COTTENHAM OF THE FIRST DAY OF THE UK POINTING SEASON 29-11-15

 A windswept area, East of England near the University town of

 Cambridge, lies a spot, where over the years has hosted one of the first days meetings of the UK point to point season.
Cottenham Racecourse just off the M11 hosted the Cambridge University united hunts club meeting to a good enthusiastic crowd, quality fields, and an expectation that the ongoing saga of the Victoria Pendleton swapping saddles campaign would blow onto the Cambridgshire course. This made it a Sunday afternoon to brave the elements and watch some entertaining amateur sport.
Alas the Olympic star decided that the West of the country suited her chances better ( pulling up two from home)
But it did not deter from what was a quality days racing, offering the meetings six race card.
The ground classed as good to soft, good in places made for some testing contests





Eight Runners started the season off in a members conditions race over a sharp two mile four furlongs.
Top amateur Sam Waley-Cohen took Storm Lantern to post favourite,but it was eight year old Lough Inch who beat the favourite by three lengths in a blistering pace of a race taking all of 5m.53 secs to complete the two mile four furlong trip. Jockey Sam Davies-Thomas, who was set to have a successful opening meeting rode a perfectly timed race, ' from the second last i could see Sam's (Waley-Cohen) horse possibly would not go on, so i asked a bit more from him and he responded well' Asked if the ground helped his horse Sam mentioned ' It's good out there but i should reckon it will find a few out in later races' Jockey Mr Davies-Thomas, who is an apprentice saddler by day but rides out for the likes of top up and coming rules trainer Dan Skelton before work. ' it's good riding out for him, and it;s good to get off to a good start for the season.

Lough Inch 

Jockey Mr Davies-Thomas

As mentioned previous, the hoped inaugural ride from an Olympic star over the bigger obstacles was not to be for Cottenham.But it was the Hill family who have been charged with training the stars swap of sports, not to be out done on the day. Consigliere travelled the near 200 mile round trip to take the Men's open by ten length's from Executive Benefit.

Another fast time for this time a three mile event, saw the twelve year old chestnut gelding win the race easily. Top novice rider Joe Hill taking the ride, looking round for dangers as he came round the home turn with one fence to go. 'He's a nice horse,the pace suited my fella and he jumped well, which made us come here with confidence. He really makes life easy for you.' Asked about the time being a fast one 5min 53 secs to complete the three miles, Joe said' Yeah, we went a good pace, and it wasn't too far out the track record' 

Consigliere

Joe must be looking forward to his 2015-16 campaign, saying his dad has some very nice horses in at present, Harbour Court being one the jockey is looking forward to getting on, and one to look out for would be Man of steel.

Joe Hill

The next race, and another first for the season. The baileys ladies open race saw five runners to post, again over the three miles and for the first time of the meeting, the race taking over the six Min's to complete.

Sagalyrique, a eleven year old gelding gave Mrs Angela Rucker a very nice ride around the Cambridgeshire track, winning the race for her for the fourth time in a row. Coming round the bend the leaders picked up a furious pace which sorted the wheat from the chaff. ' All the horses jumped well, and i though Hannah ( Watson on second placed Penmore Hill) might get to me, but my horse picked up well and went on' Asked if the excitement of a possible star in the ladies changing room made a difference to the day, ' it's good to see new faces, fair play to her for giving it a go' any advice toe Olympic cyclist.'Find a nice horse.' 

Angela who spends her off season with her family. 'Children into eventing takes up allot of my time.'

Sagalyrique

Incidentally, if you were a dual forecast backer a whopping £42.50 was paid out on the Tote if you predicted the first and second, well worth the punt.

Cottenham was also happy to present a cheque donation of £1000 to the East Anglia Air ambulance, with proceeds made from the day. Something we are always happy that they are there.

The Subaru Restricted open, a new initiative for the new campaign throughout the country saw Severn runners go to post. Sam Davies-Thomas,who had success in the first race, dually bought home Tulsa in front of top lady rider Gina Andrews on Sin Bin.

Tulsa

Sam Davies-Thomas

A brace of winners for the afternoon for the young apprentice saddler was a good afternoon out.

Coming to the third last, the front runners went on well from the rest of the field.' We went a good pace, and i though Gina's horse wouldn't find too much up the final straight,' what next for five year old gelding by Scorpion. ' He'll probably come back here for the  meeting after Christmas, but he is a nice horse and one that will come on well.'

The ground now becoming tacky, as promised by Sam in the first was finding out the early unfit horses. Only the fit and brave would survive.

The penultimate race of the afternoon, a open maiden race saw twelve runners go to post, and also showed punters had done their homework. Rails bookmakers were set upon as the Miss Justine Davis-King;s Lilbitluso ridden by Mr G Crow sustained a bit of a gamble. ' He did that easy, the plan was to take it from the front, as he is a bit keen at home,' and from these front running tactics the Severn year old bay gelding managed to keep away from the thrills and spills happening behind, ' I just kept my eye forward and not behind me' Crow said, when asked if any of the fallers and almost gone's had hampered him. And were next for this son of Luso, well possibly another maiden or one of the Subaru races in the future, then possible onto a hunter chase But only time will tell with this one.

Lilbitluso

The only other runner for the trainer Joesph O'Shea, was Cottage oak in the Men's Open. The hunter chaser who runs off the mark of 108, would possibly be aimed for Aintree in the spring, but again time will tell.

Lilbitluso

The last race of the afternoon, turned out to be the closest finish of the whole meeting, making sure the stewards of the meeting had not fallen asleep, huddled away in there small green box on the finish line. 

The fastest race of the afternoon 4 min 38sec for a 4,5,6year old maiden saw two horses sprint clear of the fifteen runner field. Suzie Russell's Daidaidai and local horse Rupert Wells, took to the last fence and line neck and neck, but it was experienced sprint race track specialist Daidaidai who took the race. The five year old by Lando, who can be seen occasionally running out of rules trainer Gary Moore's yard, will possibly go to novice chasing, Cottenham seemed a course he favoured as he can be seen on other fast flat tracks such as Kempton Park.

Suzie Russell's Daidaidai

Suzie Russell's Daidaidai and Rupert Wells

All point to point meeting in the East Anglia area and some others will be covered with images and report blogs throughout the 2015-16 season.

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MIDWEEK NOVEMBER MEETING FONTWELL PARK

The third meeting in November for the Sussex figure of eight track. Six well contested races booked, the ground holding up to the recent spell of cold,wet weather. Soft,heavy in places was the official going, saw all fields struggle home. Only the brave made it look easy.

The first race, a two mile three furlong novices hurdle saw nine runners go to post, top weight Harry Whittington trained Bigmartre went off evens money favourite, but it was another Fontwell favourite in local trainer Suzy Smith who too the honours with Clondaw Cian

Clondaw Cian

The five year old gelding, now two from three, his last win coming at the same course earlier in the month, battled on well from the last, the 6lbs penalty that Bigmatre gave to the winner telling in the going that was clearly very testing.
Jockey Tom O'Brien said ' I wasn't sure coming round the home turn how well Gavin's horse was travelling, but the penalty he was carrying, and the testing going, helped my fella in the end'.
The trainer mentioned that she would of been just as thrilled to be second to the top weight. And would now have to go home and think of where to go next with this promising novice.

Only five runners braved the next, a two mile five furlong handicap hurdle.
      Warren Greatrex sent five year old bay gelding Bells 'N' Banjos to post, and the horse rewarded him by romping home by 16 lengths from top weight Decimus.
The five year old by Indian River, surly looks the chasing sort, but jockey Gavin Sheehan who was beaten on the favourite in the first said ' He's a nice sort, but at the moment we'll keep him to hurdling and see how we go.' This one is certainly one to keep an eye out for in the future.

Bells 'N' Banjos

The first of only two chases on the card for the afternoon, saw six runners go to post.Ben Pauling sent his six year old gelding Showboater to post 11/8 fav, and the son of Milan certainly relished in the testing going, coming on from his previous run at Newton Abbot in April on good ground to win the contest by 13 lengths from Bonds Conquest.

The trainer mentioned he bought the horse about 18 months ago at not a big price, and thought the horse had not much experience, was well worth it. With this win though may come penalties so would have to be judged on the competition and ground when he reappears.

Showboater

Incidentally, both trainer of the winner and Jockey Nico De Boinville, both have come out, and still are at the yard of Nicky Henderson, Pauling paying homage to his old boss saying ' the experience you get from him and his team is valuble'  De Boinville mentioning ' I'm glad we've won as i have to give the trainer a lift home this evening'

Showboater

The fourth race of the afternoon a two mile three furlong handicap hurdle  saw another well priced horse romp home by a distance, with poor form last time out. Cheltenham trainer Emma Baker had to see the stewards after the race to explain the improvement in her five year old Arquebusier as the James Banks ridden horse came home a good 31 lengths from Shalianzi. ' i thought we'd try something different as nothing wanted to take up the race and go from the front. On the run in i should of had a look round instead of riding him out to be fair, I'm sure the handicapper's would of taken note of his win'  This former Irish trained horse again would have to be watched on his next outing to see how true to form this win is. But is surly an added bonus to a small yards winning tally.

Arquebusier

The second of the two chases of the afternoon saw a two mile three furlong handicap become part of the Conditional Jockeys training series.

This series encouraging trainers to put up young up and coming jockeys, with the stipulation that the pilots have to use their riding skills and the use of the whip has stipulations. The jockey can only wave and use the whip in the backhand position only.

Four runners went to post, trainer Neil Mullholland sending veteran chaser Matrow's Lady off evens money favourite. Three pound claimer Martin McIntyre, whose only success has come over the bigger obstacles.saw off Double Dan by nine lengths ' i don't know why i have only won over fences but there you go, but it was great to ride for the trainer as you know if he sends them to the races they have a fair chance as any to win'

Matrow's Lady

Three pound claimer Martin McIntyre

The Final race of the card,  a two mile one furlong national hunt flat race saw eight runners take two and a half laps of the Sussex track. All runners racing in a steady bunch until the final circuit.

two mile one furlong national hunt flat race

The testing going seeing horses one by one dropping out as the field entered the back straight for the final time. Two horses as they turned for home, 8/11 fav Champagne George and Not Another Muddle neck to neck as the reached the inclined final two furlongs. Both horse then split, Not Another Muddle taking the stand rails, and the eventual winner Neil Mullholland Champagne George on the outside rail, hard ridden by Noel Fehily he took the race by a length and a quick double for Mullhollands Limpley Stoke yard.

Champagne George

This five year old by Acambaro, in only his second appearance showing good form for earlier winner Clondaw Cian as the grey was fourth to the Suzy Smith charge in a course and distance event on less testing ground at the beginning of the month. We're sure to see this horse again at Fontwell soon.

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SUNDAY SOUTHERN NATIONAL AT FONTWELL PARK

With most of the great and the good at Cheltenham for the Open meeting. Fontwell staged one it's most important meets of the year.
Two class three races, the Salmon Spray handicap hurdle and the Totepool Southern national, attracted moderate fields for its big hooray. Maybe those who planned races could of been a little more thoughtful to the Sussex figure of eight track, and allow the limelight on it's own, but the course did it best to brighten the dull,dank weather to put on Severn races for the afternoon.

Favorite backers in the first, a two mile five furlong handicap hurdle, went for a horse that only a few weeks ago won at the course on the same ground, soft. General Girling, trained by Caroline Keevil was sent to post  8/11 fav, and did not disappoint. The horse who won over a slightly shorter distance at the track, at the beginning of the month, took up the race with three to go, and easily took up the extra two furlongs to take the race from Burgess Dream and Andrew Thornton by 23 lengths.
Jockey James best said ' the ground wasn't as holding as it was a few weeks ago, but he dose enjoy the soft ground.

The ex point to pointer, who when schooled at Keevil's Dorset home, didn't really take to the big fences so it was decided to try over hurdles. Asked if the eight year old gelding would go back to the bigger obstacles she said 'we'll see how he goes through the season, and then possibly try towards the end. But we won't rush him.

General Girling

'One of the best handicap hurdle races that the Sussex course will hold over the season is the grade three Salmon Spray handicap hurdle.
Six runners went to post for the two mile one furlong event.Trainer Gary Moore, who is a favourite at Fontwell sending the four year old gelding Baron Alco to post as the fav at 5/4.
The Dom Alco four year old, who has won three of his eight starts made all of the sharp figure of eight track, and held on well in the soft going to beat Mr Fitzroy by three lengths.

Baron Alco

The trainer still absent from the racecourse after his nasty accident at his Horsham home, sent his son Jamie to deputise and ride the gelding Jamie said 'we'll probably keep him at these types of handicaps and try picking some more up on the way. but we're happy now to have two from two,' the last win coming on good ground at Statford in October, so this a horse that can win good strong handicaps and versatile with the going. One to watch over the next few months.

The main chase of the day the £9'624 Grade three Totepool Southern national, over fours laps of the figure of eight track saw fourteen runner go to post.

 Front runners made it a contest for those who could stay, and one by one they dropped out, which included the course favourite, Gary Moore trained Fruity O' Rooney, who was just a little out of his comfort zone with about three furlongs over his optimum trip and without side pieces on. Jamie Moore saying' he didn't like the changes and at twelve, sulked so i pulled him up' One more run for this campaigner to See if he can rekindle his racing spirit then possible retirement might be on the cards.

Another old campaigner in the Colin Tizzard trained Golden Chieftain ran his 37th race,was ridden out the back until five fences out before making his mark. Three out he took the race and stayed on well in the soft ground to beat Finish the story by two lengths.

The bay gelding, ridden by Brendan Powell Jnr is a favourite of the young jockey, not only giving him his first Southern National victory, but also in the 2013 season notching up his first Cheltenham festival win. A sure favourite in the Powell household.

Golden Chieftain

Only four runners braved the next race, a two mile one furlong novices chase. Favourite backers again on the winning trainer of the last, Colin Tizzard and his runner Buckhorn Timothy.

The six year old ridden by Daryl Jacob, already a winner at the track in April over a slightly longer trip and on good ground went to post 11/10 fav. The horse in his 17th contest tracked the leaders  before making a slight blunder five fences out, but got through this to take up the lead with Honey pound four out. Both horses came to the fence well clear, a slight bump on take off from the winner saw  Michael Byrne's mount blunder and the winner take the race by 26 lengths.

Buckhorn Timothy

A lot of runners now finding  the going testing, and only three finished  the race.

This horse by Tamure in only his second race of the 2015-16 campaign is sure one to watch.

So popular is the horse that ran in the Southern National Fruity O' Rooney at the Sussex track.He has a race named after him.

The two mile three The Fruity O' Rooney 'Heart of a lion' maiden hurdle, saw thirteen runners go to post. Emerging Force, trained by Harry Whittington and ridden by Gavin Sheenan went to post 9/4 fav. And duly made all to break his duck by three length's from Hit the Highway. An impressive sort, by the stallion Milan is one to watch as he goes forward.

Emerging Force

Anda De Grissay

The next race a two mile three furlong handicap hurdle, saw another favourite empty the bookies satchels for the afternoon.

Anda De Grissay trained by Anthony Honeyball and ridden by amateur Mr D Noonan came to the last upsides  Titans Approach, ridden by 10 lbs claimer Archie Bellamy. The young claimer loosing balance before the hurdle, soon parted company a few strides after leaving the five year old to climb the Fontwell hill on her own taking the race by nine lengths from Walk of Gleams.

The mare on her 10th run making her first victory for her owners The Deuville Connection.

The last race of the day, a two mile five furlong handicap chase, saw Severn runners to post. Again a favourite took precedence,and again a father and son partnership hallows the winners enclosure at Fontwell. This time the partnership of Brendan Powell Snr and his name sake Brendan Powell Jnr.

Lady of Geneva on he 19th run making it a double for the afternoon for the young jockey. Her first on turf, her only other success coming on the polytrack.

' I used to train the mare Schizo-Phonic' said the Lambourn trainer ' we won a bumper with her, then a race at Newbury before she got a leg at home. So, we sent her to Generous so it's good to see this mare win'

Lady of Geneva

The chestnut made all until five out, but was pressed from the second last by top weight Kapricorn. But was ridden out by Powell from the last to take the race by a length, both horses all out coming up the home straight. One to watch over a lower mark as the season progresses.

This, the second meet of three at the Sussex track in November. The third meet in a few Weeks time.

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REMEMBER,RMEMBER,FONTWELL IN NOVEMBER

The first of three meetings at the East Sussex course before the throws of the festive period comes upon us.
To start, a Friday six race card, with the throws of late autumn being placed upon the figure of eight course. Rain,wind,dark and dismal. Soft ground and small but interesting fields saw hidden gems come out to show their trainers how well they are doing and gives them a good bench mark on how well the yards progressing as the national hunt season starts to take full flight.

A novices hurdle over the two mile three furlong for conditional jockeys,kicked off the meeting.

Danvinnie

Danvinnie ridden by Thomas Garner, trained by Oliver Sherwood, came over the last in front, but upsides a loose horse. Harry Bannister on Bon Enfant close behind.
Riding up the Fontwell straight, the loose horse on the three pound claimers left veered sharp right, taking the horses race out. And giving a chance for Bannister and the four year old grey to take the race by six lengths.
Garner said ' at the second last I was aware of the dangers of the loose horse on my outside, but if I'd have taken a pull and gone around it, I would have defiantly been beaten. So i took a chance.


So it was the Warren Greatrex trained four year old who took the honours.The trainer mentioned the horse in not the easiest of rides at home and Harry rides him all the time. So it was fitting he got his chance today. Though the trainer was apologetic to his former boss Sherwood.
The trainer also reported that one of his talented rider sons Tom had a trip to the hospital this morning in a schooling accident for his Guvnor David Pipe. Nothing serious just a  broken collar bone, and a few uncomfortable days ahead.

Bon Enfant

Five runners went to post for the next. A two mile five furlong beginners chase. The first of only two over the fences for the meeting. Kim Bailey sent Emily Gray to post 5/2 fav, ridden by David Bass, the Severn year old mare was up with the leaders most of the race took up the lead with three to go. In front her jumping was not all that was cut out but held on well to beat Cresswell Breeze by three lengths in the rain softened Sussex turf.

The mare was a sure tonic for her owner Mr J Perris who hopefully was  cheering home his horse from hospital. Bass mentioned the trainer fancied the mare, who has only won four of her twenty starts, as she had experience over fences. But he would of been more optimistic at the start if the going had been good. Despite all her wins coming on variable goings.

Emily Gray 

The Southern cranes and access LTD mares handicap hurdle, saw the Sussex course receive an award for becoming a track that regularly supports TBA mare races. And it was a race significant for the trainer and the yard of Gary Moore. Moore who, the day before was kicked by a horse at his Horsham home, spent the night in intensive care, Cracked ribs and a punctured lung, gave the talented Moore family anxious moments in the last 24 hours, but it was Flute Bowl, ridden by son Joshua who won this two mile three furlong event by a impressive fifteen lengths, that would of made the trainer feel a little less uncomfortable.

Joshua Moore

Flute Bowl

The five year old mare, who herself had been under doctors orders with a pelvic injury in the spring that had put her off racing a little, was indeed and impressive training feat. And this, her third win added to her juvenile hurdler victories at the turn of the year. 

Son and Jockey Joshua was also happy with the success, mentioned his dad doesn't really know what all the fuss is about, but was happy he could bring this one home for the family.

Fontwell park, seems to be a racecourse that is geared to the family. Not only with the racegoers but trainers and jockeys alike. If you see a Skelton,Moore and now a Lee combination entered. It's surely worth a serious look at.

This time it was a farther/daughter combination that took the two mile one furlong handicap chase with ten year old gelding Mr Bachster. Kerry Lee, daughter of top national hunt trainer Richard Lee, has always been destined to become a master in her own rights.' always being about horses in dad's yard and then training pointers, i knew that this was always the job for me'  said the trainer  of this Bach ten ten year old on his twenty fifth outing, resulting in three wins. ' The plan was always to make all, and know i can expect a happy call from dad without not too much criticism.' Made all, is what the horse did, and won comfortably by twenty length's from  the top weight Treacy Hotels Boy.

To cap it all in this race it was Jamie Moore who steered the horse home, another reason to see the Moore family leave Sussex with a smile on their faces

Mr Bachster

The last race of the meeting over obstacles was a three mile one furlong handicap hurdle. Maidstone trainer Linda Jewell sent out Maccabees the 11/2 fav. But it was bottom weight General Girling, ridden by James Best and trained by Caroline Keevil, who took up the lead three out and duly won the race by an impressive twenty four lengths from the favourite.

This Ex point to pointer, who loves the mud looks a nice big sort, and must be destined for the bigger obstacles. ' He was just a bit novice at home over fences' said the Motcombe trainer ' so a run over hurdles was aimed, a confidence booster, and the steady pace and going suited him.' One to watch in the future i feel.

General Girling

If you read my Blogs regularly. You'd of noticed that recently i visited the yard of Suzy Smith. Nestled in the ruins of the old Lewes racecourse. This promising young trainer, with a small string compared to most, a few meetings ago at Fontwell, saddled home Jenifer Eccles to win a bumper, a few days before i graced her yard.

Today, another winner. With another bumper, this time Clondaw Claw, ridden  by Tom O'Brien. Beating favourite William H Bonney (the sundance kid to those who can remember their cowboys) trained by Alan King.

Smith liked this ex point to pointer when she showed him off at her yard, and he duly paid back her faith in him by taking this event. ' We might not find another bumper for him so he may have to see his luck over obstacles next time' said the Lewes based trainer. But the five year old by Gold Well stayed on well in the near dark and churned up ground to take his race by a length. Keep an eye on this one, he is sure to pick up a race over the jumps soon if the ground is soft.

Clondaw Claw

The second of the trio of meetings at Fontwell in November is in as little as a weeks time. And it holds the Southern National over the figure of eight track. Some work to do for the ground staff beforehand, but a meeting well to look forward to.

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