20 January 2009 Report: Yorkshire Area Point-to-Point - Sheriff Hutton
SONEVAFUSHI: and Jack Greenall jump the last to win the Novice Riders
The Yorkshire Area Point to Point Club got the Yorkshire season under way on Sunday at Sheriff Hutton
This meeting surpassed last season's records with racecards sold out, car parks full to capacity - Point-to-Point racing at its best.
The opening Novice Riders race had 17 runners. Many riders had their first ever ride and acquitted themselves very well. Sonevafushi - who won 5 Mens Open races last year - started a hot favourite at 4-7 and was ridden by 16 year old Jake Greenall. The pair were always at the head of affairs and, after taking up the running at the third last, they readily drew clear to win by 15 lengths. This gave Jake his first winner from only his second ride in Point-to-Points and he looks set to continue the great record of the Greenall family. All four brothers have now been victorious in Point-to-Points.
The Restricted had the smallest number of entries, and 12 ran. Phillipa Shirley-Bevan's Quotica De Poyans looked to be horse with a future when he won a Cottenham maiden with ease. With stable jockey Kelly Bryson aboard, the pair dictated the pace and were always in command, despite Eliza Doalott under Guy Brewer trying their hardest. Eliza Doalott was never able to mount a challenge, and the Scottish raider won by 8 lengths despite being heavily eased on the run in.
The Mens Open was full of class and run at a strong pace. Karatchi led to the 14th, the favourite Always Right - who won his maiden at last seasons corresponding meeting - took it up approaching the next. Despite Ile De Paris challenging at the last, Chris Dawson pushed Always Right out on the flat to win by 10 lengths.
The Club Members Conditions Race was won by Pristine Condition. Under Tom Greenall, he timed his run to perfection to collar long time leader Buy Onling in the shadows of the post and win by three-quarters of a length. The winning jockey was riding his first Point-to-Point winner on only his second ride back in the sport after a successful amateur career under rules.
Reflected Glory won the Ladies Open race for owner and trainer Caroline Robinson ridden by her 17 year old daughter Immy. The pair quickened away after the third last and, despite a challenge at the next fence by the favourite, Narciso, the 6-1 chance readily drew clear on the flat to win by 6 lengths and make the 6.30am start worthwhile.
The Maiden race was split on the day, with a sponsor been sought for the first division. After appeals over the loudspeaker the prize money was soon found from a generous crowd. They gave generously to what was undoubtedly a worthwhile cause, as all proceeds went to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
The first division was won by Areyacoddinmee, owned by Bishop Auckland based owner and trainer Elaine Smith, and ridden by her son Richard. The pair made all the running and stayed on resolutely to beat Nectar De Guye. The second division went to My Old Piano who gave jockey Tom Greenall and owner Lord Daresbury their second winner of the day. David Easterby also enjoyed a successful day as the trainer of both Greenalls'
