04 February 2008 Old Raby Hunt Club - Witton Castle
Pertinax (nearside): justified favouritism in the opener
The Old Raby Hunt Club Point-to-Point at Witton Castle went ahead on Sunday after passing an 8.00am inspection, the course having been frost bound 24 hours earlier.
Last year's Mens champion Chris Dawson rode a double when taking both the first two races. He won the opening Members Maiden race on John Wade's Pertinax, who justified favouritism to hold on in a driving finish to beat Out To Lunch by a diminishing short head, and completed his double when Victor Coglan's Shanteen Lass quickened clear of her field from the second last to win the Intermediate by 6 lengths - a hunter chase campaign now beckons.
The locally trained Interdit was a popular local winner taking the Ladies Open for owner Billie Thomson by 5 lengths. Ridden by Pauline Robson the pair took over from long time leader Encore Cadoudal at the last to quicken clear for an impressive victory.
Oliver Greenall who was runner up in last year's Mens title race, and has already ridden 4 winners this year, added another two to his tally. His first winner was on the useful Sonevafushi who made all the running to win the Mens Open race by 12 lengths despite virtually pulling up to a walk on the run in. The second horse Dark Thunder ran the race of his life for rider Ian Smith.
Greenall's second victory was just as easy when Chorizo took division 2 of the Maiden, for owner Eric Brooke and birthday boy trainer David Easterby, whilst Miles Seston was seen at his strongest when forcing Mister Moonax to the front on the line to beat Liverpool by a short head in the first division.
Cop Howe, owned by Pam Sheilds and trained by her husband David, looks a different horse this season after having had a wind operation during the Summer. Ridden by Jacqueline Coward the pair won the Restricted with the minimum of fuss and further victories look a formality on this performance.
