HORSEHEATH LACKING QUANTITY BUT PACKED WITH QUALITY. 2016-17 POINT TO POINT SEASON ROLLS ON

HORSES IN THE FIRST AT THE THURLOW MEETING AT HORSEHEATH 25-2-17

Small but beautiful racing on offer for The Thurlow Hunt point to point at Horseheath.
85 entries, on the day of declaration 36 horses ready to race on the ground classed as good-good to firm.

Six races for the only meeting of the day, and two of the races being for the ponies.

Neumond

Listen to Jack Andrews chat about his opening win on Neumond in the East Anglian members club race for Stuart Morris, already a winner at Horseheath four weeks ago.
 Also to what he got up to in the week.

https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/jack-andrews-after-winning-the-ea-club-memebrs-race-on-neumond-for-stuart-morris-horseheath-25-2-17

Jack Andrews chat about his opening win on Neumond 

Jacks other winner of the afternoon had to wait for the finale of the day, in a hotly contested Open Maiden Jack again coming home the victor riding for Lauren Braithwaite's six year old Pettistree. Jack again chats to me about the race

https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/jack-andrews-after-winning-the-open-maiden-race-on-pettistree-lauren-brathwaite-horseheath-25-2-17

Pettistree

          

Both Opens were strong contests,again small fields but the quality of horse was very much apparent.

The ladies open won by Immy Robinson on Oh Toddles, and was a to the line affair with ladies champion Gina Andrews driving home Celtic Silver out of the G&T Ellis yard, but just missing out to the older horse.

Oh Toddles (right) Celtic Silver (left)

Listen to Immy talk about the race and her love for the sport of point to pointing, a true amateur.

https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/jockey-immy-robinson-after-winning-the-ladies-open-race-on-oh-toodles-horseheath-25-2-17

Oh Toddles ridden by Immy Robinson

The Men's open also a close to the line race Tom McClorey bringing home Thetalkinghorse from the Gerald Bailey yard. by a length from Legal Legend. 

Take a listen to what the jockey had to say after the race

https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/jockey-tom-mcclorey-winning-the-mens-open-race-thetalkinghorse-for-gerald-bailey-horseheath-25-2-17

Thetalkinghorse (nearside) driving home to get up by a length in the end from Legal Legend

The Novice riders event saw the Nick Wright trained Susquehanna River take the race from again another horse Roberto Pegasus from the Ellis yard who helped gain his first treble at the previous meeting a month back at Horseheath.

Listen to both trainer and jockey chat to me about the win

https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/trainer-nick-wright-after-winning-the-ppora-novice-riders-susquehanna-river-horseheath-25-2-17

The jockey Partrick Bullard riding his second winner in total.

https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/patrick-bullard-after-winning-the-ppora-novice-riders-with-susquehanna-river-horseheath-25-2-17

Susquehanna River

The Restricted race was taken by a pairing that have had by their own admittance a superb run of form during the season so far.

Trainer Laura Thomas and Jockey Johnny Bailey made their stake to claim during the very first few weeks of the new season. Winners still continuing to fall in.

Listen to Johnny chat about the latest winner in The Restricted, Urban Storm and the frustration both have had since his start on the very first meeting running this seven year old.

Urban Storm

https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/jockey-johnny-bailey-after-winning-restricted-on-laura-thomass-urban-storm-horseheath-25-2-17

Urban Storm, Johnny Bailey and Laura Thomas

The next full meeting of point to point podcasting will be for the first time this season from Oxfordshires Kingston Blount next weekend. Followed by hopefully a trip to Larkhill

Remember to view all images, read/listen to Blogs and Podcasts go to.

WWW.MJAYPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

THE EAGLE IN FULL FULL HIGH-AM FLIGHT

North Norfolk Harriers meeting at higham

Higham racecourse holding it's second of three yearly meetings paid host to the North Norfolk Harriers holding six races on good to firm ground that suited trainers  who have horses that like the top of the ground.

With five other meeting on, all sporting ground at different levels of going, the pointing season had all that was wanted for trainers to get their horses on a horsebox and to a meeting.

33 Runners declared for the meeting that hosted a men's open that could of possibly seen one of the favourite Aintree Foxhunters entries Broken Eagle take on three other runners on his quest for Liverpool stardom.

Broken Eagle 

Over the weeks we have spoken to trainer Alan hill and his son Joe about this horse they feel very passionate about, so I though it was time I spoke to pointing follower and writer Jake Exelby and his wife Caroline about their horse 'Eagle' and his run and whats in line for him before April dawns upon us.
Take a listen to ehat they have to say.

https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/jake-and-caroline-exelby-owners-of-broken-eagle-winner-of-the-mens-open-race-higham-19-2-17

Alan hill and his son Joe with Eagle

Another good day for the Andrew Pennock team, two winners and second saw the local trainer show a varied array of runners in races, offering a young 16 year old a chance for a first ride and winner, and maintaining  a positive season to young jockey Evan David notching up winners most weekends.

Andrew Pennock

Listen to the trainer talk about his horses and plans for the weeks ahead as he chats to me after racing

https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/trainer-andrew-peenock-talks-about-his-double-at-higham-he-jockeys-and-his-season-higham-19-2-17




sixteen year old Seb Burnett-Wells puts in the first winner for the trainer in the Novice riders race on Abbey Lane

Seb Burnett-Wells

Listen to him in his first interview after his first ride and first winner..........

https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/seb-burnett-wells-jockey-on-andrew-pennocks-abbey-lane-winnerthe-novice-riders-higham-19-2-17

straight after Scorpion Star books his place into the Subaru Restricted final at Stratford in June.

Scorpion Star

Listen to what the owners of the horse, the Serious Partnership have to say.

https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/the-owners-of-scorpion-star-the-serious-partnership-winner-of-the-subaru-restricted-higham-19-2-17

And jockey Evan David a regular now on the Podcast after the win

https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/evan-david-jockey-on-board-scorpion-star-winner-the-subaru-restricted-qualifier-race-higham-19-2-17

Abbey Lane

Scorpion Star and jockey Evan David

Alex ferguson on James Owens Royal Beekeeper took the maiden open. Listen to the jockey talk about the exciting four year old know for sale.

Royal Beekeeper

https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/jockey-alex-ferguson-jockey-on-board-royal-beekeeper-in-the-open-maiden-race-higham-19-2-17

Alex ferguson on James Owens Royal Beekeeper

The Ladies open was won by eleven year old Quinsman ridden by Louise Allan and  owned by the late Mr Clifton-Brown an avid follower of all things country and pointing.
Listen to Louise chat about the horse, the owner and her career.

Quinsman ridden by Louise Allan

https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/louise-allan-jockey-on-board-quinsman-for-laura-horsfall-winner-the-ladies-open-higham-19-2-17

Quinsman 

Chris Dennigton had a busy afternoon,a ride in the first at Charing in Kent finishing fourth.
Then as he puts it a drive in his van ( how the other half do live....) to North Norfolk to ride for Ray Fielder in the last race at Higham on Merrydown Vintage the winner of the conditions race.

Merrydown Vintage

Listen to the jockey chat about the horse, his season and....... The thought of a helicopter???

https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/chris-dennington-jockey-on-board-merrydown-vintage-winner-of-the-conditions-race-higham-19-2-17

Chris Dennigton had a busy afternoon

Next week off to Horseheath again for the second time this season.

listen to all the season blogs and podcasts with a few images thrown in for good measure at

WWW.MJAYPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

If you would like me to come podcast at your event or point to point meeting what not get in touch

photograph.pugh41@gmail.com

LOCKED ON THE THE FINALE AT COTTENHAM FOR THE SEASON

Cambridge University Draghounds meeting at Cottenham. The final meeting of the 2016-17 season at the course

The Final meeting at Cottenham for this season, and it really only feels yesterday we were at the same place for the opener at the end of November.

The season in full swing, the weather not following suit, a bitterly cold afternoon made for a small crowd of hardened point to point followers to attend the Cambridge University Draghounds meeting.

Torran Na Dtonn

The first race saw a horse from the Andrew pennock yard we saw a few weeks back win the last at Highham. Torran Na Dtonn, this time ridden by Evan David, Shane Roche on him on his last run take the opening race of the seven race card.

Listen to the Jockey chat about his ride and his association with the Pennock team.

https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/evan-david-on-board-torran-na-dtonn-winning-the-hunt-memberssubcribers-race-cottenham-11-2-17

Torran Na Dtonn, this time ridden by Evan David

The Intermediate saw a horse that is a regular at the East Anglia course. Lough Inch trained by Tommy Morgan swept away a good field of six other runners to claim his seventh race at Cottenham and winning at each meeting this year.

The Intermediate saw a horse that is a regular at the East Anglia course. Lough Inch trained by Tommy Morgan 

Sam Davies Thomas in the plate, had no time for interviews or even time to pick up his prize, rushing off to Uttoxter for a ride for his boss Dan Skelton, finishing second on his ride there.
Listen to Tom Morgan wax lyrical about his stable star.

https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/trainer-tommy-morgan-after-lough-inch-took-the-intermediate-race-cottenham-11-2-17

Lough Inch

The men's open saw a horse from the Phillip Rowley yard,a horse the yard think a lot of Now Ben take his race by eight lengths from the impressive Consigliere.

 Listen to Jockey Alex Edwards chat about the horse and about the things to come from the Rowley stables for the rest of the season.

https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/jockey-alex-edwards-on-board-now-ben-winning-the-mens-open-race-cottenham-11-2-18

                               Now Ben ridden by alex edwards, trained by Phillip Rowley

The ladies open saw a superb race, and tight finish.
Champion ladies jockey Gina Andrews on board Sharp Suit for the hill yard went off favourite.
Victoria Pendleton sidelined not to ride due to an ankle injury sent her horse Vesperal Dream to post with 16 year old Izzie Marshall on board.
A tussle up to the line saw the young contender get up by a short head to take the race.

 Gina Andrews on board Sharp Suit nearside, Vesperal Dream Izzie Marshall farside

Listen to the owner Victoria Pendleton chat about the win, the horse and jockey and her love for point to pointing.

https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/victoria-pendleton-owner-of-vesperal-dreamafter-winning-the-ladies-open-cottenham-11-2-17

We also had a chat with Izzie about her good fortune out of the Hill yard over the past few weeks



https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/izzie-marshall-jockey-on-board-vesperal-dream-winning-the-ladies-open-cottenham-11-2-17







The Hill yard did not stop there. Pride of Parish ridden by Joe Hill took the next race The restricted.
We caught up with trainer Alan Hill to have a chat about the fortunes of this seven year old and about his other runners

https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/trainer-alan-hill-winning-the-restricted-with-pride-of-parish-cottenham-11-2-17

Pride of Parish ridden by Joe Hill

Also with son Joe, who as ever was full of praise for the team back home.

https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/jockey-jo-hill-after-winning-the-restricted-with-pride-of-parish-cottenham-11-2-17

The open maiden went to Phil York's Intercooler Turbo, the eight year old finally finding that life isn't all that bad took the race by a neck from  Le Fou Royal and young Archie wright.

The elder statesman of the weighing room chats about his season and whats to come.
He also states firmly that he is started his way on to his 400th winner.........

https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/phil-york-after-intercooler-turbo-takes-the-win-in-the-open-maiden-at-cottenham-11-2-17

                                                                       Phil York's Intercooler Turbo

The final race over two miles and four furlongs saw six runners to post, with only one finisher.
Again Archie Wright in the frame, two out looking the only horse in it with Balkato Des Bois.
 Dickie Collinson on board Muchadoaboutnothing, the only other horse standing.

Wrights horse faltering at the penultimate fence and falling left the Martin Wards six year old to hunt home alone to give Collinson his first winner of the season

Muchadoaboutnothing

Listen to the jockey chat about the horse and his season

https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/richard-collinson-after-winning-the-open-maiden-muchadoaboutnothing-cottenham-11-2-17

Which brings to the end Cottenham for the 2016-17 season, waiting again for the end of November when a new seasons saga is to start again

 Dickie Collinson his first winner of the season

You can view images from this meeting and the following days meeting at Barbury for the Vine&Craven Hunts meet, and other throughout the season at

WWW.MJAYPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

BIG FIELDS, TREBLE TOP RACING AND A G&T ELLIS DAY

OPENING MEETING AT HORSEHEATH FOR THE 2016-17 SEASON

For the first time this season Horseheath brushed off it's summer wraps to allow the Cambridgeshire and Enfield chace seven good standing races on good fresh racing ground

Listen to Jockey Gina Andrews after she bought home the first of three winners for husband Tom Ellis on Total Compliance in the Intermediate

https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/gina-andrews-after-winning-the-internediate-race-at-horseheath-on-total-compliance-5-2-17

Total Compliance 

A quick turn around for G&T Ellis racing, young five year old Itsnonofurbusiness making his racing debut in the  4,5,6 year old Open maide

Itsnonofurbusiness

I chat to Gina about a horse she likes the feel of, possibly one of the best Maidens she has ridden.
Listen to Gina talk about the horse

https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/gina-andrews-the-456-year-old-open-maiden-winning-with-itsnonofurbusiness-at-horseheath-5-2-17

Also Husband and trainer Tom Ellis how he mentions why it is important to have a quality team around him.

https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/tom-ellis-456-year-old-open-maiden-winning-with-itsnonofurbusiness-at-horseheath-5-2-17

All smiles for Tom Ellis

The Dodson &Horrell PPORA club members race for Novice riders also went to the team from Heath Barn .
 Roberto Pegasus comes home with Kate Gowing to make it three from three.

Listen to the jockey on her gap year before going off to University to study Bloodstock

https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/kate-gowing-dodson-horrell-pproa-members-race-novice-riders-roberto-pegasus-at-horseheath-5-2-17

Roberto Pegasus

The trainer Tom Ellis on a treble, his first in his training career  is very modest about his success, and speaks very highly about the Young jockey's efforts.

https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/tom-ellistaking-the-first-three-races-novice-riders-race-roberto-pegasus-at-horseheath-5-2-17

The entries for the Mens open made pleasent reading and the possibility of very good contest. At Decleration stage  horse such as Berties Dream,Curraigflemens,Premier Portrait, See you again Son and the eventual winner Empire Builder all went to post.

See you again Son going very well from a blistering pace pulled up sharply around three out leaving Curraigflemens challenging George Greenock on Countess Cathcart's  eleven year old.
Premier Portrait probally having one of his hardest races for some time staying on for third spot.

Listen to what the jockey had to say about his and his rides first oiting of the season







https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/jockey-george-greenock-after-winning-the-mens-open-on-empire-builder-horseheath-5-2-17

Empire Builder

The ladies open went to Top Smart from the Jenny Pidgeon yard giving Allie Strirling another chance on a spare ride to show she could step in when needed and still produce the goods.

The jockey ever grateful for rides were she can get them, and riding good horses that win races are  rides not to be taken lightly.

https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/jockey-allie-stirling-after-winning-the-ladies-open-on-top-smart-horseheath-5-2-17

Top Smart

The restricted went to Stuart Morris's Neumond ridden by Jack Andrews. The jockey gives a brief inteview before getting on his last ride of the day.

https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/jack-andrews-after-winning-the-restricted-race-on-neumond-horseheath-5-2-17

 Neumond

The final race of the day went to West Lake out of he david Phelan yard. The seven year old progressing from his second place season debut a few weeks back at Ampton, could be a possible horse for Aintree in the Spring,which would please the in form jockey Shane Roche.

West Lake and Shane Roche

Listen to Shane's thoughts on this horse and his other rides of the day.
https://soundcloud.com/mark-pugh-850602593/shane-roche-after-winning-the-7-year-olds-and-up-open-maiden-on-west-lake-horseheath-5-2-17

Next week, Cottenham for the final time this season on Saturday and Barbury on Sunday, all reports and images from the meeting scan be viewed at

WWW.MJAYPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK