18 February 2008 Tanatside - Eyton-on-Severn
Lord of Illusion (nearside): bound for Cheltenham
The Tanatside Hunt have attracted a bumper entry of 208 for their meeting at Eyton-on-Severn this Sunday (Feb 24th).
Due to the of the high number of entries the Open Maiden race has been divided, making a total of 8 races on the day.
Racing comes under starter's orders at 12noon and is set to conclude at 4.05pm, with 41 declared for the Restricted there may be a possibility that this race may have to be split on the day.
Admission to this popular Shropshire course, which has been racing since 1923 is only £20 per car regardless of the number of passengers, which represents good value for money, single occupancy will be charged at £10.
Clerk of the course John Beddoes listed the going as Good to Soft on Sunday (Feb 17th). Speaking earlier today, he said, "The course has been harrowed and rolled and there is a really good covering of grass on the track. The course has dried out a lot these last couple of weeks; ideally I would like a drop of rain on the course towards the end of the week to put it spot on."
The first horse past the judge in the Mens Open is eligible for the £10,000 Volkswagen Touareg Mens Point-to-Point Championship Hunter Chase Final at Towcester on Monday May 12th 2008. Heading the entries is the 2005 Cheltenham Foxhunter winner Sleeping Night, who is currently racing off a mark of 147. The Sleeping Car gelding won a good quality hunter chase at Kelso last week, when beating Cornish Rebel by half a length. The first two past the post were both former inmates of champion trainer Paul Nicholls. Bookmakers Victor Chandler and Corals currently have Sleeping Night at 20-1 to repeat his 2005 triumph at the 2008 Cheltenham Festival.
Unlike 2005, this time around Sleeping Night is trained by Simon Waugh. Lightning may well strike twice with two different trainers, as it is worth reflecting that Earthmover won the Cheltenham Foxhunters in 1998, when trained by Richard Barber and won the race for the second time in 2004, when trained by Paul Nicholls. Lord of Illusion another entry in this race from the Sophie George yard is best priced 16-1 for the Cheltenham Foxhunters after an impressive victory over Reflected Glory at Weston Park last month. Amicelli, trained by Cherry Coward ran out an easy 20 length winner at Brocklesby last time out, and is another for the short list, as too are Ballylusky and Honest Yer Honour. A cracking race is in prospect.
