02 February 2010 Preview: Jedforest - Friars Haugh
by Hilary Mactaggart
The exciting QUOTICA DE POYANS: may make seasonal return here
photo: Jon Hodd
With milder weather forecast, plans are hotting up for the first Scottish Point-to-Point of the season on Saturday February 6th. The Jedforest fixture at Kelso's Friars Haugh course lifts the curtain on New Year racing in the north, and promises an exciting day's sport.
Racing comes under orders at 12.30pm with the JRW Group Jedforest Members race - always a hotly-contested contest, and won last year by Northern Area ladies champion Kelly Bryson riding Farlington for Bonchester owner/trainer Phillipa Shirley-Beavan. The stable is represented this year by the French-bred Quotica de Poyans.
The Dodson & Horrell Point-to-Point Owners and Riders Association (PPORA) Club Members race for Novice Riders, at 1pm, is a qualifier for the £1,000 final at Tabley in May. The race, won last year by Toby Greenall, has attracted 23 entries.
Competitors vie for the Tarquann Trophy in the Brewin Dolphin Ladies Open race at 1.30pm. Lady Brig finished in the frame last time for Michael and Wendy Hamilton and the Hawick couple again hope for a good run from their consistent performer. Title holder Tynedale, trained at Selkirk by Lesley Coltherd, bids to defend his 2009 crown.
There are 23 entries in the Edmund Vestey Memorial Mens Open, following half-an-hour later at 2pm, including Natiain, bidding to return the victory salver to Alistair Brown's Galashiels home.
The David Easterby-trained Opio landed the 2009 Restricted race, and local hopefuls will bid to keep the Wells trophy closer to home this year.
Crumhaughhill Racing has the Alan Brown-trained Silk Parasol in the potential line-up.
The penultimate race on the card, a Mares Open Maiden race sponsored by Bedmax, is always well supported, and has attracted 22 entries. Ems Melody carries the colours of Langholm owner John Patterson, while Jane Hollands saddles Kilbricken Rose.
Racing concludes at 3.30pm with a 19-strong Open Maiden race run in memory of great Point-to-Point enthusiast Billy Stenhouse.
Bar and catering facilities are available on site, and the £10 entry fee includes parking and a racecard.
