03 March 2008 Taunton Vale Harriers - Kingston St Mary
Rye Brook: readily held off favourite Dr Cerullo in the Ladies' Open
Former National Champion Rachael Green took the riding honours with a double at the Taunton Vale Harriers point-to-point at Kingston St Mary on Sunday.
Rachael led off with Peter and Sandra Maltby's Rye Brook, who led before three out and readily held off favourite Dr Cerullo (Polly Gundry) in the Ladies Open. "I let him go on as he was going so well", said Rachael. "I knew Polly was closing, but we had a bit in hand if necessary".
Rachael doubled up with Irish Totty, who comfortably landed the closing Older Horse Maiden despite a low jump at the last. "She's home-bred by owner Shirley Cork out of prolific race mare Elver Season", explained Sidmouth trainer Monique Pike. "She ran over hurdles for Chris Down and this is her first season pointing".
Polly Gundry took her seasonal total to 16 - taking her five clear in the ladies table - when Len and Rose Vickery's Kiama spread-eagled her 18 opponents in the Restricted and finished 12 lengths ahead of Tory Blue, the only other finisher. "She pulled too hard when she won at Whitwick Manor but she's settled much better today. It was obviously a big field and we wanted her to get a good sight of her fences, so Polly went down the inside and kept her quite prominent", explained Rose.
Owner Sarah Hobbs enjoyed a double with Fool On The Hill (Confined) and Croix De Guerre (Men's Open). Fool On The Hill - trained at Treborough by former Champion rider Polly Curling - forged further and further clear under Sam Allwood and finished a distance ahead of his nine rivals. Marie McGuinness-trained Croix De Guerre also made much of the running to provide Shaun Parish, 18, with his first success on his 24th ride.
Paul Nicholls' Man Of The Moment got up after the last to take the Young Horse Maiden under Rob Lee. "He ran once - very badly - under Rules so Paul bought him as my hunter/eventer", noted Georgie Browne. "But he doesn't like jumping on his own, so we decided to let him try point-to-pointing". Man Of The Moment didn't jump the last particularly well, but Rob was unconcerned. "He wouldn't want to be in front too soon, so the mistake probably did us a favour", he smiled.
Ian Popham, who works at Philip Hobbs' Minehead yard, rode his fifth winner of the season in the Hunt Members' race on Dad Says Heazle. Arctic Shot and Jo Buck, who had parted company at Ottery St Mary 24 hours earlier, challenged up the straight but never quite pegged back the winner.
The closing pony race was won by Bryony Frost, 12, (Dartmoor) aboard Jack Sparrow.
