20 April 2009 Preview: Tweseldown Racing Club
by Robin Gray
Tweseldown racecourse is to stage its most important meeting for many years on Sunday when the £1,000 Philip Scouller Memorial Mens Open race will be the highlight of the programme.
With supporting races including a Connolly's Red Mills Intermediate and the Fontwell Park sponsored Ladies Open, a qualifier for the Brightwells ‘Order of Excellence' series, competition will be fierce.
By Point-to-Point standards £1,000 is a major prize and the race has attracted 13 entries including Cape Stormer, leading horse of the 2007 season. The race commemorates the life and racing achievement of Philip Scouller who died last autumn. He rode 123 winners, of which 61 were here at Tweseldown.
During the afternoon, legendary trainer Martin Pipe will unveil a bronze of Scouller on Blanville landing over the last fence. International sculptor and ex-jockey, Philip Blacker, was commissioned by Scouller's widow Gaie and their son Elder to produce a half life-sized bronze and this will be bolted onto its base on Sunday morning.
Blacker, who rode 440 winners under NH rules in the 70's and early 80's was advised early in his career as a sculptor by the great equestrian artist John Skeaping. Among his work are statues of Red Rum, Desert Orchid, Derby winner Generous, and the great Canadian stallion Northern Dancer. As a young amateur Blacker rode winners Point-to-Pointing including at Tweseldown.
Seventy-one entries have been received for the six races, first of which is at 2.00pm. Entry charges are £10 for each car and driver and £5 for each extra adult. Under 16s are free. Trade stands, ample catering outlets and amusements for children will be on site.
Tweseldown, (post code GU52 8ER), is on Bourley Road, Church Crookham, Nr. Farnborough, Exit 4A off the M3.
