26 April 2011 Report: York and Ainsty - Easingwold
by Will Milburn
The York and Ainsty was the only Point-to-Point in the whole country this Easter Sunday, and with great credit going to Phil Clark and his team who had applied huge quantities of water to ensure good, safe racing conditions, the day enjoyed some fantastic racing and crowds.
The easiest winner of the day came in the final Maiden race for the Sarah Dent-owned and trained Jumeirah Jane, piloted by Colm McCormack. The pair tracked the leaders till around four out and gradually sauntered clear to win impressively on the mare's pointing debut. Sarah Dent has been waiting for better ground for the former Sue Smith inmate, who was acquired to replace two of her brood mares. Buckshaw ran his usual race in second, with Sprout back in third.
The Confined race saw Jabo and Thistle battle it out all the way up the run-in, with the Fred Bethell-ridden Jabo getting the better close home. Third place went to a hard-ridden Knoxhille Archie, who is one to note at the Bilsdale meeting.
The Mens Open saw course specialist Over To Joe record his third success here under a power-packed ride from Mark Walford. The pair had to fend off L'Oudon who fought all the way up the run-in under Guy Brewer, who is slowly drawing clear in a long awaited hunt for his first Mens Championship. Favourite Oedipe struggled to get involved back in third.
The Ladies Open saw the Bob Woodhouse-trained Quecha Des Obeaux come right back to form in good style under Sam Drake, who after leading three out, never looked in any danger. Favourite Blandings Castle looked one paced once headed, but stayed on after the last for third, whilst Paradise Bay who always tends to run well here took third.
The Members race saw a fairytale result for local owner/trainer Stephen Clarke who had a one-two in the opening Members race. Both runners came into the race fit from team chasing, with New Wish coming out the best. Held up in rear, Tom Greenall's mount travelled strongly to the lead before the last and stayed on well to beat stablemate Glad Star who made most of the running. Favourite Moment Present weakened into third.
The Restricted race saw another impressive performance from the David Easterby-trained On Holiday, partnered by Richard Smith riding at the minimum weight of ten stone. Leading three out, the pair powered clear to win well from Silk And Roses who stayed on the one pace, with Nothing Left back in third.
The young horse Maiden had also gone the way of the Easterby team, this time piloted by Tom Greenall to give both a double on the day. Held up well in rear, the pair stayed on extremely well to lead over the last and win well. Pavanne was in second with the gamble of the race Bellepais Abbey (12-1 into 7-2) back in third. The winner was bought in Ireland by David Spence as a foal and has progressed well since his debut.
