MONDAY NIGHT AT ROYAL WINDSOR

Monday night is racing night at Royal Windsor

The second meeting this season blogging from the Royal Berkshire figure of eight track Windsor.
A controversial one maybe. The previous weeks meeting being abandoned due to unsafe racing conditions, the second time in consecutive years.
This leading to the stand down of Clerk of the course Jeff Green, the Arc mighty were on parade at the course to back up an promote the Monday night is racing night at Royal Windsor.

Six races on offer, quality ones at that in fine early summer weather, bringing the shirtsleeves and fine dresses out. A possible dry run you may think for Royal Ascot

Out of the Flames

The first race a ten runner five furlong novices fillies stakes gave favorite backers a cheer as the 2/7 F Out of the Flames from the Richard Hannon yard improved on her inaugural Ascot form, a third to take the race by three lengths from Listen Alexander.
Oisin Murphy the in form jockey from the weekend in the saddle commented,'She has won that well enough, time will tell how good she is, she will come on for sure on faster ground.' The jockey keeping fairly tight lipped about the two year old Showcasing filly.
The jockey on five winners over the last fourteen days from forty six rides seems to be on the crest of a wave at present. The filly one to notebook as rated 95 before the run may be a type for the future.

Oisin Murphy the in form jockey from the weekend in the saddle commented,'She has won that well enough, time will tell how good she is, she will come on for sure on faster ground

Another fillies race for the Novice horse, this time over the six furlongs, near enough the same result.
A two year old on her second run, trained by Richard Hannon, deja vu i hear you say.
This time ridden by the even tighter lipped Ryan Moore Elysium Dream Went off at 9/4 F to progress from her Lingfield fourth to take the race by a short head from Angle of the South.

The Champs Elysees filly out of a Cape Cross mare came on from a bad draw on her debut, rated 77 she should come on from her win. Hanging away from the rail the filly showed that when experienced could come on leaps and bounds. It would be interesting to find out if the horse works at all with the winner of the first race at home to see who was the better of the two.
My money may just be on this one for future days.

she should come on from her win. Hanging away from the rail the filly showed that when experienced could come on leaps and bounds.

All girls tonight, the fillies mile handicap six went to post, Andrew Balding sending Lorelina to post the 2/1 F under the inform Oisin Murphy.
But it was the 4/1 shot Dave Simock trained Turning the Tables improving on her three other Doncaster and Newmarket runs that took the race well, beating the favorite five lengths back in third,Perfect Quest from the Clive Cox yard back in second.

The four year old winning her maiden back in 2015 at Chepstow looked an impressive figure in the unsaddling enclosure and a horse that for sure has improved with age. rated at 104 and ridden by Jamie Spencer the Mastercraftman filly looks a type to watch now finding her handicap Mojo from a close run third at Doncaster fourteen days previous.

Turning the Tables

Again a beaten favorite back in third, this time the well tipped Mr Lupton from the Richard Fahey yard, off at 9/4 was beaten no more than a length back from the 25/1 winner from the Mick Easterby yard in the six furlongs £20'000 listed race.
Seven year old Perfect Pasture on ten wins from thirty seven starts  took on the field from two furlongs out and stayed on well in the final furlong.
The horse that has been off the track for some considerable time under Sean Levey confirmed his 107 rating the jockey mentioning, 'he runs all the way to line and gets the six furlongs and probably a bit more really, I rode him at Epsom about this time last year and he has certainly matured as he gets older.'
The Pastoral Pursuits gelding looks the type that could go on and win again after a lay off and certainly is one to watch.

Perfect Pasture 

The mile maiden fillies penultimate race was taken by the 4/6 F Willie Haggas trained Tirania, ridden by Pat Cosgrave.
The three year old by Pivitol on her second run improved from her six lengths third place at Newbury back in April and looks the type as improved by at least ten lengths beating Euqranian thee lengths back in second.
Cosgrave mentioned,'I like the way she has run that race and is a filly that has defiantly improved from her last run. If she improves again that there is no knowing what she will turn out to be.

This filly if treated well by the handicapper could be one to watch throughout the season, it would not surprise me to see her even take her chances if in on the weights in a small handicap at the Royal meeting, time will tell and is certainly one to underline in the notebooks.

This filly if treated ll by the handicapper cold be one to watch throughout the season, it could not surprise me to see hr even take her chances if in on the weights in a small handicap at the Royal meeting,

At the beginning of the season, it was reported that Richard Hannon was dissatisfied with the prize money at the Berkshire course, but with two runners already in the winners enclosure  he sent to post 6/5 Fast and Hot to post in a one mile two furlong handicap with a promising young sixteen year old apprentice Rossa Ryan on board a jockey already a winner on the four year old only four days back at Newbury.
The jockey who is cousin to well known jockey Johnny Fahey has a good head on his shoulders mentioned. 'I was a little worried with the ground drying out throughout the meeting, so I hacked him down to the start and made sure I looked in different areas for a bit of  give in the ground, the middle seemed the best so that why I came a little wide around the bends.'

The jockey on his fourth winner for Hannon seemed to be on the horse dripping with confidence from his run a few days back, this showed as he only got to the line a short head from John Egan on Essanaitch.
The horse know on four wins from twenty runs certainly needs the give in the ground, the warm climate on it's way he may not get another chance for that now until the back end of the season, if on the softer going and a fair handicap could be one to note.

 John Egan on Essanaitch(left) Fast and Hot  Rossa Ryan (right

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UNITED HUNTS MEETING AT FONTWELL PARK

Apples Queen

Fontwell Park hosted the United Hunts Spring evening meeting last Thursday, a chance for punters to see point to pointers and Hunter chasers in a meeting entirely designated to the amateur sport.
The ground on offer was good, though jockeys coming in from the first though it was riding more of the softer side. Most horses that have been running in point to points over the last few months were treated to more give in the ground than they have been used to, and this showed slightly with the lack of runners on display throughout the evening. disappointing not only for the course, but the meeting. The owners ARC possibly looking at the meeting to continue without the inclusion of participants and entrants.

 we were not too sure on the ground today but she handled it well

The first race of the evening a four runner event, a Mares open hunter chase over three miles one furlong was taken by Victoria Collins Queen Olivia a 9 year old ridden by Sam Davies Thomas. The 5/2 shot beat the 2/5 favorite Frelia by one and a half lengths. The jockey on the winner mentioned.
'I probably over raced her at Garthorpe last time, but when contested she runs on, we were not too sure on the ground today but she handled it well, she jumped well, and took to under rules fences which was no surprise.'

Queen Olivia ridden by Sam Davies Thomas

The second race of the evening a two and a half miles Open ladies Hunter chase was taken by a family that are deeply  involved within the point to point sport, the Marshall's. Never Complain owned by the Glebe House racing club and ridden by Tabitha Worsley the younger jockey picked for the Anglo-Irish meting at Kingston Blount on the 26th May.
The 9 year old won by a distance from a horse that has been running from the beginning of the point season Bound for Glory from the David Fitch-Peyton yard.

The winner that ran in the Aintree foxhunters, unseating Charlie Marshall, relished the smaller under rules fences of the Sussex track.under the jockey that is riding well at present under rules as well as point to points.
Charlie Marshall mentioned,' we may run him again in a novice riders race for my sister Izzie at Garthorpe in a few weeks time.
Tabitha mentioned about the horse.
'I was so pleased to get the ride on him today, he is so economical, when you want a long stride he'll give you one and if you want to get close to a fence he comes up short, he is a pleasure to ride.He needs the right distance more than the right ground, this going is okay for him, but he has really ran on well for me in the end.'
Though the rain kept falling the ground seemed to be soft on top only and not going too deep into the turf, the horses coping well enough, holding the rest of the meeting in good stead.

 Never Complain

The third race of the meeting the three miles one furlong novice Hunter Hunter Chase, seven runners went to post. Reining champion lady point to point rider Gina Andrews  on the favorite  getting well beaten by Alan Hill's Supreme Danehill going to post at 10/1, good odds as the nine year old has been running well n Hunter chases and points over he season.
'We were very surprised to see his odds in the morning papers an knew he was in with a chance  as the going would of been in his favor.' Mentioned the trainer.
Joe Hill the trainers son, one of the most promising riders on the Point to point circuit mentioned, 'Dad bought this horse solely to give Victoria Pendleton  experience last year, he done that job, and it was good we could keep hold of him this season, if it was a point to point race today he would of started favorite for sure.'

Joe Hill leads the field in the novices Hunter chase

The gelding made most of the running on the figure of eight track, his only faultier was jumping left at the second last, but ell in front that it did not bother he horse placing to take him to the last and up the Fontwell hill.

Supreme Danehill

With rain continuing to fall, the hose managing to get though the rain soaked ground, the fourth race The Grassroots hunter chase over two and a half miles was taken by last years novice hunter chase winner at he meeting Curraigflemens.
Trained by David Kemp the nine year old who has been at the fore font of some good point top point races during the season was ridden by Sam Davies Thomas, a double for the jockey for the evening, Ironically the horses regular jockey Shane Roche, riding a double last year at the course not being able to attend the meeting at he was in the midst of his category B amateurs riding licence training.

The 11/10 favorite  had only four other to beat and made the hose maintain a good pace throughout to test his competitors and take the race by five lengths from Swallowshide.
'He needs better ground than this really,'mentioned the jockey on a brace for the evening. @But didn't get it, but they are going through the top of the ground well enough, it was only at the bottom bend the are finding it hard work.'

Curraigflemens,trained by David Kemp the nine year old who has been at the fore font of some good point top point races during the season was ridden by Sam Davies Thomas

The fifth race of the evening went to a pair also gunning or a double for the evening, Alan and Joe Hill. Man of steel giving a gutsy performance in the Champion Open Hunters chase beating the 4/6 favorite from the Paul Nicholls yard Mon Parrain ridden by David Maxwell back eight lengths in third.

Man of steel 

The jockey riding his first brace under national hunt rules mentioned,'he is a funny sort of horse really and this coarse has suited him well, he will always try for you and he kept on going this evening.
The trainer with two wins in the bag mentioned,'he has won five hunter chases with us know, and has given us a lot of fun, we are not too sure if he'll go to Stratford for some of the finals their, but to beat Mom Parain who is a nice type we will celebrate that for know.'

Alan Hill congratulates horse and son for a double during the meeting.

It was not long though before David Maxwell could get back his Mojo for the evening, beaten with the favorite in the last race he was on board 5/2 shot Darwin's Fox in the four runner Open Hunters chase over two miles and a furlong

Darwin's Fox takes the last from Can Mestret

The eleven year old, 6th in this years Aintree Foxhunters when ridden by Brendan O'Neil too a keen hold with Maxwell throughout but managing to stay on by our lengths to beat Gina Andrews on Can Mestret.

'He was bit strong for me really, but David (Christie) told me to let him bowel along so i did an he went on well for me and he had plenty in the tank, he is not great going left handed but once on the straight i knew we had the race won.'
The owner/jockey ho as a daytime job with property in the City puts a lot into the pointing game, you ill very early see him on a poor horse and always one to watch what he is riding.

 Darwin's Fox, David Maxwell

The final race of the evening, with most of the punters heading for the exit was  the two and a half miles hunters chase for maiden horses.
Seven runners to post the 5/4 favorite from the Welsh borders Spencer Moon under Byron Moorcroft took the race well winning by eleven lengths from Creative Inerta.

Spencer Moon 

'He has been running well all season for us,' mentioned the jockey. 'Jumped well for me an has taken the softer ground, to be fair he acts in most types of going really.'
The horse possibly now going for another point to pint race, could see is next hunter chase in the Subaru Final at Stratford in June.

Spencer Moon under Byron Moorcroft

Later than expected, i know this blog, but has probably taken me that much time to dry out.
I hope this meeting continues, when fully attended and with good weather is a must for all local pointing fans, the cores well designed to entertain the followers of the sport.

More blogs and pod casts from the season can be seen at

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THE GRAFTON HUNT AT WHITFIELD SUNDAY14TH MAY

GRAFTON HUNT MEET AT WHITFIELD 14TH MAY

Seven races at Whitfield for the Grafton hunt meeting, the final meeting this season form the South Midlands track.

With entries and declared hoses, it had shown how much work had been done on the track to make the going good. Riders coming in from the first saying that the going was on the softer side of good, a rarity the last few months.

The hunt members race 6 runners to post the favourite Aunty Joan taking the race in fine form.
We chat to both trainer Richard Pringuer and Jockey James Martin after the race

https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/richard-pringuer-jockey-james-martin-after-aunty-joan-wins-the-members-race-at-whitfield-14-5-17

Aunty Joan

The second of seven races was the Intermediate. Again six runners, 2/1 shot Very Intense from the in form Laura Thomas yard  took the race Johnny Bailey in the saddle. Both loving the success at the moment we chat to them after the race.

https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/laura-thomas-jockey-johnny-bailey-after-very-intense-wins-the-intermediate-race-at-whitfield-14-5-17

 Very Intense  Johnny Bailey in the saddle.

Rookie Jockey Tabitha Worsley in the GB team for the Anglo-Irish Challenge at Kingston Blount at the end of the month, showed why the young jockey was picked for the team with a rousing finish in the Ladies open getting up on the line with Always a Chance from  Kimora.

We have a chat to the jockey who we hope to hear a lot more of  during the month of May.

https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/jockey-tabitha-worsley-after-always-a-chance-wins-the-ladies-open-at-whitfield-14-5-17

Always a Chance (yellow) with 3rd place Mostly Bob (Blue) over the last

Breaking the Bank may have broke the heart of Laura Thomas by staying on to the line to win Novice rider race, and prevent a double of the day for the Barbury Castle resident.
Breaking the Bank from the Case family yard, young seventeen year old Charlie Case in the saddle spoke to us after the race.
https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/jockey-charlie-case-after-breaking-the-bank-wins-the-novice-riders-race-at-whitfield-14-5-17

Breaking the bank over the last, Billy Biscuit in hot pursuit.

It must be said the ride from Laura Thomas, though taking nothing away from the winner was nothing but inspiring. Out the back until around four out, her ride Billy Biscuit took hold of the bit and flew the final few fences, the applause from the crowed was justified as Laura came in with her saying 'What did i do?'

Breaking the Bank young seventeen year old Charlie Case in the saddle

Controversy in the 5th race The Restricted, another tight finish saw Jonjoela from the Andrew Pennock stable crossing the line in front of Tim Underwoods Ballyfore Cross.
Both yards in top form throughout the season, the stewards having to take control of the result after the race.
I chat to Andrew Pennock before the stewards enquiry and the jockey of Ballyfore Cross Katy Lyons at the end of the day

Ballyfore Cross

https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/andrew-pennock-and-kate-lyons-before-and-after-stewards-enquiry-restricted-race-at-whitfield

Jonjoela No7

The Open maiden was won in spectacular fashion by Wild Ginger owned/trained by Jacqueline O'Neill, ridden by Charlie Davies.
A 15 length winner in a 14 runner race, the most I have seen in a point race for a few months.
Jockey or connections were not available after the race to chat to me so listen to Pod cast Pointing's view on the race.
https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/6-pod-cast-pointing-talks-about-the-winner-the-open-maiden-wild-ginger-at-whitfield-14-5-17

Wild Ginger , ridden by Charlie Davies.

The final race of the day the 9 year olds and over conditions race was taken by Elizabeth Browns  10 year old Moorland Sunset ridden by Peter Mason.

We have a chat to the jockey after the race, before ending the day/season at Whitfield for 2017.
https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/peter-mason-jockey-on-moorland-sunset-winner-of-the-conditions-race-at-whitfield-14-5-17

Moorland Sunset ridden by Peter Mason.

Next podcast will be from the Hunter chase evening meeting at Fontwell Park on the 18th May

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PEPER HAROW PUTS THE HEAT ON A POIN TO POINT SATURDAY UNION MEET

SURREY UNION MEET AT PEPER HAROW THE LAST SOUTH EAST AREA MEET OF 2017

The final meeting in the South-east area was supplied by the surrey Union Hunt meet at Peper Harow's unique twisting track that gave way to six quality races.

My first trip to the course that caused me some confusion with its layout to start, but by the end of the meet won me over with its degree of difficulty not found on may other pointing tracks.

The first race for novice and veteran riders saw a local winner with Strollawaynow under Benedict Saw take the race.

We caught up to chat with Owner/trainer Mr A Wates after the race to talk about this horse reinventing himself at 10 years of age.

https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/andrew-wates-trainer-owner-strollawaynow-winner-the-veteran-novice-riders-race-at-pepper-harrow

Strollawaynow

The next, a Restricted, and it was not long before the leading lady Gina Andrews took to the stage with a win on Nigel Padfields Knockedaboutloaded.

As always, we had a word with Gina about the 9 year old winner for a race series sponsored by Subaru throughout the season.

https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/gina-andrews-after-the-subaru-restricted-win-on-knockedoutloaded-at-pepper-harrow-13-5-17

Gina Andrews  on Nigel Padfields Knockedaboutloaded.

A double for the afternoon for the stables of Ed and Ben Turner. Franks a Million winning the Men’s Open with Rupert Stearn in the saddle, in a strong contest on the tight, twisting track.

Franks a Million winning the Men’s Open with Rupert Stearn in the saddle,

Ed Turner himself on the second winner when Kriss William, a horse he won last time at Higham in the East Anglian areas final 2017 meet wins the final race of the day The South East Hunts club members Conditions race

Ed Turner himself on the second winner when Kriss William

We chat first to Rupert after Franks a Millions win

https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/jockey-rupert-stearn-after-the-mens-open-win-on-franks-a-million-at-pepper-harrow-13-5-17

Then to Ed himself at the end a good day for the yard.

https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/trainerownerjockey-ed-turner-after-kriss-william-wins-the-open-maiden-at-pepper-harrow-13-5-17

THE TURNER DOUBLE

The Ladies open was taken by Golden Crisp out of the Tim Underwood yard, his horses on good form at present.

In a tight run finish Kate Lyons got the most out of the 10-year-old. We chat to both trainer and jockey after the race.

https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/trainer-tim-underwood-jockey-kate-lyons-after-the-ladies-open-win-on-golden-crisp-at-pepper-harrow

Golden Crisp (right) upsides Bavard Court (left)

Earl the Pearl took the Open Maiden under Phil York, for the first time for Catriona Kerruish.

We have a chat to Catriona after the race about her yard and her seven-year-old maiden winner.

https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/trainerowner-catriona-kerruish-after-earl-the-peal-wins-the-open-maiden-at-pepper-harrow-13-5-17

Earl the Pearl  Phil York

No 5 Know More Oats on the outside of Earl the Pearl

With only a few more weeks to go of the 2016-17 Pointing season, we hope to have a few more Podcasts before we go on our summer holidays.

You can listen to Podcasts from the beginning of the season to the end all at

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