07 December 2011 Preview: Cornwall Hunt Club - Wadebridge
by Donna Harris
The second meeting of the Devon and Cornwall Area's Point-to-Point season takes place on Sunday, December 11 at the Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge (PL27 7JE).
It's the Cornwall Hunt Club meeting and a total of 80 runners have been entered. The track tests the control and balance of both jockeys and horses, comprising of a long downhill back straight, which is ideal for spectator viewing, and a steep uphill finish. Fortunes can change quickly and some exciting racing is in store.
The first race on the card at 12noon is the popular Club Members Race for Novice Riders, kindly sponsored by David Heath Home Furnishings.
The seven entries include Kilrogan, who finished in the frame here last season and was consistent throughout the year. Trained by Richard Woollacott, he may be ridden by the talented young jockey George Humfrey.
Also entered is the veteran Perouse who won the Mens Open here last season, and if Tres Bien finds his form he will be in the mix. Light Touch is another to note after his second at Black Forest two weeks ago.
Then it's the Mens Open, kindly sponsored by Moores Landrovers. An exciting race is on offer with 13 entries. The prolific Southwestern could be challenged by Racing Demon, who collected eight wins under Rules when trained by Henrietta Knight. The nine-year-old Ellies Horse, by Karen Heard, has had several successes, and Roll on Rose is another who could challenge.
The Penninsula Renewable Energy Ladies Open has attracted seven entries. This race may see Chloe Roddick's Sericina, Ross Oliver's Wee Fly and Alan Walter's Bucket Awl stage a thrilling race. Nevada Royale is also in with a chance and had good form when trained by Paul Nicholls.
The Restricted, sponsored by Nair Hotel, St Mawes, has ten entries. Sunset City won at Black Forest Lodge, ridden then by Will Biddick after Richard Woollacott sustained a nasty fall earlier in the day. Will Biddick had another three winners the following week at Barbury Castle and looks a rider to follow once again this season. Others to note could be Stitchnick and the lightly raced Caught Off Guard, trained by Richard Barber.
The five in the Intermediate include On My Living Life, who made most of the running when winning the Restricted at Black Forest Lodge two weeks ago. He acts on soft so the ground should suit. The Slug and Father Owen are others to note.
The Open Maiden has 38 entries; if the majority turn up then the race will be divided. The race has kindly been sponsored by South West Loos.
This is the first of three meetings to be held at the showground this season. The course builders have been busy ensuring that the jumps are in excellent condition and the ground has a good covering of grass. The going has been reported earlier this week as Good to Soft.
The venue is ideal for vehicles with a good network of tarmac roads and easy access through the main showground entrance off the A39. The bookmakers, refreshments and bar are all undercover in a large barn, and there are plenty of opportunities to do some good Christmas shopping at the numerous trade stands and stalls. The North Cornwall Hunt Supporters Club is selling hot roast pork rolls and a selection of homemade cakes and pasties.
Gate charges: Car and driver £10, passengers £5, children free.
