01 June 2010 Preview: Grafton - Whitfield
by Claire Hart
South Midland action comes to an end this Saturday where The Grafton Hunt host their rescheduled evening meeting at Whitfield Racecourse, postcode NN13 5TQ.
A bumper entry of 156 has been received and the course is currently being watered. There are 7 races on the card, the first at 4.30pm.
The opening Members has 7 entries, Ladies Open winner Jumbul Sale and Jimmy Tarry's Crooked Smile look to be leading fancies.
The Intermediate race has 19 entries and looks a very competitive event. Alan Hill, who has a huge lead in the South Midland Area Trainers Championship, has Sir Ronan entered; he was third at Garthorpe two weeks ago in this grade and is sure to go close here, while Charm Of Gold has won three races this season and has the credentials to upgrade here. An interesting entry is The Hairy Mutt who has some placed form in Ladies company and having won a conditions race on Saturday comes here in good form.
The Ladies and Mens Open are a clear indication that although the season is nearing its end there is still a huge amount of quality horses running. Limerick Leader will be hoping to regain his trophy in the Ladies race which he won last season, but strong opposition is likely with entries including Avesomeofthat, thrice a winner last season, the Dick Baimbridge-trained Shernally and the consistent Dumadic.
Entered in both Open races is Christy Beaming and seeing him go close would be no surprise; others to note in the Mens are Ashstorm, Buckingham Bill (a winner on this track previously), the improving Celestial Dragon and Gunner Jack, a five time winner this season.
The closing Conditions race, for horses aged 10 and over who have not won an Open Point-to-Point or any race under rules since 28th November 2008, will also be a competitive contest. Entries include Strong Weld who has been in winning form this season, Buckingham Bill, who could opt for this rather than the Mens Open, as well as Mendo, a classy performer on his day.
Tom Ellis is heading the gentleman's area championship with a good lead over Pete Mann and looks unlikely he will be caught. Lucy Barry is ahead by four points in the ladies where nearest pursuer Claire Hart is out of action, but it is possible that Rachel King or Emily MacMahon could close the gap with a winner and a place apiece.
As previously stated Alan Hill holds a strong lead in the trainers table. Laura Hurley looks set to be runner-up.
Ian Bostock's mare Dusky Lory heads the Mares table but without an entry on Saturday it looks as if Charm Of Gold or Crooked Smile, who hold two entries apiece and who are only two points behind Dusky Lory, could steal the prize.
Leading horse/owner is Bon Accord/Rodney Mann but only just behind him at the moment is Moscow Mule/Hurley Family so it will be exciting to see how he runs onSaturday.
Admission costs are £20 per car with occupants, £10 for single occupancy. There will be trade stands and hot/cold refreshments available.
