REVIEW CURRE & LLANGIB HOWICK SATURDAY 15 MARCH 2003 by Colin Cross |
GOING - GOOD The South Wales Point to Point season got off to an excellent
start on Saturday at Howick. A good attendance with plenty of runners,
without a cloud in the sky. What more does anyone want? There were 10 races, the winners were as follows: The Hunt Race was won by 14-year-old KERRY
SOLDIER BLUE ridden by Robert Stephens, son of former rider David
Stephens. This was Robert's first Point-to-Point winner although he has
already been successful under rules. Restricted Open (Div 1) was won by FELLOO (IRE)
who was brought with a well-timed challenge by Edward Walker to overhaul ARCTIC
KING and GLACIAL BOY. The second division saw a facile victory for CANDLESTONE
CASTLE and Christian Williams. The favourite PHARPEN
(IRE) pulled up early on and another well-fancied runner MR
NEMO fell. The Confined Hunts Steeplechase was won by CHIEF
PREDATOR (IRE) ridden by Tommy Faulkner. He swept into the lead
approaching three out and was never troubled. ANDY'S LAD
was second and COURT LENEY third. CHERRY GOLD made virtually all the
running to land the Men's Open under Evan Williams. Evan's yard has been
under a cloud so far this season but the style of CHERRY GOLD'S victory
would indicate that normal service is about to be resumed! SMILE
PLEEZE and MOON TIGER filled the minor places. Five runners faced the starter for the Ladies Open. The
winner was MYSTIC NATIVE and Candy
Thomas who had a sustained duel over the final half mile with HEE'S
A DANCER before gaining the upper hand. LAUREL SEEKER was
third. The first division of the Confined Maiden was split.
The first part was won by WEE JUNIOR ridden by evergreen
Joe Price. Joe was determined to keep a firm hold on the seven year old,
who stands well over 17 hands and appears to be a horse with a future.
TWILIGHT DANCER kept on well to be second. The second part of Division one was won by ABRAKADALPHA
(IRE) under a patient ride from Steve Blackwell. CARLING
ELECT was challenging when falling two out, but looked to be
coming off second best. His rider Christian Williams was dragged for a few
yards as he was caught up by his stirrups, fortunately he was uninjured. Division two appeared to be in safe keeping with ALMOST
A DAY and Dave Mansell, they came to the last
fence with a comfortable lead only to capsize and interfere with GOOD
MORNING, unseating Robert Stephens. This handed the race to RUBIAN
PRINCESS and Lucy Rowsell, RUN TO THE GLEN and MODESTY
FORBIDS took minor honours. Division three was won by MENSCH (IRE) ridden
by William Oakes after most of the fancied runners managed to run out or
fall. The re-arranged Brecon and Talybont Fixture takes place at
Llanfrynach, near Brecon on Sunday 23rd March. First race 12 noon. Details
from Clive Thomas Tel 01874 611554. Tivyside Hunt hold their meeting at Cilwendeg, Boncath on Saturday 22nd March. First race 12 noon. Details from Dewi Lewis Tel. 01994 419272. |