11 February 2011 Preview: Vale of Clettwr - Lydstep
by Amanda Sloyan
A course inspection at Erw Lon on Tuesday resulted in the need for some swift action, with this meeting being moved to Lydstep.
Although the course had passed its inspection by the local course inspector a few days earlier, the heavy rain experienced subsequently had caused "inconsistent ground conditions over a large area of reseeded ground". The hard work over the past few weeks by the Hunt's army of supporters in getting the course ready had been in vain, as it was concluded that the only choices available to the organisers was either to relocate and run, or abandon.
Luckily for racing enthusiasts a reasonable conclusion has been found, as The Vale of Clettwr Committee, along with the agreement of the South Pembrokeshire Hunt, course landowners and the fast-acting PPA office have made it possible for the meeting to go ahead, but at the new course location of Lydstep, Nr Tenby. The course is ready for use after being prepared for the now abandoned West Wales Area meetings earlier in January.
There are a total of 105 Entries for the seven race card. The two Maiden races have taken the largest share. The Maiden Mares Series sponsors, the PPA and PPORA, will be pleased with the 17 entered for the race, which suggests a definite increase on the mares in training for the Area. A prize of £500 awaits the winner of the series, which runs until the 22nd of May.
Last season's leading Riders are all hoping to be in action and, along with fellow Owners and Trainers, are very pleased with the Vale of Clettwr Committees efforts to stage the meeting. All need to take note of the new start time of 12.30pm.
Area entrance conditions stay the same £10 for car & driver, £5 per person and under-16's are admitted for free when accompanied by an adult. Sat Navs now need adjusting to SA70 7SG. Bookmakers and caterers will be in attendance. For those who have never been to Lydstep it lies along the A4139 3 miles West of Tenby.
To hear all updates supplied throughout the week and on the morning of the meeting, call the Talking Point news line on 09068 44 60 61*.
*Service provided by Bluetogreen Ltd LS7 1PZ, company wholly independent of Weatherbys Ltd. Calls charged at 60p/min. Charges from non BT lines & mobiles may be higher. Terms & conditions at bluetogreen.co.uk. Customer Support Line 0844 993 0298.
