EIGHT CARD BUMPER AT FONTWELL.

A Deluge of rain hit the southern part of the UK before the start of an eight race card at Fontwell. Standing water clearly in evidence as race by race horses were being scratched due to the ‘aquatic’ going.

Newbury, with a quality flat two day meet had already been abandoned, leaving the Sussex course to fend for itself through the rain.

The going started off at good to soft, soft in places which was commendable to the ground staff at Fontwell, but by the third race and the rain falling very heavily the going soon changed to heavy. Jockeys coming in from the races mentioning very soft/heavy ground but sloppy so horses were getting through it.

The first race a two mile one furlong handicap hurdle, seven went to post. Colin Tizzard sending Sartorial Elegance, a runner twice here in recent months. Both times in the winners enclosure off at favourite.

 Sartorial Elegance,Red Devil Star

But it was local trainer Suzy Smith who saddled Red Devil Star to take the race,beating the favourite four lengths back in third.

Michael Nolan the jockey mentioned how he felt the horse to be a little easier to ride this time out from his run last time out at Chepstow. ‘He felt not easy at all in behind at Chepstow, but I have tried to pop out on him today and he felt at little easier.’

Red Devil Star, Micheal Nolan

The jockey out of the stable of Phillip Hobbs seems to be getting his slice of the winners at present said,

’ things are hard when your injured and have to get things starting from scratch again, but at the moment things are going my way which is good.’

Trainer Suzy Smith said ‘a lot of people tell me that Beneficial sired horses like to better ground, but this horse is the exception, and loves this wet sloppy type of going.’

Four runners in the next, a three mile one furlong novices chase. Two finished the course as the rain lashed down.

Paul Nichols still chasing the leading trainers crown and having a fantastic week prize fund wise, sending 11/4 shot Saint Rogue to post to beat the only other finisher Restless Rebel by twenty seven lengths.

The ten year old pulled up in his last run at Doncaster, was left well out in front with plenty left as the Nicky Henderson horse Lessons in Milan un- shipped Peter Carberry four out when well out in front.

                                                             Saint Rogue, Conor O'Farrell

The Nichols team with a good weekend on the northern tracks seem to be pressing all the right buttons at present and slowly closed the gap on the Mullins team, regaining the lead in the leading trainers championship,with the winner of the Scottish National.

The winning horse today though may have a summer jumps campaign ahead of him to keep him fresh for next jumps season.

Paul Nichols was also successful in the next, a two mile five furlong handicap hurdle.

Red Hanrahan, also ridden by Connor O’Farrell came home to beat the Suzy Smith trained favourite Clondaw Cian by seven lengths.

Leith Hill, Red Hanrahan

The five year old by Yeats, not the easiest of rides,’ he was hanging with me the whole way, but he won it well really, despite being a hard ride.’ Mentioned O’Farrell ‘he has gone through the ground well, but I have had to hold his hand a bit with the jumping, telling him to come up. If I hadn’t he would of possible got himself wrong into a few.’ 

The horse up the run in, hung right to the stand side running rail. The jockey doing his best just to keep him going forward, but the jockey always in control, and certainly earning his fee.

Red Hanrahan,Connor O’Farrell

Top Fontwell jockey Tom Cannon had the winner of the next, a two mile five furlong handicap chase.

Don’t do Mondays, trained by David Bridgewater, ridden out to take the race thirteen lengths in front of Howlongisafoot bidding to become a Paul Nichols three timer.

The nine year old, last time out at Fontwell in November when third. Stayed on well from the second last to take his race, but jockey Tom Cannon said ‘they have given me a nice chance to get him into the race, the trainer allowing me to get on with it. 

It helps when the trainer used to ride because he understands a little more of what goes on in the race.’

Don’t do Mondays, Tom Cannon

Cannon in his fourth season as top jockey at the Sussex course mentioned this year it hasn’t all been all his way, but living in Guildford not too far from the course he is more than happy to keep supporting the track.

The fifth race a two mile five furlong handicap hurdle saw a 16-1 shot take the race in the shape of the Tom O’Brien ridden, Michael Roberts trained Snipetydoodah, beating the 5/1 Neal Mulholland horse Highbury High by ¾ of a length.

Snipetydoodah,

Tom O'Brien

The eight year old mare by Kings Theatre has not had the greatest of form in the past, but the jockey mentioned, she has had a wind operation that has seen her come right. Before she used to panic a bit in her races, but know she can breathe a bit more easily it really helps.

The ground not really in the mares favor, held on well to beat Highbury High and Dennis O’Regan, 

‘ I tried to save a bit up my sleeve for the finish as I was a bit unsure what with her breathing problems, but she has done it well really.’

The mare nearly retired after her operation to mend broken bones in her face preventing her to breathe properly, was given another chance to shine on the racecourse.

And what a great decision and call, as due to the going change the horse was nearly one of many that was going to be scratched from the card.

Division two of the Handicap hurdle was again taken by an outsider 25-1 shot, Zoe turner trained Frank N Fur ridden by young eighteen year old Frankie Penford on his first winning ride made sure of the victory by beating Surf in September by twenty five lengths. 

‘It was so nice, she jumped so well and went through the ground a dream.’ The young jockey who cut his teeth race riding with pony racing at a young age. ‘I had forty rides at the pony racing Circuit, with seven winners.’ The young jockey not that much of a stranger to the winner enclosure. Also being a champion as south East champion pony racing jockey a few times.

Frank N Fur,Frankie Penford

In his fourth ride, two as an amateur and two as a professional the young jockey who was escorted to the weighing room to make sure he weighed in said. ‘ I rode out a lot when I was at school in professional yards, an experience I would advise all those starting out to take. I then had to come to the decision of, go to University or stay in racing, so stay in racing I did. I then though I may well as get my professional licence out, and have never looked back. I love it.’

Those who follow the racecourse pony racing series sponsored by Charles Owen may well remember the young jockey being placed in the final  2010 on Push the Button, a pony still racing and winning.

Frank N Fur,

The eight year old mare that the young eighteen year old from Gatwick will always remember, seemed to love the ground and jumped for fun, 'she really stood off the last, scared me a bit as I was so far in front.’ The young up and coming was every bit please with the media attention and the presentation, despite being covered in mud.

 To follow on from the debut success, was another jockey looking for a first. His first 100 winners.

Andrew Thornton, nine more to go

Andrew Thornton who replaced Aiden Coleman on the Lawney Hill trained Bertenbar, looking for his fourth win at Fontwell. 

As with last time the twelve year old made the race a fight up the straight beating the 9/4 favourite Withy Mills by 2 ½ lengths, and showed how much  spirit this son of Bertolini has.

Thornton now only nine winners from the century seemed really pleased with the win, as much as the emotional trainer and owner. 

Bertenbar

Trainer Lawney Hill mentioned, ‘we will have to see how much he gets noticed by the handicapper know, to where we send him next. 

We have been entering all these 0-100 handicap races but may have to look beyond that, it’s up to the handicapper really.’

Bertenbar. Andrew Thornton

Whatever the race, if one can be found be sure we could see this veteran on for a five timer at Fontwell at some stage.

one mile five furlong national hunt flat race

The final race of the day a one mile five furlong national hunt flat race, Seamus Durack sent out the favourite 6/4 Hahnenkam to complete a brace of wins in these types of races, as he won impressively with another racecourse debutante, Alfredo a few weeks ago.

But on this day Durack had to settle with a second as the Gary Moore charge Knightly Pleasure, ridden by son Josh Moore, won easily by nine lengths, pulling away from his field from the furlong marker.

Knightly Pleasure, Joshua Moore

The nine year old by Kayf Tara on his second run, the first run being at the course and a shorter distance last October, when he could only finish 7^th of 11 runners to the impressive Suzy Smith horse Jennifer Eccles.

No give away on how much they think of this horse from the Moore team, but to win impressively from the much fancied Hahnenkam is proof enough how well this gelding stands.

One to watch and see if it takes it’s chances again in this seasons campaign, or returns hurdling later on in the year.

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SUNDAY GODSTONE WITH THE SOUTHDOWN & ERIDGE HUNT 10-4-16

Huntsmen and hounds of the Southdown & Eridge Hunt

In the heart of Surrey Godstone point to point paid host the Southdown and Eridge Hunt, were a good attendance and fine weather pathed the way for six high class and competitive races. One of them being the South East Grand National mixed open.

The first race an open maiden saw eleven runners to post, Gina Andrews hoping to carry on her winning streak from the last at High Easter the day before, now on board the even money favourite Fizzlestix.

But at the finish it was the ever popular colours of red and brown and David Maxwell stormed up the finishing straight beating Andrews by twenty lengths on an impressive five year old Brice Canyon.

Brice Canyon

Consistently in the winners enclosure in the geldings first three runs David mentioned that he had been running consistently below par in those outings.

’This is a proper good horse, it beats everything on the gallops at home, he’s a good jumper and we just could not understand why we haven’t won on him already, I think the ground has just come right for him today and he's shown what he could do.’ 

Maxwell mentioned how he thought this was one of his best maidens, that being high praise enough from an owner/rider who knows what is needed in a racehorse. Especially after a superb placed ride over the Aintree fences in the Foxhunters.

‘That was the best fun you could have with your clothes on, it was just a thrill.’ Talking about of course his ride in the race third placed Mendip Express.

 ‘We are off to Punchestown with him next to take on the Boldgers and on the Fringe in their own back yard.’

 David giving praise to these type races as getting better and better. 

But certainly his maidens are showing they are improving to.

Another good healthy declaration for the conditions race saw the Rose Grissell charge of Time is tickin beat the mighty team Maxwell. The ten year old by Alfora, ridden by up and coming jockey Oz Wedmore winning by ten lengths.

Oz Wedmore on Time is Tickin

Winning a restricted and placed in a Hunter chase last year, the horse has taken time to get going this season. 

Coming round the bend at Godstone the gelding looked as If he was going to get headed up the final two fences, but fighting on again the horse took over, and went away from Rob Conti and Maxwell and Black Glen Boy and Dicky Collinson.

 ‘He wore a tongue tie for the first time today and that has made all the difference.’ Mentioned the jockey who is having a very successful season so far. ‘There wouldn’t be much improvement from that run; I would say that would be one of his best contests. But we will try to get him on that ground again if we can and get another win from him before the end of the season.’ 

The young jockey not too enthused by the rest of the season mentioning his other fancied mounts are not on full form at present, but there is plenty of time yet for this up and coming to make his mark.

Winner of the Restricted.

Oz Wedmore on Time is Tickin

The third race of the day was the South east Mixed Open Grand national run over the extended distance of 3 ¾ miles.

A quality field, but racing has its way in becoming a great leveler as Louise Allan who had her first winner (as a jockey) of the season at High Easter the day before, in an emotional fashion, due to the loss of her charge Clonbanan Lad in the Foxhunters a few days before, bought home Mr Robert Clifton-Brown’s Kimora by ten lengths from the useful Hunters Lodge and Rey Nacarado.

Louise Allan on Kimora

The ten year old mare, no slouch herself winning the mares’ race at the Fontwell’s hunter chase meeting last year, was ridden with fine execution to take on the front runners from about three out, with that run she gained momentum to which the others could not match, making it easier going for the rider/trainer coming over the last. 

That was the first time I have ridden her actually in a race,’ mentioned Louise.’ I have watched her in races, and have been told to be patient with her, but when she is asked to kick and go she just flies, and that’s what she has done today.’ 

Kimora winner of the South East Grand National open

Louse mentioned they were lucky to buy the horse really, who was bought for the veteran owner Mr Robert Clifton-Brown to have some fun with. 

‘After sadly loosing one of his horses at Aintree I didn’t really want to come to the races this weekend, but I was told to get on with it, and I’m thrilled for the owner really who hasn’t had a great time of it himself this year.’

The mare know looks like she might go back to Fontwell, but with a possible penalty, if the ground stays soft a trip to Cheltenham for the Hunter Chase evening meet could be on the cards. But whatever, this weekend is what makes National Hunt racing what it is. One for you Clonbanan........

The Open maiden race saw an eight runner contest. Leading East Anglian jockey Dicky Collinson’s mount Hi Lucy Lou going to the tapes the even money favourite, showed her worth by a gutsy performance beating Eagle Harbor and Clondaw Nell by five lengths.

The eight year old Luso mare owned by the same partnership as the impressive Galros lady showed that a pair of quality racing mares is worth a lot in the racing world. 

‘I’m so please for the owners,’ mentioned the jockey. ‘It’s so nice, possibly not practical to have two quality mares in the team. This mare though has such a fast jump she just grinds her opposition into submission. When you know you have good horse under you it makes decisions easier in a race.’ 

Hi Lucy Lou  winning the open maiden at Godstone

Collinson gave praise to the trainer Andrew Pennock. ‘He trains a tough horse, not over worked, but when they work they have to do their job, some come to the races for a rest and still win, but it seems a good partnership and long may it continue.’ 

Hi Lucy Lou, in her first run for the Pennock/Collinson combination will be watched now and see how she comes out of a race before future plans are announced. 

And that the same for Galros Lady, the five times winning mare for the two farmers and a Butcher partnership has a plan yet to be disclosed, possibly Stratford but who knows, anyway it’s a fine situation to be in with a pair of mares on the table.

Hi Lucy Lou, R. Collinson on board

The penultimate race of the day a restricted Subaru race, five runners went to post.

Margot Fontane 

With her win here at Godstone five weeks back, Peter Bull’s Margot Fontane was sent off the odd's on favourite, despite having a fall at the Penhurst meet two weeks previous. 

‘When she ran here first time she didn’t really know what had hit her, so we took her to Penhurst, she knew a little more that day, a bigger field and she stepped through the open ditch fence and bough her down. Disappointing, so i dropped her out a bit today and it has done the trick.’

The small six year old mare by Tobugg beating by a distance the runner up Tinkakellyflyer and Oz Wedmore.

Peter Bull on board Margot Fontane

The veteran jockey in the changing room mentioned, ‘she never really feels like a racehorse. She hunts well and often, and bred to stay so I’m delighted on her come back, at such a young age.’

 Both wins know being at the Godstone course and in impressive fashion makes up for her size and feel. And is a young horse with a big future.

The experienced showed in Bull as at the second last he put her into the fence at an angle,’ she was wrong approaching the fence, so I put her into the fence at an angle to give her a bit more room, instead of asking her to stand off. So we’ll have to see how she comes out of the race and go from there.’

A small horse with a big future of point to pointing. A true amateur on her back in Phil Bull who will look after her and place her just right. Underline her for the future.

The last race of the day a race for veteran and novice riders went to the fore. 

Jockey Marcus Gorman on even money favourite The Crafty Butcher timed his announcement to retire from the point top point saddle just right as he bought the nine year old trained by Carolyn Gorman home by two lengths from the witches’ hat.

 ‘I’m pleased he has been challenged, he is lazy in front, in Ireland he never made the running, so a chase up has spurred him on again. We really fancied a win today, and whatever happened I was going to retire here so I’m delighted.’

Marcus Gorman on The Crafty Butcher

The jockey with 80 point to point wins to his credit, the first one being at the now closed Berkshire course of Twesledown on the late National hero Dick Saunders trained Optic Paddy, in the year Marcus aptly forgot to mention.

‘My best memory I would take with me from the saddle. Must be my ride around Aintree, apt for this weekend really but that one stands out.’

Marcus who has seen so many changes in the point to point field one of them being the lack of farmers with horses to run is delighted with his lot and a final piece of advice he could give to the young bucks in the changing room was to ‘Enjoy it, as before you know it your as old as me and retiring, so have fun while it lasts.’

Marcus Gorman, The Crafty Butcher winning the veterans and novice riders race (centre)

A fitting end to a glorious day. Throughout the country meeting have been well attended, good racing on offer. Point to point racing I feel is in good firm hands.

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HIGH EASTER POINT TO POINT, HIGH END RACING 9-4-16

The only meeting of the year at the superb point to point course just outside Chelmsford bought strong crowds, quality races,and the Grand National on a big screen after the last race.

Rain held off as the locals that supported The Essex Hunt Point to point at High Easter in its 25^th year pointing   watched six, timed to perfection races. At a course that offered all the facilities and possibly more of a professional track.

All races were shown on the large screen, put in place for the Grand National, broadcasted live to the attendee’s ten minutes after the last race presentations had been given. Which meant all could follow the racing, and what quality racing there was on offer.

The first race, a restricted open sponsored by Subaru who have been fantastic supporters for pointing throughout the season.

Ignite the light

It was Gerald Bailey’s Ignite the light who came home the winner to qualify for the series finale at Stratford in about a month’s time.

 Ridden by Alex Vaughan-Jones the seven year old that won his maiden at Horseheath in February, subsequently pulling up the race after. Beat the David Kemp’s Ballalough in a time of 6m 37.

The placed horse ridden by the jockey who has had a fantastic season Sam Davies-Thomas mentioned the yard, thinks highly of the six year old.

Vaughan –Jones, jockey of the winner who gets married this year mentioned ‘The horse really went well on the ground, we were looking for races on right handed tracks really, but we have come here on a left handed track and he’s gone on the ground well, we’re delighted.’ 

Alex Vaughan-Jones on Ignite the light

The horse that cost very little at the Doncaster sales, now on two wins for the season looks a bright prospect for the yard and jockey.

The PPORA club member’s race over the shorter distance of 2m 4 f saw a healthy ten runners go to post, with horses that have been prominent all season. Master Workman, Play the Ace and Weather Warning.

But it was the Dale Peters mount Decade Player, an eight year old by Gamut who came home in front of two of these runners, Master Workman finishing a length down in second, and Play the Ace four lengths in third.

The jockey said’ he was fantastic today, really relaxed and jumped well. At Dingley he was a little hyper but I’ve managed to get a breather into him today which was good.’ 

The jockey as well as myself in their first visit to the track, praised how well the course was presented, making very fair racing. 

‘He’ll probably go to a two mile hunter chase, there is a two miler at Stratford we would possibly go for, and that would suit him very well.’ The trainer also has the horse entered in a week’s time at Southwell, and if coming out well from the race would possibly take his chances.

Dale Peters on Decade Player

This eight year old is a hunter chaser with prospects, Jockey and trainer very enthused by what he could be, One for the note books, underlined.

The third race was billed to be the race of the day. The ladies open for the Warwick Vase saw seven to post.

Local favourite Berties dream ridden by top female rider Gina Andrews,It was me a very useful pointer in Ladies opens and Bavard Court going to try to take the vase for the seventeenth time for the Turner family.

Bavard Court, Louise Allan and Ed Turner

In the race the early exit of it was me on his third non finish in a row, saw the race pulled wide open. Berties Dream taking on the field with Caulkin, Bavard Court and Little legend. 

But it was the ten year old ridden by Louise Allen who came home in front of Andrews and Berties to take the win. Well deserved by the family who has given a lot to pointing throughout the generations, the gelding showing consistency in his last few runs. ‘I usually like to make the running on him,’ Mentioned the jockey who has not had the best of weeks losing a horse in the Foxhunters at Aintree mid week. ‘So I have had to sit behind the rest and suffer, but he has jumped well. Coming over the last he has idled a bit really and I have had to get after him.’ The former east Anglian champion jockey on her first win of the season seemed almost emotional about her win. I suppose a fitting end to a week she’d rather forget.

Bavard Court

The intermediate saw again a quality field. Brave encounter, Burtredgipandgump, My Alfie, Pebbleglen and the Admiral Benbow. To name but a few went to post.

Burtredgipandgump

But it was the Nicholas Wright’s Burtredgipandgump, ridden by Archie Wright a jockey with a better week that that of the winner of the last, having had a dream ride around the foxhunters who came home in front of Brave Encounter and Sam Davies –Thomas on his third second of the day, unfortunate for the young jockey trying to cement his second place in the champion jockeys title from the impressive Will Biddick.

Burtredgipandgump, Archie Wright (Inside) Brave Encounter, Sam Davies-Thomas (farside)

The seven year old by Blueprint resurrecting his winning ways after a third to the impressive Lilbitluso at Cottenham in February.

Archie Wright the jockey mentioned he was a little concerned in the ground today with the horse. ‘I was aware the ground was getting slower as the day went on, and the fact the David Kemp's entry was a very good horse. The course is taking a bit of getting at the moment, but we really think a lot of him.’ 

The jockey still on the adrenaline rush of getting a great ride around the Aintree fences.

Burtredgipandgump, Archie Wright

And it didn’t stop there for the young amateur. 

The race after. The open maiden he steered home Virgo The first for martin Ward to beat top local jockey Dicky Collinson in a flying finish  on Mister Serious.

 ‘I have ridden a few for Mr Ward, and Dicky who was on the second his his son in law, so it was good to get the win. But both horses are very similar, big babies but both talented I know both Mr Ward and Dicky think a lot of him.’ 

The instructions to both the first and second was not to hit the front too soon, but soon after the bend at High Easter the last comes on you very fast, and both flew neck and neck going up the straight. 

‘I really love this course, the organizers do their best to bring the best ground and fences for us, and it’s my favourite by far. 

The horse has been bought along in the mind of his talent. 'A lot of people think a lot of this horse.’ Mentioned the jockey.

 The horse by Milan who again has a prodigy in the winners enclosure may have one more run, but would firmly be one to watch in the east Anglian area next season, a ride young Archie would love to keep.

Mister Serious (nearside) Virgo the First (farside)

Virgo the First

Mister Serious, R. Collinson (nearside) Virgo the First, A Wright (farside)

Dicky Collinson getting compensation for his second by taking the trophy for leading rider of the day.

The final race, a few minutes before the big event at Aintree, was the Essex hunt member’s race.

Gina Andrews, top of the ladies riders championship at present Made all on the nine year old Excitable Island.

Excitable Island.

The consistent gelding by Herons Island took the four horse race in his stride to give the talented Andrews another winner in a slow time as predicted by the jockeys earlier in the day of 6m 48 secs. Beating Collinson again into second place.

Excitable Island

Gina Andrews

Unfortunate for the connections though the prize giving was rushed through. The Grand National was waiting.

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