the weekly guide to your sport 2016 May 26 GOPOINTING

IRISH RAIDER CLAIMS THE Plus... LANDMARKS JOHN CORBET CUP FROM 21 & 22 MAY

#gopointing 1 www.pointtopoint.co.uk 2016

May WELCOME FROM THE EDITOR 26 GO POINTING

Paddy Gerety and Fruit Fayre put in an awesome leap on their route to securing The Lord Daresbury North West Area Classic Photo: Sweet Photography sweetphotography.com

Friday afternoon saw the annual also horses and trainers in the form of say hi; and don’t forget to use running of the PPORA Awards seven-time champion Point-to-Point #GoPointing in any social media Presentation and Lunch at Stratford rider Polly Gundry; and winner of posts! Racecourse followed by the Hunter nine races between the flags, Ganbei. Chase Evening. This was, once again, a brilliant afternoon with a very Although the 2015/16 season is Sarah Pollard, Co-Editor interesting talk from Nicky Henderson beginning to come to a close it is great (along with an interesting - for to see meetings still getting plenty of different reasons - presentation from entries and hopefully plenty of the one and only Luke Harvey)! runners to end the season in style!

The Point-to-Point Racing Company This weekend I will finally be making team were there to sponsor The John my way to Kingston Blount for the last Corbet Cup, which, as ever, saw a South Midlands Area meeting. On the competitive field head to post; the Bank Holiday Monday we will be open Irish raider Quiet Account landed the in the office as usual to take and spoils and made it onto today’s cover! qualify entries so if you are heading to either Chaddesley Corbett or Upcott The evening also included the running Cross please tweet us @pointtopoint of two hurdle races - it was really great to let us know what is going on. to see them being won by Point-to- I hope you all enjoy this weekend’s Point graduates. Not just jockeys but action, if you see me please come and

GOPOINTING Register To Get Your Copy Website: pointtopoint.co.uk is published by The Point-to-Point Racing To receive GOPOINTING every week Facebook: go.pointing.1 Company Ltd throughout the season by email, you can Instagram: go.pointing register at pointtopoint.co.uk. Twitter: @gopointing Editors: Viv Buckby & Sarah Pollard Hashtag: #GoPointing t: 01933 440077 Front Cover Photo: Neale Blackburn e: vbuckby@.co.uk (chasdog.com)

Advertising: Sarah Pollard Editorial views expressed in this magazine are t: 01933 440077 not necessarily those of the Point-to-Point e: [email protected] Racing Company

#gopointing 2 www.pointtopoint.co.uk 2016 Y MA 26 End of Season SkyDive Following the season finale at Umberleigh twelve Point-to-Point jockeys will be boarding a plane to travel 15,000 feet into the sky before jumping out and parachuting their way back down to earth! This is all being done to raise as much money for

GO POINTING the Injured Jockeys Fund as possible, a very important and worthwhile charity to support within our sport. Please give generously to this great cause using the Just Giving Page (click here) or the contact details below.

email at [email protected] or by phone on 07769337473

Paddy Gerety Pete Mann and Sam Davies-Thomas Photo: Neale Blackburn (chasdog.com) Photo: Julie Drewett (racehorsephotos.co.uk)

Fergus Gregory Jack Andrews John Mathias Photo: Peter Barber Photo: Jackie Oliver (graftonwood.co.uk) Photo: Neale Blackburn (chasdog.com) (pointtopointphotography.co.uk)

Leo Mahon Zac Baker Joe Hill Photo: Jackie Oliver (graftonwood.co.uk) Photo: Julie Drewett (racehorsephotos.co.uk) Photo: Neale Blackburn (chasdog.com)

Tom David James King Johnny Bailey Photo: Phil Britt (philbrittphotos.zenfolio.com) Photo: Alun Sedgemore (sportingprints.biz) Photo: Jackie Oliver (graftonwood.co.uk)

#gopointing 3 www.pointtopoint.co.uk 2016 WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK May 26 GO POINTING

SUNDAY, 29 MAY SUNDAY, 29 MAY BERKS & BUCKS AND STAFF COLLEGE & RMAS NORTH HEREFORD DRAGHOUNDS at Hereford Racecourse (Herefordshire) at Kingston Blount (Oxfordshire) 1m N of town on A4103. HR4 9QU 8m NW of High Wycombe off B4009 (Exits 5 or 6, M40). OX39 4SG First Race: 2.00pm First Race: 2.30pm Number of Races: 7 Number of Races: 7 Number of Entries: 151 Number of Entries: 122 Admission Prices: £12.50 per person; children free. Admission Prices: £20 (£10 for single occupancy) and £35 (£25 single occupancy). Pedestrians £10 pedestrians; under 16s free.

SUNDAY, 29 MAY MONDAY, 30 MAY WEST SOMERSET VALE ALBRIGHTON & WOODLAND (SOUTH) at Cothelstone (Somerset) at Chaddesley Corbett (Worcestershire) 2m NE of Bishops Lydeard off A358 (Exit 25, M5). TA4 3DT Next to A448 midway between Bromsgrove & Kidderminster (Exit 4 or First Race: 2.00pm 5, M5, Exit 1, M42). DY10 4QT Number of Races: 6 First Race: 2.00pm Number of Entries: 103 Number of Races: 7 Admission Prices: £10 per person. Number of Entries: 176 Admission Prices: £10 per person; U16’s free.

MONDAY, 30 MAY SOUTH TETCOTT at Upcott Cross (Devon) 1m W of A3079 near Beaworthy and Halwill Junction. EX21 5AE First Race: 2.00pm Number of Races: 7 Number of Entries: 123 Admission Prices: £10 per person (max £30 per car); U16 free.

#gopointing 4 www.pointtopoint.co.uk 2016 MEETING PREVIEWS May BERKS & BUCKS DRAGHOUNDS WEST SOMERSET VALE impossible to overhaul them, but the 26 & SANDHURST DRAGHOUNDS at Cothelstone situation changes if they are placed. A at Kingston Blount Sunday, 29 May successful rival would then be in a Sunday, 29 May by Kirsty Boutflower position to stake their claim for the prize. by Jake Exelby This Sunday sees the fourth and final One More Tune and Templebraden fall The fourth and final meeting of the meeting of the season at Cothelstone and into this category but success for any of season at Kingston Blount, and twelfth the West Somerset Vale have been them cannot be guaranteed with Flicka's GO POINTING and last in the South Midlands Area, rewarded with a healthy entry of 103 Witness, Gunmoney, Rosies Peacock, takes place on Sunday 29th May, with the including some eye-catching horses Stone and Warne all potential rivals. first race at 2.30pm. amongst them. To read the full preview, click here. As well as seven Point-to-Point races, the The seven race card kicks off with the meeting sees the eagerly anticipated Hunt Members and there could be an SOUTH TETCOTT Hound Race (this year's running will take interesting clash between three horses by at Upcott Cross place at the end of the main card) and the same stallion Classic Cliché. A Real Monday, 30 May the presentation of the area and course Cliché for Michael Weir, took his maiden by Donna Harris awards for the leading performers. These here really nicely last year and ground enthusiasts are promised a include the coveted "Wooden Spoon" conditions may not have been in his fantastic family day out on Bank Holiday and local aficionados are keen to find out favour so far this year. He is slightly Monday May 30th, when the South who will follow Norman Thomas as the favoured over Mountain Cliché who Tetcott will be hosting their Point-to- recipient. comes here after a narrow win at Stafford Point meeting at Upcott Cross, Halwill Cross last time out in a Restricted race a Junction. Pony racing heads up the action 122 entries in total have been received – a month ago for trainer Nick Dawe. Classic at 12 noon with two races sponsored by high figure for the time of year – and the Edition from the Marie McGuiness yard Bruce Newport. Then follows the main organisers are hoping for a good turnout is unraced but should not be discounted. seven race card at 1pm, which has on the very raceable ground. Clerk of the The quartet is made up by Ailanthus who attracted over 120 entries resulting in the Course Stewart Nash told me earlier, has been off a while. You have to go Open Maiden race already divided before "After about eight millimetres of rain on back to 2013 when she followed up her the day. Saturday, the going today remains Good. Maiden win at the Cotley with a The forecast is for a mainly dry week but Restricted win next time at Littlewindsor. Penbode Vet Group sponsor the opening with lower temperatures than we've had Now with Louise Cabble, she may just Confined race in which the Ella Pickard- recently. We'll monitor the forecast and need the run. trained and ridden Cinevator is among water if necessary to maintain the going" the entries; he could once again defy top To read the full preview, click here. weight and add to his unbeaten run this To read the full preview, click here. season. Ella has just collected her ALBRIGHTON & WOODLAND Princess Royal trophy for being crowned NORTH HEREFORD (SOUTH) leading National Novice Lady Jockey. at Hereford Racecourse at Chaddesley Corbett Follow The Paint came home runner up Sunday, 29 May Monday, 30 May here at the last meeting and could run by Stella Harvard by Pete Mansell well again, with It's All Or Nothing Fitting Finale For Welsh Border Point-to- The organisers of Monday’s meeting at another entry who may try and deny Point Season This Sunday. The curtain Chaddesley Corbett can be proud of Cinevator his fourth straight win. will come down on the Welsh Border their achievement of attracting 176 Counties Point-to-Point season this entries, which is the largest at any Point- The Dimson Day Care nursery- Sunday (29th) at Hereford Racecourse to-Point fixture staged over the holiday sponsored Men's Open could see another with the North weekend. good performance from Certain Flight who came back from injury to put on a Herefordshire Hunt fixture. The course management team at the stunning performance when winning at The current going is 'Good to Firm', and Worcestershire venue will be keen to end this course two weeks ago under watering is poised to commence if the season on a high note, with numerous champion jockey Will Biddick for the necessary to provide safe ground. Area accolades still to be decided Keith Cumings team. Really Unique is an including the new instigated Higgs & entry that catches the eye after his twenty The 151 entries received translate to a Sons Solicitors West Midland Open Race length win at the Bredwardine meeting in minimum of seven races on the card, Championship. Several of the leading Hereford under jockey Byron Moorcroft beginning at 2pm. These will be preceded contenders for the £1,000 prize offered for trainer Michael Bassett. Blazing by three Pony Races at 12.45 pm, by the Brierley Hill based law firm are Whale from the Ed Walker team is followed by the Presentation of the likely to be in action in the Mens or another who would put on a bold bid Brightwells Championship to the Leading Ladies Open, but there are so many having wins in double figures and his Riders of the season. permutations it is impossible to predict second in a Hunter Chase at Fontwell the winner. Dandan and Ice Cool Benny Park puts him in the mix. To read the full preview, click here. are tied for the lead so if one or both were successful their rivals would find it To read the full preview, click here.

#gopointing 5 www.pointtopoint.co.uk 2016 Grand day for Our Chief and Northgeorge at the Subaru

May Restricted Point-to-Point final. 26

Our Chief was crowned the Subaru UK Restricted Point-to-Point Series winner at at Stratford Racecourse on May 20th. GO POINTING The Teresa Clark-trained horse was ridden by Martin McIntyre and is owned by Mr A. J. White.

The seven-year-old gelding won in a speedy 5 minutes and 30 seconds on good ground. After the race, Martin McIntyre was handed a two-day ban following a stewards enquiry. “I wanted to take my time, I’ve ridden Our Chief at Point-to-Points, sometimes he’s made a bit of noise after the second to last, so I waited until the last and stood up in the saddle, which I don’t normally do. The saddle went right back and it was wobbling,” said McIntyre. However, there Eight year old gelding Northgeorge, jockey’s getting the car. He’s ridden so was no disqualification and Our Chief ridden by Byron Moorcroft, owned by well all season. secured the prize of £5,295 for first Steve Young and trained by Jonathan place. Claire Hart on Exclusive Rights Tudor, finished third in the Subaru “This horse means everything to me. finished a close second, and Bryron Restricted Series final at Stratford, but He’s the first I’ve owned and this is my Moorcroft on Northgeorge placed third. ultimately won the Subaru Restricted first season being involved in the sport. I Point-to-Point Championship, winning a love it,” said owner Steve. “I said at the start of the season I wanted Subaru Forester on loan for a year for to nail a Hunter Chase and I thought this owner Steve. At the Subaru prize giving, “He’s been a fantastic horse, new this horse was capable, but then I saw the owner Steve Young handed the keys for season, we though we might get four or field here today and thought coming the Subaru Forester to the horse’s jockey, five runs this season before the ground third would be good,” said trainer Teresa Byron Moorcroft. Byron, aged 28, could dries up. If we had got that it would have Clark. not believe the generosity of owner been good. He’s done a great job for us,” Steve. “He’s done all the hard work; the said trainer Jonathan Tudor. “I’ve never ridden a tougher horse then this. I’m delighted to have finished a few lengths ahead of Itchymei’mscratch and that he won the championship,” said a delighted Byron Moorcroft.

To take a closer look at the car the Subaru Champion will be driving this year visit: www.subaru.co.uk/Forester If you have enjoyed following the Subaru Restricted Series please make sure you follow this national point-to-point sponsor: Facebook: Subaru UK Point to Point Twitter @SubaruUKP2P Instagram: @SubaruUKP2P

#gopointing 6 www.pointtopoint.co.uk 2016 MEETING REVIEWS May horses take their chance paid off for

26 GELLIGAER FARMERS at Lower Machen Jack Barber. Dunn's River with Will Saturday, 21 May Biddick in the saddle came right away by Brian Lee from his nine opponents to take the The South Wales and Monmouthshire Restricted and initiate a double for the hunt racing season came to an end at young trainer. "Everything is coming

GO POINTING rain-soaked Lower Machen on Saturday together for Dunn's River now. He and on a personal note I have to thank jumps and stays well," remarked those kind and thoughtful enthusiasts Biddick. who plotted, unbeknownst to me, a special presentation held in honour of To read the full review, click here. my 50 years of reporting on the Welsh Point-to-Point scene for the national and HAYDON local press. at Hexham Sunday, 22 May They even managed to get my wife by Peter Burgon Jacqueline, who was presented with a The curtain came down on the 2016 most beautiful bouquet of flowers by the Northern Area Point-to-Point season legendary Tim Rooney, and family, to with the Haydon fixture at Hexham attend without my knowledge and it was Racecourse on Sunday. A total of 51 Brian Lee turns 80 at Lower Machen runners faced Photo: Alun Sedgemore sportingprints.biz the starter, including 21 from KNUTSFORD RACES CLUB Yorkshire, on at Tabley Good to Firm Sunday, 22 May going which had by Rory Alkin been watered for The Knutsford Races at Tabley on several days. Sunday had some good competitive racing on rain softened ground, with the The feature event weather brightening up during the on the seven race afternoon after an early downpour. card was the £1500 Graham The feature race The North West Classic Reader Motor Final for The Lord Daresbury Cup only attracted four runners from an initial Doyen Dynamo make up half of the Biddick/Barber Double Engineer Men's Photo: Tim Holt [email protected] Open, the most entry of eight and the prolific mare Fruit valuable contest Fayre bided her time to take it up at the a great thrill to be presented with a ever staged in the third last and pull right away from the front-running Niki Royal to win in a portrait of Mandryka, which I had one North with £1000 to the winner. It time dubbed "The Welsh Wonder", by attracted a field of 7 and produced a canter. The race itself worth £1500 was Mrs Shan Farr who as Shan Morgan had thrilling climax with four horses still in started two seasons ago to replace the ridden him to success in 38 Ladies' Open with a chance coming to the last. Bangor NW Area Hunter Chase Final races. For the record, Mandryka also won and the meeting organisers will be five Men's Open races and a Chepstow To read the full review, click here. looking at ways to frame the conditions Hunter Chase. of the race to attract more runners in future years. To read the full review, click here To read the full review, click here. .

EXMOOR at Bratton Down Sunday, 22 May by Granville Taylor Will Biddick’s double at Bratton Down gave him his fifth winner in the last five days, and helped to elevate him into a narrow lead over Darren Edwards for the Devon & Cornwall title. Biddick is already assured of his fifth consecutive National championship, and it looks like being a close call for the local title this year.

Overnight rain eased the going Fruit Fayre on route to winning the Lord Daresbury at Tabley considerably, and a late decision to let his Photo: Sweet Photography sweetphotography.com

#gopointing 7 www.pointtopoint.co.uk 2016 Farewell to the AGA final, it was fun while it lasted May

26 By David Simpson although I think I can be forgiven for that. It was the end of an era for me last If Popaway had Friday at Stratford Racecourse and I prevailed I would have enjoyed every minute of a long but happy been delighted for day. Pauline and Doug GO POINTING AGA – with me as the driving force – has Harkin, and Immy done much to raise the profile of Robinson, and they UK Point-to-Point horse racing (while know I was thrilled that also raising the sponsorship bar in the they not only had a process). Lady riders nationwide have runner in also benefited from the increased the AGA final, but one exposure and I’m certain they won’t that had a great chance. forget the AGA sponsorship in a hurry! However, once it was There’s an awful lot to be proud of. confirmed that she had I have a lot of affection for Stratford a ride I have to admit Racecourse and the great team that run it, that a win in the I really love it there and I was in a great last AGA final for Claire mood, even though it was a day of mixed Hart was top of my emotions. Sadly, the famous AGA party wish list. which has traditionally rounded off the I first met Harty on a series was not taking place so there would cold day at Whitfield at Mollington) and now the not be an opportunity to say a public way back in December 2011 after she thank you to the many people in the had won the AGA Ladies Open last AGA final! pointing community who have supported on Palypso De Creek, the first of her Naturally I milked the presentation for all the AGA sponsorship (I must admit to 13 AGA wins. That season also saw a it was worth and I think I tried to get into every single photograph. *Thank you to having a little sulk when I realised the titanic battle with Jane Williams for the party wouldn’t happen). first ever AGA championship, with Claire Daniel Maggs who took over behind the Mrs S was also missing for the grand winning the AGA on a memorable night camera while I was prancing around the finale as she had jetted off at Cheltenham in April 2012. We’ve winners enclosure! to Barcelona the previous day for a hen become good friends and have shared I’m happy with the part that I have weekend; however, I still had a huge quite a few adventures and plenty of played during the past six seasons and I’d smile on my face as I stood in the parade laughs since that cold winter day, so like to say thank you to AGA for allowing me to do my thing and also to the point- ring before the opening race on the card Harty winning the last AGA final was – the Subaru Restricted final. the perfect way to end an extraordinary to-point community for embracing it – The Subaru team must be delighted with sponsorship series. and me! I’ve been busy their final as it was a cracker! Our Chief It was also quite fitting that a locally promoting Bidpoint since my seamless (Martin McIntyre) got the better of trained horse was stood in the number 1 transition from AGA man Exclusive Rights (Claire Hart) in a spot, and it’s worth noting that the to Bidpoint man in the spring and after thrilling finish, although connections had Warwickshire Hunt have provided the making some good progress I hope that this can continue next season. I also hope to survive a lengthy stewards enquiry winners of both the last AGA point-to- before the verdict was confirmed. point race (Warne/Robert Waley-Cohen that someone will now step in and fill the Six went to post for the AGA final, a gap left by AGA – it’s a big gap to fill! quality field, but a disappointing number of runners for a prestigious race. Anyway, the six gave us a cracking race and there was yet another thrilling finish to an AGA final as Penmore Mill (Claire Hart) and Popaway (Immy Robinson) went head to head at the last and up the run-in. Harty and Penmore Mill got the better of the argument and they won by 3/4 of a length, with favourite Queens Bay (Bryony Frost) back in third. At this point I must mention that I’d love to go back and experience Friday all over again, but this time in slow motion as there are so many people that I didn’t get to talk to, both before and after the race. Emotion took over as they crossed the line and the occasion got to me –

#gopointing 8 www.pointtopoint.co.uk 2016 IN THE FRAME May Who was capturing the action last weekend? 26 Once again, there are plenty of Moving on to Sunday, Neale Hexham, supplied by Keith Simpson. photographs to browse from the Blackburn moved out of his usual Hexham was also the destination for weekend, as well as Neale Blackburn’s territory and visited Bratton Down for Grace Beresford and Nina Edminson, images of the Hunter Chase evening the Exmoor, joining Tim Holt there. making the most of the last Northern at Stratford last Friday. On Saturday, Westcountry Videos were filming, and Area meeting this season, while Alun Sedgemore covered the only footage is up on pointtopoint.co.uk Marilyn Sweet and JTW Aviation GO POINTING meeting of the day, the Gelligaer for subscribers, as is coverage of Images both provided photographic Farmers at Lower Machen. Knutsford Races Club at Tabley from cover at Tabley as the North West David Jones Media, and the Haydon at season held its penultimate meeting.

Neale Blackburn chasdog.com Alun Sedgemore sportingprints.biz Stratford Hunter Chase Evening Gelligaer Farmers at Lower Machen

Tim Holt [email protected] Neale Blackburn chasdog.com Exmoor at Bratton Down Exmoor at Bratton Down

Grace Beresford p2pnorthernphotos.co.uk Nina Edminson nephotography.co.uk Haydon at Hexham Haydon at Hexham

Sweet Photography sweetphotography.com Tom Williams tomwilliams275.wix.com/jtwaviationimages Knutsford Races Club at Tabley Knutsford Races Club at Tabley

#gopointing 9 www.pointtopoint.co.uk 2016

May RECENT LANDMARKS Jockeys’ firsts, doubles and other career highs from the weekend’s racing by Carolyn Tanner 26

18-year-old Isabel Williams opened Isabel Williams scores her first at Lower Machen her account at Lower Machen in Photo: Alun Sedgemore sportingprints.biz the young horse Maiden on Tenant Farmer, trained by her mother GO POINTING Cath.

Isabel has been riding out for her father Evan, the 2002 national Point-to-Point champion and now one of Britain’s top National Hunt trainers, from a young age, but she had to wait to make her debut between the flags until she had completed her ‘A’ levels in Biology, Chemistry and Geography. She had been planning to read Pharmacy at Cardiff University, but has instead elected to work full-time for her father.

She had three rides on the all- 45, he sat on a horse for the first weather earlier in the year, and Phil Moore, who scored his initial time. made her Point-to-Point debut at success on For A Finish in the Howick on Sublime Talent. “I Hunts’ Club Members at Hexham, Three months later he was hunting enjoyed the flat rides,” she said, can blame his daughter for his – “I love going fast and jumping, “but it can’t compare with riding involvement with horses. “I got fed but I’m not brave, just ignorant!” – over fences.” Her triumph on up walking round the country lanes and from there he turned to Val Tenant Farmer was only her fifth with her on her pony,” he Jackson for race-riding tuition, outing between the flags. explained, “so I thought I’d get going to her yard every morning. myself a plodder to ride with her.” “It’s all down to Val,” he ************ And three years ago, at the age of emphasised, and it was she who found For A Finish, who was purchased from Emma Todd. Phil had his first outing at Dalston. “It wasn’t a good start – I fell off,” he grinned, but four rides later he was in the winner’s enclosure, wishing that he had taken up the sport 30 years earlier!

Phil, who is creative director of a design consultancy, is already looking forward to a new season, and it seems that the next generation is waiting in Phil Moore gets of the mark at Hexham Photo: Grace Beresford p2pnorthernphotos.co.uk the wings. His daughter,

#gopointing 10 www.pointtopoint.co.uk 2016

May RECENT LANDMARKS Jockeys’ firsts, doubles and other career highs from the weekend’s racing by Carolyn Tanner 26 14, and son, 10, are his biggest Johnny Ferguson scores on Sir Watty at Hexham supporters and are longing to have a Photo: Nina Edminson nephotography.co.uk go. “They think if their old dad can do it they certainly can,” he laughed. GO POINTING ************

Johnny Ferguson was 44 when he registered a low-key initial success, a walkover, on Salmatian Knight at Friars Haugh in 2012. Four years and a mere 11 rides later he recorded his first competitive victory when taking the Intermediate at Hexham on Sir Watty, who was bought unseen after Johnny placed an advert for a Pointer in “Racing Plus.” Brodie Hampson has made a flying National Hunt rules and six on the “The only reply I had was from start to the 2016/17 amateur jumps flat. She opened her Point-to-Point Devon, and it cost £600 to transport campaign, recording a double, her account on her first ride, Rich him,” Johnny recalled. first in both Point-to-Points and Nomad at Garnons in 2011, and in Johnny has been a shepherd most of under Rules, at Fakenham on Sunday. 2014 broke her duck both on the his working life, and is about to She won the 3m Handicap Chase on level, on Edgware Road at resume that career after spending family horse Fort George, trained by Nottingham, and over jumps, eight months at Mike Smith’s Sally Randell, for whom she works, courtesy of Aristocracy at Ayrshire yard. Having ridden in his and the Lady Amateur Riders Hurdle Wincanton. younger days, he spent 20 years out on the Neil Mulholland-trained Lee of the saddle prior to taking part in Side Lady. In February she hit the headlines the 2008 People’s Race at Aintree. when winning the Royal Artillery Her overall total of 30 is comprised Gold Cup on Jennys Surprise for her ************ of 11 between the flags, 13 under terminally ill father Mark, who sadly passed away a few weeks later.

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Joe Hill, 20, recorded his 50th Point-to-Point victory in the Mixed Open at Tabley on his father Alan’s King’s Legacy, the same horse on which he reached a career half-century three weeks previously.

Joe, who also has two Hunter Chase successes to his name, won the Wilkinson Sword and shared the National Novice title with Harry Bannister in 2011/12, and Joe Hill records his half century at Tabley his tally this season currently Photo: Sweet Photography sweetphotography.com stands at 15.

#gopointing 11 www.pointtopoint.co.uk 2016 SCENE & HEARD: STRATFORD May

26 by Carolyn Tanner Paint The Clouds scores the feature race at Stratford under Barry O’Neill Photo: Neale Blackburn chasdog.com Paint The Clouds recorded his fourth course victory when taking the Pertemps Network Stratford

GO POINTING Foxhunters’ Champion HC for the second time, on this occasion in the hands of Barry O’Neill. The 11-year- old had landed the spoils in 2014, and last year was narrowly outpointed by the inspired ride given to Moroman by Gina Andrews.

With regular pilot Sam Waley-Cohen in China for the purpose of running a marathon along part of the Great Wall, trainer Warren Greatrex called up Barry little more than 24 hours prior to the race. “My passport was out of date,” revealed the Irishman, “so I had to drive over. It’ll seem quicker going back!” him in the Cheltenham Foxhunters’ but It was a first ride in for Barry, here was comprehensively put in his Lilbitluso, who Joe O’Shea had who has partnered over 350 winners on place, the margin of victory in no way pronounced three weeks earlier would home territory, and who is currently four reflecting the winner’s dominance. definitely win, was not disgraced in behind Jamie Codd in the Irish title race, second, but once again was not helped by the duo having registered a brace of ************* some less than fluent jumping, and he victories apiece over the weekend. had no answer when Quiet Account, Just over one hour previously Marito’s trying the 3m3f trip for the first time, Paint The Clouds, who missed all of trainer, Colin McBratney, and jockey, quickened past him approaching the last 2012 and most of the following year due Noel McParlan, had taken their place in and drew clear. to injury – he has had leg problems and the number one spot after the success of has twice broken his pelvis – was Frances Savage’s Quiet Account in the The son of Jimble, who was bought as a reversing the placings with the runner-up pointtopoint.co.uk Champion Novices’ four-year-old and is described as “very Marito, who had finished just in front of HC (John Corbet Cup). easy. All he does is eat and sleep,” was his handler’s initial Stratford runner, and the only occasion on which he has finished out of the first three in Points and Hunter Chases was when he fell at Dowth Hall in October, when seemingly in command.

Noel’s sole experience of Stratford had been in 2012, when he was out of the placings in a Bumper won by Azure Fly.

**************

Subaru’s reward for their generous sponsorship was a 14-runner field for their Restricted series final, won in gritty fashion by Martin McIntyre on Our Quiet Account leads Lilbitluso over the last to take the John Corbett Cup Photo: Neale Blackburn chasdog.com Chief.

#gopointing 12 www.pointtopoint.co.uk 2016

May SCENE & HEARD: STRATFORD

26 Co-owners John White, Graham Phippen and Sean Finn have had to be very patient, explained handler Teresa Clark. “He had a soft palate operation in December, and we wondered if we GO POINTING would get him on the course this season.”

All had gone well, though, until the eve of the Stratford meeting. “Our Chief has got the longest-standing poisoned foot I’ve ever known a horse to have,” stated Teresa, who found her charge in his box on Thursday with his hind foot off the ground. “The farrier came and removed the plate, we poulticed the foot, and he was all right in the morning, although he did run with a pad on.”

Martin McIntyre survives a blunder at the last on Our Chief to take the Subaru Final Having replaced the plate on Friday Photo: Neale Blackburn chasdog.com morning, the farrier, Toby Wheeler, prophesied that the seven-year-old would the advantage back to the only danger by win that evening and his own horse, that time, Exclusive Rights, but after a All the horses which Teresa has Thomas Wild, would take the long stewards’ enquiry deemed that Our purchased from David Pipe, the son of distance Chase 24 hours later. He was Chief ’s left-hand drift had not improved Old Vic being one of them, have been proved right on both counts! his placing the result stood. Martin, successful. “We’ve had some fun times though, whose saddle had started to go running locally with Our Chief, and the Our Chief did finish the race minus two back turning for home and had therefore original plan had been to try to win an shoes, one front and one hind, which been unable to straighten his mount, was Intermediate but then it was decided to Teresa thought he may have lost at the suspended for two days for careless head to Stratford for an evening out!” she last fence where a blunder nearly handed riding. smiled.

Teresa, whose brother, former jockey Anthony Honeyball, now trains successfully under Rules, herself rode between the flags and under Rules, and is a former head girl to Richard Barber.

*************

Third-placed Northgeorge was paying tribute to the training skills of Jonathan Tudor. He started his campaign on the opening day at Black Forest Lodge, and this was his twelfth run of the season. The points he accrued over the weeks were enough to win owner Steve Young the use of a Subaru for 12 months, and Steve in turn had generously promised the vehicle to the jockey, so it was little

Decade Player impressed in the 2m1f HC under Dale Peters wonder that Byron’s smile was no less Photo: Neale Blackburn chasdog.com wide than that of Martin McIntyre.

#gopointing 13 www.pointtopoint.co.uk 2016 SCENE & HEARD: STRATFORD May

26 “Maybe we’ll take him to Royal Ascot although earplugs have helped him in his “Dad [owner Ken Hutsby] wanted to go next [to the Queen Alexandra Stakes],” races.” to Cheltenham but this has been the aim quipped Jonathan, paying credit to both all along, so I said no,” grinned Fred, who Byron and Glen Phillips, who rides Kelly, a member of a family steeped in considered the 2m6f distance to be Northgeorge at home every day. racing, runs the yard owned by Johnny, Penmore Mill’s ideal trip. GO POINTING who admitted to being thrilled for his The performance of High Hatton, a employee. “She’s done a tremendous job Fred had turned to Claire Hart to take running-on third in the John Corbet, also with him,” he declared. the reins for the first time. “She’s been showcased the trainer’s ability. The seven- riding out of her skin,” was his reasoning. year-old suffered what could have been a Dale, who also had plenty of praise for “She’s been over a few times and sat on fatal injury when cutting into himself in Kelly, has a high opinion of Decade him, and we’ve looked at videos of his January and had to stand in his box for Player. “He jumped and travelled races.” six weeks, but he has since returned to brilliantly,” he enthused. “To look at his the fray in fine form, finishing second at action you’d think he’d need cut, but he Penmore Mill won’t run again this season, Cheltenham at the end of April. seems to like this better ground.” but Fred had another equestrian task to perform the following day, as he was due ************* ************** to take son Tom show-jumping.

The easiest winner on the night was Fred Hutsby had long had the AGA ************ Johnny Weatherby’s Decade Player, who Ladies’ Final in mind for Penmore Mill, romped away with the 2m1f Apple Tree and his plan came to fruition when his The 2015/16 National Hunt Amateur Exhibitions Motorhome Show HC under charge duly obliged, despite giving away championship awards were presented Dale Peters. weight to all his rivals, including a stone during the evening by . to the eventual runner-up, Popaway. “Dale gets on with him really well and By the time he turned Conditional in makes him look easier than he is,” It is the last year of AGA’s Point-to-Point December David Noonan had already stressed Kelly Morgan, who purchased sponsorship, and what the final lacked in registered 19 victories, and he finished the son of Gamut out of a field in quantity it made up for in quality, with the campaign four ahead of the runner- Ireland on the recommendation of Neil the six participants having won a total of up Stan Sheppard. O’Donnell. “He’s very keen at home and 49 Points and Hunter Chases between we struggle to keep a lid on him, them. Bryony Frost took the ladies’ prize with seven wins, with Gina Andrews and Catherine Walton in joint second place, one behind.

************

The only non-Hunter Chases on the Stratford card were two Hurdle races, and success in both went to former top names in the amateur sport.

The closing 2m2f contest went to the aforementioned David Noonan on Sir Dylan, trained by the seven times champion Point-to-Point rider Polly Gundry, while earlier in the evening Ganbei, winner of nine races between the flags, scored over 3m2f in the hands of Noonan’s predecessor Harry Popaway and Penmore Mill jump in unison before Penmore Bannister, who took the title in 2013/14 Mill goes on to take the final running of the AGA final Photo: Neale Blackburn chasdog.com and 2014/15, and whose 38 Pointing victories included six on Ganbei himself.

#gopointing 14 www.pointtopoint.co.uk 2016 TOP PERFORMERS 2015/16 May Current standings for the sport’s major championships 26 FULLER’S GENTLEMAN POINT-TO-POINT RIDERS CHAMPIONSHIP LADY POINT-TO-POINT RIDERS CHAMPIONSHIP GO POINTING

Will Biddick - still leading the Mens Championship Gina Andrews is now four clear at the top Photo: Tim Holt [email protected] Photo: Neale Blackburn chasdog.com

Will Biddick 52 wins Darren Edwards 17 wins Gina Andrews 26 wins Bryony Frost 7 wins John Mathias 26 wins Bradley Gibbs 16 wins Claire Hart 19 wins Abigail Banks 6 wins William Easterby 22 wins Bryon Moorcroft 15 wins Jacqueline Coward 15 wins Taylor Pook 6 wins Sam Davies- Jamie Thomas 15 wins Jo Buck 10 wins Five riders on five wins Thomas 22 wins Joe Hill 15 wins Catherine Walton 10 wins Josh Newman 17 wins Hannah Lewis 8 wins FULLER’S GENTLEMAN NOVICE P-T-P RIDERS CHAMPIONSHIP FULLER’S LADY NOVICE P-T-P RIDERS CHAMPIONSHIP

Jack Andrews still leads the Novice Men Abigail Banks is now joint-leader with Taylor Pook Photo: Julie Drewett racehorsephotos.com Photo: Neale Blackburn chasdog.com

Jack Andrews 12 wins Nick Meek 6 wins Abigail Banks 6 wins Gus Levinson 10 wins Five riders on five wins Taylor Pook 6 wins Richard Patrick 9 wins Hannah Welch 4 wins Joe Wright 9 wins Ella Pickard 3 wins Nick Lawton 7 wins Hugh Nugent 7 wins DODSON & HORRELL NOVICE AWARD FOR THE WILKINSON SWORD HARLEY RACING PPORA NOVICE RIDERS SERIES

Gus Levinson is still well out in front in the chase for the Wilkinson Sword Gus Levinson now tops the Harley Racing Championship as well Photo: Tim Holt [email protected] Photo: Tim Holt [email protected]

Gus Levinson 10 wins Connor Wood 2 wins Gus Levinson 35 points Hugh Nugent 16 points Chris Barber 3 wins Ryan Withey 2 wins Jack Andrews 28 points David O’Brien 12 points Rory Bevin 3 wins Richard Patrick 21 points James Jeavons 10 points Jack Jones 3 wins John Smith- Richard Patrick 9 points Maxwell 18 points Ryan Withey 9 points Abigail Banks 16 points #gopointing 15 www.pointtopoint.co.uk TOP PERFORMERS 15/16 TOP PERFORMERS 15/16 2016

May LEADING NOVICE MARE CONNOLLY’S RED MILLS LEADING HORSE 26 GO POINTING

Galros Lady - still on top Premier Portrati still leads the way Photo: Neale Blackburn chasdog.com Photo: Tim Holt [email protected]

Galros Lady 33 points Fishy Story 10 points Premier Portrait 8 wins Knocklong 5 wins Innocent Girl 15 points Ride On Time 9 points Gunmoney 6 wins Master Baker 5 wins Our Milly Acres 15 points L’Ane Fou 8 points Dabinett Moon 5 wins Minella Fifty 5 wins Princess Tina 13 points Singininthevalleys 8 points Done A Runner 5 wins Robin de Souza 5 wins Fearless Fantasy 10 points Cresta One 7 points Galros Lady 5 wins Rosies Peacock 5 wins

FORAN EQUINE TRAINERS CHAMPIONSHIP (8+ HORSES) FORAN EQUINE TRAINERS CHAMPIONSHIP (7 OR FEWER HORSES)

Jack Barber is still well clear at the top Sarah Easterby is ahead at the top of the table Photo: Tim Holt [email protected] Photo: Tim Holt [email protected]

Jack Barber 49 wins Andrew Pennock 18 wins Sarah Easterby 14 wins Dale Peters 8 wins Alan Hill 24 wins Jacqueline Coward 17 wins David Gibbs 11 wins Dibby Brown 7 wins Ed Walker 21 wins Kayley Woollacott 16 wins Charles Levinson 10 wins David Llewellyn 7 wins Martin Weston 20 wins Phil Rowley 15 wins Tommy Morgan 10 wins Ian Mason 7 wins Gerald Bailey 20 wins Gareth Moore 11 wins Sally Alner 8 wins Dean Summersby 7 wins Justin Landy 8 wins Four trainers on 6 wins PPORA YOUNG HORSE AWARDS

Galros Lady leads the National Young Horse Awards Photo: Neale Blackburn chasdog.com Galros Lady (East Anglia) 50pts Shantou Prince (Yorks) 32pts Robin de Souza (D&C) 44pts Doctor Braveheart (SWales/Monm) 32pts Master Baker (D&C) 44pts Daidaidai (S East) 30pts My Coranna (SWales/Monm) 42pts Black Banjo (W Mids) 30pts Jepeck (D&C) 42pts Frelia (SWales/Monm) 28pts Arthurs Secret (W Mids) 34pts The Highlander (Yorks) 28pts See U Again Son (SWales/Monm) 34pts Ignite A Light (E Anglia) 28pts Tom Barton (Wessex) 34pts Mister Serious (E Anglia) 28pts #gopointing 16 www.pointtopoint.co.uk hashtag your tweets 2016 TOP TWEETS #GoPointing to feature! May 26 GO POINTING

@tattscheltenham @cuddlycob @fillyonform @tflacey with Lot 30, Boagrius, winner @pointtopoint Not long now! #go Gus Levinson's novice point-to-point titles of a Maiden at Barbury Castle pointing #pointtopoint @justgopointing on 'George Best' Premier Portrait bit.ly/ #greekgod GusLev @THEPPORA

@heidibrookshaw @champersp2p @wwchasdogdotcom A good day @KnutsfordRaces horses The @pointtopoint team presenting @BrattonDown @gbponyracing ran well Now analysing the day with this year's John Corbet Cup Landscape, Ponies, Sunshine! What's BTO judges starter's & commentator not to love? (the 4 hr drive) #Gopointing #gopointing

@lSubaruUKP2P @foxyhunter43 @BidpointMan The winner is Our Chief! #winner We must be mad! #gopointing #wales The smiles say it all, wonderful night & #GoPointing @GoPointing #snorkelneeded #RBTeam fitting end to 6 years of fab @stratfordraces @Point2PointAuth sponsorship, loved every minute #GoPointing

#gopointing 17 www.pointtopoint.co.uk 2016 BEEN POINTING in association with

May from the Dartmoor at Flete Park David Simpson - “The Bidpoint Man” 26 GO POINTING

Nick Child and Our Chief show off the Subaru winners sheet

Steph Holmes takes a photo of me Three fully paid up members of the A few words from winning owner Ken Hutsby after Penmore Mill had won taking a photo of her! Claire Hart fan club! the last AGA final

L-R: Area Chairman, Jim Squires with Tania Taylor & Judith Healey

L-R: Harry Easterlow, Jordan Hoverd, Derek Martin, Dave Atkins & Marcus Easterlow

A tearful hug for Harty and the Guest speaker Nicky Laura Horsfall and Heather Kemp, they were still going strong at 11pm! Bidpoint Man Henderson is in full flow

Concentration on the faces of the Andrews family (and Tom Ellis) as they watch Gina in the Champion Novices' #gopointing 18 www.pointtopoint.co.uk