24 March 2009 Report: Grove & Rufford - Welbeck
A large crowd were treated to some fine Point-to-Point racing when the Grove & Rufford held their annual meeting at Welbeck on Saturday. The course is renowned for its breathtaking countryside scenery.
The opening race at 12.30pm was the Confined. Ten runners went to post, and the race was kindly sponsored by Avocet Hardware. It was won by the South Notts six year old, Farmer Frank, whose task was made a little easier when the favourite, Fr Freddie, was carried out before entering the home straight. Picabo Kid took second place with Carbon Footprint ten lengths back in third.
Thirteen horses lined up for race two, the PPORA Club Members race. This ended in a good win for the Pytchley gelding, Teeton Dazzler, who was given an excellent ride by the young Northamptonshire rider Johnny Bailey. This race was run in the fastest time of the afternoon. Clever Nora and Little Big Horse were second and third respectively.
Ye Olde Bell Hotel were the sponsors of the Mens Open, which attracted a field of five. The Accordian Man, who started a hot favourite and ridden by top rider, Richard Burton, led for most of the race. However, the fast finishing Eliza Doalott, cleverly partnered by Guy Brewer, produced much the better speed going to the final fence and won with a bit in hand. Outsider Phairy Storm ran on to be third.
The Ladies Open Race had a disappointing turnout of only three runners. Sponsors here were Grove Cottages of Ambleside. This race developed into a close affair between the two unfancied runners Rainbow Tree and the Jimmy Tarry trained Trevira. The former went on to win the race by three lengths. Hot favourite Hello Its Me, finished back in third.
The fifth race, the Open Maiden for eight year olds and over, was kindly sponsored by Camwatch and attracted a field of seven. This produced the most exciting finish of the day. Jockey Ed Cameron rode a stirring finish on Captainbruce to hold off second placed Call Me A Lady by a neck with Ben Tally Ho the same distance away in third.
The final race of the day was the Open Maiden for 4, 5, 6 and 7 year olds; run over a distance of 2m5f. T. Frost of Bawtry was the sponsor and nine horses went to post. This produced a double for jockey Guy Brewer, who had already won the Mens Open Race. Brewer always had the Blankney six year old, Endless Night, up with the pace and comfortably held off second placed Bossal Billy. Shales Ay Jay finished a further three lengths back in third.
The next Midland Area meeting is to take place next Saturday 28th March. The Belvoir hold their Point-to-Point at Garthorpe, near Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. Racing begins at 1.30pm.
