17 May 2011 Preview: Meynell & South Staffordshire - Garthorpe
by Emma Forman
AZTEC WARRIOR: Could add another win to George Henderson's tally, but faces stiff competition in the Mens Open
photo: Nico Morgan
The Meynell & South Staffordshire Point-to-Point offers an excellent opportunity for a family day out in the superb setting of Garthorpe racecourse on Sunday.
Gates open at 11am and the Tricky Tykes Terrier Racing demonstration and display gets the show on the road at 12.45pm. Terrier racing, open to all on a first come first served basis, will then take place in between racing with a Grand Final at the end of the day. Thirteen ponies have been entered for two pony races starting at 1.15pm.
The first of seven Point-to-Point races is scheduled for 2pm and 136 entries have been taken in total. The Garthorpe team, headed by Brian Crawford, are working hard to produce the best possible going. The course has been moved onto the inner track to provide new ground, spiked, and will be well watered with a professional system to provide good safe jumping ground.
Trainer Sheila Crow may run David Roger's Fresh Fruit in the PPORA Club Members Race for Novice Riders. This mare won at the last meeting at Garthorpe and could take some beating again. Runner-up that day Carapuce may re-oppose for the Peters family.
George Henderson, the winner of six races at Garthorpe this season, looks likely to lift the Southwell Racecourse Point-to-Point Championship Award for the leading rider at Garthorpe in 2011. Henderson may ride the consistent Aztec Warrior in the Mixed Open race. Aztec Warrior may have his work cut out however with the main opposition coming from a contingent of Yorkshire entries. Susan Mason's Impact Zone is the leader for the Yorkshire Area in the PPORA Young Horse Awards for 2011 and may run here or in the PPORA Club Members Race for Novice Riders. My Old Piano is another notable entry in the Mixed Open having won five races this season.
There will be a Parade of Hounds after the Mixed Open which is the fourth race on the card and the last race is due off at 5.40pm.
There will be a good range of trade stands from Antiques to Modern Clothing for those who wish to enjoy a little gentle retail therapy. And, for those who prefer a more liquid lunch there is, as ever, "The Grumpy Huntsman" licenced bar with a good selection of food outlets to help soak it up.
Admission is £9 per person (including entry to the Terrier racing) with under 16's free. A forward car park is available at a cost of £40 per car including all occupants.
Garthorpe is situated on the B676, six miles east of Melton Mowbray and seven miles west of the A1. For those with satellite navigation systems the postcode is LE14 2RS.
