DEVON

MID DEVON HUNT
POINT-TO-POINT

Tel 01647 441164
Miss Emma Dixon
Email: emmadixon2003@yahoo.co.uk
Entries Secretary: Miss Angela Bowden, Denshams Cottage, Chagford, Newton Abbot, Devon. TA13 8HH
Tel: 01647 433264

DEVON

EAST DEVON HUNT
POINT-TO-POINT

Tel 01404 831744
Mrs S. Wills

The Annex, Sutton Barton, Wilmington, Honiton, Devon EX14 9SH

DEVON
LAMERTON HUNT
POINT-TO-POINT

LAMERTON HUNT POINT-TO-POINT
Saturday 24 March 2007
Kilworthy, nr Brentor, Tavistock, Devon
Ist race 12.30 pm
6 races: Members, Open Maiden, Mixed Open, Confined, Restricted & Intermediate races. Trade Stands
Entries close: Saturday 17 March at 10 pm

Tel 01822 860253
Secretary: Mrs B. Fuller
Entry Secretary: Mrs Jane Baker
33 The Village, Milton Abbot, Tavistock, PL19 0PB
Tel/Fax: 01822 870534
Mob: 07919 623628
Email: jane.baker@beaconcomms.co.uk

EXMOOR FOXHOUNDS POINT-TO-POINT
Saturday 2 June 2007
Bratton Down, South Molton, Devon
1st race 2 pm
6 races: Members, Restricted, Intermediate, Ladies, Mens, Maiden
Trade Stands
Entries close: Saturday 26 June at 10 pm
CLICK HERE to visit THE EXMOOR FOXHOUNDS WEB PAGE

Tel and Fax: 01598 763502

Secretary and Entries:
Barbara Thomas

SOMERSET
WEST SOMERSET & MINEHEAD HARRIERS
POINT-TO-POINT

WEST SOMERSET AND MINEHEAD HARRIERS POINT-TO-POINT
Saturday 24 February 2007
Holnicote, on A39 between Minehead and Porlock, Somerset
1st race 12 noon
6 races: Members, subscribers and farmers; Open Maiden; Ladies open; Mens open;Intermediate; and R estricted
Safety factor: Open Maiden 15, all other races 17. Distances: all races over 3 miles
Trade stands, refreshments.
CLICK HERE to visit THE WEST SOMERSET HUNT WEB PAGE

Joint Secretaries: Mrs M. McLean-Foreman and Mrs B. Powell
Tel/Fax: 01643 705430

Long Combe Lodge, Manor Road, Alcombe, Minehead, Somerset TA24 6EJ

Entries close Saturday 17th February at 9pm

SOMERSET
WEST SOMERSET VALE
POINT-TO-POINT

WEST SOMERSET VALE HUNT POINT-TO-POINT
Sunday 15 April 2007
1st race 2 pm
Cothelstone, Kingston St Mary, nr Taunton, Somerset
6 races: Members, farmers and subscribers; Restricted; Mixed Open; Intermediate for novice riders; club members conditions; and Open Maiden
Safety factor: Open Maiden 16; all other races 18. Distance: all races over 3 miles
Trade stands
CLICK HERE for THE WEST SOMERSET VALE WEB PAGE

Secretary: Miss Katherine Cooke, Brook Farm, Bath Road, Upper Langford, Bristol. BS40 5DN
Tel: 01934 853330

Entries close Saturday 7th April at 8pm

DORSET

COTLEY
POINT-TO-POINT

COTLEY HUNT POINT-TO-POINT
Bank Holiday Monday 7 May 2007
1st race 1.30 pm
Cotley Farm, near Chard, Somerset
6 races: members, maiden 5, 6 and 7 yo, mixed open, 10 yo and over Countryside Alliance members, Restricted and Maiden 8 yo and over. Pony races.
Parade of hounds, Bouncy Castle, Bookmakers and Tote, Trade stands

Secretary: Anthony Palmer
Tel: 01935 817692
Entries Secretary:
Mrs Marie Handel
Tel: 01404 881699
Entries close Sunday 29th April at 8pm

SOMERSET

DEVON & SOMERSET STAGHOUNDS
POINT-TO-POINT

DEVON & SOMERSET STAGHOUNDS POINT-TO-POINT
Saturday 5 May 2007
1st race: 2 pm
Holnicote, on A39 between Minehead and Porlock, Somerset
7 races: members, subscribers and farmers; intermediate; maiden for mares; confined; restricted; mixed open; and open maiden.
Trade stands
CLICK HERE to visit THE DEVON & SOMERSET STAGHOUNDS WEB PAGE

Joint Secretaries:
Mrs J Rawle, Ford Mill, Bampton, Tiverton, Devon EX16 9DT
Tel / Fax: 01398 332157
Email: fordmill@hotmail.co.uk
Mr H Ticehurst, The Limes , 25 Hollam Drive, Dulverton TA22 9EL
01398 324454
Entries close Saturday 28th April at 10pm

SOMERSET

MINEHEAD HARRIERS & WEST SOMERSET
POINT-TO-POINT

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MINEHEAD HARRIERS AND WEST SOMERSET POINT-TO-POINT
Saturday 12 May 2007
1st race 2 pm
Holnicote, on A39 between Minehead and Porlock, Somerset
6 races: restricted; open maiden; mixed open; club members for novice riders; intermediate; and confined. Distances: all races over 3 miles
Trade stands, refreshments.

P J HOBBS
Sandhill Racing Stables
Set in 500 acres of top quality farmland, there are 100 stables, 1.5mile grass gallop, a 5 furlong 'woodchip' gallop, a 3 furlong 'polytrack' schooling ground, horse walkers and an equine pool. Philip Hobbs trains 100 horses; has sent out over 1000 winners and has finished in the country's top four National Hunt trainers since 1999.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS

Tel 01984 640366
Fax 01984 641124
Mobile 07860 729795
Philip and Sarah Hobbs
email racing@pjhobbs.co.uk
www.pjhobbs.co.uk

Sandhill Racing Stables, Bilbrook, Minehead, Somerset TA24 6HA

Devon and Cornwall Area Point to Point News for the 2007 Season
Press release prepared on behalf of Devon and Cornwall Point-to-Point Secretaries Association by PRO – Lucy Johnson
TELEPHONE: 01548 831548 MOBILE 07886 497496 EMAIL: lucy@racingjohnson.fsnet.co.uk

Report: East Cornwall Point-to-Point at Great Trethew on Sunday 1 April
TEENAGE jockeys Nick Scholfield and Emily Noszkay, both 17-years-old, stole the limelight at the East Cornwall meeting at Great Trethew on Sunday with Scholfield achieved his second treble of the season courtesy of Sea Snipe, Peppery Pamela and Fauntleroy. The mare Sea Snipe showed the utmost gameness in holding the persistent challenge of Double Honour to take the Mixed Open and win her fifth race of the season. “We may look for a hunter chase at Exeter next” said owner/breeder Ben Messer-Bennetts. The mare seems to be in the form of her life and evidently thrives under Becky Kennen’s handling on the wide open spaces of Bodmin Moor.
Another mare, Peppery Pamela, made all to win the fastest section of the two and a half miles Open Maiden. This six-year-old is owned and trained by Lucinda Tylor who said: “She is a home bred from my father’s Conduit Stud and her dam is from one of our successful stallions Kinglet. We have been waiting for her jumping to click” added Lucinda.
Nick Scholfield’s hat trick, putting him on the 12 winner mark for the season and adding strength to his bid for the National Men’s novice title, was completed when Fauntleroy just held old rival Nditlir to win the Confined. “Fauntleroy has now won four times for us this season and goes to Ascot Sales next Tuesday (April 10th),” said owner Colin Heard afterwards.
Emily Noszkay rode her first ever winner at Buckfastleigh in February, and came up with a double here for the Jackie du Plessis yard where she works. Kingsmill Lake made all to win the Hunt race, and Walter De Wodeland drew away in great style from Fremantle Doctor from the top of the hill to capture the Restricted. Both winners are home bred. “Walter De Wodeland’s dam Kingsmill Quay is in foal to Bandmaster again”, said Saltash-based Du Plessis. The Open Maiden race had been split into three divisions and a field of 13 faced the starter in the first section. River Heights looked like being another winner for Nick Scholfield when leading over the last, but Tabitha Cave delivered a well timed challenge on Manmoon, who got his head in front half way up the run in to win going away. Manmoon, the only four year old in the race, was bought at Cheltenham sales last April and is jointly owned by Derek Mead and Geoff Board. He is trained at Woolminstone by Ros Newman, who was quick to pay tribute to her event rider daughter Sophie who broke him in, “and has done all the work with him”. Six-year-old gelding King’s Wood left his previous form behind him on the better going to take the other section of the Open Maiden. Darren Edwards sent him clear of pacemaker Bonny Busona at the penultimate to score convincingly. The winner is owned by Laura Claydon and trained by Ashley Farrant at Bampton. He was bought unbroken at Doncaster sales two years ago. “He is a June foal and green as grass, and he doesn’t handle soft ground,” said the trainer. King’s Wood is by the successful Irish stallion Oscar, and another of his numerous offspring Winter Scene won a good battle for the Exeter Racecourse Intermediate. Seven-year-old mare Winter Scene ran on well in the hands of Lucy Gardner to hold Cookies Bank and Candlelight Valley to record her third win of the season. “I would like to take her to the hunter chase final of this series at Exeter, but she will not run on quick ground,” said the rider who also trains the mare.
The Confined Maiden attracted only five runners and long standing maiden Phairy Storm finally found a race with his name on it, being left clear when nearest pursuer Love The Lamb virtually ran off the track on the sharp top bend. “Phairy Storm is an awkward ride but has ability,” reported owner/rider Ben Robarts of the Nikki Frost trained gelding.

Report: Lamerton Hunt Point-to-Point at Kilworthy on 23 March
Richard Woollacott was the man on form at Kilworthy on Saturday where he booted home three winners on a day where a huge crowd enjoyed some thrilling finishes. It was a family affair in the first division of the maiden with Simply Bruno, returning after a year’s break, running out a convincing winner having stayed on well on the run in to score by five lengths. Trained by Richard’s partner Emely Thompson, he is owned by Emely’s mother Tessa Thompson who said: “He has always been big so we gave him a year off, just so that he could grow up. Richard and Emely do the most fantastic job.” The second leg of the treble came in the mixed open where three of the area’s best horses were neck and neck over the last to provide one of the best finishes seen so far this season. Teddy Boy, Jalons Star and Southwestern were all in with a chance, but it was the former who proved the most resolute, digging deep on the run in to score by two and a half lengths. It was the first time the 11-year-old, owned by Richard Mitford-Slade, Lucy Fielding-Johnson and John Fisher, had been tried out in front after a muddling early pace caused Woollacott to take the race by the scruff of the neck and kick on. Teddy Boy duly responded and his jumping got better and better. The target could now be a hunter chase at Exeter on April 11 over two miles three and a half furlongs.

Woollocott’s third winner came on Cattle Class in the restricted and it was a hands and heels job for the current Devon and Cornwall champion who pushed him up the run in to score by six lengths, beating favourite Killoran in the process. A good looking son of Busy Flight, he is owned by John Snook, Martin Dare and Terry Hamlin who also own the useful Colin Tizzard-trained Mister Quasimodo by the same sire. “That’s the reason we bought him – he’s the same type of horse,” said Mr Hamlin.

Caroline Farrant was bucked off Ted One in the lorry park but the incident left her none the worse for wear as she was pulled to the front in the second maiden and scored easily. Caroline explained: “He’s a very nervous horse and when you put the saddle on he can be cold backed so we tend to ride him in the lorry park to get him used to it. We also take him to the start early where it is nice and quiet for him.” Bought at Doncaster Sales he was broken in by Caroline and her mother Sarah and has endured three years of niggling problems before finally winning his maiden.

Another Doncaster purchase to win was the Gordon Chambers-trained Sara Monica who took the confined under Will White who threw the works at the mare to hold off Gunners Mistake by half a neck. Her owner Jacky Elliot said: “I love chestnut mares and that’s why we bought her.” The race wasn’t without incident with Mark McCarthy falling off Toi Express and suffering concussion and Nicola Rovai sustaining a suspected broken wrist after Matrix fell.

Lee Glanville’s good looking bay Lisheen Storm booked his place in the Exeter Racecourse Intermediate series final on May 16 after coming over the last fence in front and staying on well under Tim Dennis to win by three and a half lengths. Lee Glanville trains him on Anthony Mildmay-White’s gallops on the Flete Estate where her husband Lawrence is the farm manager. “Tim found him for me in Ireland last November – he knew I was looking for one, but it took a while to find him,” she added.

Wendy’s Dynamo proved his well being in the opening members’ which he won under Mark Munrowd.

Report: East Devon Point to Point at Bishop’s Court on 18 March
Nick Scholfield’s run of good form continued at the East Devon’s meeting at Bishop’s Court where a double brought his tally to five for the weekend, both for course owner Oliver Carter and trainers Tony and Pauline Geering. The first came in the members’ race where Early Edition was a convincing seven length winner. His son Gone Missing then scored in the restricted. Held up in the rear of the field until pushed into second place after four out he then took up the lead on the turn for home to score readily. Mrs Geering said: “It’s nice to have father and son scoring on the same day. Gone Missing needs to be dropped in behind, although when he was left a bit at the start I did think I didn’t mean to drop him in that far! Nick got him jumping amazingly though. Mr Carter has a five-year-old by Gone Missing.”
Alice Mills was another young jockey seen to good effect when partnering Barham Brook to make virtually all and score in the confined maiden for five, six and seven year olds, although the win was a surprise to her trainer Sam Holdsworth who would have been satisfied if she’d got over the first after she refused at Buckfastleigh. “She was a bit shocked that day and refused. I said to Alice to drop her in at the back, but after we went schooling this morning, she said she wanted to go out in front and let her see her fences,” he said.
Nineteen-year-old Charlie Dailly, who has been with Paul Nicholls since he left school four years ago, got his first winner on the board when scoring in the restricted on Ability for Gordon Herrod.
But there was disappointment for Jenny Carr who was all set to record her first victory after leading from pillar to post on Alan and Jane Walter’s Fleur De Nikos only to be disqualified for going the wrong side of a fence which had to be bypassed due to a stricken rider. Jenny, who is based with Gordon Chambers, looked superb aboard the chestnut eight-year-old, but in the end the race went to Reviewer and Charlotte Tizzard who were 15 lengths behind.
Southwestern, who was never traveling in the tacky ground at Buckfastleigh, was seen back to his best when winning the men’s open under Neil Harris and won far more easily than the two length margin suggests. Thoughts of making a race riding come back sprung to Mandy Hand’s mind after the third success this season of her gelding Dante’s Back who took the intermediate under Darren Hand. But husband Reg, with whom she owns the horse, and her family, are putting her under lock and key if she does.

Report: Western point-to-point at Wadebridge on 16 March.
It looks as though the Westcountry has found a promising young jockey in 17-year-old Nick Scholfield. Fresh from an exhilarating ride at the Cheltenham festival on Napolitain for his governor Paul Nicholls, Nick clocked up the first hat trick of his fledgling career at the Western fixture at Wadebridge. The stylish young rider took the Men’s Open on prolific winning mare Sea Snipe and the first division of the maiden on promising six year old Ballybrown, both trained by Becky Kennen on Bodmin Moor. “These are the only two I have in training at the moment,” said Becky, “so I do the riding out, mucking out and drive the horse box”. Ballybrown produced an impressive performance on only his second racecourse appearance. He was bought from ex-jockey Jim Culloty in Ireland last autumn and is owned by Charlie Rush. In contrast, ten-year-old Sea Snipe, home bred by owner Ben Messer-Bennetts, was taking her career wins into double figures, and her fourth this season when beating Frontenac in the Men’s Open.
Scholfield also took another division of the Maiden with the Jimmy Frost owned and Nikki Frost trained Whatcanisay, home bred from the Frost’s stallion Morpeth, who had little difficulty in disposing of his six rivals. “Whatcanisay has taken time to come to himself”, said the trainer, “and will probably go under Rules”. A delighted and slightly bemused Nick Scholfield said: “I have never had more than one winner on a day previously”. These three winners thrust Nick Scholfield into a good position in the National Novice Riders’ title.
Richard Woollacott was the other jockey in form with a double, courtesy of Bucket Awl and Whizzaar. Alan and Jane Walter’s Bucket Awl just prevailed over Innocent Rebel in the Intermediate after the pair had been locked together over the final mile. Woollacott had a more straight forward ride to win the Restricted on Whizzaar, owned by John and Floss Symes and trained by Emely Thompson.
Sandy Duff returned from a lay off to contest the Ladies’ Open, with his owner rider Mary McCarthy also back in action after breaking a leg at Black Forest Lodge in January. This time Sandy Duff had to give best to an in-form Let’s Fly, who drew clear on the uphill climb to the post under a positive ride from Polly Gundry. This win set up a seasonal hat trick for the consistent Let’s Fly, whilst Sandy Duff lost little in defeat and can resume winning ways before long.
Fauntleroy (Colin Heard) and Nditlir (Tim Dennis) looked like fighting out a tight finish to the Confined when coming to came to the final fence together, but the latter crumpled on landing leaving Fauntleroy to saunter home unchallenged.

Report: Dart Vale and Haldon Harriers Point to Point at Buckfastleigh, Sunday 11 March
Jalons Star landed the prestigious Westcountry Champion Chase at Buckfastleigh on Sunday after a superb performance on stamina sapping ground under his owner Ben Robarts. Trained just a stone’s throw from the course by Nikki Frost, it was Jalons Star’s first start of the season and a last minute decision to run after originally intending to go to the abandoned meeting at Great Trethew and then a hunter chase at Stratford. Ben said: “We didn’t really want to come here, and we really thought he would need the run but we always knew he would like the sticky ground.” Ben’s mother Georgie Robarts added: “I really can’t believe he has won, and what a race to win. Ben really deserves that as he works very hard.” Favourite Southwestern made a mistake three out, and after a valiant effort on the run-in, failed to reel in the winner who went away to score by a decisive seven lengths.
Lisa Buswell threw the works at Maser Accord in the first division of the open maiden to score her first win on her fourth attempt. Trained by Malcolm Beck, Lisa’s partner, near Ilfracombe, the seven-year-old was bought at Doncaster Sales three years ago and stayed well on the testing ground which saw just two of the 12 starters finish after Lee Rowe had set a fierce pace on Bonny Busona leaving the field trailing in his wake. Lisa was understandably over the moon with her first ever victory and said: “Malcolm promised he’ll take me to dinner anywhere I want if I win, and my pony gets new pyjamas!”
The pace in the following second division of the maiden was much more sedate with Dandooley relishing the going to finish with plenty of running under Will White a long way ahead of Tim Dennis on Hilton Hall. “I’ve always thought he’s very nice horse and I’ve always had a lot of faith in him,” said his trainer Julie Pocock who wasn’t surprised at the ease of the win. “I told Will to go out and be fairly handy on him,” she added. Gordon Chamber’s home-bred What A Moose finished a distance back in third on his first ever start but Will Biddick received a £150 ban for carrying on with an exhausted horse. Biddick remained out of luck in the following Westcountry Champion Chase after falling with Cannon Bridge, but then things took a turn for the better when he rode a double. First he steered home On His Toes to win the Exeter Racecourse Intermediate Race. Trained by Gordon Chambers, it was a fitting win for his owners, Exeter Racecourse, who now intend to run him in the final. “That was great and we are chuffed to bits,” said clerk of Exeter course Barry Johnson. Biddick then scored with Mister Club Royal who took the confined race when the pair were left in front after Thirtytwored slipped up on the final bend when running well. Trainer Emma Oliver was understandably pleased with the performance of her horse who had had a week in the box followed by a few days of road work after getting pus in the foot. “He’s had a shoe fitted with a bar that goes over the bruise,” she explained.
Mike Wier added another win to his belt when Richard Darke pushed Real Sharp ahead at the last from Tamar Moss and went on to score by eight lengths in the first restricted. In the second restricted Lisheen Storm stayed on strongly on the run in in the second restricted but could not quite get on terms with the winner Winter Scene, ridden by Lucy Gardner and owned by Claire Nute and her grand parents, who received a share in the horse as a 60th anniversary present. In the members’ Siobhans Quinner and Gunners Mistake were neck and neck on the run-in with the latter getting up to score by three quarters of a length under Darren Edwards. Rebecca Welch’s home bred ten-year-old is out of the same mare as third placed Riteway Round.

Preview: North Cornwall Foxhounds, Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge, Saturday 3 February
More than one hundred entries have been received for the North Cornwall Foxhounds meeting on Saturday with the first of eight races under starters’ orders at 12pm. The open maiden has been divided into two divisions and also on the card are members’, restricted, confined, intermediate, men’s open, ladies’ open and maiden races with 35 minutes between each race.Entries include Concert Pianist, Innocent Rebel, Jalons Star, Teddy Boy and Chita’s Flight in the men’s open and Bally Blue and Let’s Fly in the ladies’. Secretary David Bryant said: “We are extremely pleased with the entry and we are looking forward to a brilliant day’s racing. We are expecting the ground to be good.”

Preview: Mid Devon Foxhounds, Black Forest Lodge, Sunday February 4
More than a hundred entries have been received for the Mid Devon Foxhounds Point to Point this Sunday, February 4 - the third meeting to take place at Black Forest Lodge this season. Pony racing kicks off the card at 11am with the confined underway at noon. Other races on the card are a men’s open; a ladies open, an intermediate and a restricted. The maiden has been split into two divisions.

Preview: Tiverton Foxhounds Point-to-Point, Chipley Park, Sunday 28 January A nine race card is on the agenda at Chipley Park on Sunday with the highlight the mixed open.Marie McGuiness trained last year’s winner Orswell Crest, who gave Josh Guerriero his inaugural success, and the 13 year old is entered again. He’s already been in the winners’ enclosure this season having relished a slog in the mud at Ideford Arch to provide Katherine Hobbs with an easy winner.Another entry worthy of note is Gary Lever’s Gone To Lunch, the winner of four starts last season and likely to be ridden by the current leader in the national championship, Neil Harris.The grey mare Chita’s Flight progressed nicely last season and is another to scrutinise in the paddock.Orswell Crest and Chita’s Flight are also entered in the PPORA Club Members’ race alongside other decent prospects including Finewood and Mr Auchterlonie who is another who enjoyed the muddy conditions at Ideford Arch where he scored a success. Phar City shouldn’t be ignored either after a fine effort at Tweseledown in December.In the intermediate, Wendy’s Dynamo could improve on his run at Black Forest Lodge where he finished second to Swift Wood while Lady Edison is another who could come into the reckoning.The restricted has been devided and among those to watch out for in the paddock in the more competitive first division are Larkihill winner Banaluso, Coverdale, Minella Lodge and Karantanka, a half brother to Maximize who is now trained by Mary Sanderson.In the second division, Lady Myfanwy could double up on her Ideford Arch success.There are three maiden divisions and in the first Tog Go BogePretty could run wel, in the second Noakarad de Veree is the one to note and in the third Running Spring from Sally Alner’s yard is capable of success.The first race is off at 11.30am and the course is situated near Milverton, Tiverton. Entrance fee is £20 per car and £10 per car with one occupant.

Sunday 21 January 2007: Report on Black Forest Lodge meeting. SHOCK DEFEAT FOR SOUTHWESTERN AT BLACK FOREST
Prolific winner Southwestern suffered an unexpected defeat in the Silverton Men’s Open on a well supported card at Black Forest Lodge, where good to soft going produced a turnout of 78 runners for the eight races. Southwestern, the mount of Neil Harris and the odds on favourite, has achieved three of his eight pointing victories at the Devon track, but could not get to grips with the well backed Welsh challenger Simoun, who had an impressive ten lengths to spare at the post in the hands of James Tudor. The winner had won two group races on the flat in Germany as a four year old before scoring twice for Martin Pipe over hurdles. Nine year old Simoun was having his first run for his new owner / trainers Lee and Kelly Bridge who are based at Llantrisant.
The twelve runner Ladies’ Open developed into a three way scrap between Let’s Fly (Polly Gundry), Double Honour and Golfagent. Diana Hobbs sent 4-5 favourite Double Honour to the front approaching the third last but the grey forfeited the lead when fluffing the penultimate fence. Let’s Fly took a two lengths lead round the final bend and held on well to win by a length as Double Honour rallied on the run in. Twelve year old Let’s Fly has been a grand servant to owner/trainer Ross Oliver who rides him regularly at home. “He can be lively out hunting” said the proud owner, adding that he had “been out with the Four Burrow over ten times this winter.”
Joli Christmas gave Liam Adams his first winner in the saddle when just holding Little Apple Bay in the Novice Riders’ Restricted. The winner is home bred by his trainer Gordon Chambers and races for the 15 strong Exeter Racecourse Group. The 21 year old jockey is attached to Jimmy Frost’s yard. Rum Cake proved a disappointing favourite in the Intermediate, jumping without his usual fluency and being pulled up when out of contention behind the easy winner Swift Wood (Michael Miller). The winner is a progressive sort owned by Peter Clarke and trained by Keith Cumings, who said the eight year old had “been big and backward and needed time”.
Winter Scene had little difficulty landing the odds in the Hunt Race in the hands of Lucy Gardner. A smallish six year old mare by Oscar, Winter Scene is owned by the Nute Tomkins Partnership from St Mabyn, comprising of Claire Nute and her grandparents.
The Maiden was run in three divisions. Kilbreena came from Pyle near Bridgend to win the first section in driving rain. The ex-Irish gelding was the first ever runner to be saddled by his trainer Robert Scrine, and is owned by Denise Purchase. He was giving 25 year old jockey Rhys Hughes, who is attached to the successful Evan Williams’ yard, his first winner for two years. Travel Dehouche jumped well for Will Biddick to take the second division, just holding the persistent challenge of Kalabell Prince. Colin and Karyn Heard sent out this winner from their Boscastle yard for owners Graham and Anne Runnalls.
The ground had softened considerably after several heavy showers by the time Brendan’s Surprise ridden by Neil Harris took the final maiden in easy fashion. This leggy gelding was purchased for 4,200 gns at Doncaster last August by his trainer Leslie Jefford. The five year old raced in the colours of Michael Pidsley, better known in his business capacity as the “Devonshire Straw Man”.

Saturday 30 December 2006: POINT TO POINT REPORT IDEFORD ARCH, DEVON
SOUTHWESTERN proved his racing career continues on an upward curve at Ideford Arch on Saturday where he convincingly won his toughest start to date. Thirteen went to post in the mixed open, including the useful Double Honour, but it was Southwestern who pulled away three out under Neil Harris to win with plenty left in the tank despite heavy going taking its toll on a number of runners during the course of eight races. Southwestern’s trainer Jeremy Scott had decided against running the gelding, but an inspection of the course the night before in the dark allayed any fears about the going and Southwestern proved one again he’s a leading contender for top honours this season.
While Double Honour’s jockey Diana Hobbs unseated three out, her sister Katherine had better luck when bouncing back to winning form, after a fall at Tweseldown, when guiding Orswell Crest to victory in the club members’ race having made virtually all the running. Roz Newman unveiled another potential star in the shape of Tom Cannon who took the first division of the open maiden in good style on his racecourse debut under Nathan Willmington. The four-year-old has benefited from early handling by event rider Sophie Hawke who competed him in young event horse class during the summer. His owner Derek Mead also owns the useful Junctiontwentyfour and looked to be heading for a double with the fancied Mister Wiseman in the second division but Lady Myfanwy, who was cantering on the beach on Christmas day, held on by a length and a half to win under Isobel Tompsett.
Trained in south Wales by Peter Miles, the five-year-old is named after his wife Myfanwy who remarked: “She’s a bit psychotic so he named her after me!”
Ed Cookson scored the third win of his fledgling career aboard his mother, The Hon Angela Cookson’s Mr Auchterlonie who took up the lead at the open ditch and had enough in the tank to hold off a game effort from Little Apple Bay . Eighteen-year-old Ed is based with trainer Victor Dartnall where he is employed as the stable’s amateur and the gelding was saddled by Sonia Hall who also looks after injured horses and youngstock.
Beth Roberts’ The Quarry Man followed up his Black Forest Lodge win with an easy success in the intermediate under area champion Richard Woollacott and another equally easy winner was Jackie Du Plessis’ home bred Kingsmill Lake who put up a thoroughly game performance to win the first open maiden. The mare hung badly in previous runs but those problems have been ironed out and Sarah Gaisford sent her out in front and kept there to win by a distance. The second maiden went to Matthew Daniels’ Coverdale who was ridden to success by Charlotte Tizzard. The 11-year-old was bought at Ascot Sales in October and is trained by Michaela Williams who works for Charlotte’s father Alan.

Saturday 16 December 2006: North Cornwall Hunt Point-to-Point, Wadebridge
DOUBLE Honour always made his jockeys work hard for their wins when he raced under Rules but the dour stayer found the switch to point-to-pointing much more to his liking and landed a competitive ladies’ at Wadebridge on Saturday. The good looking grey appeared to relish the long down hill run in the hands of Diana Hobbs and with stamina in abundance he kept plugging on up the endless climb for home to hold off the favourite Spuddlers Dream and win by two lengths. Diana’s mother Sarah, who owns the eight-year-old, joked: “What we need now is a three mile point-to-point which is all down hill.”
Winning under Rules became a near impossibility for Double Honour who had been weighted to the hilt by the handicapper and he may now go hunter chasing. Concert Pianist was backed to win the men’s open and he duly did so under Richard Woollacott, getting up in the dying strides to win by half a length from Just Sally. The 11-year-old came to trainer Emely Thompson in the summer after success under Rules with Peter Winkworth. Emely said: “Alan Walter has done a huge amount of work on his jumping and he jumped wonderfully today. He was giving the second horse a stone but he stays very well.”
Veteran jockey Colin Heard proved he is riding as well as ever when guiding Fauntleroy to a two length win in the restricted. The seven-year-old earned the accolade of being the horse most entered to run last season, without ever getting to the track, but niggling problems which have frustrated his career now seem to be cured. Colin’s wife Karyn, who owns and trains the horse, said: “We are just so pleased he has won as we have waited a long time for it.”
Heard nearly made it a double with the fancied Innocent Rebel in the intermediate in what turned out to be a thrilling match with Thematis. The pair were flat to the boards for much of the race but Jamie Snowden kicked on with Thematis four out to win by a couple of lengths. Trainer Caroline Keevil last came to Wadebridge two years ago when she won with Deep Pockets.
Nick Scholfield proved once again he’s a jockey with a bright future after winning the club members’ race with the Becky Kennen-trained Sea Snipe judging the race well and asking enough of the mare to win by four lengths.
Winning owner Sally Messer-Bennetts said: “She’s a lovely mare and Nick is a star in my opinion. We are hoping to run her in hunter chases as she has a good pedigree and it will make her worth more as a broodmare. She’s had a chequered past and when she was a foal she had a terrible gravel and didn’t come sound for a long time. Every time we ran her she was lame. But we sent her to (physiotherapist) Mary Bromiley who cured her.”
The Gordon Edwards-trained Killer Cat was an easy winner of the first division of the maiden. Edwards’ son Darren was in front at the last on the five-year-old and won very easily while the second division went to the Ross Oliver owned Sledgehammer, ridden by Polly Gundry.

13 December 2006: CORNWALL STAGES ITS FIRST DECEMBER POINT TO POINT
CORNNWALL’S first ever December point to point at the Royal Cornwall Showground near Wadebridge looks set to be a thrilling affair on Saturday with a top quality ladies’ open in prospect.
Among the entries are the brilliant Sandy Duff, who won seven last season, the consistent Pertemps Profile, who goes well at the course, multiple winner Spuddlers Dream and Bob Buckler’s ex National Hunt Phar City. However, it is Double Honour who stands out having been down graded to point to points after a highly successful campaign under Rules. The popular grey is renowned as a devout stayer and is a multiple winner on the Flat, over hurdles and fences. There will be absolutely no qualms with his jumping – he has run in the Becher Chase over the Grand National fences and finished fourth in the Scottish Grand National as well and he looks a lovely prospect for trainer Philip Hobbs’ daughters to ride.
One of Double Honour’s wins was at Newton Abbot where he defeated Maximise who is entered in the men’s open. His wins include the Kim Muir Fulke Walwyn Challenge Cup Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival under his current owner Darren Edwards. He’ll find three miles around the Royal Cornwall showground a much easier prospect.
The restricted has attracted some really nice horses including the Nikki Frost-trained Dad Says Heazle who won a maiden at Holnicote in good style last season and the Lucy Gardner-trained Winter Scene who will have improved for a run at Black Forest Run a couple of weeks ago.
Intermediate entries include Colin Heard’s duel winner Inncocent Rebel. He won at the course last season and should go well. Sea Snipe, the Devon and Cornwall area’s champion mare, is entered in the club members’ race. She provided seventeen-year-old Nick Scholfield with his inaugural success last season and the pair team up again on Saturday.
Joint secretary David Bryant said: “We’ve have good ground, a good entry and it look like good racing. It’s a first for Cornwall and hopefully it will be very successful. “It’s been a great team effort to get December racing in Cornwall off the ground and we hope we have a good crowd. There will also be mulled wine and minced pies to add to the atmosphere.” There are six races on the card with the first off at noon.
The course is located off the A39 west of Wadebridge.

3 December 2006: Black Forest Lodge Club Point to Point, Black Forest Lodge
HISTORY was made at Black Forest Lodge on Sunday when point to point racing took place in December for the first ever time. A good sized crowd was treated to seven competitive races with Fred Hutsby getting the ball rolling in the opening two miles four furlongs maiden. He rode Pocket Tiger, which he trains in Warwickshire, to finish first past the post after getting the better of a tussle with Richard Woollacott on Friendly Affair.
Hutsby quickly doubled up in the second division on Oscar Royal who looked lucky to win after favourite Dancing Dasi crashed out at the last when travelling well. Hutsby’s father Ken, who owns both horses, said: “Like Pocket Tiger we acquired him through Brian Murphy of the Dunraven Arms in Ireland. I’m so pleased as it’s his first time over fences and he jumped so well.”
Emely Thompson and Richard Woollacott who train in partnership, got their season off to a fine start when saddling a double. Polligana obliged in the novice riders race under a good ride from promising young teenager Nick Schofield but they were promoted from second after the winner Kayley Jones lost her weight cloth on Pure Fun and was subsequently disqualified. Seventeen-year-old Scholfied is based with champion trainer Paul Nicholls and rode his first winner for him under Rules a week ago at Newbury. He said: “It does seem to be going well at the moment. I didn’t expect to win and it’s such a shame for Kayley, but it’s nice to get my first winner of the season on board.” Woollacott then rode Elizabeth Roberts’ home bred The Quarry Man to a convincing win in the restricted having taken up the lead on the down hill run. Mrs Roberts, who has two horses in training, was delighted with the performance of the eight-year-old who was out a mare who raced just once before being retired to the paddocks.
Last year’s champion novice Southwestern began the new season in winning style under Neil Harris who made his move on the down hill run and kicked on to score by nine lengths. Immediate plans for the exciting seven year old are more point to points with hunter chases an option later in the season.
Gregory Peckory and Maxou Des Brosses were upsides coming over the last in the intermediate but Julian Pritchard threw the works at the former to score by two lengths. Fergal O’Brien has taken over training the pointers from his partner Jelly Nolan who is expecting the couple’s second child in May. Will Biddick took the concluding maiden on Real Sharp whose owner trainer Mike Weir part exchanged for Waddon Hill. “We got him at the end of August but unlike some of our horses and he hasn’t done a lot of hunting,” said Weir who is the master of the Dartmoor Hunt.

25 September 2006: New point-to-point season to begin in December
POINT-TO-POINTING in the Devon and Cornwall area is set to make history when December meetings are staged for the first ever time.Confirmed dates are Sunday, December 3 (Black Forest Lodge Club at Black Forest Lodge, Kenton), Saturday, December 16 (North Cornwall Club at Wadebridge) and Saturday, December 30 (South Devon Hunts Club at Ideford Arch).

The following races will be staged at the meetings. Black Forest Lodge Club: four to seven-year-old open maiden over two miles four furlongs; Club members’ race for novice riders (membership available on entry); restricted; mixed open; intermediate; open maiden over three miles. North Cornwall Club: Club members’ race for horses owned and trained in Cornwall; men’s open; ladies open; restricted; intermediate; open maiden over three miles. South Devon Hunts Club: South Devon Hunts Club members’ race; South Devon Hunts Club members’ race for novice riders; four to seven-year-old open maiden over two miles four furlongs; mixed open; intermediate; open maiden over three miles.

Hunters’ certificates for horses running at the Black Forest Lodge Club meeting on December 3 must be lodged with Weatherbys by noon on Friday, November 24 for horses to be eligible to run.

Full details of the race programmes can be obtained now from David Ingle at Weatherbys Chase on 01933 440077, or email orders@weatherbys.co.uk. For any other queries contact area secretary Gordon Chambers on 01364 642755.

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