07 December 2011 Preview: Hursley Hambledon - Tweseldown
by Robin Gray
Entries for the six races at Tweseldown's first Point-to-Point meeting of the season total a healthy 74. With the going on the Hampshire track in perfect condition, competitive racing is assured.
Last season's runner-up in the National Riders Championship, Philip York, has two rides, both for Alresford trainer Victoria Collins.
York partners Seymar Lad in the opening Members race and following a narrow defeat in a Sandown Park Hunter Chase last spring, the combination will be hard to beat.
In the second division of the Thames Valley Club Members Maiden, York rides the promising Running Upthathill, who runs in the colours of actor Martin Clunes, his wife Philippa and accountant David Cliff.
A high class Mens Open race features Cheltenham Gold Cup winner and John Smiths Grand National runner-up Sam Waley-Cohen on Ashtown Boy. Waley-Cohen began his career at Tweseldown and rode a double on the course last season.
At Barbury Castle last weekend, 16-year-old Page Fuller enjoyed her first racing success on her very first ride. This Sunday, 17-year-old Megan Trainor will hope to emulate Page when she partners the old stager, 15-year-old Royal Tir in the Hunt Members. 'We did think of retiring him,' says owner Penny Lownds, 'but he is so well in himself that we decided to offer Megan the opportunity of riding the ideal schoolmaster in her first race.'
Megan, head girl at Morestead trainer Chris Gordon's stable, has Balustrade to ride later in the season.
Christmas shoppers can enjoy the several trade stands, and various catering outlets, and bookmakers will be in attendance. First race is at noon and racegoers are charged £10 a head with under 16s free. The racecourse, postcode GU52 8DY, is just one mile south of Fleet, exit 4A off the M3 motorway.
