLEN (FR) L. Morris 2-1 3. HIS OWN STAR (FR) Mrs J. Supple 3-1 (8 ran).
12:05 1. TALIMAR PEARL (FR) J. Newman 1-2F 2. EMMAS WISH (IRE) D. Andrews 3-1 3. MISS GHILLIE (GB) Edward Vaughan 10-1 (8 ran).
12:40 1. EL CAPITAINE (IRE) J. Newman 4-6F 2. THEY CALL ME HUGO (IRE) W. Biddick 7-4 3. NELSON CRIQ (IRE) D. Andrews 7-1 (6 ran).
1:15 1. HEARTS CORNER (IRE) Mrs I. Hill 5-4F 2. SIZING CUSIMANO (GB) Miss P. Peaster 16-1 3. DIDERO VALLIS (FR) Miss M. Landau 7-2 (5 ran).
1:50 1. ITACARE (FR) Rian Corcoran 6-1 2. ANGELS BREATH (IRE) Edward Vaughan 3-1 3. ANOTHER FURLOUGH (IRE) R. David 3-1 (6 ran).
2:20 1. SOLDIER UNKNOWN (IRE) Mrs I. Hill 6-1 2. DIVILSKIN (IRE) W. Biddick 4-5F 3. JET SMART (IRE) Rian Corcoran 3-1 (6 ran).
2:55 1. CLONDAW DRAKE (IRE) J. Newman 4-6F 2. SUMMER JAM (IRE) Mrs I. Hill 3-1 3. BELLA NOCHE (IRE) Mrs J. Supple 20-1 (6 ran).
Xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx
REPORTS
CORNWALL HUNT CLUB REVIEW
Jockeys wore black armbands at Wadebridge Point-to-Point on Sunday, as a mark of respect for the man who beautifully penned these reports for many years, Granville Taylor, who sadly died earlier this week.
Storm Darragh did his best to scupper proceedings but in the end, it was Storm Josh who left his mark on the afternoon as Josh Newman stormed home with three wins in the saddle of which he trained all of them, with a further two winners coming out of his Blackmore Farm, that he shares with wife Kayley.
Race one, The Conditions race for Veteran and Novice riders went the way of The Kings Writ. The 13-year-old cruised home by 12-lengths, under Hannah Morgan, whom was enjoying her second ever win. Morgan said; “I have worked for Kayley and Josh for three years and they have been a great help to me, to repay them is fantastic.” This win came seven years after The King’s Writ had won the Restricted at Wadebridge A beaming Kayley Woollacott, who’s first winner under rules, was this horse, six-years ago; added, “He’s so good, he’s heard the R word a few times! He’s nearly 14, he leads the babies at home and we didn’t have any plans for him this year, we may come back here after Christmas but we will see, he will tell us what he wants to do.”
SUNDAY XXTH DECEMBER 2024
SUNDAY 8TH DECEMBER 2024
By XXXXXXXX
By MIKE DROWNE
Race 2 was the first division of the maiden, which saw the well fancied Talimar Pearl just prevail in an enjoyable dual with Emma’s Wish. Winning jockey and trainer, Josh Newman said; “He struggled to get his head in front under rules, so his owner brought him back pointing to get his confidence up He may go back under rules at some point.”
Division two saw the Josh Newman trained El Capitaine land the spoils by three lengths, from the 7-4 favourite, They Call Me Hugo El Capitaine is owned by Ivan Thompson, whom had bought him to have some fun and he certainly got that on Sunday.
The Ladies Open went the way of 5-4 shot Hearts Corner, under Izzie Hill for that man Josh Newman again. Sizing Cusimano put it up to Hearts Corner over the last two fences but couldn’t prevail. Izzie, who had a four- and half-hour trip to be there said; “It’s good to have been given the opportunity by the owners and Josh. He’s a progressive horse This is a step up for him today, he took to it well and jumped well, he was idling slightly in front but just did enough.”
Itacare made it three wins from three runs at Wadebridge in the Mens Open, under Rian Corcoran, whom was enjoying his 6th career win. Wadebridge has been a lucky
track for the young man with it providing him with his first ever win twelve months ago He now has his sights set on the novice title for this season.
Izziee Hill completed a double on the day when partnering Soldier Unknown for her Father-in-law, Alan Hill. The Tom Malone trained Divilskin was well fancied to get the job done and looked set to, until Izzie produced her mount with a winning run to fend off the rallying Divilskin and Jet Smart. After the race Izzie admitted “I was very nervous today, I don’t get nervous like that, but it’s well documented we think a lot of this horse He’s gone and served it up to some very nice horse’s so were absolutely delighted.”
Clondaw Drake topped off a memorable day for Josh Newman as he landed the Restricted race, from a treble seeking Izzie Hill aboard Summer Jam. Reflecting on his final win on the afternoon, Josh said; “I am delighted with him, he’s taken a step forward from Dunsmore. He’s taken a bit of getting use to at home but he seems to be settling in now. We won’t be rushing him, he will be having an easy Christmas.”
At the end of a very successful day for Josh, he expressed his sadness of the passing of Granville and detailed how much he will be missed on the point-to-point fields.
NATIONAL POINT-TO-POINT CHAMPIONSHIPS 2024/25
ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE YOU CAN FIND SOME EARLY 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.
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?
FIXTURE LIST
AREA FIXTURE COURSE DAYDATE
WNewForest Larkhill Sunday 15December2024
NRatcheugh Racing Club Alnwick Sunday 15December2024
