BUMPER EIGHT RACES AT The south Dorset Hunts Milbourne St Andrews Point to point.

As January comes to an end. And most of the country is in the grips of one storm after the other, Milbourne St Andrews made sure good racing conditions were available for a bumper eighth race card.

Nothing but divine intervention though could prevent the ground riding as good to soft. Soft in places, Providing a testing task for the runners  now well in the grasp of their Point to point season.

Bill and Barn

To kick off proceedings, a two division maiden over the shortened point to point distance of two and a half miles. 

Seventeen runners were split over two races, ten going to post for division one. Trainers Jack Barber and Sara Lacey sending two maidens to post in Bill and barn and Bells on Sunday respectively. David Maxwell’s Big Bang De Loire, racing off a mark of 76 looking to better his Larkhill fourth earlier in the season.
The testing ground soon had horses struggling but Champion Jockey Will Biddick with eight winners under his belt before the day started, encouraged a smart turn of foot coming down the Dorset courses hill before the last. Despite a blunder at the last for the maiden  Biddick soon had his horse moving forward to take the inclined finish beating Woodfleet, already with a run under his belt at Larkhill, with the fastest time of both races at 6m 0 sec dead.

Seven runners to post for division two, Will Biddick replacing Darren Andrews on Macginge looking for a quick double. But it was retired royal jockey Bill Smith’s trained Tommo who stole the show, by giving an impressive front running demonstration, ridden by Oz Wedmore, with his tenth win of his career.

Wedmore soon had the six year old well out in front, coming past the well attended stands at least a distance in front, asked if this was planned, the jockey said ‘ I was a bit surprised how far i was out in front, but i could give my fella a bit of a breather, and then let him go on again. He seemed to go through the ground well though.’

Clare Harts’ ride The Oppidan also gained late momentum, which gave the judge work to do as she rallied her mount to take on the winner towards the line

Tommo

The third race a hunt members race saw five to post, Tin Pot Man ridden by Dorset Hunts joint master George Hiscock bringing his ten year old home in front of second placed Seenigora the mare giving the winner 7 lbs in weight allowance. 

Only three finished of the five, Turtle Boys, last year’s winner in third, matching his third at Larkhill a few weeks ago in an eventful restricted race.

Tin Pot man, a winner of four races under rules when trained by Evan Williams, made history in the race by bringing home a master or joint master of the hunt in front for the first time in the races history.

     Tin Pot Man

The open maiden race saw again the champion jockey Will Biddick on a fancied runner. In the tub an Irish point to pointer placed over six times in Ireland looked well beaten from four out as Miss Jo Buck took her seven year old charge Master Baker to the front and was never troubled from thereon. Fifteen runners went to post, only three finishing the course, which was testing the horses throughout the afternoon.

Miss Buck though must have been a little concerned as a mistake at the last saw the jockey hanging on for a stride. Regaining her composure and momentum to bring the gelding up the inclined finish.

Master Baker

The restricted race had thirteen to the start, one of them being the impressive winner at Cottenham in December Sea Current, the mount of top lady jockey Gina Andrews. 

Again Will Biddick on a very nice horse of Jack Barbers Innocent girl, who ran and jumped impressively at Barbury in the same month. 

But it was Josh Newman on board the Ed Walker trained Kernel Victor who won the race from the Barber/Biddick charge in second, Sea Current back in fourth. All horses looked well stung out and found the course and going a struggle. But the winner had done its job well off a mark of 81, to see off the horses behind.

Kernal Victor

Again out of the thirteen to post only a few finished, which seemed to be  consistent form throughout the days racing.

The sixth race, the ladies open, saw Victoria Pedleton ride for the first time in a race her intended Cheltenham Foxhunter mount Pacha Du Polder. Media interest was rife for a fairy tale victory as the horse was at least 27lbs above her only rivals. Twelve runners went to post for the event. 
Watching on was David Nicholson, and the Hill family, both instrumental in the task handed down to the Olympian.

Jumping off, the field held well together but soon the experience and class of the Pendleton mount made headway to the front, and by four out was well clear. 
The Jack Barber trained Queens Bay soon had the leader in sight coming down hill, Bryony Frost on board. And with a well timed run up the inside joined the leader rounding the home turn. 

Over the last both horses battled, the ten year old mare carrying 7 lbs less that the nine year old class horse Pacha Du Polder. This told up the incline of the course, the race going to the judge on the line. 

‘That was awesome,’ mentioned the young jockey Bryony Frost after getting the nod for the race. ‘You can’t really describe it; but that felt so amazing, I was so pleased I could give her a breather coming to the last, we got over it and i said to her it’s now or never, and she responded so well. I’m so lucky to have the people behind me i have. The team back at the yard are just formidable, it’s started slow for me so far this season so I’m very happy with this.’  With a brace of winners so far in the bag, and a placed horse trainer Jack Barber was very happy for the horse ‘ I’m so please with the run, especially beating a class act as Pacha Du Polder, this  race was the aim for this mare, so we’ll have to see what comes next for her.’

Queens Bay

With regards to the second placed horse Pacha Du Polder. Though expectations were high Pendleton looked very happy with her highest place in a race to date, both will learn lot from each other. And can only benefit her goal, only about five weeks away. Victoria looked comfortable on the horse and looks tidy in plate, I’m sure with her sport training she will analyse her performance and come out the better for it.

Chapoturgeon

After the Hurley Burly of the race before, the men’s open was a little disappointing. Two runners declared, Jack Barber’s Chapotugeon, with Will Biddick looking to take his winning tally to double figures for the season. And Will Hickman riding Latalanta.

Biddick took the twelve year old grey out in front from the start, immediately showing its class off a mark of 124 over his opponent, who failed to finish the race. 
The slowest time of the day 7min 28sec saw the grey hunt round the Dorset Course, giving the trainer a treble for the day, and the jockey a brace of winners, and giving them a little breathing space at the top of their respective season tables over their opponents.

The last race of the day. Eleven runners went to post for the novice riders event. Again horses well strung out with a circuit to go.

 Jakros and Imperial Circus, were all out at the finish, the last fence being omitted due to an earlier faller. James Jackson-Stops, still classed at a novice with around seventy rides under his belt rallied his eleven year old up to beat Nick Lawton on Imperial Circus on the extended run in, the horse finishing a good second at Black forest lodge a few weeks previous.

‘We took the race steady to start as it was his first trip out for over a year, and we thought he would need the run, we made a bit of a mistake out the back, but once we were going we flew. He’s an enjoyable to ride that one.’ Mentioned the London Property developer. ‘He’s dug deep for me; I knew he wouldn’t mind the ground, and I love riding in these types of races, there very good for riders of the same ability.’ 
Some jockeys get champagne or a trophy after a win. 

But or James, well he went home with a bag of carrots..... True point to pointing.

Imperial Circus (nearside) Jakros (farside)

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WBRC VISIT TO THE STABLES OF BEN PAULINGS YARD

Thursday evening saw a Cheltenham preview meeting, held by the West Berkshire racing Club at Newbury racecourses Long room found in the main stand.

Jockeys David Bass, and Brendan Powell jnr, Assistant trainer to Alan king Dan Horsford and David Williams watching the betting market from Ladbrokes, were all kept in check by Lee McKenzie, columnist and commentator. And in check they had to be as in some cases it got quite lively.....

In my blog I’m going to share TWO races each day with you. A banker and an each way fancy.

With Cheltenham less than a week away, this weekend is the night before Christmas day for some.

A deluge of rain in the West of the country claiming some meetings well in advance has classed the going as soft. Though the Prestbury course drains well if we have no more of the wet stuff, the going I should reckon would be Good – good/soft on the opening day, going to Good for the climax of the meeting on the Friday.

 And NO, I do not mean Victoria Pendleton’s ride in the Foxhunters.

The first day, Champions day. Two races I would want to look at.

The Racing Post Arkle Chase over the two miles.

                           DOUVAN

Looks the banker of this race. And is the horse all have to beat. 

The winner of last year’s Supreme Novices hurdle is said to be the best horse out of the Mullins yard,and that is praise indeed from a yard with many a talented superstar and up and coming.

Who can beat the six year old by Walk in the park, and like his sires name sake looks like all he’ll have to do is ‘Walk in the park.....Prestbury Park.’ To claim the converted grade one prize.

Who could run a close second? 

Well my thought would be the horse that was fourteen lengths behind in second to the banker Douvan at Leopardstown at the back end of 2015.

SIZING JOHN

The harry De Bromhead charge who would not want any more rain, would possibly of relished more good ground than good to soft. But as the days go on with dry weather, who knows what will be.

 Well worth a gamble if you were going against the favourite.

The Champion Hurdle.

Old news know that Faugheen is a non starter, but  the sudden placement of Annie Power, the Mullins horse that enough has been said about her mishap at last season’s festival, would be the horse that a lot will look at to take the most open of Champion hurdle’s in years.

In my view.

ANNIE POWER

Though many will say she has to prove, I feel the Mullins team would want to prove that the eight year old chestnut mare by Shirocco is top quality. With Ruby Walsh on board demons will be looked at to be beaten into submission.

LIL ROCKERFELLA

Might be a good e/w bet. A winner at Fontwell in the graded National Spirit Hurdle at in heavy ground. The Neil King charge, will be fit and in form, and enough time has gone past since his last run to send him on again.

Day two.

Alan King sends out

YANWORTH

In the Neptune investment novices Hurdle over two mile five furlongs. A horse well liked by panelist Dan Horsford, assistant to King.

 Fourth in last season Champion Bumper at the festival, this six year old by Norse Dancer already a winner on Cheltenham trials day in Heavy ground over course and distance looks to be one that has improved and wanting to climb on to the next shelf of progression.

For once, the Irish will have to settle for second. My each way selection would be the Willie Mullins horse.

BELLSHILL

The six year old by Kings Theater horse goes well in the softer ground, and if the Irish invaders do well on the opening day, may be one to put in an English upset.

The Queen mother Champion chase.

UN DE SCEAUX

The seven year old by Denham Red, and top novice chaser last season looks like only his jumping would let him down. David Williams from Ladbrokes mentioned that anti post prices were very short, and if backing this one, look at the market the morning of the race to get the best price.

Un De Sceaux

SOMMERSBY

Is the e/w fancy. 

The Mick Channon horse, a horse most of the time in the frame, could be again. A big outsider could be worth a small punt.

Day Three

This day could break up in runners. A lot of trainers having horses in races on this day and in other key races will wait and see
 where, what and when the competition goes for before showing their hands.
It's also St Patrick's day - sona lá st Pádraig

The JLT novices Chase

BRISTOL DE MAI

Looks the favourite choice. The five year old grey would want the soft ground, and though we may get the ground good by the third day, it would be on the softer side, and would be a good English win for a meeting that looks that it could be dominated by those from the Emerald Isle.

ZABANA

The Andrew Lynch charge would be well worth a big priced e/w bet. Second in the Coral cup at the festival last year the seven year old will be a good price. 

Has had an up and down career since his second at the festival, but could chase up in a placed spot, as some may not get the trip around the Cheltenham two and a half miles. But check the going before, if it is fast, best leave your euros in the pocket.

The Ryanair Wold hurdle.

THISTLECRACK

Defiantly goes in the race. 

The Colin Tizzard eight year old looks to back up his win in the Cleeve hurdle on trails day at Cheltenham. The horse still a big baby in a way has been lightly raced and is a fancied Gold cup contender next season for the yard.

COLE HARDEN

Would run the Tizzard horse close to the post though. Warren Greatrex the trainer would like the better ground to get this one into the winners enclosure. But this winner of the race last season would be a good enough price to go for an E/W gamble.

Day four, Gold Cup day.

This race, i feel will go to Ireland and it would be advisable to go with the Mullins/ Walsh team. Whatever Ruby chooses to sit on would be a good winning gamble.

Ruby Walsh

I would side with

DJAKADAM

Falling at the trail race at the tenth, the race won by Smad Place in January the Saints Des Saints seven year old would be one to take this very open Gold cup.

Smad Place

SMAD PLACE

A confirmed front runner by the Alan King Assistant on the panel would be a good e/w gamble, at a good price.

The Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle

BARTERS HILL

Would be the nap for this race. Trainer Ben Pauling has trained and worked this horse for this specific race. 

His jockey and panelist David Bass mentioned this horse stays very well and the ground will suit this horse to the tea. A good rule to thumb would be to watch and see how Yanworth runs in the Neptune investments novice Hurdle, as David Bass is sure that his horse Barters Hill would beat the fancied Yanworth if they both ran in the Neptune, obviously Dan Horsford would disagree. But if Yanworth wins that race this six year old by Kalanisi would be a sure likable fancy.

Barters Hill

The Neil Mulholland trained Shantou Village would be a good e/w chance and is my fancy

Shantou Village

Possibly the best novice horse the trainer has had, the six year old by Shantou was second on heavy ground to Yanworth. 

This horse also has entries in the Neptune Investments novices hurdle, and would be a serious E/W contender in any of the races he goes for, but i feel this race would have his more serious chance.

MAJYPHOTOGRAPHY is at Cheltenham for the opening day only and is bringing a photograph blog of the day. All the thrills, not too many spills. The fun and frolics so loom out  for the Tweet.

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UP AND DOWN HILL AND HIGHAM POINT TO POINT 24-1-16

The first meeting of the 2015-16 point to point season at The Higham racecourse, for the North Norfolk Harriers Point to point.

Fresh ground greeted a well attended meeting, on a warm but somewhat overcast Sunday Afternoon. One of four point to point meetings running throughout the country.

Six races were booked for the day, starting with a well declared maiden race that had to be split into two divisions

Division one was taken at a good pace, runners who had not been out so far this season struggled in the ground that was described by some, as being 'perfect' point to point racing ground. But it was the Michael Kehoe trained Fort Gabriel, who broke his maiden duck beating Happy ring house, under the guidance of young pilot Nick Meake.

The five year old French bred ex hurdler, seemed to relish the change in discipline to knock up the first win of the season for the jockey, and only his second win of his career. The horse seemed to be having a good blow after the race and would defiantly be coming on from his outing. But the chestnut gelding that would not look out of place in a line up of hurdlers certainly would not want the ground any deeper than good. ‘I schooled him the other day in soft ground, and he didn’t really perform to well, so he would certainly be the top of the ground horse.'

Fort Gabriel

The second division, again well subscribed, went to the Pauline Harkin trained Don’t Budge Me. The race being run in a quicker time than that of the first division. The seven year old Irish hurdler, running his best to date in a two mile hurdle at Rosscommon, beat second placed Nandini with top point to point jockey Sam Davies-Thomas on board by a couple of lengths.

                                                                        Don't Budge Me

Harry Wallace the jockey mentioned ‘I’ve ridden a fair bit under rules but this is my first point to point winner. I’m delighted and it’s all credit to the team here at Higham for supplying us with perfect ground.

No more divisions throughout the card from now on. 

The next race being a Novice rider’s race, with fourteen runners going to post. One of the riders was the well publicized Victoria Pendleton. Who only this week was given her Foxhunters mount at the festival, Pasha Du Polder.

Her mount in in this race Minella Theatre, already a runner for the pair this season took the field on for most of the trip. But it was around the back straight last time out that the  thirteen year old Alan Hill charge dropped off the pace allowing the race to continue. 

Done a Runner, trained by Dale Peters and ridden by Jack Andrews had done enough to beat Susquehanna River.

The ten year old by Alderbrook on his first run of the season did well for the young rider, who had to rush his presentation proceeding to get to his ride in the next, and stayed well. One to be considered if out next time.

Done a Runner

The conditions race saw sixteen go to post, and looked on paper to be a strong contest. 

Broken Eagle already notching up a win so far in the season,the eight year old by Broken Vow looking an all over nice chasing sort for the stables of Alan Hill. Jumping for fun and looked very fit when taking the field on in the very quick time of 5 m 58sec, the fastest I’ve seen all season in a point race. 

‘He’ll now be looked at open races and possibly Hunter chases but we’ll have to see, but has done well for us considering he only cost us 2’500gns at the sales’ mentioned the horses’ jockey and trainers son Joe Hill. The second and third horses Decade Player and Alforone, would have to be looked at next time out with regards to the form of the winner.

                          Broken Eagle

Harbour Court

Both trainer and jockey looked to be on a roll as in the next, the men’s open. Harbour court who took a walk over two weeks before at Ampton took on six other opponents. 

Alan hill said’ the ground was perfect for him and he was so well.’ And looked it as he led the field coming round the bend for the final time, looking a certainty to take the race. Jo hill looked alarmingly down and immediately pulled the horse up and dismounted. Alas a sad end to a talented contender, a horse at the beginning of the Season Joe Hill was excited about, and will be very much missed by the yard and the pointing followers for sure.

This left though, Brackloon High and Andrew Barlow to take the race from Patsy Finnegan for the Michael Kehoe yard, a double for the afternoon. And first for the veteran trainer who was delighted.

Brackloon High

This was the second year running for the jockey that he has won this particular race and mentioned that he would be possibly back for the treble next season. ‘ You knew if you are riding one of Michael’s horse they would be fit and give a good account of themselves, so was ever hopeful. But it was sad to see a good horse like Harbour Court pull up like that.’

The penultimate race of the afternoon, the ladies open saw again Victoria Peddleton look for her maiden victory. According to Sarah, again trained by the Hill’s who ran only seven days previous in Devon, when fourth, looked a keen possibility that Higham would remain on the shelve of ‘special places’ for the ex Olympian cyclist. 

The bookmakers did not reflect this though making her mount an outsider for the seven horse event.

According to Sarah

Start Royal ridden by top lady point to point jockey Gina Andrews bought home the Alan Hill trained twelve year old to beat It was me and Claire Williamson. ‘This is not an easy horse to ride at home,’ said the trainer. ‘ you have to be very quite on him and it takes some rider to get on with him, but a great vintage horse , given a great vintage ride by the jockey and perfect ground was good to see, Joe schooled him the other day and he flew, so we knew he was well in himself.’ Maybe a bitter pill to swallow for the Hill’s but did so they did with great care and professionalism.

Start Royal

Burtredgipandgump

The final race of the day, the Subaru Restricted race was won by the Wright families Burtredgipandgimp. The seven year old by Blueprint, bought at Doncaster sales, beat Condorman by six lengths. 

Jockey Archie Wright said, ‘we are so happy with that, we came here today to find out more about him, and he has certainly answered questions. We’ve worked hard on his jumping at home, and all the work has certainly paid off.’ One to keep an eye on as the season progresses.

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DOUBLES AND TROUBLES AT LARKHILL POINT TO POINT 23-1-16

The day started on the Wiltshire downs with a pea soupier.... A blanket of fog greeted the race goers for a six race card, and the only point to point on the Saturday.

The Royal Artillery hunt meet had 108 entries before declarations. 54 horses turned up at the Wiltshire course to do battle on good,good to soft ground.

The ground was testing, and stringing the horses out from early on. It was certainly a day for horses that could jump and stay.

The first race of the day, a hunt member’s race only drew two runners. Impact Area going to post to regain his win in the race the season before. A steady almost schooling pace was taken by both runners, the other horse being Mr G Maundrell’s Delineate.

Three out, the ten year old grey Impact Area increased the pace to take the lead, from then was never headed by his only opponent, and taking the race by two lengths. 

The hunter chase winner may come back. Same race, same course to make it a hat trick of wins next season. But before that, races at Wincanton down the road could be his next outing.

Impact Area

The open maiden race before the declaration stage looked a possible two division event.With 31 entries, twelve horse declared and set off and at steady pace. But soon the testing ground had them well strung out. 

Thereyarsee, trained by Sally Alner, took up the running from three out to beat Swincombe Scorchio by three lengths.

In form jockey Stan Sheppard  said ‘ I like this horse a lot, my dad was at the last the last time he ran, and he said he thought he might need a tongue tie, so we tried him with it today and two out he still had plenty left.’  

Larkhill seems to be a popular course for the trainer. So it would be fair to say we could see the seven year old out on the course next time out.

                         Thereyarsee

The ladies open race would not have disgraced any professional course. So it was a treat for the Larkhill faithful to see horses such as 2011 Hennessy winner Carruthers, take to the point to point circuit for the first time. And it was fitting to see that the late Lord Oaksey’s granddaughter across him on her first ride.

But it was the Richard Bandey trained Alskamatic that took the honors. Beating Seigneur Des Bois by four lengths in the fastest time of the day so far 6min 23sec.

An eventful race, with two fancied runners falling at the last open ditch and two out. Allowing the ten year old by Systematic, who beat useful point to pointer Rotablade at the course twenty days ago to take on the race. The gelding that ran a creditable race in the Foxhunters last year, looks probable to enter the race again, to the delight of his syndicate owners the Plantation Picnic Club.

Jockey Claire Hart, clearly delighted with the win said ‘This horse keeps pulling it out of the bag and we are delighted, jumping and staying was the name of the game today and my fella had this. If we get into the Foxhunters that that’s what we’ll aim for, and if we can end up in the top seven we would all be delighted.’

                                   Alskamatic

The fourth race of the afternoon, the conditions race saw ten runners at post. At the off the runners seemed to take a good pace, but this told towards the end of the race when horses dropped away who could not stay the pace. And that looked to be the case of Stan Sheppard’s mount Garstin, who looked to be swallowed up by the Waley-Cohen’s top quality horse Storm Lantern. But somehow Sheppard got a second wind out of the nine year old in his first run of the season. And with Storm Lantern falling at the last, and the horses around him losing momentum in the sapping ground, Garstin took his chance to beat Carrigkerry and Paige Fuller by four lengths.

The jockey with now two winners under his belt for the afternoon said ‘I fancied the first lad I rode, but wasn’t too sure about this fella. But he flew for a lap and then came back on me, I knew it was holding ground and one thing this fella dose is stay and stay, and once they came past me, he took hold again.’ 

The jockey on a possible treble for the afternoon when riding useful maiden Bozo's Copse in the Intermediate last race....

Garstin

The smallest field of the day,the five horse running of the Men’s open saw the younger brother of top flat jockey George Baker, Zach bring the John Bryan trained Temlebraden home by ten lengths from Real Milan. The useful ex two and a half mile hurdler seemed to relish the sticky going, with the Wiltshire downs now based in glorious sunlight. 

‘We managed to have a breather know and then in front, and from two out he pinged it, and we haven’t seen another horse after that. He’s jumped very slick and tidy and that’s what nicked the race for him really.’

The nine year old usually ridden by Paddy Bryan, was a spare ride for Baker who said ‘it’s a shame for Paddy, but alas his loss is my gain. He’ll probably be back here in two weeks time though’

                                                             

                                                                      Templebraden

Unbeknown by the young Baker, lady luck would be on his side again in the last. The Intermediate race. 

A quality field of fourteen runners went to post, with such horses such as Bonzo’s Copse and Mr Simpkins, already in the frame this season. But it was plain to see the testing going that had been giving a lot of good contender’s trouble all afternoon, soon had the field well strung out. You too Pet came to the last, certain of victory, when going through the fence, unshipping his rider, this left Mr Simpkins and Sam Waley-Cohen, who had not had a great afternoon. Tackler and Only Time’ll Tell to battle for the paces. Cohen’s horse fell, this caused destruction in behind as horses got bought down and tripped by the struggling horses on the floor. Thankfully all horses walked away from the carnage. But this left ‘Lucky’ Baker to nick the race on Green Winter, again trained out of the Bryan stable.

Third placed horse Turtle Boys

Second placed horse The Governor

The eight year old stayer, with a run at the course at the beginning of the year. A thirty length second to Ask the Weatherman, was now himself a distance winner beating second placed horse
The Governor.
 ‘I’ve seen the replay of the race and can’t believe how far back I was. But this horse kept on going, and I’ve seen the trouble up in front and have tried to pick my ground, without giving myself too much to do if something was close to me. But that’s a good afternoon for me, I’m off to Cocklebarrow tomorrow for the first time, so hope some of the luck travels with me to there.’

On a good note. All fallers from the day made it home. The sun came out, so we all live to fight another day.

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