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ALFOISIN: An Open Maiden win helped Guy Brewer on his way to a first Area Championship
photo: Jon Hodd

The South Durham Point-to-Point was held on Saturday at Howe Hills, Mordon, and was the final meeting on the Yorkshire calendar. With the season at an end Guy Brewer can breathe a sigh of relief as he secures the much deserved title of Champion rider. Another who was fighting for her title was Jacqueline Coward, who was level with Sam Drake but drew clear on the final day to win.

Although having a good book of rides, Guy's only victory on the day came aboard the Cherry Coward-trained Alfoisin in the Open Maiden. The pair led from flag fall and never looking in danger as they drew clear after the last to win easily. Lost Reference was second for Max Johnson, who was always niggling at his mount and should improve. Alfoisin was completing owner John Nellis' ambition, which was to breed a winner after owning his dam who won for him at Uttoxeter.

The best ride of the day came in the Confined race and saw Pip Tutty deliver a masterfully timed ride aboard Brize Norton to narrowly beat Mr Gossip. In behind throughout Pip made good headway into the race, however always looked anxious not to hit the front too early. Two lengths down jumping the last the pair flew home to deny Mr Gossip and Toby Greenall for a second time. Harwood Dale made most of the running and rallied again in the closing stages for third.

Former jockey Fergus King was training his first runner in the Open Maiden which also turned out to be his first winner. Jack Boland was partnered by Mark Walford who travelled well throughout the race and after jumping the last clear, the pair stayed on well to hold off the fast finishing Sprout in second. Stabled at Osmotherley with the Sutcliffes, who themselves have had much success this season, Fergus described it as a yard in form.

The Restricted saw Luci Sutcliffe continue her fantastic season aboard George Sunter's Minstalad. Always prominent, the pair led a long way out and stayed on strongly to hold off favourite Arctic Rock, whilst Saddlers Mot who travelled well in rear stayed on best near the finish for third.

Jacqueline Coward recorded a double on the day, however the second of her successes required little effort as it was a walk over aboard Cottam Phantom in the Ladies Open. Her first win came in the Hunt Members race aboard the Nichola Naughton-trained Think Lucky. The pair went to the lead a long way from home and always seemed to be travelling the best. Taras Joy was always being scrubbed along back in second under Colm McCormack and never really looked a threat.

Only two horses turned up for the Mens Open; Knoxhill Archie and The Viking fought it out, with the latter coming out on top. Knoxhill Archie set a good pace with Guy Brewer aboard, however The Viking challenged the pair three out and stayed on well between the final two fences to win easily.

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