With seventy two entries before the declaration stage for this
opening meet at Ampton, within view of the sugar refinery at Bury St Edmund's.
Only 38 runners were finally declared for the six race card on offer from the Dunston
Harriers Hunt point to point.
The first race an eight runner conditions race for
horses ten years old and over, was won by Mrs Carolyn Kendrick’s Court Red
Handed. The eleven year old chestnut gelding already with a run,a distance
fourth at Barbury in December. Coming on well from his race, Mr M Kendrick
positioned himself behind the in form Gina Andrews on Carlanstown going out
into the country for the final time ‘I didn’t want Gina to get too far in
front, but he’s taken his race well and come up the hill and stayed on well.’
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| Court Red Handed.
The ground classed as good, good to soft in places, rode
well. Horses getting a little stuck though on the bottom bend were the ground
seemed to be a little sticky, but not surprising as to the amount of rain the
UK seems to be getting at present.
The horse will probably stay point to pointing this season, 'The initial plan was for some Hunter Chasing.' But with this win. Owner, trainer
(Sara Case) and jockey may have to revisit the drawing board.
With her initial point to point win last weekend at
Cottenham. Top female jockey Gina Andrews seemed to now be finding the winners enclosure.
The open Maiden had nine runners at the off, with Rob
Collinson taking on the field on board the Andrew Pennock trained Counting Stars. A
good display of jumping and forward front running from the seven year old on
his first run of the season still could not see off the forward running at the
last of Gina on Emperor Arcadius, trained by husband Tom Ellis.
The battle cry scream from the champion female at the last
saw the gelding by Arcadio take the race on from three out. Counting
Stars loosing his action slightly at the tacky part of the track allowing
Andrews to take the inside rail. Collinson mentioned ‘on slightly better ground
and a galloping track my fella would go well. But we are still pleased with the
run.’
Gina’s mount that ran a handful of times last season, seems
to have come on well and know with a win under his belt, races would have to be
planned,but seems quite a versatile type who would act on most goings. One
to watch i feel.
Emperor Arcadius (far side) Counting Stars No2
Berties Dream
The Ladies open, and Gina Andrews was at it again. This time riding for Lauren Braithwaite. Berties Dream, a horse well fancied at the entry stage of the race. The Cheltenham festival winning horse now thirteen,and with a run at the beginning of December when five lengths third to Lord Heathfield, took on the race going into the country last time out.,and held on well up the Ampton inclined straight to beat Swift Counsel by five lengths. The jockey now with a brace of winners for the day said’ well, i wasn’t expecting that, but this horse loves it around here, and well deserved the win.’ Plans know would have to be made for the veteran now, but surely Ampton should see him again before the season is out.
Only eight runners were entered for the Men’s open. But at
declaration stage only one came to the races.
Alan Hill trained Harbour Court, a ride at the beginning of
the season rider Jo Hill was excited about getting to grips with,had no contest
for the Tim Wyatt Memorial Open. This was rather disappointing at this early
stage of the season for trainer, Jockey and organizers alike. But the full £350
went home to Oxfordshire with the Hills. With the ten year olds second run of the
season.,the first being a three length second to Ghizao at Barbury in December.
I’m sure we will see this three time hunter chase winner out soon to take on
more challenging opposition than he had done today.
Harbour Court
The
penultimate race, a Subaru Restricted qualifier, saw the reappearance of the
winner of the
maiden at Cottenham last week Galros Lady. The six year old tough
little mare, on her third run of the season beat Lule Kyle by a neck up the
Ampton hill, and seems to love the ground as it stands at present, and the
Andrew Pennock trained horse must be a pleasure to own by the partnership called the two Farmers and a butcher.
Jockey
Rob Collinson must know re think his prediction the mare did not like to
soft/heavy going, and if in May, at Stratford were the series final is held,
and the weather and ground can sometimes be a little inclement. The six year
old, though would have stiffer opposition would be one to fancy. And would
back my earlier prediction of one to watch at the back end of the season.
Galros Lady
The last race of the day, a novice rider’s race for horses six years
old and over, saw six runners go to post.
At the off the field seemed well strung
out. And with the slowest time of the afternoon at 6m 44secs, it was Hugh
Nugent on board Kristian Grey who came home fifteen lengths clear of his rivals
with only three of the six finishing. The sad point being that Shutthebackdoor,
half brother to 2014 Irish National winner Shutthefrontdoor pulled up sharply
when contesting third before three out.
Nightcap Jack,Kristian Gray,Remarkable Man
The seven year old out of the Fred Hutsby yard, showed he
stayed well and seems to be a progressive sort, a little sometimes untidy in
jumping, but could be one to come on from his
inaugural run of the season.
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