15 January 2008 Albrighton - Weston Park
Andy Hobbs: enjoys a good strike rate in the North West
Once again the Albrighton Hunt kick start the new season in the North Western Area at Weston Park, this Sunday (20th).
Their fixture has attracted a reasonable entry of 121 for their 7 race card.
Racing comes under starter's orders at 12.00pm with the Intermediate race and concludes at 3.00pm with the Members race, this is a combined contest with runners from both the Albrighton and Meynell & South Staffs hunts.
Clerks of the course Martin Kemp and David Smith have been carrying out improvements to the course prior to the start of this Sunday's fixture. Speaking today, Kemp said, "In October last year we decided to carry out extensive under soil preparation to reduce compaction. This has resulted in a really good covering of grass of the course. The going at the moment is Good."
The first horse past the judge in the Mens Open will qualify for the £10,000 Volkswagen Touareg Mens P-t-P Championship Hunter Chase Final at Towcester on Monday May 12th 2008. Trainer Andy Hobbs has a good strike rate with his horses in the North West and his prolific winner Euryalus, who recorded three wins last season, is a leading contender. Merry Path was the Champion horse in the North West last season when trained by Sheila Crow, but this season will be trained by his owner Vicki Park. Others to note include Latzod'alm, Whistling Straits and Reflected Glory. A cracking race is in prospect.
Admission to this popular Shropshire track is only £25 per car, regardless of the number of passengers. Single occupancy will be charged at £15.
The Albrighton Hunt would like to invite the press and photographers to join them for refreshments in their hospitality marquee during the afternoon.
