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MY OLD PIANO: may bid to extend his winning streak
photo: Jackie Oliver

The Middleton Hunt hold their Point-to-Point at Whitwell-on-the-Hill on Sunday 3rd April.

The first Point-to-Point race is at 1.00 pm and there are currently eight races. 168 entries have been received, including 25 for the Grimthorpe Gold Cup. Run over 4 miles and 1 furlong and one of the "classic" Point-to-Point races. The race is often referred to as the Point-to-Pointers Grand National and still retains its link with the Grimthorpe family who have sponsored this race for many years and take a keen interest in the meeting.

The first race is the Hunt Members race which is usually one of the more competitive on the Yorkshire circuit. 15 entries have been made and the winner could be Sea Senor if he behaves himself.

The Yorkshire Area Point-to-Point Club Members race is full of quality. My Old Piano is likely to continue his unbeaten record of the season but will be kept up to the task by Lem Putt, who is a progressive pointer but didn't run so well in a recent Catterick Hunter Chase, as well as Moment of Madness.

The Middleton also plays host to an Intermediate race which is part of the Connolly's Red Mills series. This race is one of 20 qualifiers throughout the UK and the first four in each qualifying race and winners of other Intermediate races, qualify for the Final at Cheltenham's Hunter Chase evening on Wednesday 4th May 2011. Connolly's Red Mills continue to support Point-to-Points as they feel that the success of the Intermediate series over the past few seasons is a natural progression that mirrors their growth in the UK horse feed market.

The Grimthorpe Gold Cup start is also used later in the day for the 2m4f maiden race which is restricted to horses that have not run under the rules of any Racing Authority, Point-to-Points excepted. Mantel Hill made an eye catching debut at the recent Badsworth & Bramham Moor Point-to-Point and is one to watch for the future although this race may come a bit too soon for him. Bright Cloud has run two very good races, falling at the last on both occasions when in contention and if he can complete the course is the one to be feared most.

Racing will be preceded by two pony races. The first takes place at 12noon and is the 13.2 hh and under, sponsored by McIver & Sons. Seven entries have been received for the 14.2 hh and under and this race is sponsored by Richard Fahey Racing and takes place at 12.15 pm. The best turned out prizes in both races have been sponsored by White Rose Saddlery.

The racecourse has excellent viewing from the hill and the racecourse itself is on the flat at the bottom. For anyone feeling energetic, a walk down to the second fence, the open ditch is a must as this is a natural obstacle with a stream running through the ditch. The postcode for Satellite Navigation is YO60 7LJ and admission is £30 in one car park (with better viewing from the car), and £25 in the other car park.

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