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.
|