20 April 2008 Atherstone - Clifton-on-Dunsmore
Kiama: landed the feature Mares & Fillies Championship Final under Polly Gundry
A decent size crowd enjoyed some excellent and exciting racing this afternoon at the Atherstone Hunt's annual Point-to-Point meeting at Clifton-on-Dunsmore, near Rugby. On an eight race card the feature race was the £1,000 TBA/MFHA PPORA Mares & Fillies Championship Final that attracted horses from near and far, with the eventual winner having travelled up from Devon.
The first race of the afternoon was the Members race, sponsored by M. J.Carter Associates, which attracted a field of four. This went to the Jon Day ridden, Datito, who had too much pace for Earl Token and Spanish Brook, who took second and third placings.
Eleven horses went to post for race two, the Confined Hunts race sponsored by Howkins & Harrison. This resulted in a good win for the nine year old Sleep Bal, a promising second at Garthorpe recently. Stuart Morris always had the gelding handy and won this race in the fastest time of the day. Sovereign Quest and Walking Sunday took the minor placings.
The Thoroughbred Breeders Association & Master of Foxhounds Association sponsored Mares & Fillies Championship Final saw seven line up for the starter. Leading fancy Kiama, a winner of three races already this season, partnered by top jockey Polly Gundry took the lead early on, never looked like getting caught, and took the spoils. Mrs White and, outsider, One For The Lads filled the places.
Trinity Motors of Hinckley sponsored the Men's Open race that attracted a field of six. This went to True Friday, trained by Malcolm Arthurs, who was recording a hat trick of wins. Jockey Richard Armson had the mare well placed throughout and had five lengths to spare from Tooley Park. Capt Jack finished third.
Eight went to post for the Ladies' Open race sponsored by James Bennett. This saw a win for the Hutchinson stable from Theddingworth. Limerick Leader, ridden by Gemma Hutchinson, took the lead up at halfway and held off Titus Bramble and the favourite Fauntleroy.
The sixth race on the card, sponsored G. & C. A. Lee of Tamworth, was the Restricted race which saw twelve horses go to post. This resulted in a win for the consistent seven year old Mad Victor. Rider Claire Allen had the gelding up with the pace and took over the lead three fences from home to win comfortably. Eydon Run and Pass The Parsel took second and third.
The seventh race was the first division of the Open Maiden race, sponsored by the family of the late Mrs Harry Barton, and attracted a field of 14. This resulted in a win for Clifford T.Ward, who was well ridden by Liam Payter. Joe Docker's mount, The Factor, ran on well to take second place, with the outsider, Red Alf, owned and ridden by Richard Armson taking third.
The concluding race of the day was division 2 of the Open Maiden race, sponsored by Sharnford Tractors Ltd, and thirteen lined up. This race was won by ex-Irish pointer Parkbridge Lad, who was well ridden by Hannah Watson. The winner came late to take the lead from early pace setter Highlight Girl. Owston Ferry ran on to take third spot.
The next local Point-to-Point meeting is the Quorn at Garthorpe on Sunday, 27th April.
