Unfortunately Fred has had to give in and is now tucked up in bed resting his carved up toe and attempting to get rid of the virus attacking his chest.  I am left in charge of both tin and bag and some of his other chores but I will leave the report making to him when he gets better.  Regards Ruth

 

 Devon and Cornwall Area Point to Point
News release prepared on behalf of the D and C Point to Point Secretaries
Association by
 PRO ­ Mrs Lee Glanville, 8, The Drive, Bicton, East Budleigh, Budleigh
Salterton, Devon
EX9 7BH  
PHONE (01395) 567941 FAX (01395) 567169 MOBILE 07812 216 780

Tetcott report ­ Sunday, May 11
 
Hasten Bak was anything but at the start of the Confined hunts race at the
Tetcott meeting at Lifton (on Sunday).
 Roma Cook's charge has been left at the start once before this season and
dwelt here before handing out a  20 length drubbing to his four opponents in
the capable hands of Mrs Cook's niece Lucy Gardner. Lydford Castle, a winner
last time out at Flete, was second under Liam Heard.
 For the higher grade races runners were few and far between ­ many trainers
have either turned out  their better horses after the recent dry spell or
are waiting to see what the ground is like at the Bratton Down meetings.
 Two 13- year-old horses and one seven-year-old contested the men's open,
Damien's Pride calling on his experience for a comfortable  victory under
Tim Dennis. Strong Stuff, also 13, was second and Irisio was 12 lengths and
12 lengths back in third.
 The huge crowd clapped ladies' winner Breteche (Elise Newman) as she passed
the post, recognising that it is sometimes  harder to ride a race alone than
in a huge field ­ especially as both riders in this race were in their first
season. Elise managed to keep both her and Breteche's concentration and
judged her pace well. Breteche is a good horse in his own right and at one
point was four fences ahead of Dominique Mills who, having only her second
ride, showjumped Brit of a Babe round safely.
 There was at least a close finish in the novice riders' race as Father
Mansfield ( Caroline Prouse) flew home over the last two fences and just
failed to catch Vic's Brush (William White) ­ those in the crowd who felt
that Father Mansfield was  left too much to do should remember that these
races are for novice riders and Caroline was coming back after a  hefty bank
holiday fall.
 It was an action packed restricted as first Indiana John fell and then
favourite SunLark pulled up in the lead ­ a subsequent stewards' enquiry
found that the tack broke allowing the weight cloth to come adrift and the
jockey (R Young) had no choice but to pull up.  Itworked  looked the pick of
the rest. The horse was partnered by Richard Darke but  tried his hardest to
make things difficult for his pilot. Darke however was determined and only
just failed to peg back the lead of Marquis Max (Wayne Smith).
 There was plenty of action in the maiden. Mr Rory bucked off rider Amanda
Barnett after jumping the first fence and eventual winner Baron Ridge
(Richard Darke) came from behind but victor wasn't his until the line,
second place Port Valenska (Neil Harris)  fighting all the way.
  

Preview of weekend meetings. Dulverton West at Bratton Down on Saturday, May 17 and South Cornwall at Trebudannon on Sunday, May 18 Dulverton West

The picturesque course at Bratton Down is reported to be in great shape for the first of the three meetings to be held there, the Dulverton West,on Saturday, first race 1pm.

Unilke many other hunts they should kick off with a good members race as the 11 entries include Longstone Lad, who was the winner last year, Quickswood and Happy Team.

There is a seven race card and three of the races­ both maidens and the Restricted ­ may well divide again on the day if there are more than 16 declared for each.

Secretary Claire Wright has plenty of tradestands booked for those who like to shop between races.

Mixed Open entries include Mister Benjamin, Mrs Be, Oscar Wilde and Track O' Profit and, with 27 horses entered, a good race is in prospect. Bebe Blue will be looking for a clear round in the first division of the maiden Beau Supreme could fulfil his promise for trainer Richard Down in the second. Keitho, Red Native and The Kings Fling should make the intermediate one of the classiest of the season and Alan Walter's Parte Prima could be on for a four-timer in the Confined.

The course is nine miles north east of Barnstaple at Bratton Fleming. For more information contact Claire Wright on 01598 740112

South Cornwall at Trebudannon

Most of the horses entered at Trebudannon, which is growing in popularity with every meeting, are not entered up elsewhere so secretary Mary Lynch is hoping for plenty of runners.

The ground is likely to be good and the viewing is out of the top drawer as the entire course can be seen.

First race is off at 2pm and is followed up with the confined. Bengal Bullet could challenge for the area's leading young horse with his tally boosted by a victory here for pilot Sarah Gaisford and owner Chris Blank, as they aim to upgrade to Confined level after three consecutive wins.

Henwyn, Lead Story and Lingering Fog are all in form and Roma Cook's gutsy County Bash will make this a battle to the line.

Course winners Fossy Bear and Kestick, along with Bomba Charger are amongst the 15 open entries, but look out for O So Bossy as the Congdon's veteran will have come on for the last run.

Keitho and Red Native could travel down from Dorset for the Intermediate but the locals include Bak on Board and if Fursan is back to his best form this could turn into a procession.

Another from the Richard Barber yard is Landrover in the Restricted where Teninarow will be aiming for a course double and Sun Lark will be aiming to justify the support which saw him favourite at Lifton but have to be pulled up when after losinghis weightcloth mid race.

The maiden may have to be divided on the day Krystal Tip and Native Christy could go well.

The course is at St Columb Major near Newquay, for more information contact Mary Lynch on 07768 713637.

Lee Glanville