REVIEW
LEDBURY
MAISEMORE PARK
SATURDAY 30 MARCH 2002

by Pete Mansell

Jockeys Tim Stephenson and Julian Pritchard, trainers Dick Baimbridge and Jo Tremain, and owner Clive Hitchings all recorded doubles during Saturday afternoons Ledbury Point to Point at Maisemore Park.

Castlemorton based jockey Tim Stephenson, Hanley Swan owner Clive Hitchings and trainer Jo Tremain combined the take the opening Members with Fontaine Again. Daddy Dancer led until the winner threw in a spectacular jump to gain the initiative at the 15th. The favourite never gave up trying but was unable to reduce the deficit over the final three fences.

Hitchings colours were also carried to victory in Division I of the 5, 6 & 7 year old Maiden.  Following his stablemates victory, Duel Island was back down to favouritism and Adrian Wintle's mount rewarded that support with an easy win after drawing clear of his rivals on the run to the last.

Wintle was seen at his best on Hitchings home bred youngster but unfortunately suffered from the downside to the sport later in the afternoon when the air ambulance was required to transfer the Naunton rider to hospital in Bristol with suspected back injuries.

Stephenson completed his double on Handy Boy in Division II of 5, 6 & 7 year old Maiden. The Mark Jackson trained 7-year-old took the lead at the 10th and withstood the determined challenge of the runner up Secret Whisper in the home straight to prevail by 1 1/2 lengths in the colours of Pershore Builder Stuart Badham.

Julian Pritchard and Alison Dare both displayed the talents, which have carried them to numerous Riders Championships.

More People has found it difficult to regain winning ways since his last success back in 2000, and a similar fate looked on the cards as the 10-year-old chased the leaders down the back straight in the Restricted. Pritchard however had other ideas and forced his mount back into contention and stole an advantage turning into the home straight which his rivals were unable to recover over the final two fences.

The Ledbury based rider was back in the winner's enclosure 30 minutes later after Sharimage's effortless success in the Mixed Open. Pritchard's mount had the measure of the favourite Varykinov when that rival departed at the 16th after which the 11-year-old coasted home to victory. This was the first success of the campaign for owner Caroline Mackness and trainer Jelly Nolan following their well publicised move to their new yard at Naunton.

Alison Dare's performance on Teme Willow in the Intermediate was described as "Poetry in Motion" and few people would disagree with that statement.

Having seen off the challenge of Teme Willow, Jimmy Greenspoon faced another from Maggies Brother before the latter gained the upper hand at the penultimate. Maggies Brother looked to have the race in safekeeping but Teme Willow suddenly sprouted wings and sprinted past his rivals as though they were standing still to catch Dave Mansells mount in the shadow of the post.

Simply Betters victory in Division II of the 8-year-old and upwards Maiden provided a first win in this country for 21 year old Richard Spate from Upton-upon-Severn.