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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