Eventing is Zara Phillips main priority but the Princess Royal’s daughter has trained Point-to-Point winners in the past so there was plenty of support for Aubrey de Vere’s success in Division I of the Maiden.

Matching strides with the leader Zipit down the back straight, Tom David’s mount asserted his superiority climbing the final hill and turned for home with an unassailable lead. The jockey was looking round for non-existent dangers over the final three fences but still won by 15-lengths despite easing right down at the finish.

Tom David and Aubrey de Vere clear the last to secure victory in Division I of the Maiden

Miss Phillips acquired the winner from Brian Murphy of Dunraven Arms fame. “He’s a lovely horse and works well at home and he feels special but they don’t always prove that on the course, so it’s nice to be vindicated”.

Zara Phillips, jockey Tom David and Mike Tindall with Aubrey de Vere in the winners enclosure

An opening race double for the West Midlands figured high on the agenda when Don’t Tell Nina led at the second from home in Division II of the Maiden, but Oliver Greenall had timed his run to perfection on Threapwood.

There was little between the pair at the final obstacle but Connor Shoemark’s mount made a mistake and that allowed Threapwood a marginal advantage. Don’t Tell Nina fought back all the way to the line but had to settle for an honourable defeat a head behind the winner.

Coming away from the second from home and Don’t Tell Nina holds the call over Threapwood

It’s a different story at the last – as Don’t Tell Nina loses momentum at a vital time

It could have been an entirely different picture because both horses looked beaten until Commodus; another 4-year-old pupil from Tom Lacey’s academy near Chipping Norton fell at the third from home when making his bid for victory.

The West Midland ball started rolling again in Division III of the Maiden which resulted in victory for the Charlie Willes trained and Ali Sterling ridden Quatuor Collonges.

Clive Hitching’s Lord Landen was the market leader and was still in contention until falling at the final open ditch. Quatuor Collenges hit the front as they straightened up for the judge and just had to be driven out on the flat to maintain his advantage.

Quatuor Collonges (red and yellow) starts to draw clear of his rivals at the second from home

Ali  Sterlings mount has the race won as they set off up the run in

Owner Ann Willes (left), her son Charlie and jockey Ali Sterling with Quatuor Collonges in the number one spot

Mrs Willes picks up the silverware

“He was a gift horse from David Bridgwater” recalled the winning trainer with the horse now running in the colours of his mother Ann. “He ran well at Bitterley last year but has matured over the last 12 months. There is a 2 mile 7 furlong Hunter Chase at Haldon later in the season which I would like to aim him at”.

The Mens and Ladies Opens both produced top quality fields and in the winner of the former My Flora, racegoers have seen a potential winner of the Cheltenham Foxhunters. The mare blotted her copybook when falling in a Newbury Hunter Chase but bounced back to form, making mincemeat of that prolific winning Point-to-Pointer Findlays Find.

Cheltenham bound My Flora draws clear of Findlays Find during the closing stages of the Mens Open

The Welsh challenger took it up at the final open ditch but had now answer when the mare swept by on the climb to the straight and the 5-length margin of victory does not do the mare justice.

“She had to win like she did to stand a chance in the Foxhunters. She stays but people forget she also has a turn of foot and the extra distance will suit her more” commented winning trainer Sheila Crow afterwards while Tom David reported “she settled well on the first circuit but was a bit keen in the second half of the race”.

Billyvoddan started favourite for the Ladies Open but the 13-year-old appeared to have one of his off days although he still held every chance until a slow jump at the 4th from home. Half a mile out and Overlut and Lady Myfanwy continued to dominate, with Angela Rucker’s Mount Sagalyrique apparently struggling to pick up the leading pair.

Overlut (left) and Lady Myfanwy (centre) vying for the lead while Sagalyrique starts to close in third

The Worcestershire qualified gelding slowly but surely began to reduce the deficit and all three were in the air together at the last. Sagalyrique had the benefit of the running rail to assist him and began to eat into Lady Myfanwy advantage on the flat and finally got his head in front about 20 yards from the line.

Not much in it at the last

“He’s a bit quirky at home. He got left at the start when we were beaten by Billyvoddan earlier in the season but I was confident we would be able to turn the tables” reported co-owner William Rucker. “It’s been a good weekend with Qozak winning at Cottenham and Cappa Bleu running well at Ascot and now all roads lead to Aintree for the Cappa Bleu.

It got even better because thirty minutes later and the Rucker’s were back in the winner’s enclosure following My Dad’s Horse success in the Restricted.

Willing Weasel and Swallows Delight led as they raced down the back straight for the final time. My Dads Horse began to make eye-catching progress soon afterwards and had moved into third place by the 16th.

My Dads Horse (noseband) puts his rivals to the sword in the Restricted

Not a rival in sight at the last

More silverware for the Ruckers trophy cabinet

The Worcestershire qualified gelding took the lead on the final bend and Tom Weston’s mount had the race at his mercy between the final two fences. The Oliver Greenall ridden Tinkwood made significant late progress and passed numerous horses in the home straight but was left with too much to do.

“That’s only his 4th run and he was a June foal so continues to improve. He’s a big horse – over 17 hands – so I think we will let him progress through the ranks” reported connections.

The Novice Riders went to Phillip Rowley’s Wheatland qualified Crazy Eyes. The favourite’s participation looked in doubt as he was very recalcitrant leaving the paddock but after 5 minutes and the removal of his tongue strap he consented to go to post without any further problems.

Whether by design or misfortune the favourite was also victim of a ragged start and was nearer last than first for a majority of the race. He started to make progress down the back straight and had improved into 6th place with half a mile to run.

The Middleton challenger Oedipe looked the likely winner as Crazy Eyes came under pressure between the final two fences but Jonathan Rogers mount responded and there was little between the two horses jumping the last before the favourite eased past his rival in the closing stages.

Crazy Eyes (right) collars Oedipe at the last

“He will be rugged up and sent out to relax in the field for a week or so” reported the syndicate spokesman after the race.

Had Forest Walker jumped better then Rowley could have completed a double in the Point-to-Point Authority sponsored Maiden.

The 5-year-old made a series of mistakes but was still in contention until another error at the penultimate finally put paid to his chances after which Mark Wall’s mount Central Bank stayed on strongly to repel his rivals challenge on the flat.

On paper, the Connollys Red Mills Intermediate looked to have strength in depth but Nobby Kivambo produced a brave front running performance that left his rivals trailing in his wake.

The winner of a Maiden and Restricted this season, the 7-year-old provides a perfect foil for Mark Walls talents. The Bibury based jockey is a past master at dictating the pace from the front and he did so again on this occasion.

Backed into favouritism, the 7-year-old was never headed after leading at the first. Wall secured a flying leap from the favourite at the final open ditch and immediately got down into the drive position.

This had the desired effort and turning uphill for the final time only What Jimmy Call It was able to offer token resistance. His effort petered out up the final climb with Nobby Kivambo continuing to draw clear and extend his advantage all the way down the home straight. He passed the post a distance clear of Rumbavu got the better of Family Guy in the battle for second spot.

1st fence and Nobby Kivambo is at the front

Two circuits later and he is still in front

Favourite backers can pick up their money as he clears the last

Winning owner Jason Warner was full of praise for the jockey “All he does is stay so he has to be ridden that way and Mark has rode a perfect race”. The Brookethorpe based owner has had plenty of pointers in the past “buts it about time I had a good one”.

While her sister Angela Rucker was winning at Chaddesley, Katherine Smith Maxwell and her daughter Alex Dunn made the long journey from Worcestershire to Milbourne St Andrew in Dorset. They easily despatched three rivals and the 11-10 odds seemed extremely generous given the horses winning performances last year.

West Midland qualified horses also made their presence felt at the Vine and Craven meeting at Barbury Castle. Nick Sutton’ s North Cotswold qualified Offshore Account led turning into the straight in the Mens Open but then had to battle to hold the late challenge of the James Ridley ridden and Nick Sheppard trained Up There on the flat.

Offshore Account (far side) does well to hold the challenge of Up There from the last

(photo courtesy of Tim Sage)

Both Divisions of the Maidens at Barbury Castle also went to local horses. Caroline Esling’s Irish acquisition The Magherally Man won the first half of this race for Upton on Severn trainer Claudia Wilesmith and jockey Ryan Hatch after taking the lead at the 14th, while Richard Spencer steered Richard Bevis’s Cotswold Vale qualified Ocean Club to an odds on success in Division II.

The Magherally Man (No 18) at the last

Ryan Hatch and The Magherally Man in the unsaddling enclosure

The heydays of training 30 winners a season may be long gone but 82-year-old Dick Baimbridge has not lost his winning touch and Shernally, Dick Baimbridge and Jane Williams proved an unbeatable combination in the North Herefordshire Ladies Open 24 hours earlier.

The mare has been sidelined since her success at Whitfield in February 2011. “She was very lame after that run but patience and cold water have done the trick” quipped the trainer. Co-owner and PointingWM photographer Graham Fisher said “Dick has been happy with her for the last 6 months so lets hope her legs are OK tomorrow morning.” It was reported the mare has reverted to her alternative career (rounding up sheep with her trainer) on Sunday morning.

Fisher confided after the mare’s success “I walked the course earlier in the week and almost reported back to Dick that we might not run because I thought the ground was a bit quick. The rain has obviously helped”.

The long time leader High Five was passed by Virginia Preuil at the bottom of the course and these two maintained a 2-length lead over the next couple of fences, but they had no answer when Jane Williams made what proved to be a race winning move round the final bend.

Jane Williams steers Shernally to victory in the Ladies Open

Connections of the winner had cause for concern over the first couple of fences as they noticed the mare was constantly shaking her head. The post race debrief revealed that a lump of mud had become stuck in one of the mares ears and it took several fences before it was dislodged.

Jane Williams and Dick Baimbridge enjoy their success

Jane Williams and Graham Fisher

Dick Baimbridge and Graham Fisher pick up their prizes

The early stages of the Whitwick Manor meeting had to contend with heavy rain, which put a damper on proceedings with the Confined, run in the worst of the conditions.

The result of this race was probably decided at the start. Trainer Martin Weston was on hand to lead Johnny Kilawee in but the 8-year-old still lost about 15-lengths and must have gone very close without this handicap.

Mister Kay Bee on the overhand struck the front at the first and continued to lead or dispute the lead throughout the remainder of the race. He beat off a succession of rivals but looked in trouble when challenged by Gothic Love and Ice Cool Benny over the final two fences.

There was little between these three runners at the final obstacle but under a typical Mansell drive Mister Kay Bee kept pulling out extra and stayed on dourly to win by half a length and a length.

Mister Kay Bee (blue) leads Bleuvito and Ice Cool Benny as they approach the last

Its a different story at the last as Mister Kay Bee is joined by Bleuvito (white blaze), while Ice Cool Benny is still in with a chance

Mister Kay Bee (Keith Bayliss – left) collects his trophy

Owner Keith Bayliss said afterwards “We purchased him at Ascot as a un-raced 5-year-old and he has now won 8 races for us. We were not allowed our original choice of name so I decided to name him after myself”.

Trainer Julie Mansell was full of praise for the horse afterwards “He’s got plenty of ability but looks after himself but he keeps finding something when you ask him”.

The Restricted provided the biggest field of the day, but the remaining 14 runners may as well have stayed at home after an impressive winning display by Chiquilline.

Returning from suspension Sam Drinkwater took over the ride from Tom Weston who had steered the horse to victory in a Dunthrop Maiden.

He was content to bide his time until starting to make progress at the 13th, the same point that the well supported Manton (carrying the Long Run colours of Robert Waley Cohen) beat a retreat.

Naval Hero was still in front four fences from home but Chiquilline quickened into the lead straightening up for the judge and won by 5-lengths despite being eased down dramatically on the run in.

Sam Drinkwater and Chiquilline score an easy win

“I walked the course yesterday and was happy with conditions” reported winning trainer Tom Lacey after the race, “although it has obviously changed since I walked it. However good horses go on any ground”, while owner Theresa Blazey commented “I am so thrilled with him”.

Asked about future engagements Tom stated “We will just pick out way through the programme”. “He could be a Cheltenham Intermediate horse” according to winning jockey Sam Drinkwater, who has ridden the last two winners of the Connollys Red Mills Final. “He stays well but he also has bags of speed”.

There was an all West Midland finish to Division III of the Open Maiden. With the favourite Trouble Digger an early casualty Shetland led the remaining runners until Following Dreams took over at the 13th.

He did not see another horse for the remainder of the contest and guided by Liam Payter he was able to skip over the last to record a 7-length success in the colours of co-owners Di Ralph and Sue Rimell.

This was a first training success for ex-jockey Alistair Ralph who is currently assistant to Henry Daly at Downton Hall. “This is my third runner and the previous two have both been placed but this is my first winner” stated Leigh Sinton based Ralph in the winners enclosure. “I’ve 6 in at the present but have always room for more!”

Following Dreams and Liam Payter clear the last with ease

In the post race analysis winning jockey Liam Payter was heard to say “He was popping his fences but absolutely pinged the open ditch (3 out). I had the race won from that point so eased him over the final two fences. He is a really nice stayer. The further he goes the better he gets” of the Brightwells Cheltenham Sales purchase.

Dual Hunter Chase winner Over the Phone improved on his recent Towcester Hunter Chase run but Joan Hitchings gelding still had to settle for the runners up spot behind Current Exchange in the Mens Open.

Grimley Girl (a daughter of the great racemare Grimley Gale) was another destined for the runners up berth. Robin and Maureen Phillips 6-year-old attempted to make every post a winning one in the Mares Maiden but had nothing left in reserve when Molly Oscar cruised into the lead three fences from home.

Following their success with Chiquilline Tom Lacey and Sam Drinkwater teamed up to take Division I of the Maiden with the un-raced 4-year-old Avidius Cassius.

Minella Break and the winner had the race to themselves from the 15th and there was little between the two horses over the final two fences but the weight concession eventually told in the final strides.

“He is a horse for the future” stated the trainer after the race “Just look at his size. It was all about educating him today. He really is one to follow” he commented of his Derby Sales purchase.

Unfortunately, the horses is unlikely to be seen again in the Point-to-Point sphere as he will follow the lucrative sales path of some of Lacy’s previous winners.

Division II of the Maiden could well have brought up a Drinkwater hatrick as the rider was of the opinion that Roiofthetigers would have won if his mount had not been brought down when Bennybelucky fell at the final open ditch.

Only one meeting survived the winter weather the previous weekend when the Dumfriesshire and Stewarty held their Point-to-Point at Overton on the Scottish Borders.

A glance at the results was more out of curiosity rather than interest but they revealed a West Midland winner.

Jane Williams and Swift Counsel had finished second at Thorpe Lodge but gained compensation by claiming victory in the AGA sponsored Ladies Open, which moved the rider to the top of the AGA Leader board a spot she now shares with Angela Rucker and Claire Hart.

The winning combination had the race won a long way from home and recorded a 6-length success, which was a reward for their 11-hour round trip. The ability to be able to work their horse on the polytrack at Wolverhampton racecourse had proved vital, as their own gallops were unusable.

Those with a keen eye will have noticed that Bradley victory in Fridays Royal Artillery Gold Cup at Sandown was not achieved in Jim Colletts usual colours.

The 8-year-old was leased for the day to West Midland Point-to-Point Secretaries Association Chairman Colonel Robert Symonds who got his name on the trophy for the first time since 1988.

Bradley seem to have lost his chance negotiating the railway fences but Richard Spencer timed his run to perfection and swept into the lead at the final obstacle before repelling all challenges on the run to the judge.

138CM
Balfour Hill Song  -  James Doyle
Deehaven Chipmunk  -  Milo Herbert
Furby  -  Holly Needham
Gypsy  -  Melissa Dabrowski
Ninfield Millionaire’s Splendour  -  Tom Marquand
Revara Super Ted  -  Abbie McCain
Sandbro Dinky Toy  -  Philip Armson
Thunder  -  Tyler Gates
Tigga  -  Emma Chaston

148CM
Darby O,Gill  -  Gus Levinson
Heavenly Rose  -  Charlie Deutsch
Quickstep  -  Toby Wheeler
On A Promise  -  Laura Thomas
Starstruck Ebony  -  Myfi  Powell
Shoot The Moon  -  Charlie Hammond
Talponiciau Solitare  -  Stan Sheppard
Tommys Girl  -  Hollie Doyle
Tennant Super  -  Harry Phipps

PROVIDES

DETAILS

OF

THE COTSWOLD

POINT-TO-POINT

AT ANDOVERSFORD

ON

SUNDAY 15TH APRIL

PLEASE NOTE

THE FIRST RACE WILL NOW START AT 11 A.M.

ADMISSION: – £10 PER PERSON
RACECARDS £3

After its enforced break due to the arctic conditions a total of 13 Point-to-Point meetings have been scheduled or rescheduled for this weekend.

This obviously provides a multitude of choices for owners, trainers and riders but Sunday’s Albrighton fixture at Chaddesley Corbett has proved the most popular with the entry totalling 279, which has resulted in a revised start time of 11 a.m.

With the Maiden already split three ways races will now be run at 30 minute intervals but there is potential for the division of other races with entries of 33 in the Mens Open, 41 in the Restricted and 43 for the Novice Riders.

The Men’s Open could provide major clues to the destiny of the Cheltenham Foxhunters Trophy with leading fancies Cloudy Lane (has several Hunter Chase engagements earlier in the week) and My Flora both holding entries.

Description holds several entries during the week but as an easy winner of a Larkhill Ladies) he and last years Dudley Cup winner Surenga would enhance their prospects at Prestbury Park if they beat a field of this quality.

Darkness had useful form under Rules but cannot be expected to be anywhere near his best after a long spell on the sidelines, while the presence of Fresh Air and Fun, Mister Kay Bee, Up There and Offshore Account provide added interest.

Findlay’s Find has top class form in Point-to-Points but it generally takes him a run or two to find his feet and he may have to settle for a minor placing on this occasion.

The latter’s stablemate Lady Myfanwy heads the entries for the Ladies Open. Network Oscar put his rivals to the sword over course and distance last year and a repeat performance would enhance his chances in this contest.

Qozak, Sagalyrique and Petit Lord are potential mounts for Worcestershire based Angela Rucker, while it will be interesting to see how Skyhawk performs now that he has changed stables. Rocklandslad’s chances have to be respected after his win at Higham recently while Overlut front running tactics will expose any flaws in his rivals make up.

The Connollys Red Mills Intermediate is the last race on the card but it will be worth the long wait if  Ghemini Ahhs, Glidewell, Jacks the Lad, Kalulushi, Pickersleigh, Rumbavu and Walcot Lathyrus head the declarations.

After being beaten at Barbury on his seasonal debut Nobby Kivambo has won a Maiden and Restricted so this is the next logical step on his rise up the ladder. Mark Wall knows this horses strength and whatever finishes in front of them is likely to pick up the silverware.

Jelly O’Brien is trying to emulate her husband Fergal by winning the Trainers Championship and she currently figures prominently in the rankings although the season is still in its infancy.

Don’t Tell Nina has been running unsuccessfully under Rules so connections are trying the Point-to-Point route in the hope of seeing some improvements. The mare holds an entry in Division II of the Maiden and would not have to be anything out of the ordinary to get her head in front.

Restricted’s are always difficult to assess as judgements are required based on a horses performance in Maiden races but several entries look as though they are ready to make the grade. Coddington Lass is one that catches the eye, while For Sahkey Moony should have benefited from his run at Dunthrop and is another one for the short list.

Manton runs in the “Long Run” colours of Robert Waley Cohen who is no stranger to success over this course, while Clive Bennetts Mention Me is due a change of luck. Belinda Sparey’s Swallows Delight looked as though he would cause a major surprise at the Heythrop until weakening dramatically in the final furlong. This course could play to his strengths and his chances cannot be ignored.

Mike Hammond and Don Constable like nothing better than to have a winner at Chaddesley but whether Owenacurra is up to providing them with that success is open to debate. He has been disappointing so far this season but his chances should not be discounted out of hand.

Phillip Rowley’s Crazy Eyes will be all the rage in the Novice Riders Race. Jonathen Rogers belied the novice status when he steered this horse to victory in a similar race at Thorpe despite having no stirrups over the final three fences.

A word of caution, the 7-year-old fell at the last fence on his previous outing over this course but he will hopefully have learnt from that experience and will not make the same mistake again.

Entries must be made by noon……………………………………..…………..May 17th
Declarations to run must be made by 10.00 a.m………………..………May 22nd

TO CLOSE ON MAY 17TH

HARGREAVE HALE STOCKBROKERS HUNTERS’ STEEPLECHASE (CLASS 6)
Total prize fund £1200
Distributed in accordance with Schedule (F)9.6.1
(Includes a third prize)

£790 to the winning horse
The second to receive £243, and the third £121

For five years old and upwards which have a registered Hunters’ Certificate issued during the current season by one of the undermentioned hunts
TWO MILES ABOUT SEVEN FURLONGS
£6 stake
Weights: 11st 8lb each
Mares allowed………………………………………………….………………………7lb
Penalties, after 2010, a winner of a steeple chase……………………..…4lb
Of 2 steeple chases, or of a class 1 to 3 steeple chase……..…….………8lb
To be ridden by Amateur Riders

HARGREAVE HALE STOCKBROKERS has generously sponsored this race and will present a memento to the winning owner, trainer and jockey and a £50 cash prize to the lad or girl responsible for the best turned out horse in this race.

Qualifying Hunts: Albrighton, Albrighton Woodland, Berkeley, Clifton on Teme, Cotswold, Cotswold Vale Farmers, Duke of Beaufort’s, Ledbury, North Cotswold, North Ledbury, Croome & West Warwickshire, Wheatland and Worcestershire.
(In entering for this race, the name of the hunt represented must be stated).

Jelly is no stranger to success and was a successful Point-to-Point rider before starting a family.

Click on the link below if you would like to support her

http://www.fergalobrienracing.co.uk/jellyobriencharityraceforcancerresearchuk.html

To be held after the North Cotswold Hunt Point to Point, Paxford, Chipping Campden, Glos.
Monday 9th April 2012

To be run over one lap of the course, omitting open ditch.  Winner to be closest to an optimum time.

Open to any rider 16 years old and over who has not held a Point to Point rider’s certificate or licence to ride under NH Rules in the past five years.  Horses 6 years and over which do not hold a current Point to Point qualification certificate and are not in training to run under NH Rules in the current season.

Entry Fee £50 (£40 for PC members) including car pass.  For details contact Mrs Yvonne Goss on 07786 985654 or yvonne.goss@yahoo.co.uk

THE TIM CARTER MEMORIAL THROPHY HUNT CHALLENGE 2012

For the TIM CARTER MEMORIAL TROPHY

The aim of the Challenge is to encourage those who may wish to become point to point riders in the future by giving them a taste of what it is like to ride around a point to point course.  The conditions can change from year to year so please take the time to read the following carefully even if you have completed the challenge before.

The Challenge consists of one lap of the course which is approximately one and a half miles long, omitting the Open Ditch.  There are a maximum of 15 runners and riders.

For riders aged 16 years old and over who DO NOT HOLD and HAVE NOT HELD a certificate to ride in point to points, a permit or licence to run in races under the national hunt rules in the last five years.

For horses 6 years and over which DO NOT HOLD a current qualification certificate to run in point to points and ARE NOT in training to run in races under national hunt rules in the current season.

The winner will be the horse and rider that passes the Finishing Post closest to an Optimum Time.  The Honorary Stewards have the right to stop any horse or rider they deem to be unfit to participate.

Entries close Monday 2nd April.  Any entries received after this date will attract a £10 surcharge.  Entries are taken on a first come first served basis.  Please be sure to enclose a SAE for your car pass.  All proceeds go to the North Cotswold Hunt.  The organisers reserve the right to refuse any entry without giving a reason.

Any queries please contact me on 07786 985654 or yvonne.goss@yahoo.co.uk
Mrs Yvonne Goss

THE TIM CARTER HUNT CHALLENGE
2012
ENTRY FORM

NAME ………………………………………………………….
ADDRESS……………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………..
DAYTIME TEL :……………………………………………….
EVENING TEL:………………………………………………..
MOBILE:……………………………………………………….
EMAIL:………………………………………………………….

NAME OF HORSE:……………………………………………
COLOURS:…………………………………………………….

INFORMATION FOR COMMENTRARY PLEASE
(ie occupation, experience, age, first time etc.)

RIDER:………………………………………………………….
HORSE:………………………………………………………..
HUNT:………………………………………………………….
ENTRY FEE: £50 (£40 for PC members)
Cheques payable to ‘North Cotswold Hunt’
PLEASE SEND THIS FORM AND CHEQUE WITH A SAE TO
Mrs Yvonne Goss
Coombe Cottage, South Littleton, Evesham
Worcestershire, WR11 8TS
All details of the race and day format will be sent to you before the day along with a car pass.

Kilbeggan Blade performances under N.H. Rules indicated that staying was his forte, so connections made the wise decision to take him on the long journey down to Charing to contest the grandly named Kent Grand National over 3 miles and 6 furlongs.

Ally Stirling had ridden the 13-year-old North Ledbury qualified gelding when he finished second at Ideford Arch and she retained the ride as the horse faced 12 rivals over this marathon trip.

They were friendless in the market and went off amongst the unconsidered outsiders at 20-1. This was probably due to the local form guide who had the winner rated in the mid-70’s while the top horse was allotted 107.

Miss Stirling settled her mount in fourth place where the horse was noted jumping immaculately. She then timed her run to perfection joining the leaders at the last and the horse had his ears pricked as he drew away to win by 2-lengths.

(photo courtesy of Brian Armstrong)

Ally Sterling times her run to perfection on Kilbeggan Blade (stripes) to lead at the last

Ally used to work for Nigel Twiston Davies but moved to Fergal O’Briens new set up at Cildara Stud, near Northleach when the trainer set up base there.

Kilbeggan Blade was picked up for a modest sum by Guiting Power based owner Rowena Edwards, through a mutual acquaintance at Robin Dickins yard.

Somewhat surprisingly, this was a first winner for 4 years for Alan Phillips who trains at Callow End, near Malvern.

Connections agreed “Alan has done a remarkable job sweetening up this horse with individual attention. He does very little hard galloping, spending most of his time doing bank work in the Malvern foothills and some hunting. He hardly realises that he is working and loves the complete change of scenery.”

As the maternal side of the Edwards family hail from Yorkshire, they are keen to take their chance in the Grimthorpe Gold Cup at Whitwell on the Hill later in the season.

Julie Mansell made the equally long trip with several horses to Higham in Sufflok and the North Nibley trainer was rewarded with her first winner of the season after Rocklanslad’s victory in the Ladies Open.

The winner won several races between the flags last year and is very much at home in this company and scored in the colours of David and Lynn Cullimore.

Emily Pain and Sykee Savage ran their normal honest race in the Novice Riders at the same meeting but eventually had to settle for second place.

Owner Don Constable and trainer Zoe Hammond were at Thorpe with several runners so Mike Hammond kept a watching brief on Timeshift in the Conditions Race at Higham.

Dave Mansells mount is proving frustrating as he won the last time he went over to East Anglia but he was pulled up approaching the last on this occasion after being involved in an incident in the closing stages.

Mark Wall is in second position in the Riders Championship but he had a frustrating afternoon at Ideford Arch with Turning Tide finishing runner up in the Confined, Where’s My Slave finishing in the same position in the Restricted while Central Bank claimed third spot in the Maiden.

Hannah Lewis had ridden Rathcor on his previous outing at Chaddesley Corbett but as she was required for Rocklanslad at Higham she nominated Claire Hart for Stephen Rea’s runner in the Ladies Open at Thorpe.

Our strength in depth in this area was shown as the finish of this race was fought out by three West Midland qualified horses.

Jane Williams and Swift Counsel were always in the leading group and successfully fought off a number of challengers down the back straight, but the writing looked on the wall as Angela Rucker and Sagalyrique closed impressively approaching the fourth from home.

Claire Hart also made a forward move and Rathcor moved up into a challenging position at the third from home. Sagalyrique began to drop back approaching the next obstacle and there was little between Swift Counsel and Rathcor at the final fence. Rathcor eased clear of his rival on the flat but had to be pushed out to retain his length advantage on the flat.

Rathcor (Claire Hart) hold a narrow lead over Swift Counsel (Jane Williams) at the last

Half way up the run in and Rathcor starts to draw clear

Rea explained “He was brought by a syndicate just before his last run in 2010. He was an odds on favourite at Market Rasen but did his tendon and we were told he would not race again. He was put out in a field for 6 months without any problems. He lost about 20-lengths at the start on his return at Chaddesley but still finished 5th. I knew he would be 200% fitter today so we backed him accordingly. I hope to qualify him for the Foxhunters and if he is OK he will go for a Bangor Hunter Chase in a couple of weeks”. The AGA Final in May is also a future target according to the Belbroughton trainer.

The winning jockey reported afterwards “He jumped brilliantly today and he really pinged the open ditch”.

The backers of the favourite Crazy Eyes in the Novice Riders race had to thank Jonathen Rogers when they picked up their winnings. The jockey displayed great horsemanship and was able to maintain the partnership with his mount after his saddle slipped at the third from home.

Carrick Castle led for much of this contest with Crazy Eyes settled in last, with some thinking that Rogers had over-exaggerated the waiting tactics.

These grandstand jockeys were made to eat their words at Crazy Eyes sliced through the field along the back straight before vying for the lead at the third from home. It was here that disaster struck and the horse went from swinging on the bridle to what appeared to be an unlucky loser.

Brilliant horsemanship by Jonathen Rogers (blue and yellow) as Crazy Eyes negotiates the last

Over the last and the partnership remains intact

Winning connections are all smiles after the race

Rogers managed to steer his mount around the final bend and took the last in company with Reasonably Sure before quickening clear on the run to the judge.

Winning trainer Phillip Rowley was full of praise for the jockey after the race “He is part of a great team we have at home and I am really thrilled with this success. He will be a really nice horse next season” he said of the Wheatland qualified gelding.

Supporters of the Jelly O’Brien trained Kalulushi soon knew their fate when the horse parted company with Nick Slatter at the fourth in the Intermediate, while we had several runners in the Mens Open and all of them put up a bold showing.

Drama at the last fence

Current Exchange (red and black colours) and Caulkin (yellow) jump the last in unision

Opinion was divided as to which horse was going best at the time

Boychuk (nearside) battle in out with Up There after the last

The Olly Murphy ridden Boychuk raced prominently throughout this contest until he was tapped for toe at the second from home, where Caulkin and Current Exchange began to draw clear of their rivals.

There was little between this pair at the last but the former crumpled on landing which left Tom David’s mount to claim victory while the James Ridley ridden and Nicky Sheppard trained Up There finishing strongly to claim the runners up berth.

As It Is had caught the eye at Whitfield and so started an even money favourite for the final division of the Maiden but he was unable to building on his racecourse debut and had to settle for second spot behind The Wychough.

Jamie had a fall at the Harkaway Club meeting at Chaddesley Corbett on the 27th December

He was originally taken to Redditch but was subsequently transferred to Heartlands in Birmingham

He is still very poorly with a high temperature and lapsing in and out of consciousness

We will keep you posted on any future developments